Business Details
18 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Premier Helicopter Charter & Adventure Tour Provider in BC
Grizzly Helicopters is a family-owned business established in 2008, dedicated to delivering exceptional helicopter services tailored to diverse customer needs. Our operations are anchored in safety, expertise, and reliability, with a fleet of ASTAR 350 B2 helicopters renowned for their performance and passenger comfort. Our experienced pilots, including owner Craig Houston and certified professionals, bring decades of combined aviation experience to every mission, from commercial charters to emergency medical evacuations. We prioritize customer satisfaction through personalized service, leveraging our deep local knowledge of British Columbia's terrain to create unforgettable experiences.Our commitment to operational excellence is reflected in our adherence to rigorous safety protocols and continuous investment in advanced aviation technology. As a trusted leader in aerial services, we maintain transparency in all communications and uphold the highest ethical standards, ensuring clients receive dependable, mission-critical support. Our reputation for quality is built on consistent service delivery and a focus on solving complex logistical challenges across Vancouver Island and the West Coast.
Services
Medevac
Fire Fighting
Glacier Tours
Heli Fishing
Custom Tours
Power Line Patrol
Wildlife Counts
Remote Access
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We have over 15 years of combined experience in commercial aviation operations
- Our ASTAR 350 B2 helicopters maintain performance from sea level to mountain peaks
- Our pilots hold Swift Water Rescue Certifications and local fishing guide licenses
- We provide 24/7 emergency response capabilities for critical missions
- Our team includes factory-trained AME Ralph Richier for aircraft maintenance expertise
Services
Medevac
Our Lifeport-equipped helicopters provide critical patient transport services with medical-grade interiors and rapid response capabilities. Pilots maintain VFR reserves for 2.7-hour endurance missions across coastal mountain ranges. Commercially certified for single-patient transfers with specialized medical equipment.
Fire Fighting
We deploy helicopters for wildfire suppression operations with 2,200 lb nominal sling load capacity. Our fleet supports water bucket operations and remote crew transport for extended firefighting campaigns across British Columbia's wilderness areas.
Glacier Tours
Experience scenic flights over coastal mountains with glacier landings, wildlife viewing of bears and mountain goats, and photography opportunities. Tours include picnic stops at pristine alpine locations with exceptional visibility from all seats.
Heli Fishing
Access isolated rivers holding trout, char, and salmon species through helicopter deployment. Full-day trips include expert local guides, catch-and-release equipment, and transportation to prime fishing locations inaccessible by ground.
Custom Tours
Design personalized itineraries combining sightseeing, fishing, and photography elements. Available for corporate events, special occasions, or unique exploration requirements with flexible scheduling options across our service areas.
People
Craig Houston
Owner/Chief Pilot/Operations Manager
Owner-operator with over 15 years of commercial aviation experience, managing daily operations and piloting missions since founding the company in 2008.
Krista Houston
PRM/Pilot
Certified pilot with specialized training in passenger relations and operational management, contributing to customer service excellence since joining the company.
Cameron Houston
Pilot
Experienced aviator supporting diverse charter missions, bringing technical expertise and local knowledge to every flight operation.
Ralph Richier
AME
Factory-trained aircraft maintenance engineer ensuring fleet readiness and compliance with aviation safety standards for all helicopter operations.
Paloma Shankar-Price
Office Manager
Administrative lead managing scheduling, client communications, and operational coordination since joining the company's management team.
Questions
What types of helicopter tours do you offer?
We offer Glacier Tours, Heli Fishing Trips, and Custom Tours with options for half-day or full-day adventures.
Are your helicopter tours suitable for photography?
Yes! Our tours include multiple landings for photography opportunities with exceptional visibility from all seats.
What safety certifications do your pilots have?
All pilots hold Swift Water Rescue Certifications and commercial fishing guide licenses with extensive local knowledge.
Can I bring personal fishing gear on Heli Fishing trips?
Yes, you may bring your own waders, but we provide fly rods and flies for all fishing expeditions.
Do you offer corporate or government charter services?
Yes, we provide commercial charters including power line patrols, forestry projects, and wildlife management support.
