
Travel Like a Boss with Helijet!
In travelling, it’s sometimes not just the destination that matters. The entire trip would be worth it if the journey was a blast. And if you were riding a first-class helicopter on your way to the destination, then you know you nailed it!
Helijet has been the top helicopter airlines in the North American continent. They have been operating since 1986, taking their passengers to some of the most amazing sceneries. They use 12-seater choppers that can fly through virtually any weather condition. Every weekday this summer, they are flying from Vancouver (both the harbor and the airport) to Nanaimo and Victoria. The schedule lasts until September 9.
On my trip, I took one from Vancouver to Victoria and vice versa. The travel costs $199 each way. I was told that this is one of the more affordable rates, since summer travel is apparently less busy. Helijet’s peak season comes during winter and fall, when prices can shoot up to $285.
What I really love with Helijet is how smooth the entire travel was. I have already mentioned that their Sikorsky S76 choppers can take any weather condition. When we departed from Vancouver, the weather was very gloomy. Visibility while on air was nil. Everything was so gray it felt like a flight simulation than anything else. However, the chopper (and the pilot, of course) handled the flight perfectly. We had a very smooth ride, from takeoff to landing.
The travel time took around 35 minutes. Helijet flies you directly to the inner harbor, so that you land in the heart of Victoria City. The company also offers a shuttle that can take you downtown. The shuttle is only for the landing part, though. You still need to find your way towards the heliport.
The latter is quite easy. To get to the Vancouver Harbor Heliport, simply take the train and alight at Waterfront Station. Go through the Waterfront Station Skywalk. The entire overhead walkway is a paid zone, so you have to show a proof of payment like a transit ticket. From here, you can follow signs to the Helijet. If you are driving or taking a cab, just get off at Waterfront Road. From Victoria, take Bus 31 and have the driver drop you off at Helijet. It’s just a short, 2-minute walk from the bus stop to the heliport itself. When driving or in a cab, take Dallas Road.
Another thing I really loved about Helijet is the fact that their pilots really show their passengers the good stuff. On the return trip to Vancouver, we got some good views. The gray sky was no longer. Our pilot suddenly announced that he saw breaching whales, and he made a U-turn to show us the sights. It was an amazing view, the type you see in nature documentary shows. We were really lucky to have seen it!
Of course, the service and amenities are also five-star. This is to be expected from the country’s premier helicopter airlines. The Vancouver lounge itself is a place to be, offering not just snacks and coffee but also cheese and wine for free! One can surf the net from their free WiFi, and I got a kick from the beautiful harbor view. This make any waiting time between flights easier.
Passengers are allowed a total of 50 lbs. of luggage, which is quite a lot. The staff themselves are very accommodating. I even asked the pilot for a picture, and he was more than willing! The whole service makes passengers feel at home.
For those traveling with family, bring your kids along with you! Kids 12 and under can fly for free in Helijet. If you have teens, fulfill their rock star dreams by taking the Rock The Shores package. For just $79 per way, Helijet flies you into the Rock The Shores musical festival. And not just anywhere in the fest — you get to land backstage! Rock The Shores happens annually every July, so save the date if you love rock ‘n’ roll.
Aside from the regular schedules, Helijet offers charter flights along the coastal communities. The company has also partnered with the British Columbia Air Ambulance Service. They provide air medical transport in case of emergencies. If you are the type to miss itineraries, you’re in luck — Helijet also takes chance passengers! Simply walk in and they’ll let you enjoy the ride.
A chopper ride is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And it’s even better when you’re taking one of the best chopper lines this side of the globe!
I never knew that there was chartered small planes like this. Those views are pretty good too.
I have always wanted to fly in a Helicopter. This looks like so much fun!
What a wonderful time!!! $79 for it is such a great deal. Would love to do this when I visit Victoria, BC!!
Thanks for sharing–another one for the books!
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Awww, I want to fly in a helijet! It should be an amazing experience.
This looks like a really fun experience and the price is pretty good too!
Oooh my gosh! I hadn’t heard of helijets. But I sure do love the idea. What a great little thing to do!
This looks amazing! Helicopters always have scared me but this looks fun!
wow, now that’s the way to travel. Been in a helicopter once and loved it. Great they had wifi for you too.
I completely agree that sometimes the way you take the journey really makes a huge impact on the entire trip! I think this sounds like an interesting way to travel and I would love it!
First time hearing of Helijet. Sounds great and the service sounds super.
It sounds like an awesome alternative to getting to different places. I love that it’s affordable during the summer, which means it’s perfect for getaways!
Looks like a fancy and relaxing way to travel! so cool
This is a great experience especially if it’s your first time travelling to Canada. I think it’s really convenient and it’s affordable as well. What an awesome way to see the lovely sights!
That view was extraordinary! What a fabulous experience that was. I love it!
Must add this to my list of to do’s next time I am in British Columbia! 🙂
Sounds like a nice ride! I envy you on your travel adventures, I hope I can find myself travelling too!
I haven’t seen a helijet. You are so lucky to travel with it, sounds like a fun riding adventure!
Vancouver looks like a nice place. My aunt lived near Vancouver and I will tell her about this.
Whoa that was awesome! How I wish I can experience that too!
Now that looks like fun. I’ve never been on a Helijet but I’m sure I’d love it. I’d take tons of photos, no doubt.
Nice! The view must be spectacular and having the flight to yourself must have been a novelty and unique experience.
What an amazing way of going from one city to another! I have never been in a helicopter before but I bet it’s quite a unique experience!
You did get a good price. Glad you had a fun time out!
this must be a fun thing to try. I would love to do this.
Wow, looks like Helijet is a really great company! I have have never ridden a helicopter but i would love to! It must have been amazing to see the whales too!
I get a bit sick in small planes. The views look nice though.