For people who split their time between Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler and further afield, the drive and the ferry aren’t the only options. Vancouver has a seaplane terminal and a heliport on its downtown waterfront, and private terminals at the airport. Here’s what’s available, from the operators’ own information.
Seaplanes: Harbour Air
Harbour Air flies seaplanes from Vancouver’s downtown waterfront to destinations including Victoria, Whistler, Nanaimo, Tofino and Seattle. In Victoria its terminal is in the Inner Harbour, a short walk from the Legislature and downtown. It also runs a wheeled service between Vancouver International Airport’s South Terminal and Victoria International Airport, with frequent daily flights.
For a North Shore family, that makes Victoria a day trip without the ferry.
Helicopters: Helijet
Helijet runs scheduled helicopter flights between the Vancouver Harbour Heliport (455 West Waterfront Road, near the SeaBus terminal) and the Victoria Harbour Heliport (79 Dallas Road), and between Vancouver and Nanaimo.
Private jets: Vancouver International Airport
Private and business aircraft at Vancouver International Airport are handled by private terminals called FBOs (fixed-base operators). They offer their own lounges, customs arrangements and aircraft handling. Skyservice Business Aviation, for example, opened its Vancouver terminal in April 2023, and other operators also serve the airport. Charter companies can arrange flights from any of them.
Where to live, if you travel often
- West Vancouver is across the Lions Gate Bridge from the downtown seaplane terminal and heliport. Horseshoe Bay’s ferry terminal and the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler are minutes from the western neighbourhoods.
- Vancouver’s west side (Kerrisdale, Shaughnessy and Point Grey) is a short drive from the airport.
- Coal Harbour and downtown put you within walking distance of the seaplanes and helicopters.
Questions people ask
What’s the fastest way from Vancouver to Victoria?
By helicopter or seaplane from downtown Vancouver, landing in or near downtown Victoria. Both run scheduled flights; check the operators for current timetables.
Can I fly to Whistler?
Harbour Air lists Whistler among its seaplane destinations. Most people drive the Sea-to-Sky Highway. Skiing, and a second home in Whistler
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General information, current as of publication, from Harbour Air, Helijet and Skyservice. Routes and schedules change seasonally; check with each operator.