Written by Julian

The Vancouver to Nanaimo Seaplane: Why it Beats the Ferry Everytime

12 April 2025 | 0 comments

Want to avoid the traffic and sailings and get to Nanaimo in under 20 minutes?

You’ll want to look into taking a Vancouver to Nanaimo seaplane.

It’s by far the most scenic and time-efficient way to travel between these two beautiful West Coast cities.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Nanaimo Seaplane Tickets: Low Price Guarantee

🔥We offer a low price guarantee on Nanaimo Seaplane tickets if booked via the button below. If you can find a lower price online, you’ll be refunded the difference! Click below to find out more:

The Nanaimo Seaplane
Lock in your Low Price Guarantee

Taking a Seaplane from Vancouver to Nanaimo

This 20-minute seaplane flight from Vancouver to Nanaimo offers passengers stunning aerial views of the Salish Sea, Gulf Islands, and Vancouver Island’s rugged coastline.

The flights are run by Harbour Air, and they land directly in downtown Nanaimo — meaning no transfers, ferries, or highway delays.

Even better? The views of Mount Baker, Howe Sound, and the Strait of Georgia make this one of the most photogenic ways to travel on the entire West Coast.

Here’s what the trip includes:

✈️ 20-minute scenic seaplane flight
📸 Aerial views of Vancouver and coastal B.C.
🧳 One piece of carry-on and one piece of checked luggage
📍 Downtown-to-downtown service

The added value of flying to Nanaimo from Vancouver is that these seaplane trips are popular tourist attractions in their own right, offering stunning scenery and exciting thrills, in addition to convenience.

Naturally, any traveller planning a Vancouver itinerary with a bit of extra time should consider squeezing in a trip to Vancouver. While most people will opt for a day trip to Victoria, Nanaimo is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered.

What’s more, its central island location makes it a staging point for travellers heading to Tofino, Ucluelet, Campbell River, and the north island…It isn’t called Hub City for nothing!

Here’s a sneak preview of what’s in store on the seaplane flight:

But what do locals think about this flight to Nanaimo from Vancouver? Is it just another needless extravagance?

Let’s break down some reasons why you’d take a Vancouver to Nanaimo seaplane flight versus some competing options.

⚠️ Warning ⚠️ – We’re now in high season, and seaplane tickets are in incredibly low supply (max 12 seats per flight). Make sure you lock in your free cancellation seats booking your seaplane tickets in advance.

How Long is the Seaplane Flight from Vancouver to Nanaimo?

As mentioned, the seaplane goes straight from downtown Vancouver to downtown Nanaimo in only 20 minutes – bringing you steps from Nanaimo’s top attractions.

Here’s a quick time comparison between seaplanes and the Vancouver to Nanaimo ferry from Horseshoe Bay:

Vancouver to Nanaimo seaplane: one hour (20-minute flight, 40-minute advance check-in time)
Vancouver to Nanaimo ferry: around 3.5 hours (30-minute drive to Horseshoe Bay, 30-60-minute wait time, 1 hour 40-minute ferry ride, 10-minute drive to downtown Nanaimo)

The Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre is just steps from Canada Place, the Vancouver Cruise Terminal, the Vancouver Convention Centre, and Jack Poole Plaza.

Once on the island, the Nanaimo Harbour Airport is a 5-10 minute walk from most downtown hotels.

The Nanaimo Seaplane is a huge time-saver for busy business travellers, tourists, and locals without a car. But is it affordable?

Vancouver to Nanaimo Seaplane Prices

The cost of a one-way ticket for floatplane flights to Nanaimo can be found below:

Adults (12+): $199.00 CAD
Children (3-11): $123.00
Infants (0-2): free

Astonishingly, the Nanaimo Seaplane is priced at around half the cost of its Victoria, Tofino floatplane, and Whistler seaplane counterparts.

This makes it the most cost-effective method of taking a quick flight to Vancouver Island.

Is the Seaplane to Nanaimo from Vancouver Worth it?

Absolutely, but it all depends on how you define value. Let’s compare the seaplane with BC Ferries.

Foot passenger: $20 ferry walk-on ticket, $6.75-$50 transport (transit vs rideshare), roughly 4.5 hours.
By Car: $75 vehicle fare + $20 pp on the ferry and $10 on gas, roughly 3.5 hours.

So, depending on your method of choice, your trip by ferry will cost between $26.75 and $105.00.

When compared to the $199 price of the seaplane, the ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo is clearly cheaper.

But the seaplane isn’t targeted at budget travellers. It is aimed at people looking for speed, convenience, and excitement. This isn’t just a way to get from A to B—it is an experience in and of itself.

Not to mention, when you compare the cost relative to the Victoria Seaplane, it could be considered a steal.

So if you’re a business traveller, or a tourist looking the quintessential west coast experience, the Nanaimo seaplane is highly recommended.

But if you’re on a budget, I’d suggest the ferry.

How to Book Nanaimo Seaplane Tickets

⚠️ Warning: There are only 14 seats per flight to Nanaimo. As soon as you’ve decided on dates, I suggest booking your free cancellation tickets using the links here to avoid getting shut out.

Grabbing tickets for the Nanaimo seaplane from Vancouver is as easy as buying clothes on Amazon – actually, it’s probably even easier.

Let’s go through the process together:

1. Open the Nanaimo Seaplane Ticket Link

Open up the Vancouver-Nanaimo seaplane link on Viator.
Here, you’re booking with a publicly traded company (Tripadvisor) with a $3 billion market cap.
Booking here gets you free cancellation tickets to lock in your dates with no risk.
You can also book with no money down if you’d like.
You’re also utilizing Viator’s lowest price guarantee.

2. Select Your Seaplane Departure Time

Click on the ‘Check Availability’ button on the seaplane page.
Select your dates using the calendar.
Enter the number of guests and click ‘Apply.’
Select your time and click ‘Book Now.’

Again, these seaplane tickets are incredibly flexible: you can cancel your tickets free of charge right up until 24 hours before your departure.

Viator is also the only place you can book with no money down – there’s literally no risk in locking in your spot.

Decide you’d rather go somewhere else? Have a family emergency? Just cancel them, no questions asked.

To learn more, click on the button below:

The Nanaimo Seaplane
Take off on Your Island Escape

Vancouver to Nanaimo Seaplane Schedule

In peak season, there are six float plane departures every day.

While departure times vary, there are typically:

Three morning departures (at 7:45 am, 8:30 am, and 10:00 am)
Three afternoon departures (1:00, 3:30, and 5:20 pm)

Again, departure times vary slightly day to day, but regardless, you’ll have plenty of flights to choose from.

To ensure you get the right time for your flight, it’s recommended to book online ASAP, as there are only 14 passengers per flight.

I recommend booking Vancouver to Nanaimo seaplane tickets using Viator as it gives you free cancellation tickets and a buy now, pay later option, and is a great way to support this free resource 🙂

Is the Seaplane Safe?

Harbour Air is North America’s largest all-seaplane airline. They make sure to place safety at the forefront of their operations, awhich has been crucial in their success.

The airline’s proactive approach to safety management has enabled it to aim for zero accidents and establish itself as a benchmark for safety in the global seaplane industry.

Harbour Air’s safety management practices are constantly evolving to adapt and are designed to ensure the well-being of its aircraft, team, and over 450,000 annual passengers.

This dedication to safety and integrity is ingrained in Harbour Air’s culture and is reflected in its exceptional safety record and pioneering industry innovations aimed at enhancing aircraft and operational processes.

What to Expect on the Nanaimo Floatplane Flight

Having recently made the trip myself, let me explain what a typical seaplane flight involves.

In general, passengers can expect an exhilarating and scenic journey that showcases the stunning landscapes of the Salish Sea and Coast Mountains.

You’ll get a bird’s eye view of Stanley Park and Grouse Mountain—it’s simply outstanding.

Here’s what you can expect:

Check-in Process: Passengers are asked to check in just 40 minutes before the scheduled departure. The process is straightforward and you’re out on the dock in minutes…this isn’t a typical flight.
Pre-flight Briefing: Before boarding, passengers receive a safety briefing from the pilot or ground staff, covering essential safety procedures and information about the flight.
Boarding: Boarding a seaplane is an intimate experience, as these aircraft are smaller than commercial airplanes, usually seating between 6 to 19 passengers. The staff assists with boarding, ensuring everyone is comfortably seated and buckled in.
Takeoff: One of the most thrilling parts of the journey, the takeoff from water is smooth and offers an immediate panoramic view of the Vancouver skyline and Pacific Coastal Mountains.
Flight Experience: The flight from Vancouver to Nanaimo is short, typically lasting around 20 minutes. Along the way, you’ll see the Gulf Islands, the Strait of Georgia, and the coastline. The low flying altitude provides a unique perspective not seen on commercial jets.
In-flight Comfort: Seaplanes are known for their cozy interiors. While the space is more compact than a commercial jet, the experience is more personal and the views more immersive. Noise-canceling headphones are often provided to reduce engine noise.
Landing: The approach to Nanaimo is as scenic as the takeoff, with the plane smoothly descending onto the water. The water landing is a unique experience for those accustomed to traditional runway landings.
Arrival: Upon landing, the plane taxis to the dock where passengers disembark. The process is quick, allowing travellers to immediately proceed to their next destination.

Flight Restrictions

Before grabbing your seaplane flight to Nanaimo, please be aware of the following restrictions and rules:

Guests are advised to check in at least 40 minutes before departure.
The flights, unfortunately, cannot accommodate wheelchairs.
Each flight has a minimum and maximum passenger count; if not met, the flight may be canceled.
Infants must be seated on an adult’s lap for the entire flight duration.
Certain follow a luggage limit of up to 25 lbs./11 kgs.
Seating arrangements can be altered to ensure flight safety and balance.
Passengers must present a valid photo ID to board.
Only service animals are permitted; no other pets are allowed.
Flight durations may vary due to wind, weight, and weather conditions.

Vancouver to Nanaimo Seaplane FAQ

How long is the Vancouver to Nanaimo seaplane flight?
About 20 minutes, with check-in 40 minutes before departure.

How much does the seaplane from Vancouver to Nanaimo cost?
An adult ticket aboard the seaplane costs $199 CAD for a one way ticket, and $123 for children.

Where does the Vancouver to Nanaimo seaplane land?
The seaplane lands in Nanaimo Harbour, right in the heart of downtown.

How much luggage can I bring?
You’re allowed one piece of carry-on (up to 25 lbs) and one piece of checked luggage included in the fare.

Do I need a passport or ID?
No passport is needed for this domestic flight, but you do need a government-issued photo ID. Foreigners will require a passport.

Is there a seaplane flight to Victoria?
Yes! round-trip flights are offered between Vancouver and Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Service is also provided to locations such as Tofino, Whistler, and the Gulf Islands, depending on the season.