Vancouver to Victoria Seaplane: Scenic One-Way Flight Views

Summary

Fast scenic flight from Vancouver’s waterfront to Victoria’s harbor with city & island views

You’ll board a seaplane right on Vancouver’s waterfront and fly over Stanley Park and mountain peaks before crossing the Salish Sea toward Victoria. Watch islands drift past below your window before landing downtown at Inner Harbour—just steps from cafés and landmarks. It’s quick but feels special; you’ll remember those city views long after landing.

What’s the experience like?

The woman at the Harbour Air counter smiled when she saw me juggling my bag and coffee — “Don’t worry, you’re early,” she said, which was a relief because I’d been anxious about missing check-in. Coal Harbour was busy but somehow peaceful, gulls circling above Canada Place and the Olympic Cauldron glinting in the morning light. I could smell the ocean mixed with that faint fuel tang you get near docks. Our pilot, Mark, chatted about the weather (apparently it’s always a topic here), and pointed out Stanley Park as we taxied out — he called it “the city’s backyard.”

I didn’t expect how loud the takeoff would be or how quickly Vancouver shrank beneath us. The skyline looked almost toy-like, and then suddenly we were over Stanley Park — all that green right up against the water. You could see little boats threading through Burrard Inlet and the North Shore Mountains just sitting there like they owned the place. The keyword “Vancouver to Victoria seaplane” kept popping into my head because honestly, this didn’t feel like normal transport. More like a shortcut through some kind of postcard.

The Salish Sea below was scattered with islands — Salt Spring, Galiano, Pender — their forests so thick they looked almost blue from above. There was this weirdly comforting hum from the engine, and for a minute everyone just stared out their windows in silence (except one kid who kept pointing at every ferry). I caught a whiff of salt air even up in the cabin. It felt fast but also slow; 35 minutes isn’t long but it stretches when you’re watching shadows move across water.

Landing in Victoria’s Inner Harbour felt unreal — suddenly there were Parliament Buildings right outside and people waving from dockside cafés. I still think about that first step onto solid ground, legs wobbly but grinning like an idiot. Not sure if it was nerves or just excitement from seeing two cities connect so easily by air. Anyway, if you ever wonder whether to book a day trip from Vancouver to Victoria by seaplane instead of taking the ferry… well, I know which one I’d pick again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Seaplane transfer from Vancouver to Victoria

• Check in at Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre
• Board Harbour Air seaplane
• Fly over Canada Place and Vancouver Convention Centre
• View Stanley Park and North Shore Mountains
• Fly over Salt Spring, Galiano, and Pender Islands
• Land at Victoria Harbour Airport Terminal

Top questions

How long is the seaplane flight from Vancouver to Victoria?

The flight takes approximately 35 minutes.

Where does the seaplane depart in Vancouver?

It departs from Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre in Coal Harbour.

Where does the seaplane land in Victoria?

The plane lands at Victoria Harbour Airport Terminal in Inner Harbour.

Is baggage included on this flight?

Yes, each passenger is guaranteed a 25 lb (11kg) baggage allowance including purses.

Do I need to arrive early for check-in?

You must arrive at least 40 minutes before departure for check-in.

Are children allowed on board?

Yes, children are allowed; child fares apply for ages 2-11 at departure.

What sights can I see during the flight?

You’ll see Vancouver’s skyline, Stanley Park, North Shore Mountains, Gulf Islands, and Victoria’s harbor.

Is public transportation available near both terminals?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby both terminals.

What’s included

Your ticket covers a one-way scenic seaplane flight from Vancouver to Victoria with guaranteed 25 lb baggage allowance per person (including purses), plus all taxes and sustainability fees—just show your government-issued ID at check-in before boarding downtown for your flight across British Columbia’s coast.