There is no hotel pick up for your exciting Balloon Ride over Winnipeg. 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 Southdale Mall 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 (a reinforced wicker basket) for the start of a magical journey.
You will take off in the lovely dawn light over the city of Winnipeg. The launch is so gentle you will hardly realize you have left the ground.
As you drift soundlessly along, you will enjoy glorious views of the lakes and waterways around Winnipeg. The city lies at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, an area known as The Forks. Other major rivers nearby are the La Salle and Seine.
You will also see Lake Winnipeg, the 11th largest freshwater lake in the world. Lying north of the city, it contains a few islands and is surrounded by limestone cliffs, beaches and caverns.
Tall buildings to look out for in the city include: the Canwest building, the Richardson building and the Commodity Exchange Tower.
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.
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 Southdale Mall.