Hot air balloon rising at sunrise near Toronto, Ontario

Hot Air Balloon Rides Near Toronto, Ontario

Adventure begins where the city ends.

Many of our guests start their adventure in Toronto and make the drive to our main launch area near St. Jacobs for unforgettable sunrise and sunset hot air balloon flights.

For guests travelling from Toronto & the Greater Toronto Area

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From Toronto to Your Hot Air Balloon Ride

If you live in Toronto, you’re not alone if you’ve never realized a real hot air balloon ride is possible this close to home. Many of our passengers tell us they always thought balloon flights happened somewhere far away—until they discovered they could simply drive out of the city and take off over peaceful Ontario countryside.

Our balloons don’t physically launch from downtown Toronto, but most guests make a scenic drive to our primary launch area near St. Jacobs, Ontario. Depending on where you’re coming from and the time of day, the drive from Toronto is usually about 90–110 minutes by car. Leave the traffic behind, float over fields and rivers, and be back in the city the same day.

Hot air balloon rides are one of Toronto’s most popular 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.

Hot air balloon drifting over soft morning light in rural Ontario near Toronto
What a typical Toronto balloon adventure looks like:
  • Book your flight or gift certificate securely through Sundance Balloons.
  • On flight day, drive from Toronto to our launch area near St. Jacobs (about 90–110 minutes).
  • Meet your pilot and crew, watch the balloon inflate, and gently lift off for a 45–60 minute flight.
  • After landing and a traditional toast, explore nearby villages or head back to Toronto with an incredible story.
Passengers smiling in a hot air balloon basket during sunrise near St. Jacobs
Colourful hot air balloon canopy filling with air before launch

Closest Launch Areas to Toronto

Flights for Toronto 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:

Primary Launch Area: Near St. Jacobs, Ontario

Approx. 90–110 minutes from Toronto by car

Most Toronto 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 Maps

Alternate Launch Area: Stratford Region

Used when wind and weather are better suited to this area

On 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 Maps

Make It a Countryside Getaway from Toronto

Many Toronto guests 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.

Hot air balloon soaring above patchwork Ontario farmland at golden hour
Balloon crew preparing the basket while dawn light hits the fields
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Places to Stay Near Your Flight

If you’d like to drive up from Toronto the day before your flight, here are some guest-favourite hotels near our St. Jacobs and Elora launch areas.

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Things to Do Near Your Flight

Before you drive back to Toronto, spend a few extra hours exploring the villages and countryside around our launch areas.

St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market

St. Jacobs

Browse fresh produce, local crafts, and food vendors at Ontario’s most famous farmers’ market—just minutes from many of our launch areas.

Village of St. Jacobs

St. Jacobs

Wander through charming streets lined with boutiques, cafes, and galleries in this historic Mennonite village.

Elora Village & Gorge

Elora

Explore riverside trails, limestone cliffs, and a picturesque downtown filled with shops and restaurants—a favourite day-trip spot for Toronto guests.

Stratford Festival Theatre

Stratford

Pair your balloon flight with world-class theatre, dining, and riverside strolls in Stratford before heading back to Toronto.

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Ready to Plan Your Hot Air Balloon Ride?

Whether you’re planning a proposal, celebrating an anniversary, or searching for a unique Christmas or birthday gift, 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
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Contact

Sundance Balloons
Office Address: 48 Crampton Drive, Belmont, ON N0L 1B0
Phone: 416-239-4242
Email: info@sundanceballoons.com