#VeryVancouver Experiences: 7 Epic Ways to Get Up in the Air and Out on the Water

Float plane above Stanley Park and downtown Vancouver

Float plane above Stanley Park and the Lions Gate Bridge. Photo Tourism Vancouver / Harbour Air

Shift your perspective on Vancouver: get up in the air and out on the water. If you keep your feet firmly planted on the ground, you can only see our beautiful city from one angle. But you’ll discover a whole new Vancouver if you soar through the skies or cruise the ocean. Here are seven #VeryVancouver experiences to see the city from floatplanes, helicopters, boats, and more.

Until February 5, 2021, in line with the public health order issued on November 20, non-essential travel into and out of BC is not recommended. BC residents let’s do our part by continuing to stay local and support local, with your immediate household or bubble, in accordance with the latest guidelines

 

See the City From Above

Vancouver is pretty, but it’s even more gorgeous from the air. Soar over the downtown skyline, peer down through the treetops in Stanley Park, and watch cars glide across the Lions Gate Bridge far below you. To get this #VeryVancouver experience, book a scenic floatplane tour with Harbour Air or an epic doors-off helicopter flight with Sky Helicopters. (Bonus: Both companies are currently running #VancouverComeBack promotions!)

Helicopter over downtown Vancouver

Helicopter over downtown Vancouver. Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Sky Helicopters

 

Cruise Around False Creek

Board one of the iconic rainbow Aquabuses and experience Vancouver from sea level. Take a short hop across False Creek from one stop to another, or stay on deck for the entire scenic False Creek circuit. Right now, Aquabus is offering deals for locals as part of the #VancouverComeBack so grab some Aquabucks – they never expire.

Aquabus in False Creek, Vancouver

Aquabus in False Creek. Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Tanya Goehring

 

Glide Above the Trees

Step on to the gondola and glide above the forest as you’re whisked uphill to Grouse Mountain. Enjoy spectacular views of the city and nearby mountains as you ride. Take advantage of their #VancouverComeBack deal: Enjoy 50% off regular Mountain Admission rates now until November 15th.

Grouse Mountain gondola

View of the city from the Grouse Mountain Gondola. Photo Tourism Vancouver / Devin Manky

 

Explore the Backcountry Without Breaking a Sweat

In Vancouver, city and wilderness exist side by side. Experience icy glaciers, tumbling waterfalls, and crystal-clear alpine lakes as you fly above BC’s mountains. Glide through nature on Harbour Air’s Alpine Lakes and Glaciers Tour or skim low over the trees with Sky Helicopter’s BC Backcountry Tour.

View of BC mountains from a helicopter

Flying over BC’s mountains. Photo Tourism Vancouver / Sky Helicopters

 

Be the Captain of Your Own Ship

Cast off from the dock at Granville Island and explore the ocean around Vancouver on a rental boat. Motor up Howe Sound to a seal colony or cruise Indian Arm to beautiful Granite Falls. Take advantage of Granville Island Boat Rentals’ #VancouverComeBack deal on now: get a 5th hour free with any 4+ hour early bird boat rental.

Boat rental in Vancouver Harbour

Sunset boat rental in Coal Harbour. Photo credit: Granville Island Boat Rental

 

Go Island Hopping

Located just a few minutes away in the Salish Sea, the Gulf Islands are known for their scenic beauty, quaint villages, and gorgeous coastline. To see them from the air, spend the day island hopping from one Gulf Island to the next on Harbour Air’s Gulf Islands Mail Run Tour. If a cruise is more your style, walk-on to a BC Ferry on one of the Southern Gulf Islands routes and enjoy the views from the water.

View of the Gulf Islands from a floatplane

Flying through the Gulf Islands. Photo Tourism Vancouver / Harbour Air

 

Soar Over Canada… Virtually

Head to FlyOver Canada at Canada Place for a flight experience you won’t forget. Buckle into your seat, let your feet dangle in the air, and enjoy the immersive show on the 20-metre spherical screen. Usually, you’ll “fly” coast to coast across Canada’s beautiful landscapes, but in October, celebrate Halloween at the spooky and family-friendly HowlOver Canada experience. (There are #VancouverComeBack ticket deals too!)

Fly Over Canada experience

Experiencing Canada virtually at FlyOver Canada. Photo Tourism Vancouver / FlyOver Canada / Jonathan Evans

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