Written by Julian

Vancouver to Saltspring Island Seaplane: The Quickest & Most Scenic Way to Visit

13 April 2025 | 0 comments

Looking to trade city vibes for coastal calm? The Vancouver to Saltspring seaplane ride is, hands down, the most beautiful and efficient way to reach BC’s favourite Gulf Island.

Skip the ferry lineups and highway stress—this direct floatplane flight puts you in the heart of Ganges (Saltspring’s main village) in just 30 minutes.

This post will walk you through everything you need to know about this unique travel experience—including schedule details, ticket prices, and booking info—plus a few travel tips along the way.

💰 Saltspring Seaplane Low Price Guarantee

🔥We offer a low price guarantee on Saltspring 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:

Saltspring Island Seaplane
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🛩️ Why Take the Vancouver to Saltspring Island Seaplane?

The 30-minute seaplane flight from Vancouver to Saltspring Island offers passengers stunning aerial views of the Salish Sea, the Gulf Islands, and Vancouver Island’s rugged coastline.

The flights are run by Harbour Air and land directly in Ganges Harbour, meaning there are no transfers, ferries, or highway delays.

If that isn’t enough, 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.

People enjoy taking the seaplane so they can:

✈️ Save time: The flight takes just 30 minutes—compare that with 3–4 hours by car and ferry.
📍 Land right in Ganges Harbour: No need to figure out transit or drive across the island.
😌 Avoid BC Ferries stress: No driving, no sailing waits, no missed connections.
📸 Enjoy the epic views: Think downtown Vancouver, Gulf Islands, and distant snowcapped peaks.
🌿 Travel in a more eco-friendly way: Harbour Air’s aircraft use carbon offsets and are testing electric seaplanes.

Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect:

The added value of flying to Saltspring Island 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.

If you’re visiting on a Salt Spring day trip or simply want the smoothest route to this coastal gem, this is the way to go.

But what do locals think about this flight to Ganges from Vancouver? Is it just a needless extravagance for tourists? Or does it actually have value?

Let’s explain why you’d take a Vancouver to Saltspring seaplane flight versus the ferry.

🤔 How Long is the Seaplane Flight from Vancouver to Saltspring?

As I’ve already stated, the seaplane travels straight from downtown Vancouver to Ganges Harbour in only 30 minutes —bringing you steps from Saltspring’s idyllic beauty, laid back lifestyle, and organic vineyards.

Here’s a quick time comparison between seaplanes and the Vancouver to Saltspring ferry from Tsawassen Terminal:

Vancouver to Ganges seaplane: 70 minutes (30-minute flight, 40-minute advance check-in time)
Vancouver to Saltspring ferry: Around 4 hours (40-minute drive to Tsawassen, 30-60-minute wait time, 3-hour ferry ride, 10-minute drive to Ganges).

Saltspring Ferry

This is your only real alternative. The ferry from Tsawassen to Saltspring (Long Harbour) is offered as part of two sailings

Gulf Island Ferry: Includes stops on Galiano, Mayne, and Pender Islands (3 hours).
Direct Sailing: Tsawwassen to Long Harbour (1 hour, 25 minutes).

Direct sailings are typically only offered on weekends and holidays, so your trip will likely be four hours long.

But regardless of which sailing you pick, the seaplane offers significant time savings over the ferry.

🎟️ How to Book Saltspring Seaplane Tickets

⚠️ Warning: There are only 14 seats per flight to Saltspring. 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 Saltspring seaplane from Vancouver is as easy as shopping on Amazon – actually, it’s probably even easier.

Let’s go through the process together:

1. Open the Saltspring Seaplane Ticket Link

Open up the Vancouver-Saltspring seaplane link on Get Your Guide.
You’ll be booking with a global company that offers over 150,000 travel experiences in 12,000 cities.
Booking with GYG 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.
Your tickets are also subject to the company’s lowest price guarantee.

2. Select Your Seaplane Departure Time

Select your dates and number of participants using the calendar.
Click on the blue ‘Check Availability’ button.
Select your time and click ‘Book Now.’

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

You can also 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:

Saltspring Island Seaplane
Visit the Idyllic Gulf Islands Today

Prefer to head to Victoria? Visit the capital via the Vancouver to Victoria seaplane today.

Vancouver to Saltspring Seaplane Prices

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

Adults (12+): $216.66 CAD
Children (3-11): $132.49
Infants (0-2): Free

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

Nevertheless, it is clearly much more expensive than the ferry.

Is the Seaplane to Saltspring from Vancouver Worth it?

In my mind, it absolutely is. But everyone defines value differently. Let’s compare the seaplane with your typical journey on BC Ferries.

Foot passenger: $20 ferry walk-on ticket, $6.75-$50 transport (transit vs rideshare), roughly 4-4.5 hours.
By Car: $75 vehicle fare + $20 pp on the ferry and $10 on gas, around 4 hours.

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

The ferry from Vancouver to Saltspring is clearly cheaper than the $216 price of the seaplane.

Just remember, 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.

When you compare the cost to that of the Victoria Seaplane, which offers a similar experience, it could be considered a steal.

So, whether you’re a business traveller or a tourist looking for the quintessential West Coast experience, the Saltspring seaplane is highly recommended.

Though if you’re on a budget, you’d be better off opting for the ferry.

⏱️ Vancouver to Gulf Islands Seaplane Schedule

Harbour Air Seaplanes operate direct flights between Vancouver Harbour and Saltspring Island’s Ganges Harbour. These are year-round services with increased frequency during the summer months.

Flight duration: 30 minutes
Departures from Vancouver Harbour: Typically 2–3 times daily
Morning, mid-day, and afternoon options: 8:00 am, 4:30 pm, 5:30 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 Saltspring seaplane tickets using Get Your Guide as they give you free cancellation tickets and a buy now, pay later option. It’s also a great way to support this free resource 🙂

🗻 Thinking of visiting Whistler? Check out our guide to the Vancouver to Whistler seaplane.

Where Do You Catch the Seaplane in Vancouver?

Flights to Salt Spring Island depart from the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre in downtown Vancouver. This convenient location is right next to Canada Place and steps from the cruise ship terminal and most downtown hotels.

✅ Easy access via transit, walking, or taxi
✅ It is a short walk from Waterfront Station (SkyTrain)
✅ Luggage check-in available

You’ll need to check in 30 minutes before your flight, but you can also arrive early and enjoy their comfy lounge—coffee, WiFi, and killer waterfront views included.

Where Do You Land on Saltspring Island?

The seaplane lands at the Ganges Harbour Airport, directly in the heart of Ganges Harbour, the island’s buzzing heart and main village.

From here, you’re within walking distance of cafés, art galleries, and the iconic Saltspring Saturday Market (if you’re lucky enough to arrive on a weekend).

Need to venture beyond Ganges? Taxis and car rentals are available nearby, and many island B&Bs offer shuttle pickups.

🏝️ What to Expect on the Saltspring Floatplane Flight

I’ve made the journey to visit friends, so let me explain what a typical flight involves.

Firstly, you can expect a spine-tingling (in a good way!) and dramatic flight that showcases the South Coast’s stunning mountain and marine landscapes.

Upon takeoff, the flight offers bird’s eye views of Stanley Park and Grouse Mountain—it reminds you that we live in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

Here’s a quick overview of the experience:

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 Ganges is short, typically lasting around 30 minutes. Along the way, you’ll see the Coast Mountains, Howe Sound, the Strait of Georgia, and the Gulf Islands. 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 Ganges 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.

🇺🇸 Thinking of crossing the border? Visit the Emerald City on the Vancouver to Seattle seaplane today.

Flight Restrictions

Before boarding your seaplane flight to Saltspring, 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 Saltspring Seaplane Travel Tips

✅ Book ahead, especially in summer—Flights fill up fast around weekends and long weekends.
✅ Sit on the right side—This side of the plane (heading out) offers the best mountain views.
✅ Pack light—You’re allowed a carry-on and 25 lbs of checked luggage, with extra charges for overages.
✅ Keep your camera ready—You’ll fly over Bowen Island, Gabriola, and dozens of tiny Gulf Islands.
✅ No long security lines—Floatplane travel is super streamlined and relaxed.

❓Vancouver to Saltspring Island Seaplane FAQ

How long is the seaplane flight from Vancouver to Saltspring Island?
The flight takes approximately 30 minutes from Harbour Air’s Vancouver terminal to Ganges Harbour on Saltspring Island.

Where do I catch the seaplane in Vancouver?
All Salt Spring flights depart from the Harbour Air terminal at 1055 Canada Place, next to the Vancouver Convention Centre in downtown Vancouver.

Where does the seaplane land on Saltspring Island?
You’ll land right in Ganges Harbour, Salt Spring’s main village. The terminal is located at 115 Fulford-Ganges Road, within walking distance of shops, galleries, and cafés.

How much does the Vancouver to Saltspring seaplane cost?
Tickets start at around $216 CAD one-way, including taxes and fees. Prices may vary slightly depending on the season and time of day.

Is there a luggage allowance on the seaplane?
Yes—your fare includes 25 lbs (11 kg) of combined carry-on and checked baggage. Extra luggage may incur additional fees, and space is limited, so pack light when possible.

How early should I arrive before my flight?
You should check in at least 40 minutes before departure. If you’re new to floatplane travel, arriving 45 minutes early gives you time to relax in the lounge or snap a few pre-flight photos.

Can I bring pets on board?
Yes, Harbour Air is pet-friendly! Small pets in carriers can fly in the cabin. Larger pets may require special arrangements—contact Harbour Air in advance to confirm.

Is there WiFi or food service on board?
There is no WiFi or food service on the flight itself—flights are short and sweet—but the terminal lounges offer coffee, tea, and free WiFi before departure.

Is the seaplane ride safe?
Absolutely. Harbour Air is Canada’s largest seaplane operator and has an excellent safety record. Flights are operated by professional pilots with extensive experience flying in coastal BC conditions.