Vancouver is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the entire world, and it’s best not to leave any part unseen.

While most people do this by boat, the secret to really enjoying it in all its glory is by air. That’s right – hop onboard a seaplane and experience a unique view of the city’s downtown, gorgeous harbor, and surrounding nature.

There are plenty of options, but we recommend the following 5 top Vancouver seaplane tours if you’re serious about quality and getting the biggest bang for your buck. Let’s get into it!

Be sure to see our reviews on Vancouver whale watching tours!

Best Seaplane Tours in Vancouver

	Vancouver Seaplane Tour	Vancouver to Victoria by Seaplane and Ferry	Vancouver to Victoria Seaplane Flight
Departure:	1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver	1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver	1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver
Start:	10:30 AM, 2:30 PM, 4:45 PM	7:30 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM	Morning times available, 4:30 PM
Duration:	30 minute flight	35 minute flight, 4.5 hour ferry, 12 hours total	35 minute flight
Includes:	30-minute seaplane flight, Carbon offset levy, GST (Goods and Services Tax)	Scenic seaplane flight to Victoria, Bus and ferry back to Vancouver, Carbon offset levy, GST (Goods and Services Tax)	Scenic seaplane flight to Victoria, Carbon offset levy, GST (Goods and Services Tax)
	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking

Quick Answer: The 5 Best Rated Vancouver Seaplane Tours For 2024

1. Vancouver Seaplane Tour
2. Vancouver to Victoria by Seaplane and Ferry
3. Vancouver to Victoria Seaplane Flight
4. Seaplane Flight to Victoria with Ground Transport and Butchart Gardens Admission
5. Extended Vancouver Seaplane Tour

Vancouver Seaplane Tour Reviews

1. Vancouver Seaplane Tour

There’s a ton to do in Vancouver, and we know you don’t want to waste any time. To make the most of your time in the coastal city, you may find yourself with a packed schedule.

Not to worry, as there are plenty of quick and fun tours you can fit in, like the 30-minute Vancouver Seaplane Tour!

Your tour starts off once you arrive at the seaplane terminal located right in Coal Harbour. There is parking conveniently available right on the waterfront, so you don’t have to worry about walking far or booking separate transportation to get there.

Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before your flight is scheduled, as you’ll go through an educational briefing to ensure everyone stays safe and knows what to expect.

Once you hop into the small-group seaplane, you’ll soar up high, taking in phenomenal bird’s eye views of the postcard-perfect city surrounded by the vibrant ocean and mountains.

Your pilot is expertly-trained to navigate this area, and knows exactly where to take you for the most beautiful views. One of the highlights of the tour was seeing the 2010 Winter Olympic facilities from way up high, along with the lush, green pine trees everywhere!

Once you’ve had your fill, come back and land in the water with an exhilerating splash! This is truly one of the most exciting activities you can do in Vancouver, and with the highly-skilled, friendly staff, your ride will go off without a hitch!

This tour is perfect for both adrenaline-junkies and those who enjoy a bit of calm, so don’t hesitate on this one!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

2. Vancouver to Victoria by Seaplane and Ferry

While we already know that Vancouver is one of the most visually aesthetic places in the world, Victoria is certainly right up there in terms of beauty. Why not take a full-day adventure and break away from the hustle-and-bustle from the busy metropolis?

With the Vancouver to Victoria by Seaplane and Ferry tour, you’ll be able to see it all in a well-organized, educational excursion full of the best views.

Start off by meeting up in the morning at the seaplane terminal, where you’ll be able to sit down in their comfortable lounge and receive your safety briefing and get ready for your exciting adventure!

You’re then ready to head off on your scenic, 35-minute flight crossing the Strait of Georgia while enjoying the breathtaking arial views of the water and surrounding mountains. The flight is just long enough to soak in the scenery without leaving any room for boredom!

Once you touch down in Victoria, you get to choose how you’d like to spend your time there – you get to customize your itinerary! Of course, the guides are also great at making tried-and-true suggestions such as shopping at the charming boutiques or antique shops.

Their Chinatown and Oak Bay are also loads of fun, with a friendly vibe and top-notch customer service at attractions like the Butchart Gardens and Empress Hotel (a must if you’re a tea person).

Once you’ve got all your sightseeing in, you get to choose when you’d like to head back to the city, which will be by means of ferry. The ferry is a ton of fun in itself, with comfortable seating and phenomenal views from the enormous windows.

It may take a bit longer than the plane, but it gives you plenty of time to kick up your feet and take in the natural beauty without rush.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

3. Vancouver to Victoria Seaplane Flight

Next up, we have another short but invigorating air tour that will surely lift anyone’s spirits! The Vancouver to Victoria Seaplane Flight will have you cruising in style high up in the air with views that you simply can’t get being down on the ground!

If you’re looking to see Victoria in an easy and convenient way, you can’t beat this excursion! If it’s your first time in a seaplane, you’re going to really enjoy this tour – it’s perfect for people of all ages and experience levels!

The pilots are very professional and explain everything in a very easy-to-understand way that makes you feel safe and comfortable (as you will be). Right from the get-go, the staff makes sure you’re well taken care of with ample seating and refreshments, answering any questions you may have.

Go outside, where you’ll get to know your modern seaplane, which looks cool and is always fun to take photos of! Designed exclusively for small group tours, you’ll have the privilege of having the plane all to yourself and your pilot.

You’ll be able to see the Burrard Inlet, views over Lion’s Gate Bridge, Stanley Park’s Brockton Peninsula, the Salish Sea, beautiful beaches, and lush forests.

As you soar through the skies, your pilot will offer an interesting commentary, pointing out different locations as you pass them.

Not only are the nature views incredible, but the views of the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, Victoria’s Fairmont Empress Hotel, and other downtown structures! If you’re looking for a smooth ride and an easy way to get out of the city, this is it!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

4. Seaplane Flight to Victoria with Ground Transport and Butchart Gardens Admission

Next up, we bring you the longest tour of the bunch: the Seaplane Flight to Victoria with Ground Transport and Butchart Gardens Admission Tour.

This full-day adventure will elevate (literally and figuratively!) your trip to Victoria, kickstarting things with an exciting seaplane trip over the water! If you or someone else in your party is a nature lover, this is a must-do!

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to have your own private pilot and guide take you to some of the prettiest locations in the world? This tour feels like that, starting off by meeting at the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre conveniently located right in the middle of downtown.

Hang out in their comfy lounge as you receive a comprehensive safety briefing to ensure everyone has a great time! Now, it’s time to hop on the plane for a 35-minute ride packed full of picturesque vistas over the Georgia Strait, various villages, islands, Mount Baker, and thick forests!

You’ll land safely in central downtown Victoria, where you’ll then take a spacious private transport to the famous Butchart Gardens. For over 100 years now, these stunning gardens have been enticing visitors with their themed flowerbeds, sunken gardens, bubbling fountains, and breathtaking natural beauty.

You’ll have plenty of time to soak it all in before heading to other attractions such as the Royal BC Museum, shopping, restaurants, and much more.

You get to decide where to go next – this customized itinerary is based around your interests, but if you would like any suggestions, the guides are incredibly knowledgeable and always have an arsenal of solid recommendations.

Oh, and Victoria has some world-class cafes around, so if you’re a coffee or tea person, you can’t miss stopping by!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

5. Extended Vancouver Seaplane Tour

Is it your first time in British Columbia and would like to cover as much ground as possible? If so, then the Extended Vancouver Seaplane Tour is just the ticket, offering you even more time up in the air!

It’s a wonderful way to become acquainted with the area and help plan out the rest of your adventures, as you’re going to learn about everything in the area!

What we really love about these seaplane tours is that you’ll see things otherwise inaccessible by any other means of transportation, really showing BC’s immense beauty. If this is your first time on a plane like this, you’re in for a real treat – it’s perfect no matter if you’re a complete newbie or seasoned pro.

The pilots are highly-trained and love sharing their knowledge with their passengers! Before you set off, however, you’ll go through a safety briefing and be able to ask any questions you may have.

Located in downtown Vancouver, you’ll take off right next to places like the city’s Convention Centre, Jack Poole Plaza (the Olympic facilities are here), and Canada Place.

Soar high up, along Vancouver’s legendary seawall, which is the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path! Stretching over 13,000 steps, we highly recommend checking this extremely popular attraction once you’re back down on the ground!

Actually, the terminal is right on the seawall, complete with a comfortable passenger lounge with fantastic views of Stanley Park and the mountains in the distance!

The Cockpit Cafe is a great place to either get prepared or sit and chat about the exhilirating flight you all just experienced! You can’t get these views by either road or water!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

What to Expect on a Seaplane Tour?

You may be wondering, “What should I expect on a seaplane tour?”. That’s a great question! There are a few factors to take into consideration – let’s get into them right now!

Motion – First off, seaplanes generally are pretty smooth. However, it does depend on the weather that day, the pilot, and the area you’re flying over. We found the Vancouver seaplane tours to be quite comfortable. If you’re worried you’re going to get motion sick, it’s likely not going to be an issue for you. However, it’s a good idea to let staff and the pilot know, as there are a few measures they can take to ensure your experience is a pleasant one.

Space – The seaplanes can typically fit up to about 14 passengers, but they’re pretty compact inside. If you have claustrophobia, you may not enjoy it, however. If not, then it’s usually not a problem.

Noise – Seaplanes are pretty noisy, there’s no other way to say it – especially during take off and landing.

Climate – What should you wear on a seaplane? Essentially what you would wear outside for the day. Once up in the air, you’ll likely feel it’s a bit cooler, so you can choose to bring a light jacket if you’d like.

What Sights Will You See?

This of course, depends a bit on which tour you select. If you choose a tour that goes to Victoria, you will also be able to see much of the downtown area and Butchart Gardens there. However, there are some sights that you’ll see on every tour listed on our guide:

• Vancouver Convention Center
• Vancouver Seawall
• Georgia Strait
• Gulf Islands
• Granville Island
• Surrounding mountains
• Downtown Vancouver
• Convention Centre
• Olympic facilities/Jack Poole Plaza

Best Time of Year for Vancouver Seaplane Tours

The best time of year for seaplane tours in Vancouver is during July and August – probably ideal for most people, too! The summer season is quite warm, pleasant, and not a cloud in the sky.

The rainy season starts in September and typically lasts through June, which means it’s almost rainy constantly aside from these two months. However, September isn’t usually quite as rainy as the other months.