Your Winter Getaway Just Got Easier: Harbour Air Adds Wheeled Flights to Tofino and Victoria
Winter on the coast of British Columbia is a special time. The crowds have thinned, the pace is slower, and the dramatic scenery takes on a whole new mood. But getting to Vancouver Island’s best spots can sometimes be tricky, with stormy weather and unpredictable road conditions.
This year, you can skip the travel stress. Harbour Air is making it easier to get to Tofino and Victoria with their winter wheeled flight service. Think less time spent worrying about ferry cancellations or highway closures, and more time enjoying your destination.
Harbour Air is well-known for its iconic seaplanes that connect coastal communities. For the winter season, they are also using wheeled aircraft for a couple of key routes. These planes, like the 19-passenger Twin Otter, take off and land on runways instead of water. This allows them to fly in a wider range of weather conditions and even after dark, something seaplanes can’t do. It’s a reliable way to keep your travel plans on track during B.C.’s stormy months.
For the first time, you can fly with Harbour Air to Tofino all winter long. A quick 45-minute flight takes you from Vancouver International Airport’s South Terminal (YVR) directly to Tofino-Long Beach Airport (YAZ). This new service runs four times a week on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, making a long weekend escape simple.
Imagine starting your morning in the city and by midday, you’re walking along a windswept beach on the wild west coast. Winter is storm-watching season in Tofino, where you can cozy up by a fireplace and watch massive Pacific waves crash ashore. You can also explore lush rainforest trails, watch talented surfers take on the winter swell at Cox Bay, or check out the town’s unique shops and Indigenous art galleries.
One-way fares to Tofino start at $139. If you’re a resident of Tofino or Ucluelet, you can also receive a 20 percent discount.
Harbour Air is also bringing back its wheeled service between Vancouver (YVR) and Victoria International Airport (YYJ). This 30-minute flight is a great addition to their classic harbour-to-harbour seaplane route, giving you more options and flexibility.
The winter wheeled service is perfect for those who need to travel early in the morning or later in the evening. It’s also a dependable choice when winter weather is at its most fickle. Plus, you get an increased luggage allowance of up to 60 pounds, so you can pack that extra sweater or bring back more souvenirs.
Victoria in the winter has a charm all its own. The city sparkles with festive lights, and you can visit the famous Butchart Gardens for their Magic of Christmas display. Wander through the historic Inner Harbour, take in the Lights of Wonder in Centennial Square, or find a cozy pub to warm up in.
Flights to Victoria are available up to 19 times daily, with one-way fares starting as low as $65.
Whether you’re planning a dramatic storm-watching trip or a festive city break, these winter flights make getting there part of the fun. You can find the full schedules and book your seats on the Harbour Air website.
