FlyOver Canada
Family of 4
$110-140 CAD (~$80-100 USD)
Duration
45 minutes to 1 hour
Best Ages
5+ years (minimum 40 inches tall)
About
FlyOver Canada is one of those attractions that sounds gimmicky until you actually experience it, and then you understand why it's been one of Vancouver's most popular family attractions since opening in 2013.
Located inside Canada Place — the iconic white-sailed building on the downtown waterfront — the experience starts with a pre-show that introduces Canada through cinematic storytelling. It's polished and sets the mood nicely. Then you enter the ride theater, take your seat, and your feet lift off the ground.
The 8-minute ride uses a massive spherical screen, motion seats, wind effects, water mist, and even scent to simulate the sensation of flying across Canada. You soar over Niagara Falls and feel the spray. You glide through prairie wheat fields and smell the grain.
You swoop over the Rocky Mountains with wind rushing past. The Pacific coastline passes below your dangling feet. It's genuinely thrilling in a family-friendly way — no scary drops or inversions, just the breathtaking sensation of flight.
The whole visit takes about 45 minutes to an hour, including the pre-show, ride, and gift shop browse. It's not a full-day attraction, but it's an unforgettable hour. Kids who meet the 40-inch height minimum (roughly age 5+) consistently rate it as a highlight of their Vancouver trip.
A couple of practical notes: the height minimum is strictly enforced for safety, so measure your kids before you go to avoid disappointment. The ride involves motion and hanging in a seat with feet dangling — most kids love it, but those with severe motion sensitivity should know what they're getting into. The ride area is dark and loud during the pre-show and flight.
Canada Place itself is worth exploring after the ride. The waterfront promenade has excellent views of the harbor, the North Shore mountains, and floatplanes taking off. On sunny days, it's a great place for a family walk before heading into nearby Gastown for lunch.
FlyOver Canada pairs perfectly with other downtown attractions — it's a short walk from the SeaBus terminal (for trips to Lonsdale Quay or the North Shore), Gastown, and the Steam Clock. Book your time slot online for the best rate and to guarantee your preferred time.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Not Available
Setting
Indoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings for shortest waits. First and last time slots of the day tend to be less busy.
Wait Times
10-20 minutes on weekdays; up to 30 minutes on summer weekends
Nearby Food
Canada Place has several restaurants including Cactus Club Cafe and Tap & Barrel with harbor views. The nearby Waterfront Station area has Steamworks Brewing and dozens of dining options in Gastown, a 5-minute walk away.
Why Kids Love It
Imagine sitting in a chair that lifts you off the ground, a massive dome screen wrapping around you, and suddenly you're soaring over the Rocky Mountains with wind in your hair, mist on your face, and the smell of pine forests. That's FlyOver Canada. The 8-minute ride uses motion chairs, wind, scent, and water effects to simulate flight across the entire country — from Niagara Falls to the Arctic to the Pacific Coast.
Kids' jaws drop the moment their feet leave the floor. The pre-show builds anticipation with a cinematic introduction to Canada, and then the main ride delivers a sensory experience unlike anything else in Vancouver. It's short but utterly memorable.
Kids who've been once will immediately ask when they can go again. The height minimum (40 inches / 102cm) means most kids 5+ can ride.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Book a specific time slot online — it's cheaper and you skip the ticket line
- Sit in the front row of the ride theater for the most immersive experience
- The 40-inch height minimum is strictly enforced — measure your kids at home first
- The whole experience is about 25 minutes (pre-show + ride) — plan around it, not a full day
- Canada Place itself is worth a walk afterward — great views of the harbor and mountains
What to Bring
- Nothing special needed — it's a fully indoor experience
- A light jacket (the ride area is air-conditioned)
- Your phone for photos in the pre-show area
- Comfortable shoes for walking around Canada Place afterward
- An open mind — some kids (and adults) find the motion surprisingly intense
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$110-140 CAD (~$80-100 USD)
Tips to Save
- Book online for discounted rates.
- Check for combo deals with other Vancouver Attractions Pass venues like the aquarium and Science World.
- Kids under 3 not permitted on the ride.