No matter how many times I take off on a flight is just as exhilarating, I love being up in the air viewing the landscape below. After flying over Ottawa in a helicopter I was eager to try another one of the flying experiences departing from the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum. This time I book a biplane flight over Ottawa in a vintage propeller 1941 WACO biplane.
Just like with my helicopter tour of Ottawa, I booked my Biplane tour through Breakaway Experiences. They have two options, $178 for a 2 person 15 minute flight over Parliament Hill, or a 25 minute flight for $278 that will take you over Gatineau Hills.
For the flight, you are in an open air cockpit plane and get to wear a vintage aviator’s cap and goggles (or sun glasses).
Related: Helicopter Tour Of Ottawa
When flying I was surprised to discover it is no colder than on the ground as you as all the wind is blocked via the plane. The entire flight was very smooth, and because of the high walls on the sides and front of the plane, you feel very secure within your seat which you are securely belted into.
For the best views, I found looking over the sides gave the best view, but it is important to bring a small light camera with a strap as it would be very easy to accidentally drop your camera.
For the flight, I knew I was in good hands with Greg Reynolds a veteran pilot who has been flying commercially for more than 30 years, with the past 10 years offering up to 25 biplane flights per day. In the old school plane that has no autopilot, Reynolds skills in flying the biplane were apparent throughout the fly as he had us smoothly soaring over various landmarks in the National Capitol including the Parliament Buildings and Casino Lac-Leamy at an altitude of around 1500 feet at 120 km per hour.
It is hard not to fall in love with the amazing experience of seeing the city from more than a thousand feet up in the air as you zoom through the sky. If you are looking for a truly memorable experience taking a biplane flight over Ottawa is one you will never forget.