Adventure begins where the city ends.
Many of our guests start their adventure in Scarborough and Toronto’s east end, then make the drive to our main launch area near St. Jacobs for unforgettable sunrise and sunset hot air balloon flights.
If you live in Scarborough, you already enjoy big-city energy with quick access to the lake and ravines — but it still surprises many locals to learn that real hot air balloon rides are available just a drive away. Most people assume you need to travel out of province or wait for a special festival, until they discover they can simply head west and lift off over peaceful Ontario countryside.
Our balloons don’t launch directly from Scarborough, but most guests make a straightforward drive along the 401 to our primary launch area near St. Jacobs, Ontario. Depending on where you’re starting and the time of day, the drive from Scarborough is usually about 100–120 minutes by car. Leave the traffic behind, trade high-rises and highways for fields and rivers, and still be home the same day.
Hot air balloon rides are one of Scarborough’s most memorable unique gifts for Christmas, anniversaries, birthdays, proposals and special occasions. When you want something bigger than “just dinner,” a balloon flight feels like a once-in-a-lifetime surprise — without needing a plane ticket.
Flights for Scarborough guests typically depart from one of two countryside locations. The exact site for your flight is chosen on the day based on weather and wind conditions to keep things safe and scenic:
Most Scarborough guests fly from our countryside launch area near St. Jacobs, just north of Waterloo. With wide-open fields, quiet roads and classic rural landscapes, it’s a beautiful place to watch the sunrise or sunset from the sky.
View St. Jacobs launch area on Google MapsOn some days, flights may launch closer to Stratford for the safest and most comfortable route. If that’s the case, our team will confirm your exact meeting point in your pre-flight update.
View Stratford launch area on Google MapsMany guests from Scarborough and Toronto’s east end turn their flight into a mini escape: drive up the day before, stay overnight near St. Jacobs or Elora, and wake up just a short distance from the launch field. It’s an easy way to feel worlds away for a night — without really going far at all.
If you’d like to drive up from Scarborough the day before your flight, here are some guest-favourite hotels near our St. Jacobs and Elora launch areas.
Unwind in suite comfort steps from St. Jacobs Market, then rise above the countryside with Sundance Balloons for breathtaking sunrise views.
Modern rooms, hot breakfast, and the market at your doorstep—then float over rolling farmland with Sundance Balloons.
Spacious suites with kitchens and a warm breakfast—cap your stay with a peaceful sunrise flight with Sundance Balloons.
Relax poolside or stroll the village shops before your sky-high adventure with Sundance Balloons.
Contemporary design meets rural charm—perfect rest before your morning flight with Sundance Balloons.
Five-star luxury perched above Elora Gorge—relax in the spa, dine on local cuisine, then float above it all with Sundance Balloons.
Before you drive back to Scarborough, spend a few extra hours exploring the villages and countryside around our launch areas.
Browse fresh produce, local crafts, and food vendors at Ontario’s most famous farmers’ market—just minutes from many of our launch areas.
Wander through charming streets lined with boutiques, cafes, and galleries in this historic Mennonite village.
Explore riverside trails, limestone cliffs, and a picturesque downtown filled with shops and restaurants—a favourite day-trip spot for guests from the east GTA.
Pair your balloon flight with world-class theatre, dining, and riverside strolls in Stratford before heading back to Scarborough.
Whether you’re planning a proposal, celebrating an anniversary, or searching for a unique Christmas or birthday gift in Scarborough or Toronto’s east end, our team is ready to help you take flight. Booking and gift certificate purchases are handled directly through Sundance Balloons. If you still have questions, you can also review our FAQs on the main site.
Pricing and Purchasing
Sundance Balloons
Office Address: 48 Crampton Drive, Belmont, ON N0L 1B0
Phone: 416-239-4242
Email: info@sundanceballoons.com