23 Jun 7 Amazing Seaplane Experiences For Summer

Looking for something an experience that’s little bit different this summer? Something that requires a bit of adventure, high flying and perhaps a glass of wine or three? I searched high and low to find 8 local trips you can take this summer using my favourite method of travel – seaplane! Take a look at what awaits you from many of the great aviation companies you may or may not have heard of.

1) Saturna Island Winery via Ocean Air

Ocean Air operates out of Victoria BC and offers an amazing afternoon getaway to the Saturna Island Winery for a tour and tasting without the hassle of needing to drive afterwards. For $425 + Tax, you and up to three guests can catch a flight to Saturna Island and enjoy an hour tour of the beautiful family run estate winery. The flight over there is amazing and you’ll enjoy the sights of the Gulf Islands from the comfort of Ocean Air’s Cessna 180J.

More Info: Oceanair.ca/scenic-tours/
 

2) Harbour Air’s Alpine Lakes & Glaciers Tour

While I sit here in my condo writing this post, I see Harbour Air flying into the Victoria Inner Harbour several times per hour. I often wonder who’s on them and where they’re heading to next but one thing’s for sure – there is always a plane waiting for me down the street.

One of the tours offered by Harbour Air is their Alpine Lakes & Glaciers tour, which takes off from Vancouver and ventures off towards Mount Mamquam. This is a one hour and twenty five minute tour which lands you on a secret alpine lake. For an additional $50 per person, you can enjoy a delicious picnic lunch while you take in the crisp alpine air and beautiful scenery.

More Info: Harbourair.com/tours/vancouver/alpine-lakes-and-glaciers/
 

3) Vancity Seaplanes Cave Exploring Tour

This was one of the more interesting tours I’ve come across in my research for this article and it has me the most intrigued. While Vancity Seaplanes has either forgotten to finish their website or they had some issues with it, I couldn’t find much from their tours page. I did, however, get a call in and was told a little bit more about the experience. Depending on how long you want to go and how many people are going will determine the cost for this adventure. I’d just get in touch with them through the link below if you’re interested in exploring some caves by seaplane.

More Info: Vancityseaplanes.com
 

4)Historic Mail Flight With CorilAir

I had the pleasure of doing this tour a few years back and it was extremely interesting as well as a very fun flying experience. The journey leaves from the famous Tyee Spit in Campbell River and takes you through the Discovery Islands to the edges of Desolation Sound, and then to removed communities well off the grid. The flight path of this tour will show you some of the most beautiful and untouched areas of our province and I highly recommend it.

More Info: Corilair.com/mail.html
 

5) Hot Springs Cove Getaway With Island Air

Hot Springs Cove is located just a short and beautiful ride from Tofino on the west side of the Openit Peninsula. You can only get here by boat or seaplane, so don’t expect to find a lot of tourists crowding up the place. Island Air has an amazing deal for two at just $380 which includes an hour and forty minutes of flying, two hours at the hot springs as well as a delicious lunch.

More Info: Island-air.ca/flightseeingdaytrips.htm
 

6) Remote Fishing Experience With Seair

Some of the best fishing in the world is right here in BC and getting to the best spots, well that usually requires a seaplane. Seair Seaplanes has a few secret spots they like to take their clients, so if you’re looking to take in some sights and the province’s best fishing then this might be the summer adventure for you.

More Info: Seairseaplanes.com/scenic-flights
 

7) Romantic Secluded Beach Picnic With Salt Spring Air

I definitely saved one of the best tours for last. I’m a bit of a romantic at heart and this fly and picnic on a secluded beach is not something I’m willing to let slip. Salt Spring Island Air also has a lot of locations they fly out from including YVR, Downtown Vancouver and the Gulf Islands. This specific tour has 30 minutes of air time and your picnic will get you one hour to relax and indulge. This would be a great proposal idea as well gentlemen, so hint hint hint.

More Info: Saltspringair.com/scenic-tours/

Where To Next?

Pretty much all of the seaplane companies listed in this post have a half dozen other tours you can experience and I highly recommend you take a peek. There are so many secret places to explore here in British Columbia and unless you have a boat or your own plane, you won’t find them. Make a small piece of BC your own this summer and board a seaplane to find it!