Booking choice: The seaplane flight to Victoria, from $356 per person. Check dates Tour details
Harbour Air's Vancouver to Victoria flight leaves from Coal Harbour and lands in Victoria's Inner Harbour, so there is no airport at either end. On the way you fly over Burrard Inlet, the Lions Gate Bridge, Stanley Park and the Gulf Islands.
It is the quickest way between the two downtowns, but it is one way, the baggage allowance is small, and the fare is high for a 35-minute flight.
The quick answer
Harbour Air's one-way flight from Coal Harbour to Victoria's Inner Harbour takes about 35 minutes and starts at $356 on Viator. Baggage is 25 lb (11 kg) including purses; extra weight is $3 per lb, space permitting. The return is not included. By BC Ferries the crossing alone takes about 1 hour 35 minutes, plus the trips to and from the terminals.
How long is the seaplane from Vancouver to Victoria?
About 35 minutes in the air, according to the listing, from Coal Harbour to Victoria's Inner Harbour.
Add Harbour Air's check-in: arrive 40 minutes before departure and be fully checked in 20 minutes before, or you cannot board and are not refunded. One guest summed up the whole trip as downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria in 45 minutes.
Heading to the island? Check dates for the harbour-to-harbour flight.
Check dates for the seaplane flight to VictoriaWhere does it leave from and land?
It leaves from the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre at 1055 Canada Place and lands in Victoria's Inner Harbour, in the centre of town.
Hotel pickup is not included at either end. The listing describes the route over Burrard Inlet, the Lions Gate Bridge, Stanley Park's Brockton Peninsula, the Salish Sea and the Gulf Islands.
How much does the seaplane to Victoria cost?
From $356 per person one way on Viator, taxes and sustainability fees included.
It is rated 4.6 from 197 reviews. One guest called the price outrageous for the length of the flight and was told at the desk that it changes by the hour, so compare a few departure times.
Short on time in Victoria? The flight lands you in the Inner Harbour in about 35 minutes.
Explore the seaplane flight to Victoria Tour detailsHow much baggage can you take?
25 lb (11 kg) per person is guaranteed, and that includes every bag, purses too.
Extra baggage travels on a space-available basis for $3 per lb at check-in. The listing counts all baggage, purses included, toward the 25 lb. One guest's tip: weigh your bags before you go to avoid the surcharge.
Is the return flight included?
No. The listing is one way; book the way back to Vancouver separately.
That can be a return flight booked with Harbour Air, or the ferry. Plan it before you go: one guest said getting back to downtown Vancouver took them over five hours.
Seaplane or BC Ferries: which is better?
The seaplane is much faster between the two downtowns; the ferry is cheaper and has no tight baggage limit.
BC Ferries sails from Tsawwassen, south of Vancouver, to Swartz Bay, north of Victoria. The crossing takes about 1 hour 35 minutes, and you still need to get to and from both terminals. One guest put the ferry trip with transfers at about 3 hours.
| Seaplane | BC Ferries | |
|---|---|---|
| From / to | Coal Harbour to Inner Harbour | Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay |
| Time | About 35 min flight | About 1 h 35 min crossing, plus transfers |
| Baggage | 25 lb (11 kg) incl. purses | No seaplane-style weight limit |
| From (Viator) | $356 | Not sold here |
What happens if the weather is bad?
The flight can be delayed or cancelled, and the airline will contact you to rebook or refund.
One guest whose flight was eventually cancelled was frustrated at being kept waiting for hours. If you have a ferry or dinner booking in Victoria, leave a buffer. The Viator booking cancels free up to 24 hours before.
Watching the forecast? Book with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Check dates for the seaplane flight to VictoriaAny tips for the flight?
Arrive early, pack light, bring photo ID and keep the camera ready for the Gulf Islands.
One guest advised arriving early so staff take your bags down to the plane; otherwise you carry them down the gangway yourself. Everyone 18 and over needs one piece of government photo ID or two pieces without a photo. More in seaplane tour tips.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the seaplane from Vancouver to Victoria?
About 35 minutes in the air, from Coal Harbour in downtown Vancouver to Victoria's Inner Harbour.
What is the baggage allowance on the Victoria seaplane?
25 lb (11 kg) per person, including purses. Extra weight is $3 per lb at check-in, if there is space.
Is the seaplane to Victoria faster than the ferry?
Yes. The flight takes about 35 minutes between downtowns; the ferry crossing alone is about 1 hour 35 minutes, plus transfers to and from the terminals.
Does the Victoria seaplane include a return?
No, it is one way. Book the return separately.
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Choose your flight
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
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