First time in a hot air balloon? You’re not alone — most of our guests are flying for the very first time. This page answers the most common questions about how booking works, what to expect on flight day, safety, weather, and more.
If you don’t see your question answered here, you’re always welcome to contact us or give us a call. We’re happy to help.
How to purchase, how vouchers work, and what happens when weather or plans change.
There are two steps:
Step 1 — Purchase a ticket.
This allows you (or a gift recipient) to fly anytime during our operating season.
Step 2 — Book your flight date.
When you’re ready, choose the day you want to fly. Once your date is booked,
you’ll receive detailed instructions for that specific flight.
You can complete both steps online, or call us if you prefer personal help.
Absolutely. Many guests prefer calling so they can ask questions, coordinate with a gift recipient, or check scheduling options. We’re happy to help with both purchasing a ticket and booking your flight date over the phone.
Yes — gift certificates are very popular. You purchase the certificate first, and the recipient books their flight date whenever they’re ready. It’s an easy way to give a complete experience without choosing a date in advance.
Before every scheduled flight, the pilot updates our Flight Line voicemail with the official details:
Flight Line update times:
This ensures you always receive the most accurate, up-to-date information directly from the pilot.
Ballooning is extremely weather-dependent, and cancellations are common — sometimes 6 or 7 times before a safe day comes together. We know this can be frustrating, but safety is always our top priority.
If your flight is cancelled, you simply rebook for the next available date that works for you.
All vouchers are prepaid in full and non-refundable. However, we understand that situations change, and some passengers may no longer be able or willing to use their vouchers.
For this reason, vouchers are fully transferable. If you wish to give your voucher to someone else, please ensure their health or ability meets the requirements. Let us know who you’ve transferred it to, and we’ll update the file so they can continue scheduling on it.
If you’ve moved to another city that we fly in, your voucher can be transferred to that location as well.
What to wear, what to bring, where we fly, and how weather and timing affect your adventure.
Dress as if you were going for a walk outdoors. Closed-toe shoes are required, and long pants are recommended. Avoid sandals, heels, or open-toe footwear. Layers are helpful — mornings can be cool, but it warms up quickly once the sun rises.
Bring your waiver, your booking confirmation, comfortable clothing, and a fully charged phone or camera. A small bottle of water is fine, but large bags or bulky items should stay in your vehicle. Most importantly, bring your sense of adventure — we take care of the rest.
The entire outing usually takes 3 to 4 hours from arrival to return. This includes check-in, setup, the one-hour flight, pack-up, and transportation back to the meeting point.
Not usually. Because balloons fly at lower altitudes and the burners provide warmth, most passengers find the temperature comfortable. It may feel cool before takeoff, especially at sunrise, but it balances out once you're in the air.
Our main launch area is near St. Jacobs, Ontario, with alternate sites used depending on wind direction and weather. The exact launch point for each flight is confirmed when you schedule and again through the Flight Line voicemail. All launch sites are chosen for safety, access, and the best flying conditions.
Ballooning requires calm, stable winds — conditions found almost exclusively at sunrise and sunset. Midday heating creates turbulence and inconsistent air movement, making flying unsafe. Flying during calm periods ensures a smooth and safe experience.
We need light winds, clear visibility, and no rain or storms in the area. Even weather that appears mild on the ground can be unsafe at flying altitude. The pilot monitors conditions closely and always makes the final decision with safety in mind.
Most flights reach between 1,000 and 3,000 feet, depending on weather and scenery. The pilot adjusts altitude during the flight to find smooth air and great views.
Typically 5 to 15 kilometers, depending on the wind. Balloons travel with the breeze, so every flight path is unique.
Tips are never required, but they are always appreciated. If you feel your pilot and crew provided an exceptional experience, a gratuity is a wonderful way to thank them for their hard work — especially since ballooning involves early mornings, physical labour, and careful safety preparation.
Safety is our top priority. Here’s what you need to know about who can fly and how we make decisions.
Yes. Ballooning is very safe when flown under the right conditions. Our pilots review weather patterns closely, make conservative decisions, and follow strict safety procedures. If conditions aren’t ideal, the flight simply doesn’t go — safety always comes first.
All flights are operated by Transport Canada–approved balloon pilots. They meet strict training and experience standards and are supported by a professional ground crew on every flight.
Passengers must be able to stand unassisted for the full duration of the flight and use the footholds to climb into the basket. Children must be 8 years of age.
Ballooning may not be suitable for guests with:
If you’re unsure, please discuss with your Doctor.
Unfortunately, no. For safety reasons, pregnant passengers cannot fly.
Most guests with a fear of heights are pleasantly surprised. Because the balloon moves with the wind, there is no swaying or falling sensation — it feels smooth and stable. Many passengers say it’s much easier than looking over a balcony.
Our flying season typically runs from spring through fall. Exact start and end dates can vary depending on weather conditions each year.
Yes. Tickets and vouchers are fully transferable. If you'd like to give your ticket to someone else, simply let us know so we can update the name in our system.
No — flight vouchers do not expire. Your ticket remains valid until you complete your flight. Dormant tickets may be subject to a re-activation fee.
Simple explanations for curious minds and school projects — how balloons lift, move and land.
A balloon flies because warm air rises. The burner heats the air inside the balloon, making it lighter than the cooler air outside, which creates lift.
The burner is a powerful flame that heats the air inside the balloon. Turn the burner on, and the balloon rises. Stop heating, and it slowly descends.
The pilot controls up and down by heating or allowing the balloon to cool. Balloons travel with the wind, so horizontal movement depends on wind direction at different altitudes.
Hot air balloons don’t have engines or steering wheels. They drift with the wind, which is why every flight path is unique.
Most passenger flights stay between 1,000 and 3,000 feet — perfect for views and comfort. Balloons can climb higher, but sightseeing flights keep to safe, scenic altitudes.
Speed depends entirely on the wind. Most flights travel 5–15 km/h. If winds are too fast, we simply don’t fly.
The chase crew follows the balloon from the ground and helps with:
They’re an essential part of every flight.
The pilot gradually cools the air inside the balloon to descend. Once a safe landing area is chosen, the pilot makes a controlled, gentle touchdown. The chase crew arrives shortly after to assist and pack up.
A short history of ballooning, from the first flights in France to modern adventures in Canada.
The first successful hot air balloon flight took place on June 4, 1783, in France. Later that year, on November 21, 1783, the first manned flight carried two passengers over Paris — the first human flight in history.
Hot air ballooning was pioneered by the Montgolfier brothers, Joseph and Étienne, who discovered that heated air could lift a balloon into the sky.
Early balloons were made of paper and lightweight fabric, sealed to trap hot air. Heat from a fire lifted the balloon. Modern balloons use strong fabrics and reliable propane burners.
A great deal has changed:
The concept is the same — warm air rises — but today’s ballooning is far safer and more reliable.
Modern hot air ballooning began in Canada in the 1960s and 1970s. It has since grown into a popular recreational activity with flights and festivals across the country.
Today, hot air balloons are used for:
Modern balloons are designed for enjoyment, safety, and unforgettable views.
Sundance Balloons
Office Address: 48 Crampton Drive, Belmont, ON N0L 1B0
Phone: 416-239-4242
Email: info@sundanceballoons.com