How to Plan a West Coast Seaplane Vacation
Ocean air, waterfront walkaways, fresh fish, and a few days near the ocean are already good reasons to plan a West Coast getaway. Across British Columbia, the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, destinations like Vancouver, Nanaimo, Courtenay, Campbell River, Sechelt, Seattle, Victoria and Anchorage all offer different versions of a coastal experience, from big cities to harbor towns to rugged, quiet escapes.
Now imagine visiting more than one of these places in the same trip. How? By travelling the West Coast by seaplane. Depending on routes and schedules, you can take off from the water, fly between select destinations, and turn the journey from one stop to the next into part of the adventure.
Why Travel the West Coast by Seaplane
Seaplanes are a practical way to travel on the West Coast for a pretty simple reason: there’s a lot of water in the way. Routes between coastal cities and island towns can take longer than they look on a map, especially once ferries, highway time, or extra connections get involved.
But flying by seaplane means you can:
- Cut down on travel time between coastal towns
- Enjoy scenic West Coast views with every flight
- Turn one coastal getaway into a multi-stop trip
- Add a memorable experience to your getaway
Less time getting from place to place means more time exploring coastal towns, enjoying the views and making the most of your trip.
Where to Travel by Seaplane on the West Coast
Vancouver
Vancouver is the big-city stop on a West Coast seaplane getaway, where you can bike Stanley Park’s seawall, explore downtown Vancouver and check out a concert at Rogers Arena.If it’s your starting point for the rest of your getaway, settle into a recently renovated room at Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel by APA, where modern comfort and a relaxing downtown setting make it easy to recharge between Vancouver adventures. Plus, the hotel is just a short walk from Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre (VHFC), located at Canada Place in Coal Harbour.
Nanaimo
Nanaimo works well as a mid-Island stop on Vancouver Island. Start on a self-guided culinary tour of the iconic Nanaimo bar dessert, explore the boutiques and heritage buildings of the Old City Quarter. After a day exploring Nanaimo, return to the comfort of Coast Bastion Hotel, where select rooms offer balconies, opening patio doors, ocean views and fresh sea breeze. In the evening, make your way to Minnoz Restaurant & Lounge, a local favourite just off the lobby on the main floor.
Courtenay
Courtenay puts you close to some of Vancouver Island’s best outdoor recreation, with Mount Washington and Cumberland’s trail networks nearby. After a day of mountain biking, harbour walks, downtown exploring or taking in the Comox Valley, return to Coast Courtenay Hotel for an easy place to unwind. Settle into a comfortable room or stretch out by the seasonal outdoor pool, a refreshing spot to cool off and relax on warmer days.
Campbell River
Campbell River brings the wilder side of Vancouver Island into the trip, with easy access to fishing, wildlife viewing and coastal scenery. New direct seaplane service from Vancouver launches in summer 2026, making it easier than ever to add the destination to your itinerary. Spend the day out on the water with a guided fishing trip. After a full day in Campbell River, treat yourself to the Coast Premium King Suite with Jetted Tub at Coast Discovery Inn, where extra space, added comfort and a relaxing soak help you settle in and unwind.
Sechelt
Sechelt is a natural Sunshine Coast stop on a West Coast seaplane itinerary, offering a relaxed coastal setting with calm inlets, scenic beaches and plenty of opportunities to get out on the water. Spend the day paddleboarding on Sechelt Inlet or walking the wooden pier at Davis Bay, then return to The Oceanside, a Coast Hotel, for modern comfort and easy oceanfront value. Private balconies make the stay feel even more relaxed, with fresh coastal air, ocean views and beautiful sunsets right outside your room.
Seattle
Seattle adds a cross-border option to your West Coast getaway, with Harbour Air service landing you on Lake Union near downtown. Visit Pike Place Market, ride the Seattle Great Wheel and settle into Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA, where a central downtown location, comfortable rooms and easy access to restaurants, local cafés and waterfront attractions add value to your Seattle stay.
Victoria
Victoria makes it easy to slow down by the water, with harbour views, seafood stops and coastal activities all close together. Spend time at Fisherman’s Wharf, grab something casual from the food vendors, book a whale watching tour, then return to the comfort of your harbour view room at Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA.
Anchorage
Anchorage makes it easy to experience Alaska from the air, especially when you stay near Lake Hood, the world’s busiest seaplane base. Coast Inn at Lake Hood puts you close to scenic flights that can take you into Alaska’s wilderness, while also keeping you near the international airport with shuttle service to and from the terminal. After a day of flightseeing, the hotel offers comfortable rooms, convenient amenities and a great value for an Anchorage stay.
How to Plan a West Coast Seaplane Vacation
Planning a multi-stop seaplane getaway is more straightforward than it might sound. A little preparation before you book can help your trip go smoothly and make it easier to explore more than one West Coast destination.
Choose one main coastal destination first. Pick the place you most want to spend time, then look at which nearby seaplane routes could add another stop.
Check available routes and seasonal schedules. Harbour Air operates many British Columbia and select cross-border seaplane routes, including service to Seattle, but schedules can vary by season.
Confirm baggage limits before you pack. Seaplane luggage allowances can be tighter than standard commercial flights, so check the airline rules before you commit to the big suitcase.
Leave buffer room for weather changes. Coastal weather affects seaplane departures, making it smart to avoid tight connections or an overpacked first day.
Book your Coast Hotel stay. After checking your seaplane routes and travel dates, reserve your Coast Hotel stays in the West Coast destinations you plan to visit, so you'll have a comfortable place to relax after each day's adventure.
Get More Out of Your West Coast Seaplane Getaway
As you explore West Coast destinations, Coast Rewards can help you get even more out of every stay. Our hotel loyalty program lets you earn and redeem hotel reward points at properties across Canada and the United States. It’s free to join, easy to use, and designed to add more value to your travels with benefits like exclusive rates, priority access, and special member-only offers.
FAQs about your West Coast seaplane vacation
Where can you travel by seaplane on the West Coast?
West Coast seaplane destinations can include Vancouver, Nanaimo, Courtenay, Campbell River, Sechelt, Seattle, Victoria and Anchorage, depending on routes and seasonal schedules.
Which airlines operate West Coast seaplane routes?
Harbour Air and Kenmore Air operate many British Columbia and select cross-border seaplane routes, including service to Seattle.
Why travel the West Coast by seaplane instead of ferry or car?
Seaplanes can reduce travel time between coastal cities, islands, and harbour towns where ferries, highways, and extra connections can make travel longer. They also turn the travel time into part of the experience, with water takeoffs and coastal views during the flight.
Where should I stay during a West Coast seaplane getaway?
Choose accommodations that fit your itinerary and provide convenient access to seaplane terminals and the attractions you want to explore. Coast Hotels offers hotels in many West Coast destinations, making it simple to find a comfortable stay along the way.
what a recent guest said about Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel by APA:
“My husband and I stayed one night in a king room that faced the ocean. Check in and check out was a breeze. The front desk was very friendly and helpful. The bell desk worked together seamlessly as a team. At check out the bell person took a moment to connect with us over soccer which my husband loved. We visited the pool after check in and in the morning of check out. Both times the pool area and change rooms were clean. We will absolutely be booking with Coast Coal Harbour again!” - Sarah