Surprise your dad with experience gift ideas that take Father’s Day to new heights!
Many Dads dream of flying. Whether it's piloting a plane or enjoying the view from above in a hot air balloon, the sky holds a special place in their hearts. This Father’s Day, why give him socks or another mug when you can give him something truly unforgettable? Experience gift ideas, like flying adventures, are a great way to create lasting memories.
Flying experiences across Canada are as thrilling as they are scenic. They’re immersive, exciting, and often once-in-a-lifetime adventures. From hot air balloon rides to simulated Boeing flights, there’s a sky-high experience for every kind of dad.
This list features seven incredible flying gifts available through Breakaway Experiences, perfect for Father’s Day:
#1 Flight Simulator Experience Gifts
For dads who love aviation but prefer to stay grounded, flight simulator experiences offer the thrill of flying without leaving the Earth.
In Toronto, he can step into the cockpit of a Boeing 777 and test his piloting skills with a fully immersive simulator that’s as close to real flying as it gets. Or, in Calgary, the Boeing 737 simulator lets him navigate through realistic scenarios with authentic controls.
These aren’t video games; they’re used for real pilot training. Whether he's landing at LAX in stormy weather or cruising over Vancouver, he'll get a taste of life in the captain’s seat.
👉Let Dad fly like a pro in a Boeing 777 simulator in Toronto.
👉Gift him the controls of a 737 in Calgary.
#2 Hot Air Balloon Rides
Few things match the peaceful thrill of floating across the sky in a hot air balloon. It’s a quiet, gentle way to soak in stunning landscapes, and a perfect slow-paced flying experience gift idea for the thoughtful dad.
From the rolling hills of Ontario to the wide-open skies of Saskatchewan and seeing the Rocky Mountains on the horizon from Calgary, Edmonton, or Grand Prairie, Canada’s ballooning locations offer unforgettable sights.
Plus here’s something extra: hot air balloon rides are held at sunrise and sunset, so Dad gets to watch the world wake up from thousands of feet in the air and unwind as the sun sets..
👉Explore all hot air balloon rides in Canada.
#3 Scenic Helicopter Rides
If your Dad enjoys a touch of adrenaline with his sightseeing, a helicopter ride is the perfect experience gift. These flights are short, exciting, and packed with jaw-dropping views.
In Ottawa & Gatineau, the helicopter glides over Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, and the Gatineau Hills in full colour during the warmer months. In Mont-Tremblant, Dad will see mountain peaks, forests, and lakes from above.
For something truly iconic, the Niagara Falls helicopter tour brings him over one of Canada’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Or let him take in Toronto’s skyline from the air for a fresh new perspective on the city.
👉Give Dad a bird’s-eye view of Ottawa & Gatineau.
👉Let him see Mont-Tremblant like never before.
👉Fly over Niagara Falls—it’s unforgettable.
👉Treat him to a Toronto skyline tour from above.
#4 Introductory Flying Lesson
For the hands-on dad who loves to learn, an introductory flying lesson is a one-of-a-kind gift. He’ll sit in the pilot’s seat beside a certified instructor and actually fly the plane for a portion of the experience.
In Barrie, Ontario, it’s just a short drive from the GTA, and the lesson includes pre-flight instruction and in-air time. Squamish, BC, offers stunning west coast views that make flying a small plane even more thrilling. Over in Brandon, Manitoba, dad can soar above wide prairie skies, perfect for first-time flyers.
This gift is more than just fun, as it’s the first step toward a new hobby or even a private pilot’s license.
👉Send him flying in Barrie with a real pilot.
👉Let him fly over the breathtaking BC coast - Squamish.
👉Give him a flying start in Brandon, Manitoba.
#5 Biplane Flight
Want to give Dad a flying experience straight out of a vintage movie? A biplane flight is as classic as it gets. The open cockpit, the goggles, the wind in his face — it's a thrilling throwback to aviation’s early days!
In Ottawa, the biplane tour includes stunning views of the Parliament buildings and nearby rivers. In Edmonton, the flight takes off from Wetaskiwin, where wide skies and prairie scenery give it that true retro feel.
This is for dads who love history, old-school engineering, or just want to feel like Indiana Jones for a day.
👉Send Dad soaring in a vintage biplane over Ottawa.
👉Gift him an old-school thrill ride in Wetaskiwin, south of Edmonton.
#6 Tandem Hang Gliding
For the thrill-seeker dad, tandem hang gliding near Toronto might be the perfect gift. Strapped safely to a certified instructor, he’ll run, take off, and soar like a bird.
This experience offers the sensation of free flight, without the stress of operating the glider. It's an incredible way to feel the air and see the countryside below, no engine noise, just wind and views.
If your dad’s the adventurous type who’s tried it all, this experience gift idea will absolutely thrill him.
👉Give Dad the thrill of free flight near Toronto.
#7 Whistler Backcountry Scenic Flight
If your dad is into nature and mountains, the Whistler backcountry flight is pure magic. Flying above snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and alpine lakes, this tour is all about rugged beauty.
This 30-minute adventure covers vast stretches of untouched wilderness, offering a perspective few get to enjoy. It’s peaceful, yet dramatic. And the best part? It’s all aboard a high-wing aircraft built for sightseeing.
It’s a great way to see the kind of landscapes that make you stop and say “wow” out loud.
👉Gift Dad a wild flight over Whistler’s backcountry.
Final Thoughts
Father’s Day gifts don’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, the best gift is time together and an experience that’s out of the ordinary. These flying experience gift ideas are, without a doubt, unforgettable stories waiting to happen.
So this year, skip the tie. Give him the sky.
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Looking for more flying gift ideas? Browse Breakaway Experiences for unforgettable options that make gifting easy and exciting.
