A Grand Canyon helicopter is a fun way to spend a weekend vacation. Since Labor Day is nearly here, it's the perfect time to start planning a weekend in Vegas and a canyon tour.

The great thing about taking an air tour from Las Vegas, is that you can choose from landing and air only tours. Since the tours all fly along the same route on the way to the canyon, you'll get to see the impressive Hoover Dam and Lake Mead on both types of tours. Of course you will end up at the highlight of the journey, the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon itself. While the air-only tours circle the canyon and head back to Vegas, the landing tours stop at the canyon so you can get out and explore the area.

Landing Tour Options

There's one Grand Canyon helicopter tour that I recommend above all others, and that is the deluxe landing tour that leaves from the Las Vegas Strip. Deluxe tours offer extra in that you will receive a limousine shuttle to and from your hotel, and you will fly in the state-of-the-art EcoStar 130 helicopter. You can take one of these tours on a chopper that flies down to the canyon floor so you can get out near the banks of the Colorado River.

As a nice touch, this tour comes with a champagne picnic, and you can even take a boat tour along the Colorado River if you like.

South Rim Tours

If you're closer to Arizona, or even if you just want to experience the more remote areas of the canyon, then you could try an air tour from Tusayan. You can drive to the helicopter tour starting point in Tusayan from any location in Arizona, or you can fly there from Vegas in about an hour.

You get to choose from the least expensive half hour air tour of the South Rim, or the longer tour that lasts nearly an hour, which is highly recommended. The longer tour takes you from the South Rim to the remote wilderness of the North Rim and on over to the eastern edge of the Grand Canyon National Park. It is the most comprehensive air tour available and lets you see a great deal of beautiful scenery and landmarks.

Helicopters can't land inside the canyon at the South Rim, but you can still take a fun 4x4 tour of the park. For instance, you can book a tour package that includes a 40-minute air tour and a 2 1/2 hour ground tour. Seeing the canyon from the ground is a thrilling experience too, especially when you combine it with an air tour.

Deluxe Tours

If you do choose a deluxe tour, you will be treated to the best sightseeing helicopters that are available at the Grand Canyon. The EcoStars have more room inside the cabins and they are extremely comfortable to ride in, plus they have huge wraparound viewing windows for panoramic sightseeing. The choppers deliver a smooth ride and are nice and quiet inside the cabin. If you can get a deluxe tour ticket, then you shouldn't even think twice.

Grand Canyon Labor Day Tours

September 5-7 is Labor Day weekend, and it's the last three-day weekend of the year and a wrap up to the summer vacation season. This makes it one of the busiest times of the year for Grand Canyon helicopter tours. If you're planning to fly on Labor Day, then I recommend that you book early. Book now so you don't forget, but try not to put if off past August 24. Booking early is the only way to be sure you'll get seats on the tour you want. Book online to confirm you seats and make a significant saving in booking fees, too.

Make This The Best Labor Day Yet

A helicopter tour is the best way to see the Grand Canyon, and it is a thrilling experience too. And since you can upgrade your flight to include a landing excursion, you can customize the adventure of a lifetime you're sure to enjoy.

Remember to book your air tour early, and to book online. The Grand Canyon is a place like no other. You'll appreciate its grandeur much more if you see it from a helicopter tour you book out of Tusayan or Las Vegas.