Hot air balloon rides are this summer’s best experience gifts, but is dawn or dusk the better choice?
Soaring above the treetops, catching panoramic views with the wind in your hair, hot air balloon rides offer a magical, peaceful way to take in Canada’s natural beauty. They’ve become one of the best experience gifts for families, couples, and anyone needing a much-needed break from the everyday rush. With the rise of gifting experiences over material things, these scenic flights offer something unforgettable: quiet skies, stunning photos, and stories to share.
Summer is the perfect season for a ride. The weather’s calm, the skies are clear, and Canada’s vast landscapes are on full display. But once you’ve decided to take the leap, or give the gift, you’ll need to choose: sunrise or sunset?
We’re here to help you figure that out. From the pros and cons of each time of day to the best cities in Canada to take flight, here’s your full guide to hot air balloon rides this summer.
Why Hot Air Balloon Rides Make the Best Experience Gifts
Aside from being a thrilling experience, a hot air balloon ride is a moment of calm, wonder, and connection. It’s a rare chance to disconnect from screens and soak in Canada’s wide-open spaces.
For families, it’s an unforgettable bonding moment. For couples, it’s incredibly romantic. For thrill-seekers, it’s the kind of bucket list check that comes with bragging rights.
Sunrise vs. Sunset Rides: What to Expect
Sunrise Rides: Calm Skies and Crisp Views
Sunrise flights usually launch before 6 a.m., giving you a chance to watch the sky slowly brighten as the world wakes up. You’ll often float above light morning mist, which adds a dreamlike quality to your photos.
Pros:
- Cooler temperatures and smoother winds.
- Higher chance of clear skies.
- Ideal lighting for photography.
Cons:
- Very early wake-up time.
- Dewy ground can mean damp feet during setup.
Sunset Rides: Golden Light and Peaceful Endings
Evening flights typically take off about two hours before sunset. The late-day sun adds a warm glow to everything, perfect for golden-hour selfies and romantic views.
Pros:
- Warmer air, great for summer evenings.
- More relaxed start time.
- Spectacular colours during descent.
Cons:
- More risk of wind picking up throughout the day.
- Afternoon clouds can sometimes block the sunset.
So, which one’s better? At this point, it's safe to say that it all comes down to preference. Love the calm and quiet of early mornings? Go for sunrise. Prefer to wind down your day with something beautiful and awe-inspiring? Sunset’s your match.
7 Hot Air Balloon Locations Across Canada
If you've finally decided between sunrise and sunset, the next question is, where should you go? Here are seven Canadian cities offering both sunrise and sunset balloon rides that you’ll remember for years.
#1 Edmonton Hot Air Balloon Ride
Float above Alberta’s capital and watch the North Saskatchewan River sparkle from above. You’ll see the city’s skyline, the green river valley, and wide open prairies stretching to the horizon. Sunrise rides here often feature fog lifting off the river, creating magical views.
👉 Try this in the summer while the days are longest and visibility is crystal clear.
Book your Edmonton balloon ride now
#2 Grande Prairie Hot Air Balloon Ride
Grande Prairie offers a quieter, rural ride. You’ll drift over farmland, rolling hills, and patches of boreal forest. Both sunrise and sunset rides show off Alberta’s vast open skies, but sunrise offers especially soft morning light perfect for landscape photos.
👉 A great gift for prairie lovers and those who enjoy slower-paced adventures.
Book your Grande Praire flight here
#3 London Hot Air Balloon Ride
In Ontario, London’s ride gives you a mix of urban and rural views. You’ll spot the city’s downtown core as well as surrounding forests and farmland. Sunsets are especially popular here because of the wide-angle views and rich evening colours over the landscape.
👉 Ideal for couples or families exploring Southern Ontario this summer.
Reserve your London ride today
#4 Ottawa Hot Air Balloon Ride
This capital city ride offers a peek into both nature and history. Float over the Ottawa region and experience spectacular views. Sunrise is a quiet moment here before the city wakes up, while sunset gives glowing views of the colourful skyline.
👉 A thoughtful gift for locals wanting to view Ottawa from a different perspective.
Fly over the capital — book your Ottawa ride now
#5 Saskatoon Hot Air Balloon Ride
Saskatoon’s flat terrain makes for impressive sky views. Whether you choose sunrise or sunset, the wide prairie skies seem to stretch forever. Mornings here are peaceful, often filled with birdsong and fresh air.
👉 Perfect for those who want to relax and reconnect with the land.
Plan your Saskatoon hot air balloon adventure
#6 Toronto Area Hot Air Balloon Ride (Kitchener)
Just a short drive from Toronto, this ride launches near Kitchener and offers a surprising mix of forests, farms, and small towns. Sunset rides are popular for their rich, golden colours across the Grand River area. However, sunrise flights offer the clearest skies.
👉 An exciting gift for GTA residents who need a scenic summer escape.
Book your Toronto-area balloon ride now
#7 Winnipeg Hot Air Balloon Ride
Winnipeg’s balloon rides launch near the city but quickly drift into the countryside. See the Red River, open fields, and clusters of forest. Sunrises here come with golden fields and low morning fog, while sunsets show the city’s skyline glowing from afar.
👉 A fantastic gift for prairie locals or visitors wanting a wide-open view.
Secure your spot on a Winnipeg ride today
The Bottom Line: Pick the Ride That Fits Your Summer Mood
Sunrise rides give you stillness, soft light, and calm winds, perfect for early birds and photographers. Sunset rides offer colour, warmth, and easy-going vibes, great for relaxed summer evenings with family or your partner.
Whichever you choose, you’ll get something priceless: a unique memory high above the ground, with nothing but the sky around you.
This summer, skip the typical gift card. Give the experience of a lifetime!
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Ready to rise above it all? Visit BreakawayExperiences.com and discover more hot air balloon rides near you.
