Sky High In Style: Why Harbour Air’s Scenic Seaplane Tour Is The Most Breathtaking Ride In B.C.

I’ve lived in British Columbia for over five decades—but somehow, I had never experienced the magic of a Harbour Air Scenic Tour. That changed recently when I boarded one of their iconic floatplanes for a 45-minute excursion over Vancouver Harbour and the coastline. I can now confidently say: there’s no better way to see B.C. than from the skies.

Whether you’re soaring over Stanley Park, English Bay, the Lions Gate Bridge, or marveling at the North Shore Mountains and the islands of Howe Sound, the panoramic views are unforgettable. From the moment I buckled in and listened to the brief safety rundown, excitement buzzed in the air. The DeHavilland Single Otter eight-seater floatplane rumbled to life, gliding across the water before lifting off into a sun-soaked sky.

The views? Absolutely unreal. We flew so close to the majestic mountain range that it felt like I could reach out and graze the peaks. For 45 blissful minutes, I took in British Columbia’s iconic coastline from a brand-new vantage point—watching as sea met sky, and city met forest. Our pilot gently touched us back down into the harbour’s mirror-like waters, and the shared sentiment among my fellow passengers was unanimous: that was a memory for life.

After the flight, I had the chance to chat with Harbour Air’s Chief Commercial Officer, Chris Fordyce. “Besides the Vancouver tours, our most popular scenic flight is the Whistler one,” he shared. “On a clear day, it’s a spectacular way to take in glacier lakes, alpine meadows, and snow-capped peaks from above.”

This May, Harbour Air was recognized for delivering just that kind of magic—earning the prestigious 2025 Viator Experience Award for its Vancouver Classic Panorama Seaplane Tour. With 45 planes in its fleet, Harbour Air offers daily scenic tours year-round, all departing from its downtown Vancouver waterfront terminal. The lounge offers incredible views and a licensed café where you can enjoy a quick bite or glass of wine before takeoff.

Tours start at $159 for adults and $89 for kids, making it a must-do for locals and visitors alike. One thing’s for sure: this isn’t just a tour. It’s a true West Coast experience.

Ready to take off? Visit Harbour Air for more info. —Michelle Hopkins