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Whistler Backcountry Air Safari

TOURS

Panoramic view of Garibaldi lake and Black Tusk
Mount Garibaldi with Table Mountain and Mount Price in the foreground
Garibaldi Lake and the table frozen in winter

Tours

Whistler Backcountry Air Safari

An adventure of epic proportions in Garibaldi Provincial Park in Whistler, BC.

colossal creations in the land of fire & ice

An adventure of giant proportions in Garibaldi Provincial Park in Whistler, BC.

from $329 CAD

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Length

50

Minutes

Season

365

Days a Year

Area Covered

550+

Square KMS
Video Placholder Image

Witness what happened when fire meets ice in periods of dramatic volcanic activity and geological formation that shaped Whistler as we know it today

Visit iconic Whistler landmarks such as Garibaldi Provincial Park, Black Tusk, Garibaldi Lake, The Barrier, and The Table

Our most popular tour for people visiting Whistler, BC who want to leave no peak, lake, or glacier unexplored

The Sea To Sky’s mountainous region was formed during the last ice age. A time when active volcanoes erupted into the vast icefields that once dominated the landscape. This tour is an ideal way to kick off your trip to Whistler. On the Whistler Backcountry Air Safari you will fly deep into Garibaldi Provincial Park to the boundary layer between ancient glacial flows and volcanism. It’s here where mountains were forged, among fire and ice, as far back as 230 million years ago.

This is our most popular experience and our guest’s top choice for the best Whistler backcountry attractions. Photographers, hikers, walkers, and geologists will be equally amazed as we fly shoulder-to-shoulder with magnificent landmarks including Garibaldi Lake and Black Tusk. Do not forget your camera! A scenic flight is one of the most extraordinary things to do in Whistler.

What do pilots sound like?

Our pilots are passionate about British Columbia, Squamish, Whistler, Vancouver and the Sea To Sky Corridor. They love sharing what they know about the region’s legendary geology and history so we outfitted every seat with a two-way headset and microphone. Think of us like your best friend taking you on a road trip to all their favourite places. Listen to your pilot tell stories as you fly, ask questions about features and landmarks, or simply sit back and enjoy the view.

 

Two people make it private for only $99

All flights seat up to four people (three guests and one pilot). 

Book a flight for two people and you have the option to buy the third seat at a reduced rate to reserve the aircraft exclusively for you. This is one of our most popular options. Perfect if you’re buying the Whistler Backcountry Air Safari scenic flight as a gift for a birthday or special occasion.

From the Flight

Black Tusk

The Black Tusk is the remnant of a stratovolcano that formed between 1.3 and 1.1 million years ago in the northernmost reaches of the Canadian Volcanic Arc. The Indigenous Squamish people know the Black Tusk as t’ak‘t’ak mu’yin tl’a in7in’a’xe7en meaning “Landing Place of the Thunderbird”. The jagged shape of the mountain and its black colouring are said to come from the supernatural Thunderbird’s lightning.

An aerial view of The Barrier dam and Garibaldi Lake in the background on a sunny day

Garibaldi Lake & The Barrier

The Barrier was formed over 9,000 years ago when lava from Mt Price and Clinker Peak flowed through the valley. Eventually stopped by a giant wall of ice, the lava flow cooled to create a natural dam known as The Barrier. Each summer meltwater from surrounding glaciers and winter snow pools in the valley behind the dam. This ancient lava dam now prevents Garibaldi Lake from flooding the nearby town of Squamish.

Our small aircraft

Our Small Aircraft

Flying in small planes is an intimate experience. You can feel the air and clouds floating by, hear the gasps of surprise and excitement from your friends or the splashing of water on the floats. It’s the creation of, and presence in, these small moments that deepens connections between each other and nature. You never have to worry about picking a good seat ahead of time. No matter where you are in our planes you're guaranteed to have a first-class experience.

Good To Know Before You Go

Open section

No long check-in lines here. Simply arrive 10-minutes before your flight.  All ages can fly. Children up to two years old are considered infants and must sit on the lap of a responsible guardian. Children older than two must have their own seat. If the combined weight of all passengers per aircraft (maximum of three) is greater than 600 lbs (~270 kg) please contact us by phone or email to make your reservation.

Reservation Policy

Open section

COVID-19: We have made a few temporary changes to our reservation policy to help guests make the most of flights or gift cards they have purchased. Please read our COVD-19 update here to get all details. 

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Changes and cancellations made within 72-hours of a scheduled departure are subject to a 20% fee. 

‘No shows’ and late arrivals will forfeit their flight and be billed the full fare. 

If Sea To Sky Air cancels a flight for any reason, and a suitable alternate flight cannot be scheduled, we will issue a full refund or credit. The original value of the flight will be refunded or a flight credit will be issued. 

Credits (Gift Cards, Flight Credits, Tickets) are transferable and may be used towards any Sea To Sky Air product or service. Name changes to tickets and flight credits can be made by calling the Sea To Sky Air office on 604 898 1975.

Good To Know Before You Go

Open section

No long check-in lines here. Simply arrive 10-minutes before your flight.  All ages can fly. Children up to two years old are considered infants and must sit on the lap of a responsible guardian. Children older than two must have their own seat. If the combined weight of all passengers per aircraft (maximum of three) is greater than 600 lbs (~270 kg) please contact us by phone or email to make your reservation.

Reservation Policy

Open section

COVID-19: We have made a few temporary changes to our reservation policy to help guests make the most of flights or gift cards they have purchased. Please read our COVD-19 update here to get all details. 

——————

Changes and cancellations made within 72-hours of a scheduled departure are subject to a 20% fee. 

‘No shows’ and late arrivals will forfeit their flight and be billed the full fare. 

If Sea To Sky Air cancels a flight for any reason, and a suitable alternate flight cannot be scheduled, we will issue a full refund or credit. The original value of the flight will be refunded or a flight credit will be issued. 

Credits (Gift Cards, Flight Credits, Tickets) are transferable and may be used towards any Sea To Sky Air product or service. Name changes to tickets and flight credits can be made by calling the Sea To Sky Air office on 604 898 1975.

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