About

Compass Heli Tours was created in 2016 by Nicolas Drader, an experienced helicopter pilot with a passion for the great outdoors. Compass specializes in private guided kayak fishing adventures in southwestern British Columbia. We also offer visually stimulating sightseeing tours deep into the Coast Mountains and the Greater Vancouver area, all from our base in Fort Langley, BC. We are currently waiting on two very important crown land permits, so in the near future, we’ll be launching bucket-list adventures such as: Glacier lake kayaking, ice cave tours, wilderness camping, hiking, heli-skiing, snowshoeing, picnics, weddings and engagements. So stay tuned! Come fly with us today and create memories that last a lifetime.

A PASSION FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Here’s a little about me, Nicolas Drader, the owner and operator of Compass Heli Tours. Growing up in a family of outdoorsmen has taught me to appreciate the environment we live in. From my father, I learned about the many ecosystems of British Columbia, as well as wilderness survival, bushcraft, and navigation skills. From my mother, I learned compassion, creativity, and communication skills. Combine these traits altogether and I was molded into an outdoor enthusiast with a deep understanding of the place we call home.

Fast forward to today. I’ve been flying helicopters commercially in the forestry industry for over 16 years. At one time, I was the Chief Pilot for my father’s company, D.K. Heli-Cropper;  specialists in aerial tree seed collection and wildfire suppression. My father has since retired, along with his company. The purpose of D.K. Heli, was long term sustainability of our forests. Working closely with BC and Alberta Forest Service, and private timber companies throughout BC and Alberta, I have collected, by helicopter, over 2 billion tree seeds from 2007 to 2015. In the years to come, I hope to revive his company through mine, and find a way to balance tourism with ecosystem sustainability. Wilderness adventures are simply not going to be possible without the sustainability of our natural resources.

Flying in Western Canada’s remote regions has provided me with a great deal of humbling experience. It has taught me to respect the power of nature but also has made me keenly observant of even the smallest details. It is in these details that make up our magnificent British Columbia wilderness.

Having seen these spectacular locations for myself, it inspired me to find a way to share the experience with others. Compass Heli Tours was born.

While I wait for these tenure applications to be approved, I work full time as Operations Manager at Contour Helicopters in Fort Langley. Since 2020, I spend most of my summers providing aerial wildfire support for the Province of BC and Alberta.