It is starting to feel a lot more festive in Vancouver, which means we see the re-emergence of our favourite holiday installations and traditions, and this includes Flyover Canada. They have brought back their annual winter experience, where you get to fly on a sleigh searching for elves. For those unfamiliar this is the attraction/ride that straps you in and gives you the feeling of flight as you float over scenic Canada.
From November 21, 2024 to January 1, 2025. Soar with Santa charts a course across Canada towards the Arctic Ocean, from Canada Place in downtown Vancouver to visit Santa in the North Pole.
Not only is your sense of sight engaged with picturesque views, but your sense of touch stimulated through the simulation of flight. Your seat is rocked and rolled, and tilted right from under you.
You will also feel a mist of dew as you fly over fresh spring grass, feel condensation when you glide over the Niagara Falls, and get a refreshing spray of fresh powder from the snow capped Rockies.
You hear the sounds of running water, the laughter of children, and the hum of Northern lights that are synced up to tranquil melodies.
You smell the scent of fresh cut grass, the roast of Prairie barley, gingerbread from Mrs. Claus’ bakeshop, and peppermint from Santa’s workshop.
I have done the experience a handful of times now, and during each I left feeling like it was a little short lived. However, that might be intentional in order to leave you wanting more and coming back for the next season’s adventure. Typically coupled with celebrations and themes there is Flyover China during Chinese new year. You can Flyover Iceland during Canada Day. And for the holiday season, not only do you fly over Canada, but you also get a taste of the North Pole as well. This is coupled with the task of finding Santa’s elves and returning them back to the North Pole so that they can help prepare all the toys for all the girls and boys.
Fun for the children, with the ability to see Santa early, and equally enjoyable as an adult. Speaking for those around me, we all enjoyed having our feet tangled off the edge. Kicking them made us feel precious and small.
After the adventure we headed down to the Flyover gift shop and connecting café. The former gives you the ability to pick up your commemorative photos, as well as shop for locally made stocking stuffers, souvenirs that mark the occasion and represent Canada, for the tourists.
At the Flying Whale Café, you can grab some holiday themed snacks including festive hot and cold beverages, like peppermint mocha and hot chocolate. For something sweet there is a Yuletide chocolate cake log, a festive fruit and nut loaf, and gingerbread cookies. They also have Santa and snowman themed candies on a stick or in a tin.
And if you visit The Flying Whale Café on a Saturday or Sunday between November 30th and December 22nd you can enjoy a hearty breakfast with Santa before boarding the flight ride. Online bookings for breakfast with Santa will open on November 7th, 2024. Link below.
www.experienceflyover.com/vancouver
Looking to save?
Kids Ride Free – Children aged 13 and under are admitted free with each regular-priced adult ticket on Monday-Thursdays, from November 21 through December 19 (excluding November 28).
Black Friday Savings – Purchase your tickets during Black Friday at a reduced rate of $20 per adult and $10 per child (limit of 14 tickets per guest, available online and at the attraction between November 25 – December 2. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, including Kids Ride Free).
Dual-ride Discount – See both Soar with Santaand Flyover’s new anchor experience Awaken Canada, with the second show at a 30% discount.
BC Locals Rate – If you’re a BC resident, show your identification at the entrance to receive a special rate; if you’re the only person in your group to have a valid BC ID, everyone in the group benefits (note: cannot be combined with other offers).
Flyover in Vancouver
999 Canada Place #201, Vancouver
experienceflyover.com/vancouver
November 21 – December 19 (11am-7pm)
December 20 – January 1 (10am-8:30pm)
experienceflyover.com/vancouver
