British Columbia · VANCOUVER SEAPLANE TOURS
Floatplanes leave from Coal Harbour for short scenic loops, for Victoria and for Whistler. These 15 are compared on flight time, where they land and what each costs per seat.
Take off from Coal Harbour for a 30-minute seaplane experience, with about 20 minutes in the air. Look down on downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, Lions Gate Bridge, BC Place and the North Shore Mountains, then return to the harbour. Check in at Harbour Air’s Canada Place terminal at least 40 minutes before departure.
“We wished the pilot would tell us where we were and what we are looking at when we were in the air.”
Take off from Canada Place for a roughly 20-minute seaplane flight within a 30-minute experience. Look down on downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, English Bay, Lions Gate Bridge, the North Shore Mountains and, on the stated route, Horseshoe Bay and Bowen Island. The flight has a maximum of 14 passengers and returns to the harbor.
“Beautiful way to see Vancouver from above! And the weather was perfect. Next time I'll do the longer flight!”
Take a roughly 20-minute seaplane circuit from Coal Harbour over Vancouver, Stanley Park, Lions Gate Bridge and the North Shore, then ride a shuttle to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Admission covers the bridge, Treetop Walkway and Cliffwalk, which you explore at your own pace. The flight has limited legroom, and the park transfer is by bus, not seaplane.
“It was nice that after the flight, you had the flexibility to take the free shuttle to the suspension bridge at your own convenience. The shuttle runs every 15 minutes and was just a 5 min walk from the floatplane terminal. Also you had all the time to enjoy the beautiful scenery, take some lunch or have some drinks without the pressure of going back....”
Take off from downtown Vancouver’s Coal Harbour for an approximately 35-minute flight over the city, Stanley Park, Horseshoe Bay and islands in Howe Sound. The route varies by season. You’ll see the coast and mountains from a classic seaplane, then return over downtown, with BC Place and Science World on the way back. Commentary is not guaranteed.
“Amazing tour, amazing view, everything very safe! I highly recommend it!”
Leave Canada Place on a 35-minute Harbour Air seaplane flight to Victoria, with views over Vancouver and the Gulf Islands. Spend the day exploring on your own, then ride a coach and ferry back to downtown Vancouver. The flight is the quick, memorable part; the return takes about 4.5 hours.
“Great option to experience a seaplane whilst getting to Vancouver Island quicker than the ferry. Bus return was delayed and a little chaotic, but got us back to the ferry in time. Our bus driver was clearly a little hassled by the delay, not helped by the bus station check in process - or lack of, and a number of passengers wanting drop-offs at different locations to their booked tickets once they realised he dropped at multiple places. Ferry ride was smooth and comfortable. Overall a great option to get to enjoy different travel options and to spend time in Victoria.”
Take a 35-minute Harbour Air floatplane flight from Vancouver to Victoria, ride a shuttle to Butchart Gardens, then return by air. Admission and ground transport are included, with free time for Victoria afterward. The flight has no tour commentary, while shuttle drivers may provide narration.
“What a fun experience! 30 minute ride with fantastic views! Highly recommend 👍🏻 Great way to get to Victoria and easy walk to catch bus to Butchart Gardens. Some free time after the gardens to wander around. Fun day!”
Trade the ferry-and-ground journey for a roughly 35-minute Harbour Air seaplane flight from downtown Vancouver to Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Depart from Coal Harbour, with views of Stanley Park, the North Shore Mountains, and Gulf Islands along the way. Check in 40 minutes early, travel light, and arrange your return separately.
“Beautiful scenery on the way to Victoria. Excellent customer service. Comfortable terminal with refreshments and merchandise.”
Fly from Vancouver Harbour for aerial views of downtown, Stanley Park, English Bay, and the North Shore Mountains, then take the included shuttle to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The small seaplane carries up to 14 passengers. Allow three to five hours for both outings, and do not count on narrated flight commentary.
“Excellent sea plane flight over Vancouver followed by a great afternoon at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The park exceeded expectations with so many areas to explore.”
Fly 35 minutes from Vancouver Harbour to Victoria’s Inner Harbour, with views of Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Gulf Islands. Spend several hours exploring Victoria independently, then take a coach and BC Ferries back to downtown Vancouver. The return takes about 3.5 to 4 hours.
“What a fantastic experience, definitely would recommend. Sea plane was wonderful! Long day coming back on the ferry but the two sorts of transportation gave different views and made the day. All ticketing etc very efficient.”
Take a 35-minute Harbour Air seaplane flight from downtown Vancouver to Victoria, then join a three-hour whale-watching trip with Orca Spirit Adventures. Look for Southern Resident orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, and bald eagles with a local guide. Boat type can vary, so prepare for either a covered vessel or a fast, open Zodiac.
“The whale watching team were brilliant. We didn’t actually see a whale (which means we have a lifetime free do over) but we did see bald eagles, seals, sea lions, a river otter and, best of all, a wild sea otter. Victoria is beautiful and having a few hours there added greatly to the day as did the fantastic views from the seaplane. Definitely an experience we would have again.”
Take off from downtown Vancouver’s Coal Harbour for a 35-minute seaplane flight over Stanley Park, Horseshoe Bay, Gambier and Bowen islands, and the city. The full experience lasts about 45 minutes. You’ll return to the same terminal, with mountain, island and waterfront views from the air. Commentary is not provided, and the route can change in poor weather.
“Very enjoyable trip to get a great and different view of the city and surrounding mountains to the north.”
Fly by Harbour Air seaplane from Vancouver to Victoria, then join a three-hour whale-watching trip with Orca Spirit Adventures. Expert naturalists search for orcas, humpbacks, gray whales, seals, sea lions, and seabirds. You’ll also have time to explore downtown Victoria before the return flight.
“Couldn’t have asked for a better day, G made sure of it. Highly recommend”
Trade the road trip for a 35-minute seaplane flight from downtown Vancouver to Green Lake, then use a complimentary shuttle or bike to reach Whistler Village. Spend the day on your own, with optional hiking, cycling, shopping, ziplining, or the Peak 2 Peak Gondola at extra cost. The return flight brings you back to Vancouver Harbour.
“The plane ride was the best part of our trip. The views of the mountains were absolutely breathtaking! The flight is only 35 minutes, far better than the long drive to Whistler. Was a great experience taking off and landing in the water. Highly recommend for the views alone!”
Travel one way from Vancouver’s Coal Harbour to Seattle’s Lake Union on a Harbour Air seaplane. Check in an hour early with your passport, then fly for about 55 minutes over Vancouver, the Salish Sea, and the San Juan Islands. Your fare includes 25 pounds of baggage, including personal items. U.S. entry requirements apply.
“Tips for travelers. If you want feedback Do Not Insist on narrative. THIS WAS THE MIST FANTASTIC PLANE RIDE OF MY LIFE.”
Take off from Coal Harbour for a 20-minute seaplane flight above Vancouver, Stanley Park, Lions Gate Bridge, the ocean, and coastal forest. The tour lasts about 30 minutes in all and carries no more than nine people. Pilot Max has been noted for helpful commentary and taking photos on the jetty, though the pilot may vary.
“Amazing service. The pilot (Max) was very helpful and very informative. We landed safely and enjoy this company. The staffs were very friendly.”
A harbour, a canyon or a market hall to start from.
