niagara falls helicopter tours

Stunning. Breathtaking. Unforgettable.

Experience Niagara Falls from the Sky

Rainbow Air Helicopter Tours, EST. 1995

Get close and personal with the mighty falls.

Rainbow Air invites you and your family to experience the splendor of Niagara Falls by air.

Our quiet turbine engine helicopters and elite pilots will guide you on the most unique experience of your visit to Niagara Falls. Enjoy the majestic power and beauty of Niagara and the Horseshoe Falls from incredible vantage points. Create family memories and capture photos of a lifetime.

Your “limousine in the sky” awaits!

Rainbow Air will fly from the Niagara Falls International Airport for the 2024 season.

Offering the lowest and closest views of this incredible world wonder!

How to get Tickets?

Our Classic Tour

Take one of the most breathtaking tours Niagara Falls and Western New York has to offer.

Charter Services

Rainbow Air provides fast and direct transportation with comfort and convenience.

Special Occasions

Niagara Falls, the Honeymoon capital of the World!

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Niagara Helicopters

Our classic tour.

What You See on Your Niagara Falls Tour

It’s clear why our helicopter tours are so popular among Niagara Falls attractions—they combine adventure and spectacular views for family vacation memories to last a lifetime. As the helicopter gently lifts off from our Victoria Avenue location, the awe-inspiring views of the Niagara Region begin to appear below. We wouldn't want any picture-taking opportunity to be missed so cameras should be ready to go right from the start!

Beginning with the Sir Adam Beck Generating plant and the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture, the tour follows the Niagara River from the Whirlpool area (look for the Spanish Aero Car crossing the gorge), over the Whirlpool Rapids and the Rainbow Bridge. The green grass and floral beauty of Queen Victoria Park stretches below as the helicopter passes by the American Falls and the Skylon Tower. Just when it looks as if you will reach the Fallsview area, your Niagara Falls helicopter tour begins to change direction following the curve of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Rainbows appear and disappear from all directions. The helicopter levels off and continues along the route back to base.

Features of the Niagara Helicopters Experience include:

• The ride of a lifetime
• Taped commentary available in 12 languages
• Family & Group rates available
• Large windows, ideal for the avid photographer
• On-site services include professional Niagara photo services, & gift shop
• All major credit cards accepted
• Gift certificates available

There is one thing our clients all agree on - the images you will capture on our Niagara Falls Scenic Flightseeing Tour are absolutely breath-taking but they still do not do the experience justice. Seeing the Falls from above gives you a perspective like no other. On a clear day you will see the outline of Toronto to the North and the shores of Lake Erie to the South. The path the Falls travelled over centuries is clear and awe-inspiring but watching the water travelling from Lake Erie and tumbling over the edge of the Niagara Gorge and on to Lake Ontario is nearly impossible to describe – even with a photograph. You just have to see it to believe it.

Flights depart daily from 9 a.m. Closing times vary - please contact us for updates. Duration: 12 minutes (including boarding time).

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Niagara's Best And Longest Helicopter Tour

The Niagara Grand Tour is the most popular Niagara Falls tour flown by National Helicopters. It is a twenty minute flight that departs the Niagara District Airport and flies over Niagara's world renowned wine producing region on the way toward Brock's Monument in Queenston. Once over Brock's Monument, the aircraft turns southbound along the Niagara River, flying past the Sir Adam Beck Hydroelectric Generating Station, the Whirlpool Rapids, the Spanish Aero Car and the Maid of the Mist below. The tour culminates with an unforgettable view of the American Falls, Bridal Veil and Canadian Horseshoe Falls from high above. The helicopter will make a second pass over the falls so that passengers on the other side of the aircraft get the same view. The helicopter then retraces its route back to the Niagara District Airport.

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A Winery Niagara Grand Tour normally begins with a twenty minute Niagara Grand Tour for a private group of passengers and ends with the helicopter landing at a specific winery to drop the passengers off for lunch or a wine tasting. The price for the winery flights includes a ride back to the Niagara District Airport in the National Helicopters shuttle from the winery following the wine tasting or meal. A helicopter pick up at the winery can be requested for an additional fee.

*NATIONAL HELICOPTERS DOES NOT ARRANGE PASSENGER ACTIVITIES AT THE WINERY

PARTICIPATING WINERIES: Trius Winery, Peller Estates Winery, Chateau de Charmes, Vineland Estates, Two Sisters Vineyards

PARTICIPATING WINERIES: Peller Estates Winery, Trius Winery, Chateau de Charmes, Vineland Estates

National Helicopters offers in-flight weddings charters complete with a pastor, bridal bouquet, photographer and limousine. Wedding details can be customized by contacting The Wedding Company of Niagara. The individual costs for a half hour in-flight wedding are:

The Sunset Niagara Grand Tour follows the same twenty-five minute long route as the Private Romantic Tour but the helicopter will depart the Niagara District Airport shortly before sunset.

The Private Romantic Tour is similar to the Niagara Grand Tour but it is five minutes longer in duration and includes sparkling wine onboard the aircraft for the passengers. The similarity to the Niagara Grand Tour ends once the aircraft approaches the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge on the way back from passing over Niagara Falls. Instead of heading directly back to the Niagara District Airport at this time, the aircraft will continue northbound along the river to Niagara-on-the-Lake, then follow the shoreline of Lake Ontario westbound to the Welland Canal. Once the aircraft has reached the Welland Canal it will turn southbound, following it back to Niagara District Airport.

NATIONAL HELICOPTERS invites you to discover Niagara from an Eagle's eye perspective.

We are more than just a helicopter Tour, we are Niagara's only Heli-touring company providing the view of only the best of Niagara Falls and the Niagara historical surroundings.

National's aerial tours are the most personal and the most comprehensive adventure tours offered. This leading Niagara attraction is not to be missed!

• Our Services
• Scenic Tours
• Flight Training
• Utility & Contract
• Maintenance
• Sales & Leasing
• Niagara District Airport
• 468 Niagara Stone Road (Hwy 55)
• Virgil, Ontario
• L0S 1T0, Canada
• Toll free: 1-800-491-3117
• Tel: (905) 641-2222
• [email protected]

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Niagara Helicopters

Night Flights: Winter Nights & Lights Experience

Classic Tour

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10 Best Helicopter Rides in Niagara Falls: A Local’s Guide

Table of Contents

Looking for the best helicopter rides in Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls is one of the most visited tourist attractions in North America, and for many people viewing the majestic Falls from the air is a bucket list item!

Niagara is a great place to go sightseeing and is well worth the hype. I grew up in nearby Toronto, so I’ve visited the falls a bunch of times. There are lots of different ways to experience the Falls up close, but taking a helicopter ride is the most spectacular! 

I’ve been on a helicopter tour and loved it. There are many options for Niagara Falls helicopter rides, so how do you know which one is right for you? 

I’ve researched all the best helicopter tours in Niagara, using my perspective as a local, and come up with this list of the best options so that you can decide which is right for you. 

Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

My Top 3 Picks: Best Helicopter Rides Niagara Falls

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Sunset Helicopter Tour ✔️ 4 hours ✔️ Maid of the Mist Ride & Dinner

Niagara Falls Small Group Tour ✔️ 5 hours ✔️ Maid of the Mist Ride

Niagara Falls USA Small Group Tour ✔️ 5 hours ✔️ Made of the Mist RIde

Best Helicopter Rides in Niagara Falls From USA

It is possible to take a helicopter over Niagara Falls from both the US and Canadian sides of the Falls. There are many Niagara Falls helicopter tours in Buffalo to choose from.

Here are the best helicopter rides over Niagara Falls from the USA.

1. Sunset Helicopter Tour With Maid Of The Mist & Dinner

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 hours | ✅  Book it!

If you’re wondering how to spend the perfect evening in Niagara, this is it! 

The tour starts with you getting picked up from your hotel and whisked away to the falls. You’ll enjoy the Maid of the Mist boat tour, which gets you up close to the Falls, and then you’ll be treated to a luxury 3-course dinner. 

After dinner, you’ll take off for your helicopter ride over the Falls at sunset for a magical experience. 

“We had a wonderful time.” – Sonya_A (Read more reviews)

If all that wasn’t enough, you’ll be treated to a dazzling fireworks display over the Falls to complete your perfect evening. 

This tour is a little pricey, but it’s worth the extra money for the luxury treatment. This tour is especially great if you want to treat your partner to something special – it’s the ultimate date night! 

Another thing I like about this tour is that it is wheelchair accessible, and service dogs are welcome, making it accessible to everyone! I have a service dog, so I know that it’s hard to find tours that allow them. 

🚁 Check Prices and Availability!

2. Niagara Falls Small Group Tour With Helicopter and Maid of the Mist

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  5 hours | ✅  Book it!

This is one of the best small group helicopter tours of Niagara Falls.  

Small group tours are great because you get a more personalized experience from your tour guide. Small group tours are perfect for solo travelers as you get the opportunity to meet some new friends. 

“The small group was appreciated and skipping lines and avoiding lines and fees for parking were great!” – Gary_S (Read more reviews)

On this tour, you will fly over the Falls in a helicopter before boarding the Maid of the Mist boat, so you’ll get to enjoy seeing the Falls from two different vantage points. 

This tour is a more affordable option but doesn’t include the luxury treatment of the previous tour. 

3. Niagara Falls USA Small Group Tour + Helicopter + Maid Of The Mist

⭐️  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  5 hours | ✅  Book it!

This tour and helicopter ride of Niagara Falls is perfect for families. It not only includes the helicopter ride but also the Maid of the Mist boat tour and a visit to the Cave of Winds. 

“Cave of the winds and helicopter ride are simply breathtaking and unmatched!!” – Illeaniz_E (Read more reviews)

All activities and tickets are included in the price, which means you don’t have to worry about keeping track of tickets throughout the day. You can relax and let your guide take care of everything. 

This small group tour will have a maximum of just 7 people, so you get personalized attention from your guide. 

4. Helicopter Tour To Niagara Falls USA

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   50 mins | ✅  Book it!

Niagara Helicopters Limited operates this tour and is the best option if you are just looking for a helicopter ride at Niagara Falls without any other extra activities.

The flight will take you along the Upper Niagara River. You’ll get views of both Lake Erie and Lake Ontario before heading out over the Falls for a gorgeous view from above. 

“It was a beautiful flight and a perfect view of the Falls” – Lynne_M (Read more reviews)

The pilot and flight crew are great and will take good care of you.

This tour is perfect if you are short on time but still want the bucket list experience of flying over the Falls in a helicopter. 

Best Helicopter Tour Niagara Falls Canada

You can also tour Niagara Falls from the Canadian side , which is one of the best day trips you can take from Toronto . There are some great Niagara Falls Helicopter tour companies, such as Rainbow Air Helicopter Tours, but to find the best deals, I recommend booking through Viator.

Here are the best Niagara Falls helicopter rides in Ontario, CA.

5. Private Tour: Romantic Niagara Falls Helicopter Flight

⭐️  RATING:  4/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  25 mins | ✅  Book it!

This private Niagara Falls helicopter tour is an excellent choice for couples looking to spend a romantic time together at the falls. 

“Our helicopter tour was amazing!!! It was great to be on our own in the helicopter” – Natalie H (Read more reviews)

You can even upgrade to the deluxe package, which includes glasses of sparkling wine to enjoy as you fly over the Falls. This would be perfect for a memorable honeymoon or anniversary trip! The Niagara on the lake helicopter flight will take you through the whole Niagara region, towards the picturesque town of Niagara-on-the-lake , and then along the Niagara River and over the Whirlpool Rapids. You will then fly over the Falls themselves for an incredible view.

6. Niagara Falls Canada Tour + Helicopter Ride And Skylon Tower Lunch

⭐️  RATING:  5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  6 hours | ✅  Book it!

This is one of the best all-around Niagara Falls, Canada, helicopter tours. It combines some of the best activities you can do on the Canadian side of the Falls. 

On this classic tour, you’ll fly over the mighty Falls on a helicopter ride, experience the power of the Falls up close on the Hornblower boat ride, have lunch in the Revolving Dining Room at the Skylon Tower, and go on the Journey Behind the Falls tour for a look at the tunnels beneath and behind the waterfall. 

“Best tour in Niagara!” – Tanya_W (Read more reviews)

You can do all these activities independently, but it is a bit of a headache having to queue for all the tickets separately. On this tour, that is all taken care of for you, leaving you with more time to actually enjoy the Falls. 

7. Private Tour: Niagara Falls Helicopter Flight

⭐️  RATING:  4/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:   20 mins | ✅  Book it!

This private helicopter in Niagara Falls, Canada tour will fly you out over Niagara’s wine country and over Niagara Falls for an up-close view of the Falls from the air. This is one of the best Niagara-on-the-lake helicopter rides.

Having the helicopter all to yourself is a great experience that will make you feel like a VIP!

“Great sight!” – Anonymous Reviewer (Read more reviews)

As you fly, your experienced pilot will provide interesting commentary about the sights you see from the air, including historical landmarks and Niagara’s wine country. It’s nice to have the commentary so that you have a better idea of what you are looking at. 

After your helicopter ride, why not tour some Niagara wineries and pick up a bottle of Canadian ice wine from the gift shop? 

8. Niagara Falls Grand Helicopter Adventure

⭐️  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  25 mins | ✅  Book it!

This super fun chopper ride in Niagara Falls is great for those who are looking for an affordable helicopter flight. 

The pilot and crew are very friendly and professional. They will leave you feeling safe and relaxed while you fly over the Falls.

“Nowhere can you get a view like this. Worth every penny and the people there were awesome.” – Diana_B (Read more reviews)

This small group tour is limited to 6 people –  a minimum of two people is required to book this tour, so make sure you bring a friend! 

9. Niagara Falls Canada Helicopter Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH: 12 mins | ✅  Book it!

This is one of the most affordable options for helicopter flights over Niagara Falls , but the flight time is only 10 minutes, and therefore shorter than most of the higher-priced tours. 

“Well worth the money for an experience of a lifetime. Fantastic view of the falls and surrounding area” – Linda_B (Read more reviews)

This is an excellent option if you are on a budget and don’t mind sacrificing time in the air. It’s also great if you are in a time crunch but still want to squeeze in the incredible experience of flying over the Falls. 

The flight will take you over all three Niagara waterfalls: American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. 

10. Niagara Helicopters Winter Lights At Night Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4/5 Stars | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  12 mins | ✅  Book it!

If you are looking for something a little different, this is one of the most unique Niagara Falls helicopter rides. This tour takes place at night during the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights . 

You’ll see the Falls illuminated by the beautiful lights show, and you can also see the Toronto and Buffalo City lights off in the distance – this is a truly unique experience!

“Amazing ride. We had a great time seeing the winter lights of the waterfalls!” (Read more reviews)

This tour is available from November – May and is one of the best things to do in Niagara during winter . 

Are Helicopter Rides Worth It?

It’s no secret that helicopter rides Niagara Falls cost a little more than your average tour, but are they worth the money? In my opinion, yes! 

Helicopter rides are something that many of us won’t get to encounter too often in our lives. For many people, they are a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Soaring above Niagara Falls in a chopper is a breathtaking adventure that is sure to stay in your memories for a lifetime.

FAQs: Best Helicopter Rides Niagara Falls

How much is a helicopter ride in niagara falls.

The helicopter ride over Niagara Falls price will vary depending on which tour you take. Short small group tours will be the cheapest option. The Private Niagara Falls helicopter ride price will be more expensive, but it offers a more luxurious experience and more time in the air.

How Long Is The Niagara Helicopter Ride?

Niagara Falls helicopter rides typically last 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your chosen tour option and the weather.

Can You Get A Helicopter From New York To Niagara Falls?

Yes, you can take a helicopter tour of Niagara Falls from New York State. There are several different options to choose from, including luxury private tours and small group tours.

Is There A Weight Limit For The Helicopter In Niagara Falls?

Most Niagara helicopters don’t have an individual weight limit for passengers. Instead, they will adjust the number of passengers on each flight to ensure the total aircraft weight is within safe limits and all passengers are seated comfortably.

How Bumpy Is A Helicopter Ride?

Most helicopter rides are not bumpy. Helicopters experience turbulence differently from airplanes, and helicopter rides are generally smooth.

Final Thoughts: Best Helicopter Rides Niagara Falls

There are so many awesome options for helicopter flights in Niagara Falls. From private luxury experiences and small group tours to quick flyovers – there is something to suit everyone’s needs. 

I hope this guide has helped you find the best helicopter ride in Niagara Falls. My favorite would be the Sunset Helicopter Tour With Maid Of The Mist & Dinner !

Did you know that Niagara Falls isn’t the only place in Canada where you can take an amazing helicopter tour? Check out the best helicopter tours in Jasper and Banff . 

There are also some excellent Toronto helicopter tours available. 

Read More About Niagara Falls

• Visiting Niagara Falls Canada in Winter: 31 Best Things to Do
• 3 Best Niagara on the Lake Bike Wine Tours
• 22 Best Niagara on the-Lake Wine Tours
• 15 Best Niagara Falls Tours from Toronto
• 21 Best Niagara On The Lake Breweries

More About Helicopter Tours in Canada

• 12 Best Jasper Helicopter Tours
• 5 Best Banff Helicopter Tours
• 3 Best Toronto Helicopter Tours for Aerial Views

Canada Travel Planning Guide

🚑  Should I buy Canada travel insurance?

100% YES!  — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!

💧 Can you drink the water in Canada?

Yes  — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.

🚙💨  Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?

Yes  — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. ( Read more )

📲  Will my phone work in Canada?

Maybe  — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.

🏩  What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?

My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com . For hostels, I use Hostel World . If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).

Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!

✈️  What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?

For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend  Skyscanner .

🎫  Do I need a visa for Canada?

Likely Not  — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do ( check here! ). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.

Nina Clapperton is the founder of Nina Out and About. She has lived in 18 countries in the past 10 years, explored more than 30 countries, and has done most of it solo. A Canadian native, she also shares her favourite things to do in the True North. She helps over 100,000 people per month plan their expat adventures and Canadian trips.

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