BC Float Plane Adventures: Vancouver to Victoria
A flight by float plane is not simply a mode of transportation; it's an experience that adds a dash of thrill to a more ordinary act of travelling. As I planned my quick getaway to celebrate my birthday, I opted for a unique adventure: a float plane trip from Vancouver's South Airport to Victoria BC Harbour. The charm of float plane travel, particularly with Harbour Air, promised convenience, reasonable rates and spectacular views of the stunning Gulf Islands.
My Victoria getaway plans had me staying in the downtown area so I knew I could walk or take public transportation anywhere I wanted to go. This getaway was going to be a pampered break rather than one of my van life explorations. Once I calculated ferry, petrol, and city parking costs, taking a float plane was only about 20% more... an amount I felt was worth it for the experience. In years past, I took private flying lessons and learned to love flying in small planes. I like the intimacy with the landscape, recognizing places along the way, and the bobbing motion of the plane moving along the air currents. I had last flown in a float plane more than 25 years ago. It was time to treat myself. I hope you'll consider doing the same.
Float Plane Basics
Float planes are aircraft equipped with pontoons or floats, allowing them to take off and land on water. They are commonly used in areas with many lakes or water bodies. The coast of British Columbia is served by small regional float plane operators, most of which have their base in Vancouver Harbour or at the South Terminal of the main airport, YVR. The major Canadian operators include Harbour Air and Seair Seaplanes which also offer scenic flights in addition to their regular routes. Kenmore Air, an American operation based in Seattle, also offers float plane routes in British Columbia. For flights to more northern locations, Wilderness Seaplanes offers routes into more remote areas.
British Columbia attracts many visitors who are eager to explore our stunning coastlines. Regular readers who follow my BC road trips know that travelling to more remote areas can be a challenge with few public transportation options available. Many will choose to rent a vehicle but float planes are a unique option that is worth considering, even if only for a single leg of your BC Adventure.
What to Expect In-Flight
Float planes are small aircraft, generally about 12 - 24 passengers. As with any small plane, passengers will feel more movement during flight. Expect landings and take-offs to be bumpier. Weather conditions are more likely to cause flight delays as high winds and waves can create challenging conditions. The flight path is closer to the surface, so you are almost guaranteed to enjoy the views -- you might even be lucky enough to spot a pod of our resident orcas in the water below.
The basic luggage allowance is small (12 lbs) and includes everything you carry including handbags and backpacks (yes, they weigh everything!). Some rates include a larger luggage allowance so check how much you will need before finalizing your booking. Flights will cost more than a ferry crossing but water airports are usually located right in the harbour of the community you choose to visit, saving transfers from land airports or ferry terminals.
The big saving is time. The flight from Vancouver Harbour to Victoria Harbour is about 30 minutes, compared to 1.5 hours on the ferry not including travel time to and from the ferry terminal. This makes a day trip to Victoria much more feasible for travellers on a tight schedule.
Check-in is quick and efficient, requiring you to arrive about 40 minutes before take-off. Upon arriving at the South Terminal for my morning flight, free coffee and muffins were available in the waiting area. I received a parking pass which allowed 5 days of free parking -- always a bonus!
Harbour Air: Float Plane Vancouver to Victoria BC
Harbour Air offers flights from Vancouver Harbour or YVR. Since I live closer to the airport, it made sense for me to take the flight from the YVR South Terminal. For visitors, there is a shuttle connecting the main airport terminal to the South Terminal. Flights from Vancouver's Coal Harbour are 5 minutes longer. I was heading to the capital, Victoria, but other popular destinations include Nanaimo, Sechelt, Salt Spring Island, and Whistler.
As the largest operator, Harbour Air offers several flights daily throughout the year, check their schedule here. The plane was a 12-passenger DeHavilland Otter and was about 1/2 full. There is no assigned seating, simply choose which side of the plane you want to look out and settle in. Passengers secure seatbelts and flotation belts as all luggage is stowed safely for the flight.
Take off along the Fraser River
After boarding and receiving safety instructions, the pilot steered into the river and we were off! The day, unfortunately, was dreary and I didn't expect much from the views. As it turned out, I had wonderful views looking down on the Salish Sea, looking for whales or dolphins (none spotted but I did see plenty of sea lions resting on rocky shores) and flying over the Gulf Islands. My return flight was less dreary but a flight on a clear sunny day would be even more spectacular.
Sea Lions at the 6-second mark
Final Thoughts
Float plane travel is far more than a means of reaching a destination; it's an adventure that creates lasting memories. The ability to access remote destinations while being treated to breathtaking aerial views, the charm of seaside takeoffs and landings, and the convenience of water airports in 'downtown' areas, make this unique form of transportation an adventure.
Harbour Air, in particular, weaves these elements into a seamless journey. The frequency of flights, the network of destinations, travel time savings, and the convenience of booking options make it an attractive choice for those seeking both efficiency and adventure.
Landing in Victoria's Inner Harbour
For travellers looking for a way to fit in a day trip to Victoria, those looking to visit a more remote coastal community, or those who just want to experience a different form of transportation will find float planes will check all the boxes. Road trippers might want to consider flying over to the island and renting a vehicle once you arrive. Make sure to check out my BC road trip itineraries that can take you from Victoria to Port Hardy at the northern tip of Vancouver Island.
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