Vancouver: 20-Minute Seaplane Tour & Skyline Views

What you see from 500 feet: the whole city at once

You arrive at the seaplane terminal 40 minutes early, get a safety briefing, and take off for a 20-minute flight over downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge, and the North Shore Mountains. The seaplane banks over Horseshoe Bay and Bowen Island on the way out, loops back over Science World and BC Place Stadium, and lands you back at the centre with a view of the city you won't get any other way. Life jackets, a certified pilot, and optional narration via app are all included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Vancouver scenic seaplane flight

• Arrive at Vancouver Harbour Seaplane Centre
• Check in and enjoy harbour views
• Receive pilot safety orientation
• Take off from Vancouver harbour
• View downtown skyline and Stanley Park
• Fly over English Bay and Lions Gate Bridge
• See North Shore Mountains and coastline
• Fly west over Horseshoe Bay and Bowen Island
• Return flight with downtown aerial views
• Spot BC Place Stadium from above
• View Science World landmark
• Land back at Vancouver Harbour Seaplane Centre

The experience

The floats kiss the water and the engine cuts to a low hum. You're sitting in a Harbour Air seaplane at the Vancouver Harbour Seaplane Centre, and the pilot is running through the safety briefing: life jacket fitted, headset on, the door about to close on the only thing between you and open sky. Twenty minutes from now you'll have seen the entire city from above: the downtown towers shrinking as you climb, Stanley Park's green curve, the Lions Gate Bridge strung across the inlet like something from a model train set, and the North Shore Mountains rising up sharp and close enough that you can see the snow patches even on a cloudy day.

The flight itself moves fast. Once airborne, the seaplane banks west over English Bay, and the scale of Vancouver hits different from up here: the waterfront spreads out in a way no street view can show you. You pass over Horseshoe Bay, where the mountains crowd right down to the water, and then Bowen Island appears, forested and quiet below. The pilot doesn't narrate unless you want him to. The Digital Tour Guide App on your phone has optional narration if you download it beforehand, but most people just watch. The city swings back into view as you loop east, and that's when you spot Science World's geodesic dome and BC Place Stadium's distinctive roof: landmarks that make sense from the ground suddenly look like pieces of a puzzle you're seeing whole for the first time. The whole thing takes 20 minutes, and you land as smoothly as you took off.

Logistics matter here: you need to arrive 40 minutes before departure and be fully checked in 20 minutes before takeoff, which sounds strict but keeps the operation running on time. Groups max out at 14 passengers, so it never feels crowded. Children aged 2 to 11 fly at a reduced rate and sit on a parent's lap if they're under 2. Infants are welcome, which means families with young kids can do this without leaving anyone behind. The seaplane operates in most weather: rain, cloud, even overcast skies give you a different read on the city, and the views hold up either way. Luggage storage is free while you fly, so you don't have to haul a backpack up the stairs to the aircraft.

What’s included

• Your seaplane tour includes a life jacket and safety briefing from a certified pilot, complimentary luggage storage at the terminal during your flight, and access to the Digital Tour Guide App with optional narration (bring your own headphones if you want to use it).
• The sustainability fee and Goods and Services Tax are built into the price.
• Public transit is available near the seaplane centre.

Options for this experience

54 options

Departs 10:30 AM (check-in 9:50)10:30A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 5:15 PM (check-in 4:25)17:15A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 3:00 PM (check-in 2:20)Available from 6 Dec · 15:00A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

See 51 more options

Departs 2:30 PM (check-in 1:50)Available from 17 Nov · 14:30A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 10:45 AM (check-in 10:05)Available from 7 Nov · 10:45A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 11:30 AM (check-in 10:50)11:30A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 12:45 PM (check-in 12:05)Available from 3 May 2027A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 3:45 PM (check-in 3:05)15:45A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 4:45 PM (check-in 4:05)Available from 14 Nov · 16:45A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs at 10:10 AM; check-in at 9:30 AMAvailable from 19 Oct 2027A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 4:15 PM (check-in 3:25)16:15A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 12:15 PM (check-in 11:35)12:15A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 5:30 PM (check-in 4:50)17:30A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 2:15 PM (check-in 1:35)Available from 3 May 2027A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 6:15 PM (check-in 5:35)Available from 3 May 2027A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 3:30 PM (check-in 2:50)15:30A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs at 10:15 AM (check-in at 9:35)Available from 3 May 2027A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs at 1:15 PM (check-in at 12:35)Available from 1 Jan 2027A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs at 9:15 AM (check-in at 8:35)Available from 4 Jul 2027A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs at 4:10 PM (check-in at 3:30)Available from 9 Nov · 16:10A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs at 9:30 AM (check-in at 8:50)Available from 19 Oct 2027A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seat is first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs at 2:20 PM (check-in at 1:40)Available from 10 Nov · 14:20A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 5:45 PM (check-in 5:05)Available from 30 Jun 2027A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 6:30 PM (check-in 5:50)Available from 8 May 2027A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 5:00 PM (check-in 4:20)17:00A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 2:00 PM (check-in 1:20)14:00A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 4:00 PM (check-in 3:20)16:00A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 3:50 PM (check-in 3:10)Available from 26 DecA 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 4:25 PM (check-in 3:45)Available from 10 Nov · 16:25A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 12:00 PM (check-in 11:20)Available from 7 Mar 2027A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 1:45 PM (check-in 1:05)Available from 3 Jul 2027A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 3:55 PM (check-in 3:15)Available from 11 Jan 2027A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 12:30 PM (check-in 11:50)12:30A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 6:00 PM (check-in 5:20)Available from 4 Jun 2027A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 1:00 PM (check-in 12:20)Available from 21 Dec · 13:00A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 1:30 PM (check-in 12:50)13:30A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 4:30 PM (check-in 3:50)16:30A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 11:15 AM (check-in 10:35)Available from 29 Nov · 11:15A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 4:20 PM (check-in 3:40)16:20A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 10:00 AM (check-in 9:20)10:00A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 3:15 PM (check-in 2:25)15:15A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 2:45 PM (check-in 2:05)Available from 27 DecA 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 11:00 AM (check-in 10:20)11:00A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 7:00 PM (check-in 6:20)Available from 31 May 2027A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 9:00 AM (check-in 8:20)Available from 19 Oct 2027Description. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

Departs 11:45 AM (check-in 11:05)11:45A 30-minute flight that passes over Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge and the Vancouver skyline. Seats are first come, first served. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID.

VIP Signature Experience at 2:30Available from 18 Nov · 14:30ELEVATED EXPERIENCE: Enjoy an upgraded Vancouver seaplane tour with stunning aerial views, plus priority boarding. A complimentary drink (wine, beer or specialty coffee from the Cockpit Cafe) is included before or after the flight. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID. At check-in, show your booking and state that your tour includes VIP priority boarding and a complimentary drink.

VIP Signature Experience at 6:30Available from 8 May 2027ELEVATED EXPERIENCE: Enjoy an upgraded Vancouver seaplane tour with stunning aerial views, plus priority boarding. A complimentary drink (wine, beer or specialty coffee from the Cockpit Cafe) is included before or after the flight. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID. At check-in, show your booking and state that your tour includes VIP priority boarding and a complimentary drink.

VIP Signature Experience at 5:3017:30ELEVATED EXPERIENCE: Enjoy an upgraded Vancouver seaplane tour with stunning aerial views, plus priority boarding. A complimentary drink (wine, beer or specialty coffee from the Cockpit Cafe) is included before or after the flight. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID. At check-in, show your booking and state that your tour includes VIP priority boarding and a complimentary drink.

VIP Signature Experience at 1:3013:30ELEVATED EXPERIENCE: Enjoy an upgraded Vancouver seaplane tour with stunning aerial views, plus priority boarding. A complimentary drink (wine, beer or specialty coffee from the Cockpit Cafe) is included before or after the flight. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID. At check-in, show your booking and state that your tour includes VIP priority boarding and a complimentary drink.

VIP Signature Experience at 11:15Available from 29 Nov · 11:15ELEVATED EXPERIENCE: Enjoy an upgraded Vancouver seaplane tour with stunning aerial views, plus priority boarding. A complimentary drink (wine, beer or specialty coffee from the Cockpit Cafe) is included before or after the flight. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID. At check-in, show your booking and state that your tour includes VIP priority boarding and a complimentary drink.

VIP Signature Experience at 3:1515:15ELEVATED EXPERIENCE: Enjoy an upgraded Vancouver seaplane tour with stunning aerial views, plus priority boarding. A complimentary drink (wine, beer or specialty coffee from the Cockpit Cafe) is included before or after the flight. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID. At check-in, show your booking and state that your tour includes VIP priority boarding and a complimentary drink.

VIP Signature Experience at 1:15Available from 1 Jan 2027ELEVATED EXPERIENCE: Enjoy an upgraded Vancouver seaplane tour with stunning aerial views, plus priority boarding. A complimentary drink (wine, beer or specialty coffee from the Cockpit Cafe) is included before or after the flight. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID. At check-in, show your booking and state that your tour includes VIP priority boarding and a complimentary drink.

VIP Signature Experience at 6:15Available from 4 May 2027ELEVATED EXPERIENCE: Enjoy an upgraded Vancouver seaplane tour with stunning aerial views, plus priority boarding. A complimentary drink (wine, beer or specialty coffee from the Cockpit Cafe) is included before or after the flight. Duration: 30 minutes. Check in 40 minutes before departure with ID. At check-in, show your booking and state that your tour includes VIP priority boarding and a complimentary drink.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day28 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 17:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 14

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Harbour Air Ltd

Is this one for you?Right for anyone who wants to see the whole Vancouver skyline, mountains, and waterfront in one shot without spending hours on a tour bus. The 20-minute flight is short enough to fit into a busy day, and the small group size (maximum 14) means you're not packed in with a crowd.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the actual flight?

Twenty minutes in the air, from takeoff to landing. Plan for about two hours total, including check-in, safety briefing, and landing procedures.

What if the weather is bad?

The seaplane flies in most weather conditions. Cloud and rain change the view but don't cancel the flight: each condition shows the city differently.

Do I need to bring identification?

Passengers 18 and over must bring either one valid government-issued photo ID or two government-issued IDs without a photo.

What's included in the price?

Life jacket, safety briefing, certified pilot, luggage storage, and a complimentary Digital Tour Guide App with optional narration. The sustainability fee and GST are also included.

What if I'm late to check in?

Passengers not checked in 20 minutes before departure cannot board and will not receive a refund. Arrive at least 40 minutes early to avoid this.

Can I use my own headphones for the narration?

Yes. The narration is optional and requires your own headphones if you want to use it. Download the app before you arrive or at check-in.

Is this suitable for people with mobility issues?

Mobility devices like wheelchairs or canes can get you to the aircraft, but you must be able to walk on and off the plane with minimal or no assistance.