Vancouver: Seaplane Scenic Flight & City Views from Harbour

Summary

Vancouver’s skyline, mountains and sea from a seaplane window

You’ll lift off from Vancouver harbour in a small seaplane, feeling that first rush as city turns to patchwork below you. Watch Stanley Park and Lions Gate Bridge slide past your window before looping over Bowen Island’s forested hills. With a local pilot sharing stories and smooth landing back at the dock, this scenic flight leaves you with new eyes for Vancouver.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect my stomach to flutter before we even left the dock — but there’s something about watching those little Harbour Air planes bobbing on the water, engines humming, that makes you realize this isn’t your usual city tour. The check-in at Vancouver Harbour Seaplane Centre was easy enough (they’re strict about being early), but I kept glancing at the pilots and wondering if they ever get bored of these views. Spoiler: they don’t. Our pilot, Mike, joked about “the best office in town” as he handed out life jackets and pointed out the floatplane’s quirks — apparently it’s normal for your feet to feel the vibration through the floorboards. He grinned when someone asked if we’d get wet. Not unless you want to swim to Stanley Park, he said.

The takeoff is louder than I thought — not scary, just a deep rumble under your seat and then suddenly you’re skimming across Vancouver harbour with spray on both sides. It all happens so fast I almost missed the moment we left water for sky; one second there’s dockworkers waving below us, next thing I know we’re banking over downtown and I can see tiny cars crawling along Georgia Street. The keyword here really is “panorama.” You get this wild sweep of glass towers, Stanley Park looking impossibly green from above, and then those North Shore Mountains just sitting there like a painted backdrop. The clouds were low that day but honestly it made everything feel more dramatic — patches of sunlight breaking through and bouncing off English Bay.

Mike kept up a steady stream of stories (“that’s Bowen Island out there — locals go for quiet weekends”) but sometimes he’d just let us sit in silence while the plane hummed along over Horseshoe Bay. I caught a whiff of salt air every time someone cracked open a window vent. There’s something weirdly peaceful about seeing such a busy city from way up here; all those sharp edges blur into patterns and colors. On our loop back toward downtown Vancouver I tried to snap photos but mostly ended up gawking out the window like everyone else. Honestly? Twenty minutes felt both too short and exactly right.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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 Horseshoe Bay and Bowen Island
• See bird’s-eye view of downtown Vancouver
• Return and land at Harbour Seaplane Centre

Top questions

How long is the Vancouver seaplane tour?

The total experience is 30 minutes with approximately 20 minutes spent flying.

Where does the scenic flight depart from?

The flight departs from Vancouver Harbour Seaplane Centre.

Is there luggage storage during the tour?

Yes, complimentary luggage storage is available for passengers during the tour.

What landmarks do you see on this seaplane tour?

You’ll see Stanley Park, downtown Vancouver skyline, English Bay, Lions Gate Bridge, Horseshoe Bay, Bowen Island and North Shore Mountains.

How early do I need to arrive before departure?

You must arrive at least 40 minutes before your scheduled departure time to check in.

Are children allowed on the flight?

Yes, children aged 2-11 can join with a child fare; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Is public transport available near the terminal?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.

Do I need ID to board?

All passengers 18+ must show one government-issued photo ID or two without photos.

What’s included

Your day includes complimentary luggage storage at Vancouver Harbour Seaplane Centre plus all taxes and sustainability fees covered in your ticket; you’ll spend about 30 minutes total at the terminal and onboard with around 20 minutes flying high above Vancouver’s skyline and coastline before returning smoothly to where you started.