The Vancouver to Victoria seaplane is, without a doubt, the fastest way to travel between the two cities.
Unlike commercial jet flights to Victoria from Vancouver, they also leave you with a front seat to the scenery.
Let’s break down the seaplane from Vancouver to Victoria – so you can go harbour to harbour without the typical airport hassles.
Vancouver to Victoria Seaplane
In many ways, the Vancouver seaplane to Victoria is everything a normal flight between YVR and YYJ is not:
- The ability to go ‘door to door’ from downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria (convenience)
- No annoying 90-minute advanced check-in (time saved)
- Free cancellation and free changes up to 24 hours before the flight (flexibility)
- A maximum of 14 passengers (comfort)
The added value here is that these seaplane trips are popular tourist attractions in their own right, offering stunning scenery in addition to the convenience:
Naturally, any traveller planning a Vancouver itinerary with a bit of extra time should consider squeezing in a day trip to Victoria.
Here’s a sneak preview of what’s in store on the seaplane flight:
But what about locals?
Let’s break down some reasons why you’d take a Vancouver to Victoria seaplane flight versus some competing options.
How Long is the Sea Plane Flight from Vancouver to Victoria?
As mentioned, the seaplane goes straight from downtown Vancouver to Victoria’s Inner Harbour in only 35 minutes – bringing you steps from Victoria’s top tourist attractions.
Here’s a quick time comparison between seaplanes and normal Vancouver to Victoria flights:
- Vancouver to Victoria seaplane: 50 minutes (35-minute flight, 15-minute advance check-in time)
- Normal Vancouver to Victoria flights: around 3 hours (25-minute flight, 90-minute advance check-in, 54 minutes to get to downtown Victoria)
Also, if you’re living downtown or have booked one of Vancouver’s best hotels (all downtown), you’re saving about 35 minutes to get to Vancouver Airport.
The Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre is just steps from Canada Place, the Vancouver Cruise Terminal, Vancouver Convention Centre, and Jack Poole Plaza.
The Victoria Seaplane is a huge time saver for busy business travellers and locals without a car.
Vancouver to Victoria Seaplane Cost
The cost of a one-way ticket aboard the floatplane can be found below:
- Adults (12+): $255.00 CAD
- Children (3-11): (3-12): $137.00 CAD
- Infants (0-2): free
Free cancellation tickets can be booked using the calendar below:
If you find the return price a bit steep, I recommend getting a one-way seaplane ticket with a return bus package – at $383.13 CAD, you’ll save over $100.00 in the process.
This way, you get all the benefits of the thrilling Vancouver to Victoria float plane without breaking the bank.
Is the sea plane to Victoria worth it when compared with Vancouver to Victoria Flights?
The average commercial jet base fare is around $200.00, though these prices can touch $300.00 in Vancouver in summer.
Jet prices can be cheaper, for sure.
That said, if you factor in the price of a Vancouver taxi to YVR ($30.00) and transit to get central in Victoria, the gap closes.
Also, with the seaplane to Victoria, you get free checked luggage, cancellation, and free changes.
With jets, you’ll pay a premium for these services:
In all, the float plane to Victoria is about the same price or slightly cheaper for the same service – without even factoring in the value of their once-in-a-lifetime experience flight.
Still on the fence? Feel free to read reviews of past seaplane travellers on the booking platform.
Are prices a bit steep? Consider taking a Vancouver to Victoria bus package with the ferry included for just $69.92 one way.
🚀 Don’t wanna worry about getting there? Check out the 5 best Victoria tours from Vancouver.
Seaplane to Victoria Schedule
In peak season, Vancouver to Victoria float plane departures leave both cities every hour between 12:30 pm and 6:00 pm.
In the off-season, the planes take off from Vancouver at 1:30, 3:30, and 4:00 pm.
To ensure you get the right time for your flight from Vancouver to Victoria, it’s recommended to book online ASAP, as there are only 14 passengers per flight.
I recommend booking Vancouver to Victoria seaplane tickets using GetYourGuide as it gives you free cancellation tickets, a buy now pay later option, and a great way to support this free resource 🙂
Vancouver Seaplane to Victoria FAQ
How much is a seaplane from Vancouver to Victoria?
One-way seaplane tickets from Vancouver to Victoria cost $243.00 CAD.
Is the Vancouver to Victoria plane scary?
If you’re a comfortable flier on jets, you should have no problem here. In fact, many guests even remark that they don’t even feel seaplane water landings.
Where is the Vancouver seaplane terminal?
The Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre is found in the downtown neighbourhood of Coal Harbour. It is just a short walk from Canada Place, the Cruise Terminal, Stanley Park, Gastown, and the Central Business District.
Where does the Victoria floatplane land?
Victoria’s Seaplane terminal is located in the city’s famed Inner Harbour – right across the street from the Empress Hotel, the Parliament Buildings and the Royal BC Museum. As soon as you deplane, you’ll be ready to explore Victoria’s most popular attractions – no transport necessary.
Ready for a Seaplane Trip from Vancouver to Victoria?
I hope I’ve answered all your questions about taking the Victoria Seaplane – you’re now ready to go from Vancouver harbour to Victoria harbour in a flash.
But it doesn’t have to end there.
If you’ve got any more specific questions about Vancouver to Victoria Seaplane or anything else related to Vancouver, hit me up in the comments below!
Related: Victoria Seaplane Tours
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