Adventure begins where the city ends.
Guests from Vaughan and the north-west GTA make the short drive to our main launch area near St. Jacobs for unforgettable sunrise and sunset hot air balloon flights.
Many people in Vaughan don’t realize that real hot air balloon rides are available so close to home. You don’t need to travel overseas or wait for a special festival—your adventure is waiting just beyond the edge of the city.
Our balloons don’t launch directly from Vaughan, but most guests make a comfortable drive to our countryside launch area near St. Jacobs. Depending on traffic, the drive is usually around 55–75 minutes by car. You’ll trade subdivision streets and big-box plazas for rolling farmland, quiet roads and huge open skies.
Hot air balloon rides are one of Toronto and Vaughan’s most popular unique gifts for Christmas, anniversaries, birthdays, proposals and milestone celebrations. When you want something unforgettable—not just another dinner or gift card—a balloon ride becomes the part of the story everyone remembers.
Flights for Vaughan guests usually depart from one of two countryside locations. Your pilot will confirm the exact meeting point in your pre-flight weather update based on wind direction and conditions.
Our most common launch area sits just outside St. Jacobs, north of Waterloo. With wide-open fields and quiet rural roads, it’s the ideal place to leave the city behind and let the wind decide where you drift.
View St. Jacobs launch area on Google MapsOn some dates, your pilot may choose to launch closer to Stratford for the safest and most scenic flight path. Our team will let you know which site is being used well before you leave Vaughan.
View Stratford launch area on Google Maps
If you’re booked on a sunrise flight, consider driving up the night before your adventure. Staying overnight near St. Jacobs or Elora means no pre-dawn highway driving—and plenty of time to explore markets, rivers and village streets at a relaxed pace.
Vaughan guests often choose to stay the night near St. Jacobs or Elora before early morning flights. Here are a few popular options close to our launch area.
Suite-style rooms with kitchenettes and easy access to both the farmers’ market and our St. Jacobs launch area.
A comfortable, family-friendly option with breakfast included—ideal before an early balloon departure.
A luxurious stay overlooking the Elora Gorge—perfect if you’re turning your balloon ride into a romantic overnight escape.
Once your feet are back on the ground, you can easily spend a few more hours exploring before driving back to Vaughan.
Fresh local food, Mennonite baking, crafts and more—many guests stop here for brunch after sunrise flights.
Browse boutiques, galleries and cafes in a charming historic village that feels a world away from the 400-series highways.
Walk riverside trails, admire limestone cliffs and enjoy local restaurants in one of Ontario’s prettiest small towns.
Whether you’re planning a proposal, celebrating an anniversary in Vaughan, or looking for a truly 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. You can also review our FAQs on the main Toronto Ontario Balloon Rides page.
Pricing and Purchasing
Sundance Balloons
Office Address: 48 Crampton Drive, Belmont, ON N0L 1B0
Phone: 416-239-4242
Email: info@sundanceballoons.com