Frequently Asked Questions

The hot air balloon consists of three main parts: the envelope (fabric balloon), the basket (for passengers and pilot), and the burner system/ propane tanks.

A hot air balloon uses cold air to begin inflation, then propane burners to heat the air inside the envelope. When the air inside the balloon is heated, it becomes less dense than the cooler air outside, allowing the aircraft to become buoyant and rise. Conversely, letting the air cool or releasing hot air through a vent causes the balloon to descend; this is how the balloon is steered.

For inflation, the balloon is spread out on the ground with the basket on its side, and while the mouth of the balloon is held open by crew members, a large fan is used to blow air into the envelope.

Since the envelope is so light, the balloon can be almost entirely filled with air by a fan. Once the balloon is almost full of air, the pilot will ignite the burner and heat the air. Both the basket and the envelope rise into an upright position as the air is heated.

The short answer is yes—you can steer a hot air balloon, but not in the same way you would steer a car or airplane. Without wings or engines, hot air balloons rely entirely on wind currents for horizontal movement. Hot air balloon pilots “steer” by adjusting altitude to find wind layers moving in different directions. This skill requires a deep understanding of wind patterns, precise control, and years of experience.

Hot air balloon rides are available during festival dates. Passengers must meet basic physical requirements, such as height, mobility (you will be standing for the duration of the flight (2- 3 hours), this includes time on the ground during flight preparation and landing) and climbing into the basket unassisted.

The envelope of a hot air balloon is made of a lightweight, strong fabric that is resistant to heat, ultraviolet light, and strong winds. With the most common materials being:

• Nylon: A strong and lightweight fabric that is resistant to tearing, ripping, and abrasion, and is a good insulator, which helps keep the hot air inside the balloon or envelope.
• Polyester: A strong and lightweight fabric resistant to ultraviolet radiation, it is also a good insulator, helping retain the heated air inside the hot air balloon’s envelope.
• Polyurethane coating: A special coating that is applied to both the interior and exterior of the envelope that provides an airtight protective layer against the elements. Polyurethane coatings also prevent the fabric from shrinking or tearing.
• Silicon coating: An additional coating that repels moisture, which would lead to mould or mildew growing on the balloon’s fabric.·          

The envelope is made by sewing multiple fabric panels together and is held together with load tapes, strong strips of fabric that run along the length of the envelope.

The baskets are made with lightweight, durable materials that are strong enough to carry multiple passengers and survive numerous landings. The most common materials used are:

• Wicker: A robust and lightweight material or rattan, a tropical vine that is flexible enough to wrap around the basket and can also absorb impacts, making it ideal for protecting the basket’s stainless-steel frame.
• Stainless steel: An alloy of iron and chromium that sometimes includes nickel, which is corrosion-resistant thanks to a thin film that heals itself when oxygen is present.
• Aluminum: An incredibly strong and lightweight metal, some companies either opt to use it in their baskets over stainless steel or in addition to it. Aluminum is an excellent heat conductor and is resistant to corrosion.

The basket of a hot air balloon typically has a floor made of plywood or metal that the sides are attached to, with wicker woven around the sides and bottom.

Rawhide or canvas is generally added to the bottom of the balloon for additional padding and protection, with suede or leather around the basket’s rim for a comfortable armrest.

The poles running from the basket to the burners are usually called “uprights” and are made of nylon or metal. They are also covered in the same suede or leather as the basket and are used to protect the poles, passengers, and fuel lines running from the fuel tanks inside the basket up to the burners.

Hot air balloons are significantly large, typically holding between 65,000 and 105,000 cubic feet of air. They can range from 50 to 100 feet tall, and average around 70 feet. The envelope (the balloon itself) is made of fabric and can be as long as 60 feet and nearly as wide.

• Volume: Hot air balloons are sized by the amount of air their envelope can contain, ranging from 30,000 to 300,000+ cubic feet. 
• Height: They can reach heights of 50 to 100 feet, with an average height of about 70 feet. 
• Envelope: The fabric balloon, or envelope, can be up to 60 feet long and nearly as wide when inflated. 
• Weight: A typical hot air balloon with 77,000 cubic feet of air (a common size) can lift 1,000 pounds, but the weight of the balloon itself, equipment, and fuel adds to the total weight. 

Hot air ballooning is a unique and peaceful way to enjoy air travel. Balloon pilots select their altitude to catch different winds and navigate to some extent. This allows hot air balloons to travel at a leisurely pace of 5-10 miles/ 8-16 kilometres per hour.

The best time to fly a hot air balloon is either early morning, just after sunrise or a few hours before sunset. These times are ideal because the air is generally calm and stable, with minimal thermal activity. During the day, the heating of the Earth creates unstable air currents called thermals, which can make ballooning dangerous.

Hot air balloons typically fly at altitudes ranging from 500 to 3,000 feet above the ground, providing passengers with stunning panoramic views. However, weather conditions and aviation regulations play a key role in determining their maximum allowable altitude. Ballooning at different heights offers unique perspectives of the surroundings and creates unforgettable memories. We have had balloons reach heights of 6000 feet, where you can view the Bay of Fundy.

Flights can last between 20 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the weather. The total flight time depends on fuel, weather, the passengers' combined weight, the temperature of the air and when the pilot finds a suitable landing field. Most balloons carry enough propane for up to two hours.

Hot air balloons primarily use propane as fuel to heat the air inside the balloon and cause it to ascend. Propane is stored in pressurized tanks and delivered to the burner through flexible hoses. When the propane is ignited by a pilot light in the burner, it creates a flame that heats the air, making it less dense and causing the balloon to rise

A ground crew follows the balloon during flight in a vehicle, using GPS or radio to stay in contact with the pilot. After landing, the crew helps deflate, pack, and transport the balloon back to the launch area. There is always room for the passengers to get a ride back to the event field.

The simple answer is no, they cannot. The weather needs to be calm; flights take place in winds of less than 10 knots, with no rain or approaching storms in the immediate area. Flights also require visibility of at least 4 km.

Balloons have multiple burners and safety mechanisms. If one burner fails, others can be used. If all burners fail (very rare), the balloon will slowly descend, and trained pilots will perform an emergency landing.

Hot air balloons are generally considered safe, with decades of data showing that they are one of the safest forms of air travel. According to the FAA’s Aviation Accident Database, hot air ballooning is the safest form of all air travel and is rarely involved in aviation crashes.

Licensed balloon operators in Canada follow strict regulations under Transport Canada. Pilots are trained in weather assessment, emergency procedures, and controlled navigation.

It depends on the condition; it is always best to air on the side of caution. Individuals who are pregnant, have serious heart conditions, breathing complications such as asthma, or any mobility issues, such as joint replacement, should consult a physician and inform the pilot and/or festival when booking.

Yes. In Canada, hot air balloon pilots must hold a Balloon Pilot License (BPL) issued by Transport Canada. They must meet training, flight hours, testing and medical requirements.

The number of passengers varies depending on the size and weight capacity of the balloon and the weather forecast for the flight. Smaller balloons may carry 2–4 people, while larger balloons may accommodate 10–16 passengers.

Wear comfortable, layered clothing and closed-toe shoes (no sandals). The temperature is similar to the ground; however, with sunrise or sunset, the air can be a bit chillier. Avoid dangling accessories or loose items.

Landings are generally smooth or slightly bumpy, depending on the wind. Passengers are briefed beforehand on how to brace: knees slightly bent and holding on to secure handles until the balloon stops. There are, on occasion, fast landings if there is a sudden shift in weather during the flight, and the pilots are prepared to maintain your safety.

Pilots file flight plans as required and communicate with local air traffic services. Balloon operations must adhere to Canadian aviation regulations and stay clear of controlled airspace unless authorized.

Yes, but hold it securely or use a wrist strap. Phones and cameras are welcome to capture the view, but anything dropped cannot be retrieved.

For the safety and comfort of all our guests, we kindly ask that you leave your pets at home during the Atlantic Balloon Fiesta. While we love our furry friends, the event site can be busy and crowded, and we want everyone to have the best experience possible. Registered service animals are exempt from this policy.

Thank you for your understanding!