If you spend a few days in downtown Vancouver, you’ll see them all the time: small propeller planes gliding over Coal Harbour every minute, touching down on the water, and taking off again toward the mountains shortly afterward. Seaplanes are as much a part of the cityscape here as the skyline itself—Vancouver has one of the busiest seaplane harbors in the world, right in the heart of downtown.
Right in the Heart of Downtown: Departure from Coal Harbour
Harbour Air is the name of the airline whose seaplanes keep Vancouver Harbor bustling with activity. In addition to sightseeing flights, you can also take regular scheduled flights on a seaplane. In addition to ferries and “regular” airplanes, seaplanes are a common mode of transportation in Vancouver for longer trips within British Columbia or even as far as Seattle. Conveniently, the departure point in Vancouver is right in the heart of downtown. The Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre is located right next to the large cruise terminal at Canada Place.
For the 30-minute scenic flight, you’ll check in at a small departure lounge (usually 40 minutes beforehand), and then head out to the jet bridges to board the plane shortly before departure. The flights are operated by small De Havilland propeller planes that can seat up to 19 passengers. I flew on a 14-seat DHC-3 Single Otter, and even though I’m used to flying on small commercial planes, it was still incredibly exciting.
A Flight Over Vancouver in a Seaplane
I was feeling a bit down before my flight. My first few days in Vancouver were so sunny that I even caught a mild sunstroke! (Next time, don’t forget to wear good sunscreen, even if it doesn’t seem that hot!) Sadly, the weather on my departure day wasn’t as nice, and since I couldn’t change my reservation, I had to take the flight on that day anyway.
However, my mood brightened again quickly because, even without sunshine, the whole flight turned into a wonderful experience. It was my first time flying in a seaplane, and the fact that we took off and landed on water was so exciting and unique that it made the flight truly unforgettable.
Vancouver: Surrounded by Unspoiled Nature
The scenic flight is officially advertised as 30 minutes, but the actual flight lasts only 20 minutes. Nonetheless, it’s enough time to enjoy Vancouver’s unique beauty. Soon after takeoff, the plane starts to circle over stunning scenery: rugged mountains, vibrant green hills, and a fjord-like landscape that resembles Norway. Vancouver is truly encircled by pristine nature.
Vancouver’s Skyline
Our pilot quickly turned the plane around, circling downtown and the harbor. It felt like he was eager to remind us of the beautiful contrast once again: Vancouver’s skyline is truly impressive. Plus, we got lovely views of BC Place Stadium and the expansive harbor filled with countless containers.
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Practical Tips for a Seaplane Sightseeing Flight
How and when to book: Sightseeing flights are in high demand during the summer and cruise season—it’s best to make a reservation a few days in advance.
What about the weather? Flights operate under visual flight rules. If low clouds or strong winds occur, the flight might be delayed; therefore, avoid booking the sightseeing flight on your last day.
What are the costs of a sightseeing flight? It’s not exactly cheap—expect to pay about 150 CA$ (100€) for a 30-minute trip. In my opinion, it was worth every cent, and considering Vancouver’s typically high living expenses, the cost didn’t feel as steep once I was there.
Are the planes safe? I didn’t have any safety concerns. However, if you’re very afraid of flying, this scenic flight might not be suitable for you. The planes are small, so you can feel every turn, and the cabin noise could add to stress. Still, the flight lasts only about 20 minutes. Overall, the view from above is truly breathtaking.
Where To Stay in Vancouver: My Recommendation
Vancouver can be pricey, and good tips make a big difference! I suggest checking out The Burrard in downtown Vancouver—a charming spot that used to be a 1950s motel, complete with retro style, a lovely courtyard filled with palm trees, and surprisingly affordable prices by local standards. Plus, it’s just about a 20-minute walk to the seaplane terminal at Canada Place.
More Than Just a Sightseeing Flight: Traveling to Vancouver Island by Seaplane
Harbour Air isn’t only a sightseeing airline; it also offers scheduled flights across British Columbia. From the downtown Vancouver terminal, you can regularly fly to Victoria, Nanaimo, Tofino, and Whistler, with seasonal flights to Seattle as well. The trip to Victoria lasts roughly 35 minutes and lands directly in the Inner Harbour, making it the quickest way to reach Vancouver Island—from city center to city center.
These small seaplanes are highly sensitive to weight, so they require strict baggage limits. The amount of baggage allowed depends on your fare, with every item weighed, including the smallest bags. If you have a lot of luggage, confirm whether you can take everything and book early. Luggage space is very limited. Harbour Air’s baggage policies
Alternative Option: Taking the Ferry to Vancouver Island
Recently, there have been several changes to the ferry services. The traditional choice remains BC Ferries’ car ferries, but they don’t depart from downtown. Instead, departures take place from Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) and Tsawwassen, both about an hour away from downtown by bus or car.
If you’re traveling without a car, there’s now a much more convenient option: Since 2023, the hullo express ferry has been providing a direct connection between downtown Vancouver and downtown Nanaimo in approximately 70 minutes, serving as a passenger-only ferry.
The best part is that the ferry leaves from Canada Place, right next to the seaplane terminal. This means you don’t have to drive all the way out to Horseshoe Bay anymore—you can hop aboard right in the middle of downtown! For those walking to Vancouver Island, this is currently the simplest way to get there, and it’s especially more comfortable with luggage compared to taking a seaplane. I personally used the Hullo Ferry to travel from Vancouver to Vancouver Island, and I found it very easy and enjoyable.
Is the Seaplane Sightseeing Flight Worth It?
In my opinion, no trip to Vancouver is complete without a seaplane flight. Even though the weather wasn’t perfect during my visit, the whole experience was unforgettable.
It offers a chance to experience Vancouver’s stunning location—surrounded by rainforest, ocean, and mountains—and the thrill of taking off and landing on water. Although it’s quite costly for such a brief flight, it’s a memorable experience that’s definitely worth the expense and will leave a lasting impression.
Disclaimer: I traveled to the Pacific Northwest on behalf of Travellers Insight, Munich Airport’s online magazine. You can read more about Vancouver in this article —and be sure to check out my tips for Victoria and Seattle as well.
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