Float Plane in British Columbia - Stunning views from the window seat

Scenic Float plane views of BC’s South Coast

We boarded the small float plane in British Columbia and flew from downtown Vancouver to the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. This was the first time our boys experienced taking off and landing on water, so this float plane experience was a memorable one for them.

While on the sea plane, we were treated to spectacular views of British Columbia’s beautiful South Coast. The flight felt more like a scenic tour than a means of transportation.

We couldn’t have asked for better weather conditions during our flights, as you can see in this collection of photos. I think we must have taken over a hundred photos on that short 45 minute flight.

We sometimes forget how fortunate we are to live in such a wonderful part of the world. This flight was a timely reminder of how much there is to see and do in our big, beautiful backyard.

If you have not yet visited British Columbia, these photos and video will take you on a virtual trip to its stunning South Coast region. During the flight we passed over Vancouver’s North Shore, Howe Sound, Bowen Island, The Sunshine Coast, the Gulf Islands and the eastern coast of Vancouver Island.

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Vancouver Harbour. Stanley Park and Cypress Mountain in the backdrop.

Departing Vancouver Harbour in the Burrard Inlet.

Ambleside Park in West Vancouver.

West Vancouver seawall.

Howe Sound and the Sea to Sky Highway.

Coastal Mountains rolling into Howe Sound.

Simply spectacular! Howe Sound and the Coastal Mountains.

Keats Island in Howe Sound.

Views of Bowen Island and Howe Sound.

The seaside town of Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast.

Simson Provincial Park on Thormanby Island.

Related: 25 Awesome Day Trips from Vancouver

Landing on the water in the Comox Harbour.

Comox Harbour in the town of Comox (Central Vancouver Island).

Enjoying the float plane views of the South Coast.

Inside the small float plane. No bathrooms or service, so plan accordingly!

Flying over Denman Island, located south of Comox.

Large container ships anchored in English Bay.

Approaching the skyscrapers of downtown Vancouver.

Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park and Vancouver’s popular West End neighbourhood.

Approaching the marinas at Coal Harbour and Stanley Park.

Things to know before you go:

We flew from Vancouver to Comox on Harbour Air Seaplanes.
We departed from Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre, which is located at Coal Harbour in downtown Vancouver, and arrived in Comox Harbour in the town of Comox. The flight time was about 45 minutes.
Harbour Air has direct flights to most destinations on British Columbia’s South Coast, including Nanaimo, Victoria, Sechelt, Comox, Whistler and the Southern Gulf Islands.
Some destinations, like Whistler, are only available in the summer months.
You can also book scenic tours that return to your point of departure. This is an ideal option for visitors who don’t have a lot of time to explore the region but want to get a bird’s eye view of British Columbia’s natural beauty.