Scenic Tours
Seaplane adventures have so much to offer – giving photographers a birdseye view, hikers and fishermen access to remote destinations and giving travellers a gateway to spectacular scenery and unique experiences. Following are some of our most popular tours from Salt Spring Island, click here for tours based from Vancouver, or if you don’t see exactly what you were looking for give us a call and we will create a custom tour just for you.
The Pacific Northwest provides numerous places to explore by air. This map shows the locations of 10 of our most popular tours. Have somewhere else in mind… give us a call, we will create a custom tour experience just for you. 15 minutes Air Time 30 minutes Air Time 1 hour Air Time 2 hours Air Time 30 minutes Air Time 1 hour hold time 30 minutes airtime , 1 hour 30 mins hold time Saltspring by air is only a stone's throw from the world renowned Butchart Gardens. With Saltspring Island Air you can avoid the all day ferry trip and the hassles of parking. Depart Ganges and fly over the rural farmlands of the Fulford Valley and Saanich Peninsula. Soar over the ferry terminal and traffic before arriving in style at the exclusive seaplane dock that the Butchart Family reserves for their guests. The pilot will escort you to the top of the seaplane ramp, where you will start your 1.5 hour walk through Canada's most famous gardens. This is the ideal way to travel to this landmark of horticultural splendor. Note: an additional $25 pp entry fee to Gardens will be required. 1 hour 45 minuets Air Time Note: an additional $25 pp entry fee to Gardens will be required. 1 hour 45 minuets Air Time 3 hours Air Time 2 hours hold time Depart Ganges with a picnic basket of gourmet cheeses, fresh bread, and refreshments. Heading west we climb out over the Vancouver Island mountain range. As we ascend you will see the large expanse of Cowichan Lake, Vancouver Island's largest lake. Leveling off, a panoramic mountain vista will open up, including Mount Arrowsmith and Port Alberni Inlet. We then begin our descent into Barclay Sound. Looking out at the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean stretching across the horizon, you realize that you have truly arrived on the west coast. Cruising past Ucluelet we begin our west coast tour along Canada’s Pacific Rim National Park and its famous Long Beach (11 miles or 18 kilometers). Watch closely and you can see California sea lions frolicking on the rocks or passionate surfers clad in rubber wetsuits braving the frigid waters to catch that elusive wave. We will stop in the coastal village of Tofino for 1 hour to rest our wings where you may choose to visit the landmark gallery of Roy Henry Vickers or just browse through this colorful little west coast village. Before long, we strike out for Hotsprings Cove. Here you can enjoy a half hour stroll through a giant Red Cedar and Sitka Spruce Rainforest enroute to a long soak in the thermal hot springs. The springs are so relaxing that you may need to be carried back to the plane. Nonetheless, you wouldn't want to sleep through the spectacular tour of the Clayoquot Mountain Range on your return your to idyllic Saltspring Island, all in a day’s dream! 30 minutes Air Time, 2 hour hold Flights for lunch and other dining destinations can be arranged, just give us a call.Tour Map
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Round Salt Spring in 15 minutes this is the perfect way to get an overall perspective of beautiful Salt Spring Island. We lift off the water from Ganges Harbour, following the shoreline south past Prevost Island, toward Ruckle Provincial Park and start a gentle climb up Fulford Harbour. We soar past majestic Mount Maxwell and catch a glimpse of secluded, serene Maxwell Lake and beyond. We then follow the coastline over Vesuvius Bay, St. Mary’s Lake, and back down for a smooth landing in Ganges Harbour.
Round the Gulf Islands in 25 minutes is the perfect way to get an overall perspective of our beautiful Islands. We lift off the water from Ganges Harbour, rising above sailboats and other water craft plying their way into and out of the Harbour. Following the shoreline south, we round Ruckle Provincial Park and start a gentle climb up Fulford Harbour. High above the patchwork quilt of Fulford Valley farmlands, we soar past majestic Mount Maxwell and catch a glimpse of secluded, serene Maxwell Lake and beyond. Descending over the Crofton Mill and its associated log booms, we come upon the islands of Thetis and Kuper. Further out we witness the immense power of the tidal surge in Porlier Pass. Heading home you can see the striation patterns on the lofty sandstone cliffs of Galiano Islands before we gently alight back into Ganges Harbour.
We lift off the waterfrom Ganges Harbour in search of the resident Juan de Fuca pod of killer whales. These killer whales can be found anywhere from Sooke to the San Juan Islands. As we fly along the coastal shores of the Gulf Islands, San Juan Islands, and Vancouver Island we are likely to see sea lions, seals, and eagles.
We lift off the water from Ganges Harbour heading north past Valdes, and Gabriola Islands. As we head over to the Sechelt Peninsula, we are treated to vistas of snow capped mountains at 4500 feet. As we reach the head of Jervis Inlet we pass Prince of Wales Reach, Princess Royal Reach, before arriving at Princess Louisa Inlet and Malibu Rapids. There is a marine park to explore (about 15 minutes) where a picturesque glacier fed 100 foot waterfall is a sight to see. This protected area was discovered in the 1930’s and has been kept in its natural state ever since.
Imagine flying to your own secluded beach to have lunch or a sunset dinner in your very own 'private' charter aircraft. For true romantics, we suggest the Picnic Beach Tour, complete with pilot, plane, and a picnic basket packed with a delicious lunch. This is a unique way to make your special day unforgettable. *Picnics supplied by Auntie Pesto’s café not included
If you are looking to make a day of it, why not visit the Butchart Gardens by seaplane in the morning and then spend the afternoon in British Columbia's beautiful historic capital. Known for its great restaurants, quaint specialty shops and numerous fine art galleries, Victoria is a charming place to spend an afternoon shopping and sightseeing. The return trip to Saltspring is only a matter of minutes, and it is not uncommon to see whales en route!
Take the opportunity to experience the awe-inspiring natural beauty of British Columbia with a flight through its majestic peaks and lofty glaciers. After departing Ganges Harbour we fly across Georgia Strait, entering Howe Sound and commencing the long climb up to the Tantalus glacier at 6500 feet. Passing through these glacier-hewn monoliths is a truly unforgettable experience. Turning onto our final approach we descend over the top of a 1000 foot waterfall and gently alight upon the emerald green waters of our secret alpine lake. Although we have ascended 6500 feet your jaw will drop in awe as you step off the pontoon onto the sandy beach and stand surrounded by the ineffable beauty of pristine wilderness.
Scenic flight to Poet’s Cove Resort, on South Pender Island, where your taste buds can be tantalized with a 3-course gourmet meal at the 5-star restaurant (at extra cost for meals), and a return sunset flight to SaltSpring.