There is no hotel pick up for your exciting Balloon Ride over Saskatoon. Make sure you call the Flight Line number given on your booking voucher the day before your flight to check the flight status and meeting time. On the day, you should make your way to the meeting point at Kinsmen Park for the pick up. You will then be driven to the launch site, where your flight crew will brief you on your upcoming adventure.
You can watch the thrilling sight of your balloon taking shape before your eyes, ultimately standing more than 10 stories tall. Once it is fully inflated and ready for take-off, you climb into the gondola for the start of a magical journey.
During your flight, you will watch the sun come up, and get a bird's-eye view of Saskatoon, the largest city in Saskatchewan.
From your vantage point in the balloon, you will see Saskatoon's seven bridges across the South Saskatchewan River. The names of these bridges are: The Grand Trunk, Senator Sid Buckwold, Traffic, Broadway, University, CPR and Circle Drive.
Saskatoon lies in a 'Chernozem belt', an area of farmland with fertile, black soil. These rich, dark soils stand out dramatically when seen from the air. Much of the landscape around Saskatoon is flat, though there are a few hills and valleys in the city's outlying areas.
You fly with the prevailing winds, so the flight patterns and landing sites will vary according to changing wind directions. There is no wind chill and very little feeling of movement or sensation of height.
You will drift silently over the countryside watching for wildlife and passing the time of day with envious onlookers down below. After about an hour's tranquil flight (the exact time depends on the winds) your pilot will prepare for landing.
Once on the ground, you will share in the oldest of ballooning traditions, a Champagne toast to celebrate a successful flight. Soft drinks are also available.
You will then board the vehicle and will be dropped back at the meeting point at Kinsmen Park.