Horseshoe Canyon is spectacular on the best of days, but it becomes even more awe inspiring at 600 feet above ground. This is the fourth year that Mountain View Helicopters have been offering breathtaking flights over the Horseshoe Canyon. Taking off from the Horseshoe Canyon view point, they offer an approximately six minute Canyon Tour, which treats the passenger to a flight over this incredible canyon. This year they are also offering the Horseshoe Tour. This flight, lasting 10-12 mintues, flies as far north as Kneehill Creek, offering vistas of the Red Deer River Valley, the Royal Tyrrell Mueseum, Drumheller and Horsethief Canyon.
“So far nearly everybody that has gone up has enjoyed it,” said pilot Paul Bergeron. “It is very rare that people don’t enjoy the experience.” Four years ago they began doing tours in a classic Bell 47 chopper. They have since upgraded to a 1999 Robinson R44 chopper, one of the fastest selling helicopters today. The modern machine allows the crew to carry up to three passengers, depending on weight restrictions, on the tour.
Tours will begin mid-June and run until September long weekend. The Canyon tour costs $40 per person plus GST, with a minimum of two passengers. The Horsehoe Tour runs $80 plus GST. The cost is reasonable considering what one would pay for rides at the midway. The folks at Mountain View Helicopters also do charter flights, call 334-HELI (4354) for information and to arrange flight times.
Horseshoe Canyon is 10 minutes west of Drumheller on Highway 9.
