There’s a patio in the Coast Mountains that almost nobody has ever set foot on. No reservation line, no other tables, no city noise, just old-growth forest, alpine views, and a cold craft beer in hand. The catch? You can only get there by helicopter. Welcome to the Backcountry Beer Tasting Helicopter Tour with SKY Helicopters.
The Best Patio in Town Isn’t in Town at All
Departing straight from Downtown Vancouver, this tour swaps the usual rooftop bar for a private stretch of BC wilderness. You’ll lift off from the Vancouver waterfront and soar over the city and coastline before banking into the Coast Mountains, where old-growth forest and jagged peaks unfold beneath the helicopter. It’s the kind of view that usually takes a multi-day backcountry trek to earn — SKY gets you there in about half an hour.
What the Tour Includes
This isn’t just a scenic flight, it’s a full backcountry experience built around great beer and better views:
- A 30-minute helicopter flight deep into the Coast Mountains
- A 30-minute backcountry landing, where your pilot sets down in a remote wilderness spot most people will never see in person
- A beer flight featuring four unique west coast craft beers from SKY’s featured brewery partners
- Tour narration from your pilot the whole way, so you’ll know exactly what you’re looking at
- Non-alcoholic beverage options available on request for anyone not drinking
Once you touch down, there’s no bar, no bartender, no crowd, just your group, a helicopter, and one of the best views in British Columbia while you work your way through the tasting flight.
Getting There Is Half the Fun
SKY Helicopters departs right from 455 W Waterfront Rd in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, tucked along Coal Harbour, no long drive out of the city required. Whether you’re staying downtown or just spending the day exploring, the hangar is an easy walk or quick cab ride away, making it a seamless add-on to your Vancouver itinerary. Just show up, and you’ll be airborne over the city and into the mountains in minutes.
Good to Know Before You Book
A few practical details to help you plan:
- Public seats are priced at $909 per person for the 60-minute flight and landing experience (plus 5% GST and a 3.5% airport fee)
- You must be 19 years of age or older to consume alcohol in BC — non-alcoholic options are available for everyone else
- SKY requires a minimum of two purchased seats for a public departure; if you’re the only passenger booked, they’ll do their best to pair you with other guests or may need to reschedule your flight
- Closed-toe footwear is recommended for the backcountry landing, along with a light jacket, sunglasses, sunblock, and a camera — the views are worth capturing
- Flights run sunrise to sunset, 361 days a year, so there’s flexibility for just about any travel schedule
- Weather in BC’s backcountry can change quickly; if conditions aren’t safe to fly, SKY will reschedule or cancel at no cost to you
Why Fly for a Beer?
Plenty of places in Vancouver will pour you a great local craft beer. Very few will fly you to a private alpine landing zone to drink it. This tour is built for travelers and locals alike who want their sightseeing and their socializing rolled into one unforgettable afternoon — equal parts adventure flight and toast to the mountains.
Ready to trade the rooftop patio for the real thing? Book your Backcountry Beer Tasting Helicopter Tour with SKY Helicopters and see why they call it the best patio in town.