The Mount Washington Zip Line tour, known as the Eagle’s Flight ZipTour, launched in 2019 and is Vancouver Island’s longest zip line. This epic zip line tour takes you soaring over the trees at Mount Washington Alpine Resort in a series of four zip line spans, reaching speeds of up to 100 km/h!  If you are looking for a summer thrill, don’t miss this Mount Washington Zip Line!

Everything You Need To Know About Mount Washington’s Eagle’s Flight ZipTour!

What to Expect on your Mount Washington Zip Line Tour

Arrival and Check In

The tour begins at Mount Washington Resort’s main building, the Alpine Lodge, on Strathcona Parkway.  Follow Google Maps directions and you will come to the large parking lot and see the ZipTour sign at the entrance to the building.

Enter through these doors which will bring you downstairs to the ZipTour check in counter.

You will need to arrive 30 minutes prior to your tour start time.  This ensures you have sufficient time to complete the paperwork and prepare for the tour.  You will need to sign a waiver, and provide your age, height and weight.

Make sure to use the bathrooms here as there are no bathrooms on the mountain during the tour.  You can also grab a drink or fill up your water bottles.

ZipTour Preparation

After check in, you will proceed to the gear room where you will get suited up for the tour!  The guides will show you how to step into your harness and secure it.  You will step into the leg loops, and tighten the harness around your waist.

Next, you will put on your helmet, and place any small loose items into your provided trolley backpack.  The guides will instruct you to place your cell phone in the backpack pocket with the screen facing out so that the trolley does not damage it.

You will need to wear your trolley backpack when walking to the different zip lines.  It weighs about 18 pounds.

While getting suited up, you will be shown a helpful demo video explaining what to expect during the ZipTour.

ZipTour Training Demo Line

Once you have your gear ready, you will proceed with the group outside to the training line.  Here the guides will demonstrate how to use the trolley system and ensure you know how to slow down and come to a full stop.

The guides will hook you up to the demo line and have you demonstrate how to release the brake, how to slow down, and how to fully brake.  They will then release the lock so that you can practice going down the line and braking in the middle, and then slowly coming to a stop at the end.

Once you’ve demonstrated you can successfully control your trolley, you will proceed to the Eagle Chair Lift.

Mount Washington ZipTour Sections

Eagle Chair Lift

The tour officially starts with a ride up to the peak of Mount Washington.  You will hop on the chair lift for a scenic six minute ride up the mountain.  Make sure to take in all the views and try to spot some wildlife down below.  It is a 396 metre vertical rise to the peak.

The Abyss Zip Line

After walking off the Eagle Chair Lift, you will be at the Top of the World with spectacular 360 degree views over Mount Washington and all the way to the ocean!  A quick walk takes you to the first ZipTour platform with breathtaking views.  To be honest, this first line looks a bit intimidating at first, especially if you are not the most comfortable with heights.

This is the highest zip line of the four, at 275 ft from the ground.  I think this was actually my favourite line of the four because of the spectacular views and the excitement I felt.

You will travel a length of 0.54 kms (1801 ft) and a vertical drop of 302 ft.

Cascade Zip Line

The second zip line takes you from Little Washington to the top of the Hawk Chairlift.  This line seems a bit uneventful compared to the first line as it is not as long nor as high.

What I like about the Mount Washington zip lines is that they are dual lines so you can ride down side by side with a partner, which makes it more fun.

Holy Hawk Zip Line

The third line is a favourite due to it being the fastest zip line, with the ability to reach speeds of up to 100km/h!  You will travel down at a 24% grade, with a vertical drop of 407ft.  It is such a rush feeling the wind against your face as you race down over the tree tops.

I also appreciated that this was the third line because by then, I had gotten used to the thrill of being on the zip line and how to control my speed, which made me feel comfortable allowing myself to go super fast on this line.

Runway Zip Line

The final zip line is the home stretch back to the roof top of the Alpine Lodge.  This is the longest line of the four, traveling a total distance of 0.72 kms (2372 ft).

This is a great ending to the tour as the longer length allows you to really savor the experience.  If you have friends or family wanting to watch you on the ZipTour, they can wait down at the Eagle View BBQ courtyard at the Alpine Lodge and witness you soaring overhead!

You will land right on the roof of the Alpine Lodge, and proceed back down to the gear room to unload your gear.  Make sure you don’t forget any of your loose items in the trolley backpack.

Mount Washington Zip Line Details and FAQ

How long is the Mount Washington Zip Line?

The total tour is 2.3 km long, spanning over four zip lines.  It takes approximately three hours to complete.  However much of the time is spent getting hooked up to the line and unloading at the opposite end, and waiting for the rest of your group to do the same.

Mount Washington Zip Line Cost

As of July 2022, the rates for the Mount Washington ZipTour are:

$139 per adult

$129 per senior (65+) or youth (13-18 years)

$99 per child (10-12 years)

In addition, you must pay 5% GST and a $1.25 InsuraGuest fee per person.

Mount Washington Zip Line Hours

The Mount Washington ZipTour is a summer activity only.  It runs five days a week, Thursday to Monday, and is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

2022 Summer Hours:

Monday from 10:30am-4:45pm.

Thursday and Friday  from 10:30am-6:00pm.

Saturday and Sunday from 10:15am-5:45pm.

Mount Washington Zip Line Restrictions and Requirements

Weight Restrictions

Riders must be between 50 and 260 pounds.  There is a weigh scale at check in which will show whether you are within the weight limits or not (it does not show exact weight, just yes or no).

Height Restrictions

Riders must be between 4′ and 6’8″ tall.

Clothing Restrictions

Riders must wear closed-toe shoes.  Flip flops and sandals are not allowed.

Hair must be tied back.  They do provide hair ties if you do not have one at check in.  It is best to wear hair in a low ponytail so that the helmet will fit properly.

Clothing must be tucked in and close-fitting.

How old do you have to be to ride the Mount Washington Zip Line?

Riders must be at least 10 years old.  Those aged 10-15 must have a parent or guardian aged 19 or older accompany them on the tour.

Can I ride the Mount Washington Zip Line if I’m pregnant?

They do not recommend pregnant women ride the zip line due to the harness and backpack setup.  However if you have a written doctor’s note stating you are allowed to participate in the ZipTour, Mount Washington says they will allow it.

Can I bring my camera on the Mount Washington Zip Line?

Yes, you can bring a camera as long as it is no larger than a cell phone.  It must be properly secured in the trolley backpack or with an appropriate mount.  Helmet mounts are not allowed, however.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour cannot operate if there is lightning in close proximity or if there are strong winds over 48.3 km/hr.  If the weather is not looking so good, make sure to call the ZipTour centre to get an update whether or not your tour will proceed.

What is the cancellation/refund policy?

If you give 48 hours notice or more, you can cancel for a full refund or reschedule your tour.

If you give 24-47 hours notice, you can reschedule your tour.  However you can’t receive a refund.

No refunds or rescheduling are allowed with less than 24 hours notice.

How to Book Mount Washington Zip Line Tour

The Mount Washington ZipTour can be booked online, by phone (1-250-338-1386) or in person at the ZipTour Centre desk.  It is easiest to book online via their website using the Purchase tab. You will need to create a Mount Washington account before finalizing your booking and pay via credit card.

It is best to book in advance as spots are limited.

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