This Calgary tour lets you watch the sunrise from thousands of feet above the city

Sundance Balloons is giving Calgarians a whole new view of the city with hot air balloon rides that take you thousands of feet above the ground. The early morning adventure offers a chance to start the day from the sky while floating above Calgary’s parks, trails, and wide-open spaces.

So, if you’re curious about what it’s like to see Calgary from up above, here’s everything you need to know before booking your flight.

What to expect on the hot air balloon ride

According to Sundance Balloons, the adventure begins early in the morning, when guests take off before the city is fully awake. As the balloon rises, Calgary slowly comes into view from above. The experience gives passengers a bird’s-eye view of Calgary’s trails, provincial parks, green spaces, and some of the surrounding Alberta landscape.

Unlike other forms of air travel, hot air balloons move with the wind, making the ride feel slower and more relaxed. Flights typically only last an hour, and you’ll be accompanied by an experienced pilot who will guide the experience from takeoff to landing.

Sundance Balloons says, depending on the flight conditions, the hot air balloon can reach up to 2,500 feet above the ground.

When can you go on a Calgary hot air balloon ride?

Sundance Balloons’ hot air balloon ride season typically runs from the beginning of May until September, with flights dependent on weather conditions.

If you’re interested in booking a hot air balloon ride, don’t just block off an hour in your calendar. While you’ll spend about an hour floating above the city, the full adventure takes roughly three to four hours from start to finish. And the baskets themselves hold up to 12 guests, so if you want to go with a larger group, this could be a fun way to celebrate a special occasion or check something new off your bucket list together.

Tickets are priced at $300 per person, and the price includes the full adventure, from the safety briefing before takeoff to the hot air balloon ride itself, giving guests everything they need before they head up into the sky.

A sunrise view from the ground is already pretty beautiful, but seeing it from a hot air balloon is a completely different experience. Sure, waking up might not be ideal at first, but a view like this could make you forget all about the early alarm.

When: May until September 2026 (weather dependent)
Time: Tours start at 5 a.m.
Where: 5940 Blackfoot Trl. SE, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Starting at $300 per person

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Kaiya Williams

Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.

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