Vancouver Extended Seaplane Tour — Howe Sound & Islands
Description
Experience even more of British Columbia’s beauty on this extended version of our most popular seaplane tour. While Vancouver’s skyline, mountain ranges, and coastline are stunning from land and water, nothing compares to seeing them from above. This 45-minute seaplane experience offers an enhanced aerial adventure for those wanting to see more in less time. Departing from downtown Vancouver’s Coal Harbour, soar over the city, Stanley Park, and Lions Gate Bridge before venturing deeper into the wilderness. Your expert pilot will follow a seasonal route that may include views of the rugged Coast Mountains, scattered islands of Howe Sound, and forested inlets unreachable by road or boat. Compared to the standard Vancouver Panorama Scenic Seaplane Tour, this extended version adds 15 extra minutes of flight time and offers more remote scenery. Ideal for travelers seeking a deeper look at BC’s natural beauty.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your adventure begins at Harbour Air's downtown Vancouver terminal at the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre in Coal Harbour — steps from Canada Place, the Vancouver Convention Centre, and Jack Poole Plaza, the iconic home of the Olympic flame from the 2010 Winter Games. As you wait, take in panoramic views of Stanley Park and the North Shore Mountains from the passenger lounge, grab a coffee at the Cockpit Café, or browse the gift shop. Check in 40 minutes prior to departure.
Once aboard, your seaplane lifts off from the waters of Coal Harbour and climbs above the city. Your flight takes you over the emerald expanse of Stanley Park — one of North America's largest urban parks — where sweeping forest meets the waterfront in a way that can only truly be appreciated from the air.
This is where your journey goes beyond the standard panoramic tour. Your route continues west into Howe Sound, one of the most dramatic fjords on Canada's Pacific coast. Below you, Gambier Island emerges — a peaceful, largely undeveloped retreat where dense forest meets the ocean, offering a serene and unspoiled view of British Columbia's natural landscape that most visitors never get to see.
Continuing over Howe Sound, you'll fly over Bowen Island — known for its towering trees, sheltered coves and tranquil shores. From above, the untouched wilderness of this island is captivating, set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Coast Mountains. Both Gambier and Bowen Islands are exclusive to this extended route and cannot be seen on our standard panoramic flight.
As your flight arcs back toward the city, the Vancouver skyline comes into dramatic view — a striking contrast to the wilderness you've just flown over. From above, you'll take in the full scale of the city's dynamic blend of urban energy and natural beauty, with the waterfront, harbour and mountain backdrop all visible at once.
Descending toward the city, BC Place Stadium stands out as one of Vancouver's most iconic downtown landmarks — easily recognised by its distinctive roof and prominent position along the waterfront skyline. As the official venue for the 2026 Soccer games, it carries even greater significance for visitors this year.
Also visible along the False Creek waterfront is Science World, one of Vancouver's most recognisable landmarks, its iconic geodesic dome a defining feature of the city's skyline from every angle — and particularly spectacular from the air.
Your seaplane makes a smooth water landing back at the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre, bringing your extended aerial adventure to a close. In 35 minutes of flight time, you will have experienced two completely different sides of British Columbia — the vibrant energy of one of Canada's greatest cities, and the raw, unspoiled wilderness that surrounds it. If you have already flown our panoramic tour, this is your next adventure.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- All passengers 18 years and above must present either one piece of valid government issued photo identification, or two pieces of government-issued identification without a photograph
- Passengers must arrive at the terminal at least 40 minutes before the scheduled departure time, and be fully checked-in 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
- Passengers not checked-in before the check-in cutoff times will not be able to board their scheduled flight and will not be refunded their fare.
- If travelling with children, please be aware that the child fare applies to children aged 2-11 at the time of departure.
- Digital Tour Guide App. Download the app in advance on your iOS or Android device, or download it at check-in.
- Narration is optional. If you choose to use the narration feature, please bring and use your own headphones.
- A mobility assistance device, such as a wheelchair or cane, may be used by a passenger to get from the terminal to the aircraft, however, passengers must have the ability to walk on and off the aircraft with minimal or no assistance.
Reviews(144)
Had looked at this tour online but booked direct with the agent at their offices. No real saving just a few £££ in exchange rate. Check-in process was easy and Harbour Air office is large and comfortable to wait for trip. Small shop with various items for sale and cafe with assorted drinks and snacks. Pilot was friendly and out plane only had 5 passengers so everyone had a window seat. No guide as such and pilot doesn’t point out where you are or what you can see as he is busy and aircraft is quite noisy. They suggest you download their map which comes with a narrative but it’s not that clear when to start it or how it works and pilot made no reference to it. That aside flight was great although it was quite cloudy pilot kept us below clouds and view was amazing. We did consider changing day for flight due to rainy cloudy weather but if you try within 24 hours this is difficult and if you get them to agree it will carry a fee. I would reassure you that even with low cloud and rain it’s still worth going and we are glad we went ahead with trip. Take off and landing was super smooth and even with some turbulence from the clouds and wind off the mountains whole flight felt safe and enjoyable. All in a bit of a once in a lifetime experience and given the chance we would defo do again. Could be better if they explained the app more and told you when to start/ how to use to get a guided element to the trip.
fraz03, thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We’re delighted to hear that you found the check-in process easy and enjoyed the comfort and amenities at our terminal. It’s wonderful that you enjoyed the experience overall - those breathtaking flight views are truly a highlight! We appreciate your feedback about the narration app as we strive to enhance future guest experience. Thank you again for flying Harbour Air and for sharing your “once in a lifetime” experience with us. We hope to welcome you back aboard for another adventure soon!
great pictures, impressions of Vancouver and the surrounding area from the air - highly recommended!
joergj337, thank you so much for the kind words and recommendation. We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed the spectacular scenery. We hope to welcome you aboard again someday!
It would have been a better experience if the pilot had told us what we were seeing…if some type of audio isn’t doable, at least provide a handout or map of what we’re looking at or the route we were taking. I think you could have provided some interesting highlights.
Stephane L, thank you so much for your review and sharing your thoughts with us! Being based in one of the busiest harbours, our pilots work closely with air traffic to ensure every journey is smooth and safe. Your feedback helps us improve, and we’re excited to let you know that we now offer a new digital fly guide, which includes both audio and written information about your journey. We hope you’ll join us again in the future and give it a try! Safe travels and thank you for flying with us.
Expensive tour to be put between windows, under wing, with supports blocking view! leaning forward blocked wife's view!
margaritaholiday, thank you for sharing your experience with us. We’re sorry to hear that your seating arrangement impacted your wife’s enjoyment. Your feedback is important as we’re committed to making each journey enjoyable for all our guests. We do hope that the large windows helped provide some scenic views during your trip. Please feel free to share more with us at, customercare@harbourair.com and we can look into your experience further for you. We appreciate your input and hope to welcome you back again.
It was a great flight and one to remember also because the weather was so great and we got to see from sea to snow everything, however we got a bit scared during turbulences and it would’ve been a bit better if the pilot had communicated a little bit more with us. Like Infos (height, speed, when half the time is gone, turbulences are fine etc)
janic00e, thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. We're so pleased you enjoyed the beautiful scenery and had a memorable flight! We value your feedback on communication and will pass it along to the team. While our pilots need to keep contact with air traffic, our goal is always to ensure our guests feel comfortable throughout their journey. Thank you again for flying with us, and we hope to welcome you aboard again someday!
We loved the scenic views, a great thing to do in Vancouver ! Remember to take identification !! We were typically English and let everyone else push in front of us to get on the plane but karma played her hand, the best seats are the last two at the back of the plane so hang back and get on last 😊
O9751SAlees, thank you so much for sharing your experience and tips! We're delighted you enjoyed the scenic views - it's always wonderful to hear that our flights make for a memorable Vancouver adventure. Great advice about bringing identification and we’re so glad you loved your seats! We look forward to welcoming you aboard again someday.
Amazing way to see the area - book the extended tour! Pilot and staff were amazing. Ten out of ten.!
Joseph, thank you for your five-star review. We're so pleased to hear you enjoyed the experience. We are proud of our teams and always pleased to hear such wonderful feedback. We appreciate the recommendation, and we look forward to seeing you on your next flight!
wonderful experience. One had a great view of Vancouver and the surrounding area.
GrandTour33012573428, thank you for your review! We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed the spectacular scenery and having a chance to view some of our iconic landmarks from above. Looking forward to your next flight with us!
From the comfortable lounge, friendly staff, to clean and well maintained airplanes it was an amazing experience. 10+++. I would recommend this to anyone visiting Vancouver, you get the best view of the city and all the different landscapes Vancouver and surrounding areas have to offer. It was worth every penny!
Curious40017407656, thank you for your five-star review. We're so pleased to hear you enjoyed the experience. We appreciate the recommendation, and we look forward to seeing you the next time you’re in Vancouver.
Great flight --- first time to ever take off and land on water, so that's an experience itself.
692ralphs, thank you so much for your kind words! We look forward to seeing you again soon.
