Victoria Inner Harbour Airport

Forget long taxi journeys and endless terminal corridors — Victoria Inner Harbour Airport (YWH) offers perhaps the most spectacular arrival into a city imaginable. This bustling water aerodrome turns every takeoff and landing into a breathtaking spectacle: planes glide across the water's surface right against the backdrop of the majestic Parliament Buildings and the iconic Empress Hotel. For many travellers, flying here becomes not just a means of transport, but a genuine excursion with stunning views of islands and straits.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

• Central Location. The airport is located literally a few steps away from Victoria's main attractions, restaurants, and hotels. Stepping off the plane, you immediately find yourself in the heart of city life, saving time and money on transfers.
• Speed of Service. Thanks to the absence of complex procedures typical of large hubs, check-in here is incredibly fast. Usually, arriving just 20–30 minutes before departure is sufficient.
• Scenic Flights. Every flight is a mini-journey with panoramic views of the Salish Sea, the Gulf Islands, and mountain ranges. Landing on the water in the centre of Canada's most beautiful city leaves unforgettable impressions.
• Environmental Initiatives. The primary airport operator, Harbour Air, is the world's first fully carbon-neutral airline and is actively introducing electric aircraft, making flights more eco-friendly.

Victoria Inner Harbour Airport (YWH) is a water aerodrome serviced primarily by Harbour Air Seaplanes. All main communication and passenger services are conducted through this operator.

• Official Website: www.harbourair.com (Harbour Air operator site).
• Information Service Phone: 1-800-665-0212 (Harbour Air reservations and information).
• Airport Address: 950 Wharf St, Victoria, BC V8W 1T3, Canada.
• Email: For general enquiries and bookings, it is recommended to use the contact form on the airline's official website.
• Social Media: You can follow news on the official Harbour Air pages on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of luggage issues, please contact an airline representative at the terminal immediately or call customer support.
• Passenger Support Contacts: All questions related to tickets, schedules, and service are handled through the general Harbour Air enquiry service.

Victoria Inner Harbour Airport is a unique seaplane base located right in the heart of the city of Victoria, the capital of British Columbia in Canada. Thanks to its central position, getting to it is possible via several convenient methods, and for many tourists staying in the centre, it is within easy walking distance.

On Foot. Since the seaplane terminals are located directly on the Inner Harbour promenade, for travellers residing in hotels in the city centre or the James Bay and Downtown districts, the simplest and most pleasant way to reach the airport is a walk. The journey will take from 5 to 20 minutes and allows you to enjoy views of the harbour.

Public Transport. Downtown Victoria is the main transport hub for the BC Transit bus network. Many routes from across the city and suburbs converge at the Inner Harbour. Although buses do not drive directly up to the floating docks, they stop within a 1-5 minute walk from them. This is the most economical option, with the trip costing just a few Canadian dollars.

Taxi and Ride-hailing. A trip by taxi or via services like Uber and Lyft from most central districts will be quick and convenient, especially if you have luggage. Travel time rarely exceeds 5-10 minutes, and the cost will be moderate due to the short distance. This is an excellent option combining speed and comfort.

Car and Parking. If you are travelling by personal or rental car, please note that the seaplane airport itself does not have its own dedicated parking. You will need to use one of the numerous public or private car parks in downtown Victoria. Both hourly and daily rates are available. It is recommended to arrive with extra time to find a space and walk to the terminal.

Important Note. Inner Harbour Airport exclusively serves seaplanes performing short regional flights. If your destination requires a flight on a conventional aircraft, you will need to use Victoria International Airport (YYJ), which is located approximately 25 km north of the city centre. For long-distance travel, airports in Bellingham (BLI) or Nanaimo (YCD) may also be convenient.

Victoria Inner Harbour Airport (YWH) is not a traditional airport with multi-level terminals, but a unique water aerodrome located right in the heart of the city, in the picturesque Inner Harbour. Its structure differs radically from large aviation hubs, offering passengers quick and convenient service.

In fact, the airport consists of one modern passenger terminal, which serves flights for several airlines, such as Harbour Air Seaplanes. The terminal building is located on the waterfront and is connected to floating docks where seaplanes moor. The layout is extremely simple: inside there is a check-in area, a small but comfortable lounge, and exits to the piers. Thanks to its compactness and intuitive navigation, it is virtually impossible to get lost here. There are no separate terminals between which you would need to transfer.

Departure and arrival zones are closely integrated. For departing passengers, the process looks like this: check-in at the counter, waiting in the lounge with a view of the harbour, and then a short walk down the ramp to the aircraft. Arriving passengers disembark from the seaplane onto the dock and immediately enter the terminal building or go straight onto the city promenade, finding themselves in the centre of events. The entire process takes mere minutes.

One of the main advantages of the airport is the speed of completing all formalities. Airlines usually recommend arriving for check-in just 20-30 minutes before the flight departure. Check-in and security procedures are maximised for efficiency and do not take much time, making seaplane travel a very attractive option for short trips.

Victoria Inner Harbour Airport (YWH) is not an ordinary airport in the usual sense. It is one of the busiest water aerodromes in the world, situated right in the heart of the harbour of Victoria, the capital of British Columbia in Canada. Its history is closely linked to the development of hydro-aviation and the city's unique geographical position, making it an integral part of the region's transport system and tourist appeal.

Although seaplanes have used Victoria Harbour for takeoffs and landings for many decades, the official history of the airfield as a regular transport hub begins in the second half of the 20th century. A key stage was the founding of Harbour Air in 1982, which began operating scheduled flights connecting Vancouver Island with the mainland. This turned the picturesque harbour into an important transport hub for business travel and tourism.

Significant modernisation occurred in 2011 when a new modern terminal for seaplanes was opened. This building became not just a functional object but also an example of sustainable construction, receiving high praise for its design and energy efficiency. This reconstruction allowed for improved passenger service quality and strengthened the aerodrome's status as an advanced transport centre.

One of the main achievements associated with the airport is its role in promoting "green" aviation. The main operator, Harbour Air, became the world's first fully carbon-neutral airline back in 2007. Moreover, it was here in 2019 that the first successful test flight of a commercial aircraft (DHC-2 de Havilland Beaver) fully powered by electricity took place. This event opened a new chapter in the history of global aviation.

Interesting fact: the "runways" of Inner Harbour Airport are waterways that it shares with ferries, kayaks, yachts, and even whales, which requires the highest level of skill from pilots. Taking off and landing against the backdrop of the famous Empress Hotel and the British Columbia Parliament Buildings is in itself an unforgettable spectacle, turning simple movement from point A to point B into part of a tourist adventure.

Victoria Inner Harbour Airport (YWH) offers passengers a unique experience as a water aerodrome located in the very heart of the city. Although its terminal is compact and does not possess the range of services typical of large international airports, its central location more than compensates for this by providing access to all the infrastructure of central Victoria.

In the terminal building, you will find a cosy waiting lounge where you can wait for your flight in comfort. Dining and shopping are mainly available outside the aerodrome: just a few steps away are numerous cafes and restaurants to suit every taste, as well as souvenir shops and stores. For passenger convenience, complimentary Wi-Fi is provided in the terminal, and there are stations for charging electronic devices. Banking services, ATMs, and currency exchange points are easily accessible at bank branches in the city centre, located within walking distance.

The airport strives to ensure comfort for all categories of travellers. Accessibility provisions are in place for passengers with reduced mobility; however, due to the specific nature of boarding a seaplane, it is recommended to notify the airline in advance if assistance is required. Staff are always ready to assist. Passengers with children can use basic amenities, and the proximity to city parks and entertainment allows for easily occupying young travellers before departure. There are no specialised medical points in the terminal, but staff will call emergency services if necessary.

One of the main advantages of the airport is its proximity to Victoria's best hotels. Hotels for any budget are located right in the harbour and its surroundings — from the world-famous Fairmont Empress to cosy boutique hotels. This makes YWH an ideal choice for tourists wishing to immerse themselves in the city atmosphere immediately. Although there are no conference halls in the terminal itself, many nearby hotels offer modern business centres and facilities for holding business meetings.

When planning a journey through Victoria Inner Harbour Airport (YWH), it is important to understand its specific nature. This is not a traditional airport, but a terminal for seaplanes located right in the heart of the city of Victoria. In this regard, dining opportunities inside the terminal itself are virtually non-existent. There are no familiar restaurants or cafes in the departure zone. However, the main advantage of YWH is its location: dozens of excellent establishments are just a few steps from the check-in and boarding area.

Stepping out of the terminal, you will immediately find yourself in the centre of the city's gastronomic life. Along the Inner Harbour promenade and on adjacent streets, you will find a multitude of options for every taste and budget: from elite restaurants with water views to cosy eateries, family cafes, and fast-food outlets. This is a unique feature allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere of Canada, even if you have only an hour before your flight.

For those wishing to experience local cuisine, trying fresh seafood dishes is highly recommended. Restaurants in the Inner Harbour area are famous for their fresh halibut, salmon, and oysters. A classic dish worth ordering is fish and chips, prepared using local fish. Many establishments also offer a variety of local beverages, which will be a great addition to lunch or dinner.

Most restaurants and cafes in central Victoria offer menus for visitors with various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes. The price range varies: one can find budget options for a quick snack (from 15-20 CAD) as well as fine dining restaurants where the average bill per person will be significantly higher. Opening hours are standard for the city centre, but it is recommended to check current information online before visiting.

If you have little time before departure, an ideal solution would be to visit one of the numerous nearby coffee shops where you can grab a sandwich, pastries, and coffee to go. If time allows, settle into one of the restaurants on the waterfront. This is a wonderful opportunity not only to have a delicious lunch but also to watch the takeoffs and landings of seaplanes, enjoying the unique atmosphere of the Inner Harbour.

Victoria Inner Harbour Airport is not an ordinary airport, but a unique water aerodrome in the very heart of the city. Flights on seaplanes offer unforgettable impressions, and to ensure your journey goes as smoothly as possible, make use of our tips.

Arrival Time and Check-in: Despite being a small airport where procedures are faster than in large hubs, do not arrive at the last moment. We recommend arriving 25-30 minutes before departure — this time is quite sufficient. Many airlines, such as Harbour Air, offer convenient online check-in, which will help save time. Security procedures here are standard but usually proceed without long queues.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage: Travelling by seaplane is an exciting adventure with stunning views. To fully enjoy the scenery of islands and straits, be sure to choose a window seat. Remember that strict weight and size restrictions for luggage apply on board seaplanes. Liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, are permitted in hand luggage. Be sure to check the luggage allowance with your airline before flying to avoid extra charges.

Customs Control and Transfers: The airport serves international flights, particularly to Seattle (USA). Upon arrival from another country, you will need to undergo customs and passport control. Have your passport and completed declaration ready. It is important to understand that this is a point-to-point airport, not a transit hub. If you plan to transfer to a flight from Victoria International Airport (YYJ), allow sufficient time for travel between the airports.

How to Save Money: The best way to save money is to book tickets in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. To save time, check in online and travel light with only hand luggage.

In Case of Flight Delay: Seaplane flights are highly dependent on weather conditions, especially fog and strong winds, so delays are possible. In case of schedule changes, contact your airline representative. The main advantage of this airport is its location. If you have free time, you are a few steps away from Victoria's main attractions: you can walk along the promenade, visit the Royal BC Museum, or admire the Parliament Buildings.