Thousand Islands: Helicopter Tour With Cider Mill and Lunch

The Thousand Islands region of New York offers a truly unique experience, combining breathtaking natural beauty with rich cultural heritage. Join this premier tour to explore the area from a bird’s-eye view, uncovering iconic landmarks like Boldt Castle and Singer Castle. After the exhilarating helicopter ride, dive into the local cider-making tradition at BUSL Cider Mill, where you’ll witness the process and savor the flavors. But the adventure doesn’t end there – a delightful lunch featuring the famous Thousand Islands Dressing caps off this unforgettable day, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for this captivating corner of the world.

Key Points

• Enjoy a 30-minute helicopter tour over the Thousand Islands region, including views of Boldt Castle, Singer Castle, Millionaires Row, and the International Bridge.
• Explore the cider production process at BUSL Cider Mill and sample their signature cider flavors, complemented by a light lunch featuring the renowned Thousand Islands Dressing.
• Enjoy the local culture and history of the Thousand Islands, with a live English-speaking guide providing insights during the tour.
• The tour is limited to 3 participants, offering an intimate and personalized experience of the region’s natural beauty and landmarks.
• Convenient meeting point at the Gananoque Heliport, with ample free parking and easy access from Kingston via Highway 401.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Scenic Helicopter Tour

The 30-minute scenic helicopter tour over the Thousand Islands region provides visitors with a unique aerial perspective on the area’s picturesque landscape.

From the sky, guests can admire landmarks like the grand Boldt Castle, the historic Singer Castle, the opulent Millionaires Row, and the iconic Thousand Islands International Bridge.

The tour’s small group size, limited to just 3 participants, ensures an intimate and personalized experience.

With a live English-speaking guide providing commentary, travelers can learn about the region’s rich history and natural wonders as they soar above the stunning St. Lawrence River and its myriad of islands.

Boldt Castle and Landmarks

Soaring above the sprawling Thousand Islands region, the helicopter tour offers guests a bird’s-eye view of the area’s renowned landmarks.

Guests will admire the majestic Boldt Castle, a Gilded Age mansion built as a testament to love. Nearby, the whimsical Singer Castle stands as a reminder of the opulence that once defined the Thousand Islands.

The tour also showcases Millionaires Row, where the elite built grand summer homes along the St. Lawrence River.

Offering a unique perspective, the tour traverses the Thousand Islands International Bridge, a vital transportation link between Canada and the United States.

These aerial sights provide an unforgettable experience that captures the grandeur and beauty of this storied region.

Visiting BUSL Cider Mill

Descending from the aerial vantage, the tour takes guests to BUSL Cider, the region’s newest cider mill.

During the guided tour, visitors can:

• Witness the cider production process firsthand, from pressing the apples to fermenting the juice.
• Sample a variety of BUSL’s signature cider flavors, showcasing the unique taste of the Thousand Islands region.
• Enjoy a light lunch featuring the world-famous Thousand Islands Dressing, a perfect accompaniment to the crisp, refreshing cider.

The cider mill visit provides a delightful complement to the breathtaking helicopter tour, offering a well-rounded experience that immerses guests in the local culture and flavors of the Thousand Islands.

Cider Production and Tastings

Upon arriving at BUSL Cider, the tour takes guests on a guided exploration of the cider production process.

Visitors witness the pressing of local apples, fermentation, and aging. The staff shares insights into the unique flavors and techniques used to craft BUSL’s signature cider.

Guests then have the opportunity to sample a variety of cider profiles, from crisp and dry to sweet and bubbly. The cider tasting highlights the region’s apple varieties and terroir.

This hands-on experience allows participants to develop a deeper appreciation for the art of cider making in the Thousand Islands.

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Thousand Islands Dressing Lunch

After the aerial adventure, guests are treated to a light lunch featuring the renowned Thousand Islands Dressing.

This iconic dressing, a staple of the region, is expertly crafted and served alongside a selection of fresh ingredients.

The lunch offers:

• A crisp mixed green salad, dressed with the signature creamy and tangy Thousand Islands Dressing.
• Freshly baked bread, perfect for dipping and savoring the dressing’s unique flavors.
• A sampling of local cheeses and cured meats, complementing the dressing’s complex profile.

The lunch provides a delightful conclusion to the comprehensive Thousand Islands experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy the area’s culinary traditions.

Meeting Point and Directions

The Gananoque Heliport, located at 88 County Rd 32 in Leeds & 1000 Islands, Ontario, Canada, serves as the convenient meeting point for this scenic helicopter tour.

It’s just a 20-minute drive from Kingston, accessible off exit 645 from Highway 401.

Visitors are advised to arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure to ensure a smooth check-in process.

Ample free parking is available on-site, making it easy for participants to meet up and begin their aerial adventure over the stunning Thousand Islands region.

Important Tour Information

To book this scenic helicopter tour, visitors can reserve their spots and pay later, providing flexibility to change the tour date if needed.

There are a few important considerations:

• The maximum weight per seat is 275 lbs (125 kg), and all passengers will be weighed at check-in.
• Children aged 2 and up must have their own seat, while those under 2 can sit on a guardian’s lap.
• Handheld cameras and mobile devices are allowed on board, allowing guests to capture the breathtaking views during the 30-minute flight.

This tour offers an exceptional opportunity to soar over the stunning Thousand Islands region while also enjoying a guided cider tasting and a light lunch.

Customer Testimonials

Passengers who’ve experienced the Thousand Islands helicopter tour have left overwhelmingly positive reviews.

One traveler from the UK, Edward, praised the smooth helicopter ride and unique cider flavors, while Terrence from Canada described the tour as outstanding, highlighting the excellent staff and ambience.

A reviewer from the US, Jeremy, enjoyed the experience with his son, noting the cider mill’s appeal.

With an overall rating of 5/5 based on 15 reviews, the Thousand Islands helicopter tour has earned rave reviews from satisfied customers across North America and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Helicopter Tour Suitable for Individuals With Motion Sickness?

The helicopter tour may not be suitable for individuals prone to motion sickness, as the aerial views and movements could potentially exacerbate symptoms. It’s recommended that those with concerns about motion sickness consult a medical professional before booking the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Beverages on the Tour?

No, outside food and beverages aren’t allowed on the tour. The package includes a light lunch featuring the renowned Thousand Islands Dressing, as well as a guided tasting at the cider mill. Bringing your own items isn’t permitted.

Is the Cider Mill Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The cider mill tour is wheelchair accessible. According to the tour overview, the entire experience, including the helicopter ride and cider mill tour, is wheelchair-friendly.

What Happens in the Event of Inclement Weather?

In the event of inclement weather, the tour operator will provide options to reschedule the helicopter tour and cider mill visit for a future date or offer a full refund. Flexibility and customer satisfaction are prioritized.

Are Professional Photography Services Available During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t provide professional photography services. However, guests are welcome to use their own handheld cameras and mobile devices to capture the scenic aerial views and cider mill experiences during the tour.

Recap

This breathtaking helicopter tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the Thousand Islands’ natural beauty from the sky. After exploring iconic landmarks, visitors can enjoy local culture at the BUSL Cider Mill, where they’ll learn about the cider-making process and enjoy a delightful lunch featuring the famous Thousand Islands Dressing. This unforgettable experience blends stunning views with authentic, local flavors.

You can check if your dates are available here: