Heli Adventures in the Great Bear Rainforest
Taking to the skies via helicopter offers you unparalleled access to the most remote places in the world. The deep backcountry of British Columbia is an awe-inspiring landscape that only few get to see. Even before landing to explore on foot, the ability to hover offers panoramic views of ancient glaciers, towering mountains, and old growth forest.
Nimmo Bay, Bella Coola Heli Sports, and Tweedsmuir Park Lodge all specialize in heli adventures in BC.
At Nimmo Bay, enjoy unparalleled access to over 50,000 square miles of remote wilderness by booking your own private Helicopter Adventure. Explore the world from an entirely different perspective, soaring to areas where few people have access.
What Is a Heli-Adventure at Nimmo Bay?
When you book a Heli-Adventure at Nimmo, you’ll have a completely custom experience, design for you, by our team. Depending on your mood and desires, your full day of flightseeing might include exploring glaciers, lounging on remote beaches, and traversing through the alpine.
No matter the time of year, a heli trip is an experience that is sure to take your breath away. In May, the alpine lakes are still frozen in time before the summer thaw. June and July bring a summer experience to the mountaintops. September through October is ideal for secluded beach and coastal explorations. And if witnessing a once-a-year phenomenon is on your bucket list, the salmon run from August to October is truly something special.
Where Can You Go?
Remote Locations Only Accessible by Helicopter
Take to the skies in your personal helicopter to experience vast expanses of untamed wilderness. From white sand beaches to snow-topped peaks, no matter where you go, each is a breathtaking location.
Glaciers and Icefields
The Great Bear Rainforest is deeply shaped and influenced by glaciers. Stepping out onto these massive, slow moving frozen rivers is one way to feel the significant power of nature. As you stand there, surrounded by mountains, you truly feel like you’re on the top of the world.
During your Heli-Adventure, soar to over 4000 feet above sea level to Mount Benedict, the closest glacier to Nimmo Bay.
Sandy Beaches
Heli-Adventures don’t just have to include travelling high up to the mountaintops. Another highlight is reaching your very own private oceanfront beach! Burnett Bay is bound to be your favourite; with sun-soaked white sand beaches. This is one of the places the elusive coastal wolves call home. You might even discover a paw print in the sand.
Hidden Coves and Sea Caves
Mquqin/Brooks Peninsula is a coveted destination on the north end of Vancouver Island. Scientists discovered that this area was spared by the last ice age! Because of this, the peninsula has rare plants and a unique landscape that differs from the rest of the coast. From expansive beaches to dramatically carved out sea caves, there are few wilder and remote stretches of land. The only way to get to this incredible place is by kayak, boat, or helicopter.
Alpine Meadows and Lakes
Frolic in the most picture-perfect meadow you’ve ever seen. Have your very own Julie Andrews Sound of Music moment and twirl through the tall grass and wildflowers. These meadows thrive with such little human intervention.
Alpine lakes also hold a special place in our hearts and Goat Lake is a classic destination we visit during a Heli-Adventure. You won’t find water more crystal-clear than at high altitudes tucked in amongst the mountains. Dipping your toes into a pristine alpine lake might just be the ultimate cold plunge experience.
What Can You Do on a Heli-Adventure?
- Wander through whimsical alpine meadows
- Explore the most remote river systems and spot giant trout and salmon
- Settle on a quiet beach and watch for wildlife swimming by
- Go bear viewing
- Explore glacial landscapes and mountain tops
- Build a snowman or have a snowball fight on the top of a mountain, any time of year
- Savour our favourite chef creations during a private picnic
- Very optional cold-water swims! A one-in-a-lifetime challenge
- Bring your camera and capture photos of landscapes few have seen
Signature Experiences at Nimmo Bay
Multi-Stop Heli-Adventure
The Helicopter Adventure is a day-trip enhancement that can be booked as an add-on to your stay at Nimmo Bay. Your personal concierge will chat with you about what you’re most looking forward to during the experience. We use this to plan the day with your helicopter pilot. West Coast Helicopters are our closest partner when booking helis. If you’re solo or flying as a pair, you’ll hop in a Jet Ranger. If you’re travelling as a group, we book AStar B2s, which can accommodate a party of 5.
This won’t be just a one-stop adventure; you’ll touch down at several of our favourite spots throughout the day. Enjoy a beautiful morning on your own private beach, soaking in the ocean air. Sit down for a gourmet picnic lunch, and then hop back in your heli to fly up 4000 feet and explore the coastal mountain ranges.
Guided Paddleboarding in the Alpine
For an additional cost, we can pack the helis with paddleboards. You’ll have a larger helicopter and a personal adventure guide to take you paddling through the pristine, clear turquoise waters of the glacial tarns. The water ripples through the perfect reflection of the towering mountains overhead. Suitable for any skill level, this is a chance to experience the mountains in a truly unique way.
