I technically don’t celebrate Christmas, chalk it up to my childhood or the fact that I worked retail sales for the majority of my adult work life, and now have an aversion to the crowds and over played Christmas music. However, one of the things I do enjoy and have picked up after leaving that career field behind is Flyover for Christmas.
For those unfamiliar, this is an indoor ride that has passengers buckling in and suspended over a gigantic screen. Your feet are left dangling as the row of seats you are in tilt from side to side, to simulate flight as you are taken over scenic Canada.
They are currently running two different shows, alternating and almost done consecutively. We would watch both. The first is their annual Christmas Flyover experience that sends guests on a trip across Canada, in search of Santa’s elves. The elves said to love vacationing in Canada given how picturesque it is. This features footage shot in 2016 and ends in an imaginary trip over the North Pole.
The second show is also one done across Canada, but with all new footage of all different landscapes, filmed in 2022 and first shown in 2023. It also showcases more athletics like skiers, hockey players, and frozen waterfall climbers as they maneuver across the scene.
But not just visuals, this immersive experience also includes sounds, touch, and smells. As you hear wind rush against sails, feel the spray of waves across your face, and breathe in the scent of freshly cut wheat from farmed fields.
For those who have never been it is a must for locals and visitors alike. For me, this was an easy way to take a quick and inexpensive vacation. I even got a souvenir of my travels from their gift shop after. Not only do they have branded merchandise, but other lovely goods that are not only practical, but fun. Canadian and Vancouver based products from theirs and other local attractions.
In between shows we took a pause at their in house cafe: Flying Whale. With lattes, cocktails, sandwiches, small plates, and desserts they have an impressive collection that was unexpected from a tourist attraction.
We tried a couple of their cream topped lattes and snacked on pressed panini sandwiches and chocolate covered desserts.
On the day of our visit they were also hosting a brunch with Santa within this space. The man in red was by the entrance greeting guests, then waving bye at the end of the Flyover Christmas show, and also available for photos at his very own chair.
In closing, this was a great way to spend the day and enjoy the season. A tradition I look forward to keeping next year, for my third year in a row.
Flyover in Vancouver
999 Canada Place #201, Vancouver
experienceflyover.com/vancouver
