REVIEW · VANCOUVER
Backcountry Beer Tasting Heli-Tour & Landing (Depart SKY Hangar)
Book on Viator →Operated by SKY Helicopters Inc · Bookable on Viator
A beer flight with a mountain landing. That mix is why this Vancouver heli-tour feels like a real once-in-a-while treat: you trade street noise for glacier-lake views and a remote patio where you can actually step out. The idea is simple, and it works.
Two things I especially like. First, the way you get from the hangar to remote backcountry terrain fast—you see temperate rainforest and glacial lakes right away, without spending a whole day driving and hiking. Second, the craft beer tasting happens at the landing, not after you’ve already lost the good part of the day.
One consideration: this is built around good weather and it’s also an alcohol-forward experience in British Columbia. You must be 19+ to drink, though non-alcoholic options are available on request, and the flight itself is brief (about an hour).
In This Review
- Key things to know about SKY Helicopters beer tasting helitour
- Why a helicopter landing in the Vancouver backcountry hits different
- Getting to the SKY Hangar near Pitt Meadows (and how to plan your timing)
- The flight and landing: Vancouver coast and mountains in about one hour
- What happens during the scenic flight
- What happens when you land
- The main drawback of the one-stop format
- The beer tasting part: what the craft flight really means up there
- If you don’t drink beer
- Pilots as hosts: look for Kyle Brown, Roger, Evert, and more
- Who this tour fits best (and who should think twice)
- Price and value: is $385.65 worth it?
- Practical tips to get the most from your landing and flight
- Should you book this Backcountry Beer Tasting Heli-Tour?
- FAQ
- What’s the duration of the Backcountry Beer Tasting Heli-Tour?
- Where do I meet for the tour?
- Is craft beer included in the price?
- Can I get non-alcoholic options?
- How old do you need to be to drink alcohol in British Columbia?
- How big is the group?
- Is GST included in the price?
Key things to know about SKY Helicopters beer tasting helitour

- Small group size (max 10 travelers): more personal attention and a calmer vibe for first-time flyers.
- Remote landing changes day to day: you’re not booking one viewpoint; you’re booking the chance to land somewhere stunning.
- Beer flight is included: craft beer tasting is part of the price, and it’s served where the views are.
- Non-drinking options exist: they can provide non-alcoholic beverages, and one trip included a champagne swap.
- Weight limit applies (275 lbs per passenger): plan around that if you’re close to the limit.
- Good weather required: if conditions are rough, you’ll need to be flexible with dates.
Why a helicopter landing in the Vancouver backcountry hits different

Most Vancouver outings give you a view from a road, trail, or lookout. This one changes the rule: you fly into the Coast Mountains and land in spots that most people will never set foot on. That single detail turns a beer tasting from a simple activity into a full-on memory.
You also get a different kind of scenery fast. You’re not waiting all day for the “good part.” From the start, you’re seeing the Metro Vancouver area framed by the Coastal Mountain Range, then stepping into landscapes that feel far removed from city life. It’s the kind of contrast that makes the trip feel special even if you’ve already been to Vancouver before.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Vancouver.
Getting to the SKY Hangar near Pitt Meadows (and how to plan your timing)
Your day starts at 18799 Airport Wy #170, Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2B4, Canada. The tour notes say it’s near public transportation, which matters if you don’t want to add another taxi ride to an already travel-heavy day.
This experience is about an hour total, so timing counts. I’d treat it like a tight show schedule: arrive a bit early, don’t stack other plans right before, and keep your phone charged for the mobile ticket check-in. If you’re prone to “we’ll just be five minutes late,” this is the kind of tour where five minutes can become a headache.
The flight and landing: Vancouver coast and mountains in about one hour

This heli-tour is built around one big stop: the Vancouver Coast and Mountains landing experience. From the hangar, you’ll rise above the area quickly, with views stretching across the Coast Mountain Range. The tour description calls out temperate rainforest and glacial lakes in the region, and multiple reviews echo the same theme: the scenery is the main event.
What happens during the scenic flight
You’ll fly from the hangar into the mountain area, taking in landmark views from the air. Reviews mention pilots pointing out what you’re seeing below and sharing local context as you go. If you’re the type who likes facts with your photos, you’ll likely appreciate that extra narration during the flight.
What happens when you land
The backcountry landing varies by day, which keeps the experience from feeling copy-and-paste. When you do land, you’ll get time to walk around, take pictures, and enjoy the setting before the return flight.
One review described landing around 5,000 feet above sea level, and another mentioned an area past Wigeon Lake. Since landing spots change, treat these as examples of what the day can look like, not guarantees of exact locations. Still, the overall pattern is consistent: you’re choosing between stunning viewpoints that are hard to reach on foot.
The main drawback of the one-stop format
The tour is short. That’s part of the value—less time in transit, more time at the landing—but it also means you won’t get a long hike or a multi-stop day. If you’re hoping for a deep, all-day nature program, you’ll want something longer.
The beer tasting part: what the craft flight really means up there

The included highlight is the craft beer tasting at the landing. The tour includes a craft beer flight, and at least one review specifically described sampling four local craft beers. So expect a structured “flight” experience rather than just a single beer in a cup.
Two practical notes help you enjoy this more.
1) Plan your pace at altitude. Even if the flight is only an hour, you’ll likely feel like you’re in a scenic “pause.” Take a moment, hydrate, and enjoy the tasting rather than rushing it for photos.
2) Use the setting as part of the tasting. When you’re surrounded by mountain and lake views, the beer becomes less about style trivia and more about the overall payoff: you’re drinking something local in a place that feels remote.
If you don’t drink beer
The tour states you can request non-alcoholic beverage options. One review also mentioned that the team substituted champagne for beer when the guest didn’t drink beer. That suggests flexibility in what you get, but I’d still request your preference ahead of time so expectations match reality.
Pilots as hosts: look for Kyle Brown, Roger, Evert, and more

A lot of helicopter experiences live or die on the pilot. In these reviews, the pilot-host role shows up again and again: people felt safe, they got in-flight storytelling, and they enjoyed the experience as a hosted outing rather than a transport ride.
Here are real names that came up:
- Kyle Brown was highlighted for being friendly, informative, and professional, with an emphasis on safety and making time up in the mountains feel good.
- Roger was praised for knowledge of the area and making first-time flyers comfortable, plus turning the return flight and landing time into something memorable.
- Evert was mentioned for a great guide experience and making people feel safe, while also keeping the team’s service strong.
- Stefanie showed up in feedback tied to the booking and flight-day experience as well.
You can’t always choose a specific pilot, but you can choose how you show up. If you’re nervous about flying, go in ready to listen to safety instructions. Reviews make it clear that the operators take safety seriously while still keeping the day fun.
Who this tour fits best (and who should think twice)

This is a strong match if you want a high-impact Vancouver experience without spending your whole day on logistics.
You’ll likely love it if you:
- Want a first helicopter ride that still feels relaxed and guided
- Like the idea of pairing food or drink with a remote landing
- Are celebrating something (birthdays came up in multiple accounts)
- Prefer a small group setting over larger tour buses
You might want to think twice if:
- You need a long, multi-stop itinerary. This is about one landing and a fast return.
- You’re booking strictly around alcohol. It’s 19+ in British Columbia for alcohol consumption, and while non-alcoholic options exist, the tour’s concept is still “beer tasting.”
- You’re near the 275 lbs per passenger weight limit. That’s a hard constraint for safety and planning.
- Weather volatility will derail your schedule. The experience requires good weather, and conditions can affect timing and where you go.
Price and value: is $385.65 worth it?

At $385.65 per person for about an hour, this isn’t a budget activity. But you’re not paying for a viewpoint. You’re paying for an aircraft, a fuel-intensive flight, and the ability to land in remote backcountry terrain where normal transport can’t reach.
What helps the value is what’s included:
- Craft beer tasting
- Landing and facility fees
- Fuel surcharge
GST is not included, so your final total will be a bit higher once taxes apply. Still, the core “experience cost” is mostly covered upfront.
The best way to judge value is to compare alternatives. If you tried to replicate this by driving to lookouts, you’d get views—but you’d miss the actual landing, the short walk, and the tasting in that exact remote setting. If those parts matter to you, the price starts to make sense quickly.
Practical tips to get the most from your landing and flight

These tips come from how people describe the day, especially for first-time flyers.
- Dress for damp mountain air. Even when the weather is rainy, reviews note the landing was still special. Layers help you stay comfortable.
- Plan for photos at the right time. You’ll have a window after landing for pictures. If you rush straight into the flight-only mindset, you’ll miss the best “up close” moment.
- Ask for safety details early. Pilots in reviews took safety seriously and explained what to do in unusual situations. Listening closely helps you relax.
- Go in curious, not just hungry for the beer. The tours include narration and local context in the air. That adds value beyond the tasting.
- If you’re a non-beer drinker, request it clearly. Non-alcoholic options are available on request, and at least one guest received a champagne swap, but you’ll want your preference handled in advance.
Should you book this Backcountry Beer Tasting Heli-Tour?
If you’re looking for a Vancouver experience that feels genuinely rare, I’d book it. The core appeal is strong: helicopter flight, a remote landing, and a local craft beer flight served where most people only dream about going. The small group cap (up to 10) also helps keep the day from feeling rushed or impersonal.
Book it if you:
- Want a high-visual, low-time commitment experience (about one hour)
- Enjoy guided experiences where pilots also act as hosts
- Like celebrating in a way that’s not just dinner and a photo
Think twice if:
- You’re highly price-sensitive
- You need alcohol-free by default (still possible, but request it)
- You’re worried about weather disruptions and can’t shift plans
If you can handle the weather factor and you’re okay with the 19+ alcohol rule, this is the kind of tour that turns Vancouver memories into stories you’ll keep retelling.
FAQ
What’s the duration of the Backcountry Beer Tasting Heli-Tour?
It’s approximately 1 hour long. The activity ends back at the meeting point.
Where do I meet for the tour?
You meet at 18799 Airport Wy #170, Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2B4, Canada. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.
Is craft beer included in the price?
Yes. The tour includes a craft beer flight tasting, along with fuel surcharge and landing/facility fees.
Can I get non-alcoholic options?
Yes. Non-alcoholic beverage options are available upon request.
How old do you need to be to drink alcohol in British Columbia?
You must be 19 years or older to consume alcohol in British Columbia.
How big is the group?
The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.
Is GST included in the price?
No. GST (Goods and Services Tax) is not included.












