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-   -   Sea plane or helicopter from Vancouver to Vicotoria? (https://www.fodors.com/community/canada/sea-plane-or-helicopter-from-vancouver-to-vicotoria-167591/)

Matt Jan 15th, 2003 08:15 AM

Sea plane or helicopter from Vancouver to Vicotoria?
 
Can anyone provide me with the names of companies or websites that provide these services between downtown Vancouver and Victoria?<BR>Also, is a day trip adequate to Vicotoria or should we plan on spending the night? We are 28 and 32 going to Vancouver for 4night/5days in early July and staying at the Opus Hotel. Victoria sounds really pretty, but if can see all the high points in a day, I would prefer to go back to Vancouver for the night.<BR>Thanks for any advice!

April Jan 15th, 2003 02:22 PM

Here are a few:<BR>http://www.harbour-air.com/<BR>http://www.westcoastair.com/<BR>http://www.helijet.com/home.html<BR>If you left early and went back late you should be able to fit a visit to Butchart Gardens, the museum and downtown in a day.

Rae Jan 17th, 2003 03:17 AM

Hi Pam<BR><BR>We took the Harbour Air scheduled float plane flight to downtown Victoria last year - I'm not keen on flying in small aircraft but this was fun and highly recommended. You find them right in coal harbour between Stanley Park and Canada Place - great views on both journeys.<BR><BR>You can see a lot of Victoria in one day - its not huge (the russian submarine was unexpected but interesting!). You'd need more time if you wanted to see the surrounding areas.<BR><BR>One day should give you a really good visit. Hope you have a great time!<BR><BR>Rae<BR>

Rae Jan 17th, 2003 03:18 AM

Matt - sorry! Don't know why I called you Pam! <BR><BR>Apologies.

Scott Jan 17th, 2003 03:58 PM

Definately take the float plane for a day trip, they go downtown to downtown. The scenery is beautiful, flying over the Gulf Islands. If you are really lucky you might see a pod of killer whales. A friend of mine was on a flight recently; the pilot spotted some whales and brought the plane right down near the water to have a look.

Ken Jan 18th, 2003 04:13 PM

I agree with Scott about the float plane - they generally fly lower than the helicopter so you can see some great scenary. A few points to note: <BR>- Float planes fly VFR, so bad weather and light fog will leave them grounded. The choppers fly IFR so they can fly at night, in the rain and wind, and under mild foggy conditions. July is usually bright and sunny so you probably won't have to worry.<BR>- The float planes all fly the same route - it was pretty boring for me because I flew to Victoria a lot. The choppers have at least 3 routes to choose from (with different altitudes as well), and the one I liked was going around Point Grey and UBC at about 500 feet. And yes for those of you who know the Vancouver area, you can look down to Wreck Beach. <BR>- Both types of aircraft are very noisy so don't count on having any conversation on board. <BR>- The chopper has big windows - great for taking photos. The float plane - all of them are Twin Otters - have small windows. <BR>- I personally prefer Harbour Air over West Coast Air - they had free croissants, coffee, and tea while you waited to board. West Coast only had coffee. This may have changed in the past few years.


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