Warning: this blog post may cause uncontrollable wanderlust, spontaneous travel plans, and a serious case of adventure envy.
Whistler isn’t just a winter wonderland – it’s the ultimate destination for a heli-picnic, as our team discovered. Forget crowded parks and ordinary picnics – this spot offers a truly unique experience!
From soaring above the breathtaking landscapes to savoring gourmet delights in the midst of nature, you can consider this your guide to the perfect heli-picnic in Vancouver’s stunning Whistler.
What is a heli-picnic?
A heli-picnic is an outdoor dining experience that combines a scenic helicopter flight with a gourmet picnic in a remote and breathtaking location.
It all begins with a helicopter ride, providing breathtaking aerial views of the landscape. The helicopter then lands in a secluded spot, often a mountain top, lakeside, or other stunning natural setting, where a gourmet picnic is set up for you.
Best Time to Go on a Heli-picnic in Whistler
The best time to go on a heli-picnic in Whistler is any season of the year. Whether it’s summer or winter, a heli-picnic offers a perfect adventure.
In summer, you can explore the mountaintops, while winter allows you to enjoy the scenic mountain ski slopes. Whichever you prefer, a heli-picnic in Whistler promises breathtaking views and unforgettable memories.
How much does a heli-picnic cost in Whistler, Vancouver?
The cost of a heli-picnic in Vancouver varies based on the tour package you choose. For a private heli-picnic for two, the price is $2,645. If you opt for a heli-picnic and paddle combo, the price is approximately $2,855.
Tour | Duration | Price | Departures |
Heli Picnic | 2.5 Hours | $2,645 private group of two $275 for each additional person (max 4) | 11 am and 2 pm |
Heli Picnic & Paddle | 2.5 Hours | $2,855 private group of two $390 for each additional person (max 4) | 2 pm |
A private gourmet picnic lunch catered by Portobello Whistler is a highlight of the heli-picnic experience, offering delicious, expertly prepared dishes amidst Whistler’s stunning scenery.
Your adventure begins with a flight-seeing tour to a remote back-country lake, providing breathtaking aerial views and a unique perspective on the region’s natural wonders.
You will enjoy exclusive access to tenured landing locations, chosen for their privacy, serenity, and unparalleled scenic beauty, enhancing your picnic experience.
A certified, experienced, and professional guide ensures your safety and enriches your adventure with local insights and expertise.
What to Bring and Wear on a Heli-Picnic to Whistler
Here’s a quick list of what you may want to bring and wear on a heli-picnic trip to Whistler:
• Camera
• Sturdy outdoor shoes
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Outer layer
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Change of dry clothes
• Bug spray
What to Expect on a Heli-Picnic to Whistler
The Location
Embarking on a heli-picnic means experiencing Whistler’s breathtaking landscapes from a whole new perspective.
With Blackcomb Helicopters, your journey takes you over iconic spots like the Rainbow Glacier, Coast Mountain peaks, and serene valleys, offering bird’s eye views of the Armchair Glacier, Wedgemont Lake, and Spearhead Traverse.
Your midday meal awaits at the picturesque Beverly Lake, nestled in the heart of this stunning terrain.
As you return to Whistler, prepare to be amazed by sights like a majestic waterfall and the towering glaciers of Whistler Blackcomb, one of the best ski resorts in and around Vancouver.
The Picnic
Heli-picnics in Whistler are often catered by local culinary talents such as Table Nineteen Eatery and Bearfoot Bistro, known for their offerings like charcuterie boards, Okanagan heirloom tomato salads, and fresh field greens.
For those who prefer to curate their own picnic fare, the Whistler Farmers Market at the base of Blackcomb Mountain offers a delightful array of local produce, tasty food, and artisanal creations.
If you’re planning a side trip to Pemberton to the north, consider visiting the scenic North Arm Farm’s organic farmgate market.
Here, you can gather additional local ingredients to elevate your heli-picnic experience with farm-fresh goodness.
Apps to Download for a Trip to Whistler
Whistler: offline guide to local dining, activities, attractions, shopping, transportation, amenities, health & wellness, and more in Whistler.
LiveTrekker: record your travels in the exact geographical context and share them on social media.
Trip Case: manage flights, hotel bookings and car rentals all by creating a travel itinerary from emails that you forward.
Whistler Peak Live: highway webcams, weather graphs, and backcountry forecasts in Whistler.