BEST PARAGLIDING SITES IN CANADA

Mont Yamaska

Le Mont Yamaska, situé au Québec, est un site de parapente bien connu et proche de Montréal. Cependant, plusieurs pilotes trouvent que les frais associés à la pratique du parapente sur ce site sont ...

Bozeman

Cap Kiwanda

Cape Kiwanda, located just north of Pacific City, Oregon, is a popular site for paragliding enthusiasts. The site features a large sand dune that can be flown on both the north and south sides. However, the south side is closed from April 1 through September 30 due to dory launching activities and is rarely used. The site is suitable for beginners in light wind conditions, typically early or late in the day. Winds of about 15 MPH are required for soaring, but high winds exceeding 30+ MPH are common midday. The north launch is accessible by driving along the beach, and a 4WD vehicle is recommended due to the challenging terrain. To reach the site, head to Pacific City and walk out to the dunes. You can also drive in on the north side via a primitive road near the Woods junction. The beach access road is just south of the junction of Sandlake Rd. and Ferry Rd. Be cautious of large rocks in the creek bed at the end of the access road and ensure your vehicle has good clearance. Driving on the sand can be tricky, so come prepared with a shovel, tow chain, and a pump to reinflate your tires if needed. Weekends often see hang gliding students and instructors at the site. Be mindful of these pilots and yield the right-of-way. Do not park in the landing zone (LZ) below the dune. Follow all State Park Service rules and regulations, and exercise special caution due to crowded conditions. Before flying, check the winds at the top of the dune as they can be stronger and horizontal. Many paragliding pilots have been dragged over the back of the dune, though this is usually benign. Watch out for kites and be aware of sneaker waves if near the surf. Avoid flying near spectators on the dune and maintain ground clearance to protect nesting falcons, especially from February to April. For more detailed information, including the USHPA risk assessment for this site, visit the Cascade Paragliding Club's site guide: http://cascadeparaglidingclub.org/site-guide/ To view the risk assessment document, go to: http://www.cascadeparaglidingclub.org/documents/CPC-Risk-Assessment-Cape-Kiwanda.pdf 

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Peterson Butte

Peterson Butte is a regulated paragliding site managed by the Valley Ville Hang Gliding Association (VVHGA) since the early 1970s. The site is open from November 1 through May 31 and is closed the rest of the year due to fire hazards. Access to the site requires a combination lock code, which changes each flying season. Please ensure you lock the gate behind you as this is a working ranch. This site is rated for P2 and H2 pilots, with winds typically ranging from SW to SE at 5-15 MPH. The primary radio frequency used here is 151.925, but pilots may operate on other frequencies as well. Always carry a radio and check with other pilots on the frequency in use. The launch area faces south and works best with SE to SW winds. Expect compression and horizontal flow near the summit. Recommended wind speeds for paragliding are 5-12 mph, with higher speeds suitable for hang gliding and mini wings. The site offers a good hike up to the launch, making it a great place to stretch your legs. The main hang glider launch is located at 721' MSL, with higher launches accessible by hiking up to 900' and 1200' MSL, towards the 1431' MSL summit. The upper launches are ideal for paragliding, although sustained soaring flights in 14 MPH winds have been achieved from the lower launch. Landing zones include fields along the entrance road (350' MSL) and the hillside. Avoid landing near livestock, especially during lambing season, and be cautious of powerlines to the west of the lower launch and along the entrance road. Directions to the site: From I-5 southbound, take the Corvallis/Lebanon exit (Hwy 34) and drive east on Hwy 34 for about 3.7 miles. Turn right on Steckley Rd, which becomes Sand Ridge Rd, and follow it for 2.7 miles, passing Sand Ridge Cemetery. Turn left into the driveway at the 35 mph curve sign and drive slowly (10 mph) to the Cyclone fence between the barn and the house. Follow the signs on the gate and continue straight through the gates, leaving each gate as you find it. After crossing the large fields, approach the gate with the combination lock. The alternate landing zone is on your left. Follow the road up the hill to the parking area at the microwave station, which is the only place you may leave the road. Do not attempt to drive further up the hill. Peterson Butte is a regulated site, and non-USHPA members flying here will invalidate the site's liability policy. Please honor this requirement to maintain access to the site. For more information, visit the Cascade Paragliding Club's site guide: http://cascadeparaglidingclub.org/site-guide/ Updated 04/04/22 by Josh Norris

Yamaska Ouest 2, QC

Mount Yamaska, located in Quebec, Canada, is a popular paragliding site with a takeoff height of 330 meters and a height difference of 245 meters. This site is regularly used and occasionally offers good cross-country (XC) flying opportunities. The most frequented takeoff point is at Yamaska. The site has recorded impressive flights, with distances reaching up to 116.2 km and 103.7 km. For real-time weather updates, you can check the Yamaska weather at [CVLY Weather](https://cvly.ca/pages-utilitaires/balise/). Mount Yamaska features six launch sites around the mountain: two facing North, two facing West, one facing East, and one facing South. This variety allows for flexibility depending on wind conditions. There are two main paragliding clubs operating at Mount Yamaska, each with its own private takeoff and landing sites, as well as shuttle services to the top of the hill, which takes about 30 minutes: 1. **Distance Vol Libre (DVL)**: This club also functions as a paragliding school. You can reach their on-site office at +1-450-379-5102. 2. **Club de Vol Libre Yamaska (CVLY)**: For more information, you can contact Denis Laferrière, the president, at +1-514-727-8910. For additional details, you can visit the [AQVL site](http://www.aqvl.qc.ca/sites/mt_yamaska_cvly/index.shtml) or check out [Soaring Road Trip](https://www.soaringroadtrip.com/yamaska). For community interaction and updates, Quebec pilots often chat on their [Facebook group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1402048566739125/). For a visual experience, you can watch a flight video at [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaqjs0YAHaM).

Yamaska Nord-Ouest Rang Du Haut, QC

Mount Yamaska in Quebec, Canada, offers a paragliding experience with a height of 308 meters and a height difference of approximately 260 meters. This site is regularly used for thermal soaring, and cross-country (XC) flights are possible. The site record is 50.7 km. There are two clubs that manage the take-off and landing sites at Mount Yamaska, each with their own private property and shuttle services: 1) Distance Vol Libre (DVL): This club and paragliding school has an on-site office. You can contact them at +1-450-379-5102. 2) Club de Vol Libre Yamaska (CVLY): Denis Laferrière is the president, and you can reach him at +1-514-727-8910. For more details, you can visit the CVLY site [here](http://www.aqvl.qc.ca/sites/mt_yamaska_cvly/index.shtml). Mount Yamaska features six launch sites around the mountain: two facing North, two facing West, one facing East, and one facing South. For a visual overview, you can watch a video of the site [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpYDScDgoN0).

Pass Creek upper launch

Baldy Mountain Bridgers , MT

Located in Montana, USA, this paragliding site offers an elevation of approximately 2630 meters with a height difference of 1200 meters. It's a great spot for hike & fly enthusiasts due to the significant altitude change. Cross-country flights are possible here, although the site is not among the most popular. Please note, there are multiple locations named 'Mount Baldy' in the US, including several within Montana, so ensure you have the correct coordinates before planning your trip. The site record for distance is 32.3 km.

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Yamaska Sud, QC

Mount Yamaska in Quebec, Canada, offers a frequently used paragliding site with an elevation of 402 meters. This location is well-suited for soaring and thermalling, making it a good spot for cross-country (XC) flights. The site record is an impressive 103.7 km. There are two clubs that manage private take-off and landing sites at Mount Yamaska, each providing shuttle services up the hill, which takes about 30 minutes. 1) Distance Vol Libre (DVL): This club and paragliding school has an on-site office. You can reach them at +1-450-379-5102. 2) Club de Vol Libre Yamaska (CVLY): Denis Laferrière is the president of this club. Contact them at +1-514-727-8910. For more information, you can visit the CVLY page: http://www.aqvl.qc.ca/sites/mt_yamaska_cvly/index.shtml Stay updated with the weather conditions at Yamaska: https://cvly.ca/pages-utilitaires/balise/ Join the Quebec pilots' community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1402048566739125/

White crest beach

Wellfleet, Massachusetts, USA, is a popular paragliding site known for its coastal ridge soaring. The launch site is a 100-foot sand dune, offering a unique experience for pilots. The site is frequently used and is suitable for dune soaring, with the possibility of cross-country (XC) flights. The flyable wind directions are East and Northeast. The site is open for flying from October 2 to April 14. The launch is at an elevation of 140 feet above mean sea level (MSL), and pilots can glide to the landing zone (LZ) either by top landing or landing on the beach. The site has specific rating requirements: H2/P2 pilots must fly with a mentor, while P3 pilots can fly independently. For more information, you can visit the New England Paragliding and Hang Gliding Club's page on Wellfleet: https://nephc.org/flying-sites/wellfleet/ Check out some videos of the site: - [YouTube Video 1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYyYznIgekQ) - [YouTube Video 2](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fq07fENLPcE) - [Vimeo Video](https://vimeo.com/162013211) Join the community on Facebook: [New England Paragliding and Hang Gliding Club](https://www.facebook.com/groups/NewEnglandParaglidingandHangGlidingClub) and [Flow Paragliders Boston](https://www.facebook.com/flowparaglidersboston) For more details on the site, visit: https://www.soaringroadtrip.com/wellfleet

Rang du Haut Yamaska 2, QC

Pomp Peak, MT

Located in the scenic region of Montana, USA, this paragliding site offers an elevation of 2823 meters with a height difference of 1130 meters. It's a lesser-known spot, ideal for those who enjoy hike-and-fly adventures. The hike to the launch site is approximately 2 miles, and the area has been recently cleared of weeds and dead trees to improve accessibility. The site is known for its scenic flights, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. However, it is not frequently used, making it a perfect choice for pilots seeking solitude and a more personal flying experience. The landing zone is on a road, so pilots should be prepared for a precise landing. The site record for distance is 22.7 km, indicating the potential for some decent cross-country flying on the right day.

Yamaska Ouest, QC

Mount Yamaska in Quebec, Canada, is a popular paragliding site with a height of 376 meters. It is frequently used for soaring, thermalling, and cross-country (XC) flights. The site has a strong reputation, with notable flight records of 116.2 km and 103.7 km. There are two main clubs operating at Mount Yamaska, each with their own private take-off and landing sites, as well as shuttle services to the top of the mountain, which takes about 30 minutes. 1. Distance Vol Libre (DVL) - Club & Paragliding School. Contact their on-site office at +1-450-379-5102. 2. Club de Vol Libre Yamaska (CVLY) - Contact Denis Laferrière, president, at +1-514-727-8910. For weather updates, you can check the Yamaska weather page: https://cvly.ca/pages-utilitaires/balise/ Mount Yamaska offers six launch sites around the mountain: two facing North, two facing West, one facing East, and one facing South. For more information, you can visit: - http://www.aqvl.qc.ca/sites/mt_yamaska_cvly/index.shtml - Quebec pilots chat/facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1402048566739125/ - https://www.soaringroadtrip.com/yamaska Watch a flight video here: https://vimeo.com/470356270?fbclid=IwAR2epxEGkN0cDzUtpayyYdKJ4c5lqyiGGZrcGQQCGb0UnLOE21g5wiBNWRY

Metabetchouan

North Cottonwood

Located in Montana, USA, this paragliding site features a takeoff height of 2000 meters and a height difference of 405 meters. It's an occasionally used spot, primarily for soaring flights. The site record is 22.7 km. To reach the launch area, you'll need to undertake a 2-mile hike. The path has been somewhat maintained, with weeds pulled and dead trees cleared. However, be prepared for a rustic experience. Landing is done on the road, so ensure you have the skills to manage this type of landing safely. For more information on paragliding in Montana, you might want to check local paragliding clubs or forums.

Mount Lady MacDonald Canmore, AB

Lady MacDonald in Canmore, Alberta, Canada, is a notable hike & fly mountain site for paragliding enthusiasts. The launch site is situated at an elevation of 2338 meters, with a height difference of 908 to 1310 meters from the landing zone. This site is occasionally used for hike & fly, speedflying, thermalling, and cross-country (XC) flights. The launch site, previously used by hang glider pilots, is now primarily accessed by paragliders who hike up. It is essential to contact the local club to check the status of the site, as it may be open or closed depending on conditions. The launch is located just below a partially constructed heli-pad beneath the summit ridge. The hike to the launch site takes roughly two hours, and it is crucial to ensure calm valley winds before starting the hike due to the notorious wind conditions in the area. The primary site for Canmore-based pilots is on the south-facing side of the valley, on the mountain to the left of Cougar Creek, known as Lady 'Mac.' Pilots launch from the remnants of a failed teahouse project on the shoulder of Lady Mac, which leads down into Cougar Creek above a gully facing the town. This hike is also popular among locals. To access the site, park at the Cougar Creek trailhead and follow the signs. The hike involves a gain of approximately 900 meters (3000 feet). The launch area is just below the heli platform, where local pilots have cleared many rocks to make space for gliders. Wind streamers are usually present, but it is advisable to add more if they are missing. The site is best suited for winds coming from the south or southwest. Caution is advised if the wind is blowing from the north or northwest, as the launch area can be in the lee, leading to challenging conditions once airborne. If clouds are moving along the ridgeline toward Calgary, it indicates lee-side conditions. The primary landing zone is a large field west of the Sheraton, beside the Trans-Canada Highway, where RC enthusiasts fly their planes. However, ongoing construction in recent years necessitates checking for hazards before heading up. The takeoff area falls within the Calgary CAE (Class E) airspace, extending from 5800 feet to overflying airspace. Pilots should be mindful of not landing in the nearby national park, which is just west of the Canmore townsite. For cross-country flights, the classic route involves heading west along the range to Lake Minnewanka, returning to the launch site, and then exploring east over Grotto and around the valley. For more information, visit the following links: - [Gravsports Canmore Paragliding](https://www.gravsports.com/paragliding%20pages/Canmore_paragliding.htm) - [Lady Mac on Alberta Free Flight](https://www.albertafreeflight.ca/lady-mac) - [Weather Information](https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/ab-34_metric_e.html) - [Windgrams](http://canadarasp.com/windgrams/?region=9&location=2&plotType=0) Local Contact: - [Canmore Paragliders Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/137915339619533) It is crucial to monitor aviation band 123.3 and make an all-traffic call before launching.

Bridger, MT

Stawamus Chief First Peak Squamish, BC

Located in British Columbia, Canada, this paragliding site offers a medium-difficult experience with an approximate height of 556 meters. The site is known for its hike & fly opportunities and is regularly used, although it is rarely logged. It features some soaring and a spectacular view with an impressive cliff launch. Toplanding and speedflying are possible here, but only in light wind conditions, as this is generally a windy spot. The takeoff is from a sloped, bare granite surface facing southwest to west. Mornings typically bring predominantly northern winds, which shift to southern and southwestern winds in the afternoon. During the day, winds can be strong, ranging from 10-15 knots, but they often calm down to around 5 knots or diminish a couple of hours before dusk. There is no motorized access to the takeoff point. Instead, you will need to hike for 45-60 minutes up an established trail to the top of First Peak from the campground parking lot. The hike is steep and takes approximately one hour from the parking area. The smooth granite slab just below the summit is only suitable for light winds, as the wind can pick up quickly. During mid-summer, it is advisable to fly only in the morning or evening. There is usually an outflow in the morning, but if conditions are calm, aim to take off before 10 am. The flight is scenic, typically leading straight to the landing zone (LZ), as strong mid-valley winds can make it difficult to find alternative landing spots. For more information, you can contact local pilots or visit the West Coast Soaring Club forum: https://www.westcoastsoaringclub.com/forumnew/search.php?keywords=squamish For a visual overview, check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vy08vQd8AyU More details about the region can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stawamus_Chief

Bridger Bowl Ski Resort

The Bridger Range in the USA offers a paragliding site with an elevation between 2300-2450 meters and a height difference of approximately 500 meters. This site is rarely used but provides opportunities for thermal ridge soaring and cross-country (XC) flights. The site record for distance is 38.1 km.

Leclercville

Blanchard West Mt Bellingham, WA

Blanchard, located at the North end of the Skagit Valley, is an excellent site for pilots. Overlooking Samish Bay, the view from the West launch includes the San Juan and Gulf Islands. Moving to the South launch two hundred feet away, completes the panorama from the blue waters of the San Juan Islands to the ever-changing patchwork quilt of farmland tucking in the Northern Skagit Valley. It's a great area to explore in the unlikely event you are unable to launch. There may not be a more relaxing place to fly. Because of its easy access and short 20-minute turnaround, Blanchard is good, even if only for sledders. With a driver, you can do sled rides all day, making it a good place for newer pilots to practice launches and landings. Launch Elevation: 1,252 feet Flying Season: Spring and Fall Type: Thermal, Ridge-Lift Best Time to Fly: Noon to Sunset Launch Type: Slope, earth ramp Obstructions: None Launch Faces: West, South Notes: West and South launches are within walking distance of each other. Wind Directions: West and South facing launches work in anything except strong East or North winds. Paragliders can be flown from the South launch in 0-15 mph winds and from 0-20 mph from the West launch in smooth conditions. Hang Gliders can be flown from the South launch in 0-20 mph winds and from 0-25 mph from the West launch in smooth conditions at this coastal site. Additional Notes: Soaring potential is excellent as the site is located just above the mud flats and water with no inhibitors for lift. Protocols: USHPA-insured site, USHPA membership required. Ratings: H2, P2, M2 Obstructions: High grass, deep puddles in the rainy season – best landing is on the E-W road in the center of the LZ. Notes: 5 to 1 L/D to LZ. Beware: Some pilots have failed to reach LZ in strong conditions. Blanchard Landing Zone: The LZ is private property, but the owner has given permission to land there, except when the hay is tall and ready to cut. Please be sensitive to the concerns of this property owner, which means: don't block the driveway, stay away from the house (no fly-overs), don’t use the ditch as a restroom, don't block the road, and don't bother the neighbors. Keep the number of parked cars to a minimum. There is additional parking along the road near the organic garden a quarter of a mile south at the first intersection. Upsetting this very gracious property owner would also incur the wrath of many pilots. Beware of crisscrossing power lines to the various farmhouses. DNR Discovery Pass required for parking. Directions: Access: Gravel, 2WD For more information, visit: [Wilder Adventures - Blanchard Bow](https://www.wilderadventures.com/launch/859/blanchard-bow) [North Cascades Soaring Club - Blanchard Mountain](http://www.northcascadessoaringclub.com/blanchard-mountain.html) Contact: Site Chairman: Andy Holmes 971-808-4030

Yamaska E, QC

Mount Yamaska in Canada offers a unique paragliding experience with a height of 350 meters and a horizontal distance of 300 meters. This site is occasionally used for hike & fly activities. Pilots can enjoy soaring, some thermalling, and even attempt cross-country flights. However, it's important to avoid landing within the fields and instead use the roads for landing. There are two main clubs operating at Mount Yamaska, each with their own private take-off and landing sites, as well as shuttle services to the top of the hill, which takes about 30 minutes. 1) Distance Vol Libre (DVL): This club also functions as a paragliding school and has an on-site office. You can contact them at +1-450-379-5102. 2) Club de Vol Libre Yamaska (CVLY): Denis Laferrière is the president of this club, and they can be reached at +1-514-727-8910. For more information, you can visit [Mount Yamaska CVLY](http://www.aqvl.qc.ca/sites/mt_yamaska_cvly/index.shtml).