Paragliding in BC

Soar above one of the world's most iconic mountain resorts on a tandem paragliding flight from Whistler Mountain. Launching from 1,530 metres, pilots and passengers glide over the Whistler and Blackcomb peaks, ancient glaciers, and the turquoise waters of Alta Lake far below. The views of the Sea to Sky corridor — from Howe Sound to the Pemberton Valley — are simply breathtaking. Flights last 15–25 minutes and require no experience whatsoever. Certified HPAC/ACPUL pilots handle everything; you just enjoy the ride.

Golden is home to one of the most legendary paragliding sites in Canada — Mount 7, a 2,134-metre peak that generates powerful thermals capable of lifting pilots to 4,000 metres and beyond. The site is famous in the international paragliding community for its exceptional cross-country potential; on a good day, pilots have flown over 200 km from this single launch. Tandem flights offer passengers a front-row seat to the Columbia Valley, the Purcell and Rocky Mountain ranges, and the confluence of the Columbia and Kicking Horse rivers. A world-class experience for any level of adventurer.

The Okanagan Valley is one of BC's premier paragliding destinations, blessed with long sunny days, reliable thermal conditions, and spectacular scenery. Flights launch from Okanagan Mountain and the ridges above Penticton, soaring over the deep blue of Okanagan Lake, row upon row of vineyards and orchards, and the surrounding desert hills. The dry interior climate produces strong, consistent thermals from spring through fall — ideal for both tandem passengers and solo pilots looking to log serious airtime. Sunset flights over the lake are among the most beautiful in the province.

Squamish sits at the meeting point of Howe Sound's fjord waters and the towering granite walls of the Coast Mountains — one of the most dramatic landscapes in Canada. Paragliding launches from the Stawamus Chief and Sky Pilot Mountain deliver passengers into the air above this spectacular scenery, with views stretching from the Howe Sound islands to the Tantalus Range glaciers and the Sea to Sky corridor all the way to Whistler. Squamish is also a world-renowned speed riding and speed flying destination, attracting elite pilots from around the globe.

Revelstoke's paragliding scene is centred on Mount Mackenzie — the same mountain that hosts one of North America's deepest ski resorts in winter. In summer, the gondola carries pilots and passengers to 1,938 metres, where launches deliver breathtaking views of the Columbia River valley, the Selkirk and Monashee mountain ranges, and the vast wilderness of Mount Revelstoke National Park. The combination of high elevation, reliable thermals, and spectacular scenery makes Revelstoke one of the most rewarding paragliding destinations in the BC interior.

The Pemberton Valley is a broad glacial valley ringed by some of the most spectacular peaks in the Coast Mountains — and from the air, it's absolutely stunning. Launches from the Pemberton Icefield Ridge at 1,800 metres send pilots soaring over the patchwork of potato farms, birch groves, and wildflower meadows below, with the Lillooet River winding through the valley floor and glacier-capped peaks in every direction. Pemberton is also a favourite destination for cross-country paragliding, with reliable thermals and long ridge lines that allow experienced pilots to cover serious distance.

Kamloops sits in the heart of BC's dry interior — a landscape of sagebrush grasslands, ponderosa pine, and the confluence of the North and South Thompson rivers. The area's hot, sunny climate generates some of the strongest and most reliable thermals in the province, making it a favourite destination for cross-country pilots. Launch sites above the Lac du Bois Grasslands and Peterson Creek Ridge offer sweeping views of the Thompson Valley, the city below, and the surrounding hills. Tandem flights are available for visitors, and the local club is one of the most active in BC.

Nelson is one of BC's most beloved small cities — a heritage arts town perched above Kootenay Lake in the heart of the Selkirk Mountains. Paragliding launches from Elephant Mountain and Blewett Ridge deliver pilots into the air above this stunning landscape, with views of Kootenay Lake's deep blue waters, the Selkirk and Purcell ranges, and the Slocan Valley stretching to the south. The Kootenays' mix of mountain ridges and valley thermals creates excellent flying conditions, and the local paragliding community is welcoming and knowledgeable.

Vancouver Island offers a unique paragliding experience — the combination of coastal sea breezes, mountain thermals, and ocean views creates flying conditions found nowhere else in BC. Launch sites on Mount Benson above Nanaimo and Forbidden Plateau near Courtenay offer views of the Georgia Strait, the Gulf Islands, the mainland Coast Mountains, and the rugged Vancouver Island interior. On clear days, pilots can see all the way to the Olympic Mountains in Washington State. The Island's mild climate allows flying from early spring through late fall.

Mount Woodside above Agassiz is one of the most accessible paragliding sites in BC — just 90 minutes from Vancouver — and one of the most beautiful. Launches from 1,050 metres deliver views of the Fraser River valley, Harrison Lake, the Cascade Mountains, and the broad patchwork of Fraser Valley farmland stretching to the coast. The site is particularly popular with beginner and intermediate pilots thanks to its consistent, forgiving conditions and the active local club that runs regular coaching days. Tandem flights are available for visitors wanting a taste of paragliding without the training commitment.