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If you’re ready to explore Vancouver and the surrounding area by air, you’ve come to the right place!
Vancouver is known for its iconic seaplanes that take off and land on the water. As locals, we think this is an experience that shouldn’t be missed. You can take a scenic seaplane flight over the city, or use it as a neat way to get to another destination.
There are tons of Vancouver seaplane tours, so we’ve narrowed down the absolute best ones below!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our personal FAVORITE seaplane tour is this scenic 20-minute flight over Vancouver and the surrounding area. You get to see the city’s famous landmarks, nearby mountains, and the harbor from above!
Check out the 1,000+ reviews and book this tour here!
Tip: This tour is VERY popular. Make sure you reserve early to guarantee your spot and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
- Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
- The BEST Vancouver Seaplane Tours
- Do you need to book your seaplane ride in advance?
- Is a seaplane tour in Vancouver worth it?
- Other Things to do While You're in Vancouver
- Where to Stay in Vancouver, Canada
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in British Columbia
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
The BEST Vancouver Seaplane Tours
1. 20-Minute Scenic Flight
- Duration: Around 1 hour and 10 minutes for the entire experience
- Time: Multiple departure times available
- Highlights: Take off and land on the water, see the city’s top landmarks from the sky, small-group experience with a maximum of 14 passengers
- Inclusions: 20-minute flight, professional pilot, complimentary luggage storage
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 1,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re short on time in Vancouver or just want to do something totally unique without breaking the bank, this 20-minute scenic seaplane tour is such a fun option—we did it and absolutely loved it!
The aerial views were unreal. From up in the air, we could see Canada Place, Lions Gate Bridge, Granville Island, the sparkling Pacific Ocean, and snow-capped peaks in the distance. It gave us a whole new appreciation for just how beautiful (and big!) this city really is.
While 20 minutes might sound short, it actually felt like the perfect amount of time once we were up there. The flight didn’t feel rushed at all, and the water takeoff and landing were such a cool experience—surprisingly smooth and not scary at all!
It’s also super convenient if you’re arriving by cruise—the seaplane terminal is just steps from the port, so it’s an easy add-on before or after your sailing. So if you’re ready for a quick adventure with big views, this is the tour for you!
Read the hundreds of 5-star reviews and secure your spot here!
2. 45-minute Scenic Flight
- Duration: Around 1 hour and 25 minutes for the entire experience
- Time: Multiple departure times available
- Highlights: Soar over the city and the peaks of the Coast Mountains, take in the views of inlets, islands, and lush landscapes, and return via the scenic island-dotted Howe
- Inclusions: 45-minute flight, professional pilot
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check the 80+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you want to spend more time in the air and take in even more of Vancouver and its surrounding beauty (who doesn’t?), this 45-minute seaplane tour is an amazing option!
You’ll still get those classic views of Vancouver’s skyline, Stanley Park, and Granville Island, but the real magic happens when you head beyond the city. The flight takes you over the Coast Mountains and into the remote, rugged backcountry of British Columbia—places you’d never get to see otherwise.
For me, the highlight was flying over Howe Sound. This network of fjords and forested islands is absolutely stunning and honestly looks like something out of a movie. It’s been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and seeing it from above really shows off how wild and untouched this part of Canada still is.
If you want a truly unforgettable experience in Vancouver, this tour delivers. It packs so much scenery into just 45 minutes—you’ll come away with a whole new perspective on the area and memories to last a lifetime!
Reserve your spot on this popular tour here before it sells out!
3. Vancouver to Victoria One-Way Flight
- Duration: Around 1 hour and 15 minutes for the experience
- Time: Multiple departure times available
- Highlights: Travel from downtown Vancouver to Victoria by seaplane, soar over the Salish Sea and the Gulf Islands, and see Vancouver and Victoria’s iconic landmarks from above
- Inclusions: One-way 35-minute flight from Vancouver to Victoria, professional pilot, 25 lbs (11 kg) baggage allowance
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check the 170+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re heading to Victoria after Vancouver, why not skip the long drive and take this scenic seaplane flight instead?
This 35-minute one-way flight is not only a huge time-saver (compared to the 4+ hours it takes by car and ferry), but it’s also one of the most beautiful ways to travel between the two cities. You’ll fly right over Stanley Park, the Gulf Islands, and the sparkling coastline before landing in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, with views of the historic parliament buildings as you arrive.
We loved how seamless and relaxing this experience was—no traffic, no ferry waits, and the views from the air were absolutely stunning. It felt like the perfect way to say goodbye to Vancouver and make a grand entrance into Victoria.
This is a one-way flight, but if you want to head back by seaplane as well, you can book your return flight here. It’s ideal for travelers short on time, or anyone who wants to swap a standard travel day for something way more memorable. If you’re all about scenic routes and unique experiences, this is definitely the way to go!
Click here to book your scenic seaplane flight from Vancouver to Victoria!
Related Read: Once you’re in Victoria, don’t miss out on the best things to do, including whale watching, world-famous gardens, and castles!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
4. Round-trip Whistler Seaplane Day Trip
- Duration: 7 to 9 hours
- Time: 9:30, 9:45, or 10 am
- Highlights: Travel to Whistler and back on a seaplane flight, take in scenic views of the coast and mountain ranges, enjoy free time to explore Whistler as you please
- Inclusions: Two 35-minute flights from Vancouver to Whistler and back, professional pilot, shuttle to/from Whistler Village
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check the great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Whistler is a charming ski village located north of Vancouver. If you’re short on time but still want to visit, then taking a seaplane is the perfect way to make the most of a Whistler day trip!
This seaplane tour includes a 35-minute seaplane flight to and from Whistler, with around 5 hours of free time in Whistler, so you can explore this charming mountain town as you please! We recommend going on the Peak 2 Peak gondola, hitting up some of the delicious restaurants, or even going ziplining (my favorite!). There is so much to do in Whistler, you won’t be bored, I promise!
We love that this company includes a free shuttle into town once you land on the lake in Whistler. They also have bikes available if you’d rather ride into town, which is a nice option on a sunny day.
This tour is truly the best way to make the most out of a day trip to Whistler. You get much more time to explore than traditional driving tours, plus you also get the epic seaplane flight experience—that’s a win win in my books!
If you’re ready to see Whistler in style, book this full-day tour here!
5. Day Trip to Victoria by Seaplane
- Duration: 6 to 8 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times available
- Highlights: Travel to Victoria and back on a seaplane flight, enjoy ashuttle bus ride and admission to the Butchart Gardens, have free time to explore Victoria
- Inclusions: Roundtrip floatplane flights, professional pilot, transportation to/from The Butchart Gardens & admission
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check the 180+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Victoria is one of my favorite places in British Columbia, but even though it’s just across the water from Vancouver, getting there isn’t exactly easy. The drive and ferry combo can take up to four hours each way, which makes a day trip pretty unrealistic—unless you’re flying!
That’s why I love this round-trip seaplane day tour to Victoria. Not only do you get to tick another iconic Canadian destination off your list, but you also get to enjoy two scenic 35-minute flights over the Gulf Islands with stunning coastal views the whole way.
Once you land in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, a shuttle takes you straight to the famous Butchart Gardens, where you’ll have plenty of time to explore the beautifully curated grounds. Afterward, you’ll get some free time in downtown Victoria to wander the waterfront, grab lunch, or visit a museum before catching your return flight back to Vancouver.
Everything’s taken care of—flights, ground transport, and garden admission—so you can just relax and enjoy the day. If you’re short on time but still want to experience Victoria and the Butchart Gardens, this is easily the most fun and stress-free way to do it!
Check availability and pricing for this epic Victoria day trip here!
Related Read: If you’re looking for some other fun experiences in Vancouver, check out our list of the best things to do here!
Do you need to book your seaplane ride in advance?
If you’re visiting Vancouver in the summer, then you definitely need to reserve your Vancouver floatplane in advance. They book up fast!
The good news is that when you book a tour through Viator, you can change your booking as many times as you want until 24 hours beforehand. You can also cancel and get a full refund. So if your plans do change, you’re covered!
We actually did this multiple times to ensure that we got the best weather when we did our seaplane tour. We originally booked our Vancouver seaplane tour for a Thursday, but then changed it twice in order to get a sunny day. And in the end, it was so worth it!
Is a seaplane tour in Vancouver worth it?
Yes, a Vancouver seaplane tour is TOTALLY worth it. It was one of our favorite experiences in the city.
And judging by the number of people doing it, we’re not the only ones who think so!
Vancouver is an absolutely gorgeous city, and there’s nothing like soaring over it on a beautiful sunny day. The views are simply stunning, and it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
So, what are you waiting for? Book our favorite seaplane tour in Vancouver here now!
Related Read: Not sure how to spend your time in Vancouver? Check out our detailed travel itinerary here!
Other Things to do While You’re in Vancouver
Vancouver is a city filled with tons of things to do and see. So while you’re here, be sure not to miss some of the top attractions and activities!
- Go whale watching – It’s not just people who flock to Vancouver every year! From the beautiful black and white orcas to the lively humpbacks, going whale watching in Vancouver makes for a truly unforgettable memory. This half-day whale watching tour offers an amazing experience with a guarantee that you’ll see whales!
- Eat ALL the food! – Vancouver is a foodie destination. Showcasing cuisine from all around the world in top-rated restaurants, you really need to make an effort to eat out a few times while in Vancouver. We loved this highly rated food tour because it made it easy to find the best food in the city! It’s also a bang for the buck because we ate SO much food!
- Enjoy a sunset dinner cruise – Since the city is surrounded by water, the best way to experience it is on this sunset dinner cruise! We’ve actually done this dinner cruise a few times – it was that good! The sunset views with wine and an amazing dinner are hard to beat, so be sure to book it in advance.
- Capilano Suspension Bridge – The Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of Vancouver’s most iconic attractions—and for good reason! Spanning 137 meters across a lush canyon, the bridge offers jaw-dropping views and lots of scenic forested trails. And don’t miss the Cliffwalk experience, it’s a fun mix of nature, adventure, and incredible photo ops!
- Bicycle through Stanley Park – Exploring Stanley Park on this bicycle tour allows you to see the most in a short amount of time! This is a fantastic way to learn about the park’s unique history as it’s led by a local guide. They also make it easy by providing the bike, helmet, and route – all you have to do is pedal!
Where to Stay in Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver has no shortage of places to stay, but choosing the right neighborhood and hotel can make a big difference in your trip. To make the most of your time, we recommend staying centrally in the downtown area, where you’ll be close to Vancouver’s best restaurants, shops, and major attractions. To help you narrow it down, we’ve rounded up our top hotel picks for every budget below!
Luxury – $$$
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver is an elegant 5-star property right in the heart of downtown, just a quick stroll from the shops and restaurants along Robson Street. The vibe is classic luxury—think plush rooms with a hint of old-school charm, a full-service spa, a heated indoor pool, and top-notch dining on-site. It’s a great pick if you’re after a comfortable, refined stay in a super central location!
Prices can vary depending on the room category and time of year, but usually range around $300 – $600 CAD per night. Check availability and pricing for your travel dates online here!
Mid-range – $$
EXchange Hotel Vancouver is a sleek and stylish spot right in the heart of downtown—just a short stroll from Canada Place and Gastown. It’s set in the city’s historic stock exchange building, but the rooms are super modern with comfy beds, espresso machines, and rainfall showers. There’s also a great restaurant and bar on-site, so it’s perfect if you want to stay somewhere chic without splurging!
During the summer season, rooms are around $400 CAD, but drop to around $250 during the winter. It’s a very popular spot, so make sure you book online in advance to secure a room at the best possible rate!
Budget – $
If you’re visiting Vancouver on a budget but want to stay right in the heart of downtown, the YWCA Hotel is a fantastic option. It’s just a short walk from BC Place, Rogers Arena, and public transit. There’s a shared kitchen on-site so you can prepare your own meals and cut back on dining costs, plus they offer free coffee in the mornings and water in the lobby. If you’re after a comfortable, convenient stay that won’t break the bank, this is it!
You can choose a room with a private ensuite or opt for a shared bathroom to save some money. Rooms are usually around $250 CAD during the high season and $150 CAD during the low season, but you can check exact prices and reserve for your travel dates online here.
For more options, see all of Vancouver’s hotels listed here!
Related Read: For the full low-down on the best areas and hotels in Vancouver, have a look at our detailed Where to Stay guide!
Renting a Car in British Columbia
If you’re arriving in British Columbia via plane, then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough. British Columbia is a large province, and traveling between the best places to visit in BC requires transport. Although you can use public transport on some occasions, this means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.
Car rental in Canada isn’t relatively cheap, but it’s not that expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with a pick-up and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though, depending on the time of year. For car rentals, I use the website Discover Cars. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used Discover Cars all over the world, including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic, you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Read my tips on using Motorhome Republic here before you book!
And if you’re planning to visit the Canadian Rockies during your trip, we highly recommend Smile Campervans. Based in Calgary, this local company provides compact campervans fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and affordable road trip adventure!
In fact, Smile Campervans has actually given us a special discount code for our readers! Use the code DESTINATIONLESSTRAVEL at checkout to get 5% off your campervan rental! Click here to browse availability, prices, and book with our discount code!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
I’m so happy you’re thinking about taking a seaplane while you’re in Vancouver. We loved our flight, and it was a whole new perspective on a city we’ve visited many times. Whether you are on vacation or live here, it’s a fun adventure to help you see this beautiful part of the country.
Before you head to Vancouver, be sure to read our other West Coast blogs for more ideas and in-depth guides. You’ll find lots of tips and tricks to discover new places in this incredible part of the country.
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15 Things to KNOW about Visiting Lynn Canyon in Vancouver
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