seaplane tour vancouver

9 Epic Vancouver Seaplane Tours [2023]

Looking for some of the top Vancouver seaplane tours to go on? You’ve come to the right place!

Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Why not take it all in by going on a Vancouver seaplane tour? All of the seaplane tours are operated by Harbour Air.

Get ready to swoon over Capilano Suspension Bridge Park’s vibrant greenery, Grouse Mountain’s snow-capped stunners (even during the summer), Downtown Vancouver’s skyscrapers that rival San Francisco’s , Granville Island , and Vancouver Harbour’s bright blue waters. You can even take a seaplane tour to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, known for its manicured gardens and Victorian architecture.

There are a variety of Vancouver seaplane tours to reserve depending on what you want to see. Get your wallet ready and don’t you dare forget your camera!

Disclaimer:  This post uses affiliate links, which means I make a commission if you book through this post. If you do decide to book using my links, thank you so much for your support!

My Top 3 Picks: Vancouver Seaplane Tours

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• 20-minute seaplane ride
• Admission to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

• 45-minute seaplane ride
• views of Whistler
• take-off and land in Downtown Vancouver

• Roundtrip seaplane flight from Vancouver to Victoria
• Free admission to Butchart Gardens

Must-Do Vancouver Seaplane Tours

Kill two birds with one stone by taking an epic seaplane tour with aerial views of Vancouver and stopping off at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. This tour includes free admission to the park. You need to walk down the Capilano Suspension Bridge; it can be a little nerve-wracking but once you cross the other side, there is so much to explore. You can climb up to the tree canopy and cross mini bridges, heading all the way down to a pond.

If you’re looking for a way to get back, there are shuttles that come frequently to take you back to Canada Place in Vancouver.

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 stars | 🎫 Book today!

Was a good value for both tours together. The seaplane was our first time and it was amazing – very smooth landing. We loved the Capilano Park too. Wish we had more time to spend there. Becky_P (read more reviews )

The average seaplane tour is around 20–30 minutes. Not this one! This 45-minute tour flies you over to some of Vancouver’s most famous attractions such as Stanley Park, English Bay, Lions Gate Bridge, and the North Shore Mountains. You’ll even fly towards Whistler, one of the top ski resorts in North America. On land, Whistler is about 90 minutes away from Vancouver.

Absolutely worth every penny. You get city , ocean and mountains views and then fly up over the mountains where it’s only mountain views. Could have stayed up for hours. Becky_P (read more reviews )

If you’re seeking a day trip from Vancouver, you can take a roundtrip seaplane flight to Victoria. I’m not going to lie, the price for this is pretty steep, but the convenience and gorgeous views over Georgia Strait and Mount Baker make it worth it. Also, the fee includes ground transportation and admission to the gorgeous Butchart Gardens, Victoria’s biggest attraction. This flight is also from Harbour Air in Downtown Vancouver.

⭐️ Rating: 5/5 stars | 🎫 Book today!

The seaplane experience was smooth and easy. The planes were clean and crew were very nice. The gardens were beautiful and we had plenty of time to see all of the areas and even had time to have lunch before flying back to Vancouver. 24sweaver24 (read more reviews )

Another way to travel to Victoria is to take the seaplane there, and then head back to Vancouver through the ferry. This makes it roughly cheaper than the roundtrip tour, and you can choose when to ride the ferry back. This makes the tour super flexible, as you can spend as much time in Victoria as you want. The ferry ride is 4.5 hours, so you can kick back and relax as much as you want with breathtaking views of Active Pass and the Gulf Islands.

While in Victoria, you are completely free to do what you want. You can stroll the streets filled with cafes, shops, and cute houses, or venture to Chinatown for vibrant culture and food. Victoria has amazing whale-watching excursions if you’re interested in that. Or you can spend all day in Butchart Gardens, admiring all the florals and getting some Insta-worthy photos!

We loved the whole day – the seaplane was fabulous with great views over the islands, we took a local bus to Butchart Gardens and were back in good time to catch our ferry back. Everything was perfect! Vivien_H (read more reviews )

Victoria is a prime spot for whale-watching, so if you want to base your trip around wildlife (you’ll get to see sea lions and seals as well), this tour is for you! You will fly roundtrip from Vancouver, and cruise through Haro Strait for 3 hours on a Zodiac boat or a covered vessel. Your guide will give you his/her knowledge all about the marine life.

This tour is only available from March to October, which is the peak whale-watching season.

After your excursion ends, you can choose to take the seaplane back to Vancouver or spend a bit more time in Victoria. Just remember to ask your guide for the last flight time of the day.

The sea plane was such fun and seeing humpbacks so close was awesome. Many thanks to our very skilled skipper who made us feel safe. I loved how respectful he was of the animals as well as being so knowledgeable. Rachel_P (read more reviews )

If you’re in a time crunch visiting Vancouver but still want to visit Whistler, make it a day trip through the seaplane! Instead of driving for an hour and a half, the journey takes 35 minutes both ways. This means you can take your sweet time exploring one of the top ski resorts in North America. This tour also includes free shuttle rides to and from Whistler Village, where you can dine, shop, visit an art gallery , or relax in a spa. It’s completely up to you!

If you’re craving a bit of adventure, you can also go zip-lining , off-roading , or hiking. However, if none of those appeal to you, I still recommend at least riding the gondola to the peak of the mountain!

Lovely friendly staff at the centre, and very well organised from start to finish First time on a seaplane + wow what an amazing flight. Really smooth take off and landing + fantastic scenery. An unforgettable experience and 1 we would love to do again. Would definitely recommend + well worth the money. emsarb (read more reviews )

For those who are visiting Vancouver and have never been to the US, this one is for you. You can take an easy-peasy trip to Seattle in less than an hour, which makes it SO much more convenient than driving 2 hours and waiting in line to cross the border.

Be aware that this is a one-way flight. I only recommend this if you’re done exploring Vancouver and are planning to stay overnight in Seattle. If that isn’t in your itinerary, you can book a seaplane flight from Seattle back to Vancouver , but that’s going to eat up your budget.

While visiting Seattle , make sure to stop by the famous attractions such as Pike Place Market and the Space Needle. While visiting the first Starbucks across the street from Pike is pretty cool, I recommend walking a few blocks to Capitol Hill to visit the Starbucks Roastery ; they have a full menu with entrees, specialty drinks you won’t find in a standalone Starbucks, and most importantly…espresso martinis!

I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE FLYING FROM VANCOUVER TO SEATTLE!!!! The staff in Vancouver were very friendly and helpful from the day I made our reservations right up until we flew. You show your passport when you check in. Your luggage is weighed and if you’re like us you’ll be a bit overweight as we came off of a cruise. We paid some extra for that but overall it is cheaper to fly with Harbor Air Seaplanes than to fly commercial! There are no long lines to wait in! You don’t walk forever through the airport. It’s a FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE!! (You fly low the entire way, enjoying an hour of magnificent scenery, land on Lake Washington, Uber 24 minutes to Sea-Tac and you’re flying home.) Then when you land in the US…another plus…your plane of 9 passengers are the only ones to pass through customs and border patrol. It’s quick, easy, a few steps from your plane and you’re on your way. We loved it! Nancy_A (read more reviews )

This tour follows a route that flies you over Vancouver’s stunning lakes and the snowcapped Mamquam Mountain, which is 8,450 feet high. Flying this route encapsulates all of Canada’s beauty, and unlike the other seaplane tours, this one lasts an hour! You will definitely need your camera for this one. While this tour is available all year round, viewing the alpine lake is only available during the summer (June–September).

I can confidently say that it was worth every penny. The sheer beauty of the scenery left me in awe throughout the entire journey. The tour offered a truly enjoyable experience, with the breathtaking vistas of alpine lakes and glaciers that seemed like scenes from a dream. As we soared above the pristine alpine lakes and glistening glacier, I couldn’t help but feel a deep appreciation for the natural wonders that Canada has to offer. The tour was not just a sightseeing adventure; it was a chance to connect with the awe-inspiring landscapes that make Canada such a remarkable destination. Denise (read more reviews )

If you’ve never been to Vancouver before, this is the perfect tour to give you an introduction to all of the attractions and landmarks. You’ll fly over Downtown Vancouver’s skyscrapers, Stanley Park, English Bay, Lions Gate Bridge. This is one of Harbour Air’s most popular seaplane tours. There is no narration for this tour, and it is scenic views only.

⭐️ Rating: 4.8/5 stars | 🎫 Book today!

This was my husband first Father’s Day gift and one that he’ll remember. Hubby had the opportunity to sit in the cockpit and get a bit of a unique perspective. The pilot was great and very accommodating with our 1 year old son. The views were spectacular and we went to a few new places in the following days based on what we saw from the air. Hazel (read more reviews )

Frequently Asked Questions

A seaplane is self-explanatory; it’s a plane that takes off and lands on water, rather than on tarmac. There is even a gas station for the planes on the water! They were patented and invented in the 19th century, but they were used heavily in both World Wars. These days, seaplanes are used mostly in the tourism industry, whether as a way to travel between different islands (such as the Maldives) or as a way to go sightseeing (like a helicopter). The Vancouver seaplane tours operate as the latter.

Believe it or not, Harbour Air’s seaplanes are safe for the environment. In 2019, they created a prototype of an electric plane, and they are in the process of converting their fleet to become all electric…ePlanes, if you will.

Since 2007, Harbour Air has been working with Ostrom Climate Solutions, a carbon management company that helps them track annual greenhouse gas emissions, fuel records, employee commuting habits, and even office supplies.

Depending on what you’re looking for, Vancouver seaplane tours can fly you all over all of the city’s main attractions. Or you can use them as a scenic tour AND a day trip to other gorgeous destinations like Victoria, Whistler, Seattle, and Nanaimo.

Canada is a breathtaking country, and Vancouver is no exception. Seeing the landscapes and attractions gives you another perspective of Vancouver that you wouldn’t get on land. It’s also just a unique experience that you’ll be able to capture on your camera and tell your friends. If you’re wondering a Vancouver seaplane tour should be on your bucketlist, hopefully this post convinces you to book away!

Hannah Padilla

Hannah is a travel writer, graphic designer, and the founder/editor of Hannah on Horizon. She is based in Sacramento, California, living with her husband and two adorable dogs. She shares tips on how to experience luxury travel on any budget, and how to maximize time at each trip or destination, no matter what your budget or amount of vacation time at work. She enjoys making you feel like you have visited each destination with her through her storytelling and informative writing style.

• Richmond(YVR) / Gulf Islands 1.800.447.3247 604.273.8900 Location
• Nanaimo 1.866.692.6440 250.753.1115 Location
• Vancouver Harbour 1.866.692.6440 604.647.7575 Location

Vancouver City Skyline

Seair’s most popular tour gives you a panoramic picture of the North Shore Mountains and includes views of the world-famous Stanley Park, the Lion’s Gate Bridge and Howe Sound. During your flight above downtown Vancouver, enjoy the picturesque landscape of Vancouver’s city skyline and get a bird’s eye view soaring from above.

What to Bring:

• Bring your ID: All tour passengers 18 years of age or older must provide government issued photo ID.
• Don’t forget your Camera! Cameras and phones are allowed and encouraged.

Good to Know:

• Fares include all taxes and fees.
• Operates daily and year round.
• Check-in time is 30 minutes prior to your tour.
• Passengers may be combined with others on the same tour.
• Our aircraft are equipped with panoramic cabin windows that enhance your views and make your photos even more spectacular.
• In the event of any delays or cancellations, we will make our best efforts to contact guests using the information provided at time of booking.
• All tours are subject to weather conditions. We will make our best efforts to contact guests if we need to modify the tour, or if there are delays or cancellations.
• Child age is 2-11yrs.
• 24 hr cancellation.
• Fares subject to change without notice.

• Flight Time 20 Minutes
• Tour 30 Minutes

Serving Coastal British Columbia Since 1985

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Charter Flights, Campbell River

Vancouver Island Air transports passengers for a variety of companies to various destinations on the coast of British Columbia...

scheduled flights

North coast scheduled service.

Our scheduled service operates Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. For a list of locations we fly to on our scheduled service...

For the adventurous souls who want to see the real British Columbia coast: this approximately 2-hour seaplane flight may take you to...

Read About us !

Featured in sky magazine october/november issue.

A Turbine Otter aged to perfection It's an airline, but not the kind you might imagine. The pilot wears shorts and a ball cap. Passengers chat on the dock amidst pallets of cargo. It's a common sight in British Columbia, where much of the rugged and breathtakingly scenic coast is accessible only by floatplane.

From its base in Campbell River, Vancouver Island Air (VIA) is among the specialized air carriers that can take you wherever you need to go in coastal B.C.

Vancouver Island Air is Campbell River's premier seaplane company safely serving coastal British Columbia since 1985. We operate two DeHavilland Turbo Otters. Our aircraft capacity is 1-26 passengers' large groups can be accommodated.

Our location is a 3 hour drive north from Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, Canada. If you are visiting Campbell River for the first time or have been many times, we recommend taking an air tour with us! Your flight will take you to some very remote locations, in some cases only accessible by boat or floatplane. If you are up for adventure and want to see the Real British Columbia give us a call.

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250-287-2433, vancouver island air ltd..

Fare Options for Tours

Elevate your scenic tour experience when you choose the scenicultimate fare option.

Available on select tours, the scenicULTIMATE fare offers customers a complimentary pre- or post-flight beverage, and priority boarding.

The scenicULTIMATE fare option is available on the following tours:  Vancouver Classic Panorama,   Vancouver Extended Panorama ,  Victoria Classic Panorama  and  Victoria Extended Panorama.  All Priority Boarding passengers will board the aircraft together, allowing them to choose their seats before other passengers. Please note that particular seats are not guaranteed, and flight crew may have to ask you to sit in a different seat due to weight and balance needs.

Check out the table below for a complete overview of our scenicTOUR and scenicULTIMATE fare options.

Still not sure what the best option is for you? Ask our friendly Customer Contact Centre by calling 1-800-665-0212 !