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YWH · seaplane base

Victoria Harbour Seaplane Base

Victoria, Canada

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YWHseaplane base

Victoria Harbour Seaplane Base

Victoria, Canada
Explore Victoria city guide Navigate to this airport
2
Routes out
2
Destinations
CYWH
ICAO
—
Elevation
TravelerPulse profile

Scenic seaplane base in the heart of Victoria Harbour.

Location
Victoria, Canada
Victoria Harbour Seaplane Base (IATA: YWH, ICAO: CYWH) is a water aerodrome located in the inner harbour of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. It serves as a hub for floatplane operations connecting Victoria to Vancouver and other coastal destinations in the Pacific Northwest. The base is primarily used by Harbour Air Seaplanes, which operates scheduled passenger services between Victoria and Vancouver's downtown waterfront. Its central location makes it one of the most conveniently situated aviation facilities in Canada, with the terminal situated steps from Victoria's historic Inner Harbour. As a seaplane base, it lacks conventional runways, instead using the sheltered waters of the harbour for takeoffs and landings. The facility is a popular choice for travellers seeking a scenic and time-efficient alternative to ground or conventional air travel between Vancouver Island and the mainland.
Terminals
The base features a small passenger terminal building on the Inner Harbour waterfront with ticketing, waiting areas, and boarding floats.
Getting to & from
The seaplane base is located in downtown Victoria's Inner Harbour, within walking distance of hotels, transit stops, and major attractions, requiring no dedicated airport ground transport.
Airlines here
Harbour Air Seaplanes is the primary operator, offering scheduled floatplane services to Vancouver (Coal Harbour and South Terminal) and other destinations.
Notable facts
  • ›Located in Victoria's iconic Inner Harbour, one of the most picturesque aviation settings in Canada.
  • ›Harbour Air Seaplanes operates a high-frequency scheduled service between Victoria and Vancouver.
  • ›The flight between Victoria Harbour and Vancouver takes approximately 35 minutes by floatplane.
  • ›Harbour Air announced plans to electrify its floatplane fleet, testing an electric de Havilland Beaver at this base.
  • ›No conventional runways exist; aircraft use the harbour waters for all takeoff and landing operations.
Official website Wikipedia
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
Touching down on the harbour where mountains meet the sea

Victoria Harbour Seaplane Base (YWH) is a scenic floating terminal on the Inner Harbour of Victoria, British Columbia, serving floatplane operations that connect the city to Vancouver and surrounding coastal destinations. It has long been a defining feature of Victoria's waterfront, offering travellers a memorable point-to-point flying experience unavailable at conventional airports. The base plays a vital role in regional air connectivity across the Pacific Northwest coast of Canada.

Terminals
  • Victoria Harbour Seaplane Terminal — A compact waterfront facility with ticketing, waiting areas, and direct dock access for floatplane boarding.
Ground Transport
  • Taxi and rideshare services available on the Inner Harbour waterfront
  • BC Transit bus routes accessible within short walking distance
  • Bicycle rentals available near the harbour promenade
  • Car rentals accessible at downtown Victoria locations nearby
Nearby Hotels
  • Fairmont Empress Hotel
  • Delta Hotels by Marriott Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort
  • Hotel Grand Pacific
  • Inn at Laurel Point
  • Magnolia Hotel & Spa
Dining

The Inner Harbour area surrounding the seaplane base is lined with cafes, seafood restaurants, and casual eateries offering fresh Pacific Northwest cuisine. Travellers can enjoy waterfront dining at numerous establishments within a short walk before or after their flight. Inside the terminal itself, facilities are minimal, so dining is best enjoyed in the surrounding harbour district.

Traveller Tips
  • Arrive at least 20–30 minutes before departure as floatplane boarding procedures differ from conventional airports.
  • Luggage allowances on floatplanes are strictly limited by weight — confirm restrictions with your carrier when booking.
  • The Inner Harbour is easily walkable from most downtown Victoria hotels, making pre-flight logistics simple.
  • Harbour Air is the primary carrier operating from YWH — check their schedule directly for routes to Vancouver and beyond.
Official website

AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.

Route map (2 destinations)

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO

Airlines serving this airport

Helijet
JB
Kenmore Air
M5

Routes

YWH → CXHJB · S76
YWH → LKEM5 · DHL
Hotels near YWH

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