FAQ Envolées

Here are some answers to our most frequently asked questions.

If you don't find the answer to your question here, please send us an e-mail at [email protected]

How many people can fit in a hot-air balloon?

The hot-air balloons that fly during the festival generally accommodate between 2 and 4 people.

For groups of more than 4 people, you will be divided into sub-groups.

What does my flight reservation include?

Your flight ticket includes not only the balloon flight, but also a daily ticket for use on the day of your flight. If your flight takes place on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, you'll have an open ticket for use between August 15 and 18 inclusive.

If I buy an a.m. flight, do I need to buy parking?

No, you can take advantage of free parking on the festival site for your a.m. flight. However, if you're planning to stay for the day to enjoy the shows and activities, you'll need to purchase access to parking through our ticket office.

Is there a minimum age to participate in a flight?

No. However, there are four criteria that must be met:

  • The passenger must be at least 1.2 metres (4 feet) tall;
  • The passenger must be able to stand upright throughout the flight (without assistance);
  • Passengers must be able to get in and out of the basket on their own (average basket height = 3.5 feet).
  • Passengers aged 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Are there any medical restrictions for passengers?

Yes. For safety reasons, please note that :                                    

                                                      

→ Persons suffering from back pain, heart ailments, less than 1.2 meters (4 feet) tall, pregnant women (or women who believe they are pregnant) and passengers under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be admitted to the flight.

→ A hot-air balloon flight can aggravate a previous injury.

→ If you've had joint replacement surgery, consult your doctor and mention it to the pilot.

→ If you suffer from allergies or a serious medical condition, tell the pilot. Make sure you're prepared for any eventuality (bring your medication: EpiPen, insulin, etc.);

→ If you need to take medication at a fixed time, it's advisable to have it with you as flight times can vary.

Note: If you suffer from a medical condition or have any questions about your abilities, please consult your doctor and inform the balloon pilot.

Are there any other elements to consider?

→ Young people aged 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

→ Passengers must be physically fit to:

→ Easily climb in and out of the basket on their own, hold onto something without assistance and remain upright throughout the flight;

→ Use the step on the side of the basket to step over its edge;

→ Take the shock of landing. This is the equivalent of a jump from a kitchen chair. Sometimes it can be a little more abrupt, so it's important to take this into consideration;

→ Be able to walk on uneven terrain.

Where should we go?

At the Passenger Kiosk, located on the festival site. 

As your flight approaches, an e-mail will be sent to you with all the information you need to know about your arrival at the festival.

How do you get into a hot-air balloon?

Hot-air balloon gondolas are equipped with either a door or a step allowing passengers to climb inside. As it's impossible to choose your balloon, all passengers must be able to use the footboard to step over the edge of the basket (average basket height = 3.5 feet).

What clothes should I wear?

The important thing is to be comfortable. As it's often cooler at higher altitudes and you'll be landing on farmland, remember to bring long clothes that will keep you warm and protect you from mosquitoes. With a pair of comfortable shoes, you'll be ready for your adventure!

Can we bring a video or still camera?

Of course! We strongly encourage you to bring a camera so you can capture this magical moment.

Please note that neither we nor the driver and his team can be held responsible for any lost or dropped items.

Is there somewhere to leave personal belongings?

No, you need to make sure you only carry what you need for your flight.

Where do we land?

Usually, the landing takes place in a field close to a road or path to facilitate recovery of the balloon. That said, since the strength and direction of the wind have a major influence on a hot-air balloon's route, each departure leads to a different destination.

How do you come back from the flight?

Thanks to tracking teams. One team follows the balloon from the moment it leaves and stays in communication with the pilot throughout the flight. On landing, they help the pilot repack the envelope and return the equipment to the trailer. Everyone then returns to the starting point in the pursuit vehicle. 

 

To make the most of your hot-air ballooning experience, you can help the pilot and his team repatriate all the equipment. However, please make sure you have the pilot's permission!

Are there any documents to sign?

Before departure, you will be asked to sign a liability waiver form, which releases International Balloon Club and the pilot from all liability. Please bear in mind that flying is an activity with inherent risk.

What happens if our flight is cancelled?

Your balloon flight may be rescheduled during the festival or refunded. However, you must go to the ballooning box office to schedule a discount or receive a refund.

If I just want to participate in a flight, but do not want to attend the shows, is it the same price?

Yes, the price remains the same.

What are the unfavorable conditions for a flight?

No or too strong winds (more than 12 km/h), rain and thunderstorm cells within a 50 km radius are unfavorable conditions for take-off. 

Sometimes the conditions do not seem favorable during the hours preceding the flight and the flight still takes place. The opposite is also likely. Flight directors (balloonmeisters) analyze the weather conditions before each flight, in order to give their authorization. 

Please note that a late take-off time may affect the duration of the flight. Depending on the decision of the balloonmeisters, each pilot is responsible for his flight and can decide to fly or not, depending on the conditions.

How long does a flight last?

We cannot guarantee the exact duration of the flight, as it depends on the weather conditions at the time of take-off. However, a flight lasts approximately 1 hour. As a passenger, you should allow 3 to 4 hours for the total duration of the activity, which includes meeting the pilot, setting up the equipment and inflating, the flight, landing, packing up the equipment and returning to the departure point.

Why do the flights take place in the early morning or late afternoon?

Hot air balloons can fly because warm air is lighter than cold air. On summer days, when the sun warms the earth, a phenomenon occurs that creates hotter or cooler zones and wind vortices that represent a risk for hot-air balloons. By flying very early in the morning and at the end of the day, the earth is sufficiently cold and thermal phenomena are practically absent, which allows us to fly safely.

How high does a hot air balloon fly?

A hot air balloon flies on average around 2 to 3000 feet of altitude, but may sometimes have to go to more than 6000 feet to find a wind with a more favorable direction and speed. It is also possible to fly at less than 1000 feet, or even at the top of the trees of a forest, to give a totally different view of the landscape.

Is it possible to direct a hot air balloon?

The short version is that it is impossible to steer a hot air balloon.

The long version is that a pilot is able, in some way, to steer his balloon according to the altitude and the winds.

What is the temperature during a flight?

Approximately, we lose 2 degrees Celsius for every 1,000 feet of altitude. So if it is 20 degrees Celsius on the ground, it will be about 18 degrees Celsius at 1,000 feet, and so on. Also, since the balloon is moving at the same speed as the wind, you will hardly feel the wind factor during the flight.

Is it possible to choose your balloon?

No, however, we ask passengers to specify on the reservation form the languages that are understood and spoken, in order to facilitate the assignment to a pilot.

Practical info envolées

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Need more information?

Contact us for more information!

Takeoff sites

Please note that these are the potential sites from which hot-air balloons can take off. That said, due to the many meteorological factors that must be taken into account for a flight to take place, we cannot guarantee that hot-air balloons will take off from these precise locations.
  • Polyvalente Marcel-Landry
    365 Av. Landry, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J2X 2P6
  • Docquier Park
    86 Rue Docquier, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J2W 2G3, Canada
  • Québécor
    800 Boul. Industrial, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J3B 8G4
  • Centre-de-Plein-Air-Ronald-Beauregard
    93 Rue Towner, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J3B 3S8
  • Expert Battery TCED
    700 Chemin du Grand Bernier N, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J2W 2H1
  • Corporation du Fort Saint-jean
    15 Rue Jacques-Cartier N, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J3B 8R8
  • Marcellin-Champagnat High School
    14 Chem. des Patriotes E, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC J2X 5P9

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