We Tried It: FlyOver Canada’s Latest 4-D Ride

Are we going in yet? My six-year-old grandson William asked me with much excitement. This was his second time experiencing the thrill of Flyover Canada and he was ready—more than ready, eager to soar above Canada’s treasured locales.  

Inspired by the wildly popular adventure known as Soarin’ at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts, Flyover made its North American debut at Canada Place in June 2013. As it was a decade ago, Flyover is the culmination of flight, travel, brilliant cinematography and remarkable creativity.

It’s newest film, Awaken Canada, captures our country’s iconic landscapes and welcoming spirit from an entirely different perspective. Your pre-boarding journey begins with a brief and interesting film into the history of the Great White North, which pays homage to the Indigenous peoples. Before long, we were ushered into our seats and advised to buckle our seat belts.

Then, the lights went down for an instant and when they came back on, we were off, suspended in front of a 65-foot spherical screen that mimics flying. As a rush of icy wind hit my face, I could feel midst from the clouds we passed through and smell scents of the virtual environments we flew passed. It truly does feel like you are airborne.

For 10 minutes, I was moving, rolling, coasting, and soaring above and amid stunning terrains – Baffin Island, through the sails of the historic Bluenose II, and across the Prairies. Other locales include Mt. Logan, the Athabasca Sand Dunes, and some of the country’s most challenging topography, to name only a few spectacular landmarks. As the 4D ride came to an end, I knew there were far more places for me to explore in this vast country we call home.  

Created in collaboration with Parks Canada, and developed in collaboration with native influence and expertise, David Mossop, the film’s writer and director, shared, “For many Canadians home is built upon an appreciation of many cultures coming together, an awareness of Canada’s vast diverse landscapes, and a collective personality built on tenacity, kindness, and respect. Ninety-nine per cent of people will never get to see much of this huge country, especially the Arctic. We hope this visceral and expansive experience awakens a newfound reverence for, and connection to, the magnificent place we call home.”

Hungry?

Before or after all that excitement, you might be a little peckish. Adjacent to Flyover Canada,  The Flying Whale Waterfront Cafe was the ideal après flying location. The bright, airy café not only offered great people watching opportunities, but its casual fare, including paninis, salads, pizza, grilled cheese for kids, hit the spot.  

Throughout the journey William beamed from ear to ear, and as we left, he begged me to take him again soon. That’s a promise I will keep.

Employing integrated, sophisticated drone technology and classic cinematic helicopter shot, the introspective storytelling and masterful cinematography speaks to the dazzling quality of work put into this film. Book your Flyover Canada’s New: Awaken Canada adventure, located at Canada Place in Vancouver’s downtown waterfront, at flyovercanada.com. P.S. Children must be at least 40 inches tall to get in. Book online for the best rates. —Michelle Hopkins