Thousand Islands Helicopter Tour: 10-minute flight over Ontario

See the Thousand Islands from the air in one short flight

A 10-minute helicopter tour of the Thousand Islands departs from the 1000 Islands Heliport near Gananoque, Ontario, with a live guide in English and headsets so you hear clearly over the rotor noise. The flight soars over the Admiralty, Lake Fleet and Navy island groups in the St. Lawrence River. A minimum of two passengers per booking is required, and the helicopter holds a maximum of three seats.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter tour over Thousand Islands

• Arrive at 1000 Islands Heliport
• Explore welcome centre and facilities
• Board helicopter for tour
• Fly over Admiralty, Lake Fleet, Navy Islands

The Experience

The 1000 Islands Heliport sits just outside Gananoque with a welcome centre, gift shop, accessible washrooms and a lounge where you can wait before your flight. From there, you lift off and climb over the St. Lawrence River to see why the region earned its name — the Admiralty, Lake Fleet and Navy island groups spread across the water below, each one distinct from the air. The flight lasts 10 minutes total, which is long enough to take in the scale and layout of the islands without the day becoming a logistics puzzle.

You'll wear headsets throughout so the guide's voice cuts through the helicopter noise, and all taxes and fees are included in the price. The aircraft holds three passengers maximum, so the cabin stays intimate. Weather can ground flights, but if that happens you can reschedule for another date or get your money back.

What’s included

• Headsets to hear the guide clearly.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.
• live guide in English.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours

Is this one for you?At 10 minutes, this flight fits into a morning or afternoon without eating up your whole day — you get the aerial view of the islands and still have time for other stops in the region. The small three-seat cabin means no crowds and no long waits in a terminal, just a quick lift-off and landing.

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Top questions

What is the Thousand Islands helicopter tour like from the air?

The flight soars over the Admiralty, Lake Fleet and Navy island groups in the St. Lawrence River near Gananoque, giving you a bird's-eye view of why the region is called the Thousand Islands. The 10-minute flight is long enough to see the layout and scale of the islands without rushing through it.

How many people can ride on the helicopter?

The helicopter seats a maximum of three passengers, and a minimum of two people per booking is required. Infants can sit on an adult's lap.

What's included in the Thousand Islands helicopter tour?

The tour includes headsets so you hear the guide clearly over the rotor noise, a live guide speaking English, and all taxes, fees and handling charges. A DVD of your flight is available to purchase separately.

Is the heliport accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, the 1000 Islands Heliport has fully accessible washrooms, and all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. Transportation options to and from the heliport are also wheelchair accessible.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my flight?

Flights are subject to favorable weather conditions. If your flight is canceled due to poor weather, you can choose an alternative date or receive a full refund.

Is there a weight limit for passengers?

Yes, there is a weight restriction of 275 pounds per seat due to the aircraft's comfort and balance requirements.