1000 Islands Helicopter Tours
Dave Kouri, Owner
www.fly1000islands.ca
88 County Road 32, Leeds and the Thousand Islands ON, K7G 2V3
613-382-3888
Tell us about yourself! Hobbies? Fun facts? How did you get started?
Originally, I operated a campground insurance company with my father. To help us travel back and forth between clients, I decided to obtain a pilot license and together we built a RotorWay Exec Helicopter. This woke a passion for flying and I decided to start my own helicopter business, operating tours of the beautiful 1000 Islands!
Define your business in your own words.
1000 Islands Helicopter tours offer breathtaking views of the stunning Thousand Islands region from 1,500 feet in the air! With five unique tours that send customers soaring over famous landmarks, like Boldt and Singer Castles, we zip through all the 1,864 islands that we call home!
What business achievement are you most proud of?
Our 20-minute Boldt Castle tour has been named an Ontario Signature Experience, and our 30-minute Aerial Views & Seaway Hues (two Castle tour) has been named a Destination Canada Signature Experience.
Why did you choose Gananoque/Leeds and the Thousand Islands to start your business?
Growing up not far away in Tamworth, I had always known about the Thousand Islands area. The Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands offers the perfect place for the heliport as only seconds after take-off you can see the mighty St. Lawrence River and its islands. The close proximity to what’s affectionately known as the ‘heart of the islands’, make it possible to create different tours for different budgets. All with the quick ability to fly over the variety of natural beauty contained in this region.
What words would you use to describe Leeds and the Thousand Islands?
A caring, friendly and supporting community; the magic of the region is amplified by the way the businesses, organizations and community members work together to support each other and the local community. The natural beauty of the region itself is breathtaking, but it is only enhanced by the community and spirit that lives here.
Provide a message to your future guests!
Come experience the amazing scenery of the area from 1,500 feet above the stunning 1000 Islands region and see first-hand why it's called a sightseer’s paradise!
1000 Islands Helicopter described in one word:
Exhilarating