A Scenic Helicopter Ride in Whistler • The Blonde Abroad

While visiting Whistler in British Columbia, Canada, we didn’t waste any time getting our adventure on. It was the last day of 2014 and my friend Chris surprised me with some exciting plans for a scenic helicopter ride in Whistler.

Blackcomb Helicopters is well-known for being the best helicopter tour company in the area. After arriving at the heliport, I heard that the Prince of Dubai would be going on a tour shortly after our group that afternoon.

No big deal.

I had never been in a helicopter and, admittedly, my fear of heights left me with a bit of anxiety and sweaty palms. But, as soon as we set off for the sky, my fears melted away and I was left in awe of the beauty of Whistler from above.

After flying through mountainous areas and getting a bird’s eye view of Blackcomb’s Peak 2 Peak Gondola, I was in for another surprise.

We were going to be landing on Rainbow Mountain for an unforgettable view looking out over all of Whistler.

We landed safely back at the heliport after another quick flight from Rainbow Mountain and over an endless sea of snow-kissed pine trees.

I don’t think my smile faded throughout the entire experience. It was absolutely amazing.

If you’re planning a trip to Whistler, be sure to book a flight for a one-of-a-kind Canadian experience!

More Information

Tour: BC Experience

Company: Blackcomb Helicopters (formerly Blackcomb Aviation)

Cost: $285 per person plus tax (approx. $245 USD)

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We landed in Cape Town mid-January and hit the ground running.

Oliver and I packed up our life and moved abroad for a year — chasing a simple question: what’s the best that could happen?

My parents joined us for the first month — which meant extra hands, loving support, and the sweetest way to begin this chapter.

Between toddler sickness (IYKYK) and playing full-time tour guide, we somehow managed to squeeze in so much life.

A long weekend in Paternoster.
Glamping under the stars at Camp Canoe.
Summertime in the city.
Oliver starting at his new preschool.
Adventures through the Cape Winelands.
Slow weekends at the farmer’s market.
Afternoons stretched long at the beach.

It’s been messy and magical.
Exhausting and energizing.

Somewhere between pharmacy runs and beach swims, it started to feel less like a move…

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And it looks like being surrounded by the people who love us most.

We traveled the world.
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A little late sharing this — but I needed time to sit with 2025. It was so much more than what made it to Instagram.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
This was the year I stopped measuring life in miles traveled… and started measuring it in the days we weren’t promised.

Not in passport stamps.
Not in hotel check-ins.
Not in how far we could go.

But in the quiet relief of “clear.”
In small hands squeezing mine tighter.
In birthday candles and quiet camping mornings.
In laughter that came back after fear.

2025 was the plot twist year.

The year I learned strength doesn’t look like control —
it looks like surrender.
It looks like showing up anyway.
It looks like choosing joy even when you know how fragile it is.

And it looks like being surrounded by the people who love us most.

We traveled the world.
But more importantly —
we celebrated what we almost lost.

And at the end of it all?
We packed up our life and chose a new continent. 🇿🇦

2025, you were heavy.
You were also beautiful.
You changed me.

2026 — I’m ready.
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I put a lot of thought and design into my home, so I knew I had to get curated, high-tech window shades to match.

Enter @rollishades — sleek, custom motorized shades that actually elevate the space while solving the very real sunlight problem. From light-filtering to blackout options, everything is tailored to fit perfectly and controlled with the touch of a button (or app). It’s the kind of smart, intentional design that makes a home feel finished. 🪟🤍

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My favorite smart features of my old home! 🏠
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I put a lot of thought and design into my home, so I knew I had to get curated, high-tech window shades to match.

Enter @rollishades — sleek, custom motorized shades that actually elevate the space while solving the very real sunlight problem. From light-filtering to blackout options, everything is tailored to fit perfectly and controlled with the touch of a button (or app). It’s the kind of smart, intentional design that makes a home feel finished. 🪟🤍

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Brad Imming

Looks like a blast Kiersten! It’s been awhile since the last time I rode in a helicopter…although I hardly had the views you had!

January 10, 2015 at 2:55 pm · Reply

Rob

Wow, fantastic photos Kiersten! I live in British Columbia and have been to Whistler many times. Would love to take a helicopter ride as you did! What a beautiful day for it, thanks for sharing the pics!

January 10, 2015 at 9:07 pm · Reply

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No big deal.

We were going to be landing on Rainbow Mountain for an unforgettable view looking out over all of Whistler.

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