Harbour Air - Richmond (YVR South)

This was a great treat for my 2 kids and I! Very friendly staff, loved the views. The flight was not as rough as I feared a small plane would be. The landing was smoother than many large plane landings I have experienced! The restaurant in the same building was also great. We may never take a ferry again!

We had our very first seaplane experience in Richmond, Vancouver—and it was unforgettable! From the moment we arrived at the Seaplane Harbour, the staff made us feel so welcome. They were incredibly friendly, helpful, and went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable—especially our fur baby, Mickey! As first-time flyers, we had a few jitters, but the team’s professionalism and warm energy instantly put us at ease. They even took care of Mickey and made sure he was settled and safe before takeoff, which meant the world to us. The ride itself was smooth, scenic, and absolutely breathtaking. Highly recommend for anyone looking to try something new and memorable—and major bonus points for being so pet-friendly!

Last-minute cancellations are unfortunately very common with Harbour Air, usually attributed to “weather,” and it has become something I’ve had to expect when travelling for work. When things do run on schedule, the service itself is efficient and the flights are smooth — I’ll give credit where it’s due. However, the staff at Harbour Air Richmond (YVR South) have consistently been unfriendly, to the point where it affects the overall experience. The atmosphere at the counter feels tense and unwelcoming, and it stands out compared to other Harbour Air locations. Carla, in particular, has been the least friendly customer service representative I’ve ever interacted with. A simple smile or even basic warmth would go a long way in an industry built on human interaction. When someone is travelling under stress, that lack of kindness really lands. I’m leaving this review not out of malice, but in hopes that the Richmond team reconsiders how they interact with the people who rely on them so regularly.

Time is money, right? Wow and worth the upgrade vs ferry service. We left from Vancouver South terminal to nanaimo downtown harbor. Nice waiting lounge before flight. We arrived so quick with fantastic service and buttery smooth take off and landing. We even saw grey whale enroute. Sure engine is a bit loud but they provide ear plugs and part of the experience

I had a wonderful experience all around! Flew from Vancouver YVR South to Whistler. I had to change my flight a few days out and Harbour Air was super responsive and friendly via email. Check in was easy and I had time for a snack at The Flying Beaver, very friendly staff there too. Also noting that Harbour Air had a free lounge with tea and coffee. The captain helped me stow my pack, the flight was very smooth and the views were absolutely breathtaking! Landing on Green lake was gorgeous and the shuttle driver was waiting to pick us up. He was super nice and accommodating. Thanks for the perfect trip, Harbour Air!

The absolute best way to go from the mainland to any of the islands. The crew are very friendly, and the flight was like no other flight of my life. I was lucky enough to sit in the "co-pilot" seat. Being able to have the headset on, listening to the radio traffic, and chatting with the pilot was one hell of an experience. If you have the opportunity, even for a short tour flight, so it.

I've flown Harbour Air many times, and it has always been a good experience. Helpful, friendly staff, great views, convenient and efficient.

I had such a great trip to Nanaimo with HA this past weekend. This was my first time flying on a float plane, and the experience was surreal. We were going so fast yet so close to the water, and we had a great view of the harbour. The free passenger parking at YVR plus the hours of time saved really makes HA a cost-competitive alternative to taking the ferry. Can’t wait to fly with them again! Ps. The PFC pens do make their way everywhere 🤣

=== 1. VERDICT/VALUE This review is for the Richmond location and flight departing from there (it appears some other Yelpers may have posted their downtown Vancouver location reviews here). 4.5 stars: it's pricey but the service is fast and great - huge time-saver over other travel options (e.g. ferry or non-seaplane flights out of YVR). Helijet is nice and fast too, but you get bigger windows to observe Beautiful British Columbia from the sky on Harbour Air! === 2. SERVICE I purchased a goGOLD return ticket between Richmond and Victoria and the process was easy online. This being my first flight with Harbour Air, I was unsure how to select seats but an e-mail to the company was quickly and professionally replied to and within 30 mins, I had my desired seat. When struggling to get to the terminal 30 mins before my flight, a call to customer service yielded another courteous and professional response and fears allayed. Check-in was also professional and before you know it, it was time to boarded, aided by yet two more professional young folks. === 3. FLIGHT Mick was the pilot on this flight - always good to have an Aussie with a relaxed attitude fly your plane. It's clearly an older aircraft but it's clean and if you're not too large (a larger fellow well over 6', 250lbs had some challenges fitting in the middle) the available legroom should be able to accommodate you. It seats about 11 passengers and your carry-ons are placed in the back by the pilot upon boarding. Tip 1: you can sit in the co-pilot's seat on the single-engine aircraft - just ask nicely and depending on the pilot, they may let you! Tip 2: if you book a goGOLD ticket, you can get advance seat selection. The left side of the aircraft has single seats while the right side as two seats (side-by-side) - it's more comfortable seated on the left side naturally. You watch a two-minute safety video via iPad placed at the front and then you're on your way! The flight is 30 minutes or less between Vancouver and Victoria and it features great views from below 5,000ft for the entire journey. Earplugs are available for those sensitive to louder noises (like the main propeller). === 4. TERMINAL It's an older building and it's adjacent to The Flying Beaver pub/restaurant (in fact the restrooms, should you need them, are in the restaurant). There are three or four check-in counter spots, plenty of gifts and company-branded merchandise on display. However there is a leather bench and some leather chairs close to the entrance, alongside the complimentary coffee, tea, water, fruit, earplugs, and in this location: pastries! (Not all locations have pastries available.)

Terrible customer service - spoke to one incompetent staff member who didn't listen well on one call, wasting a lot of time as I was rushing to book a flight, didn't know how to do her job properly,I had to keep telling her the same things over and over again, she was repeatedly offering me a flight that left in 25 minutes time even though I told her I could not get there in time for that (she must have offered it 4 times), she asked me 3 times for a number on the back of my pre-bought ticket that I kept saying did not exist ( I told her it was an older ticket and likely the system has changed), and I got attitude days later on another call I made trying to check approximate availability for the next few flights. She acted like it was none of my business despite me saying I was trying to decide between flying or taking the ferry, based on my potential chance I could get a flight. She finally told me I could make a mock booking to see how many seats were available on each flight after I had enough of her attitude and asked why she can't tell me that. I feel it's a cultural issue that comes down from the top, as the attitude always feels like the staff think we should be lucky they exist for us and therefore can get away with minimal helpfulness.

I have, or rather had a very high opinion of Harbour Air. Unfortunately yesterday they cancelled a flight at the very last minute after I had dropped off my sister and they had checked her in, taken her luggage, etc. and I had left. This caused a panic trying to make other arrangements because instead of going to Comox, they offered a flight to Nanaimo. If there's a possibility of a cancellation they should say so early.

terrible customer service arrived early and they had planes leaving with empty seats, but they would not allow us to change our flights. How ridiculous in this day and age. They had the possibility of why later flight well planes left with empty seats.

Always professional pilots and meticulously maintained planes. Coal Harbour is so convenient for flights to Victoria, we've been Harbour Air customers for years and other than weather issues it's been spot on... Thanks

Harbor Air is crooked. They took my money and did not deliver. They booked us on a different flight than we signed up for. They are frauds. Customer service is terrible and the manager at coal harbor is a rude. We were not the only ones who were dis satisfied- several other parties had issues and Shane was unable to resolve.

Our flight was delayed 6 times over a total of 4 hours. Initially it was because of low visibility but then sun was out for couple hours, still not telling us exactly when, how or why.....very poor handling of communicating and managing any customer expectations. We were just hostage to bad service by a green team.

We shifted our flight a couple days before we were supposed to go because I was worried about the rain and decreased visibility on the original date we booked. They were great about making accommodations and changing our flight. We flew at the same time just a day earlier. We checked in and were told there are complimentary coffee and pastries while we waited. The terminal had seats but we walked outside to watch the planes take off and land until it was our turn to board. Be aware that if you have a bag or purse it will be stowed in the back of the plane so have everything with you you may need on the flight. After a safety overview with our pilot we buckled in and got ready to take off. We taxied out in the water and were in the air quickly. It was a very smooth take off and before we knew it we were up soaring over Vancouver. It was great to be so low and to be able to fly over all the spots we had been touring around the city. After circling the city we went over to the East and flew up Indian Arm to see a little different terrain. After 30-40 min we were landing back at the seaplane terminal. The landing was just as smooth as the take off. There were a few bumps in the air but it was a great flight overall. My sons are photographer/videographers so they were thrilled to see the city at this angle.

Disgusting customer service, avoid at all costs, Helijet is much better. Rude and incompetent employees.

Worst experience ever. Took 30 min to talk to a rep. Once at the facility people there were clueless to customers needs.

Not sure there is a better way to get between Vancouver and Victoria than Harbour Air. 1. No ferry line ups. 2. 1/3 the time of the trip across the water...air vrs water travel. 3. Arrive at the Victoria downtown harbour and no need to drive from the ferry terminal to Victoria (another 30 min time saving). 4. Friendly staff and great service. And I got to fly on a sunny day across the Gulf Islands with amazing views. It was a very positive flying experience.

If only the regular airlines were so nice and friendly. I arrived a bit late, but instead of being raked over the coals, the staff just said that it was better late then never. Walking down to plane I was guided by a friendly lady, cheerful and delightful. At 8:00am unless everybody were morning people, it's hard to imagine about 10 people that were all happy to be working early. The flight itself is what it is, a single engine Cessna that was noisy and small. It was perfectly acceptable and did it's job. Pilot was nice, communicated well and overall a pleasant person. Beats a 2 hour ferry ride.

Had a friend in town so went for HA tour up Sechelt Inlet. The views were amazing but the pilot was definitely not a tour guide! Did not point out one thing to us! The trip would have been so much more if he had a little commentary!

The problem with Harbour Air is, once you travel with them, how do you go back to travelling any other way? I have nothing but fantastic experiences, great pilots, and friendly staff. Definitely will go back.

I totally enjoyed my first ride in a seaplane from Nanaimo to YVR. Got to ride shotgun beside the pilot and being a ex-pilot myself was extra interesting as I got to wear the headset and hear the ATC chatter. Super friendly staff and nice waiting areas with free coffee/tea and snacks make you feel like you are in a Maple Leaf lounge! I would definitely do this flight again!

This is NOT my first experience and Harbour Air this was not a fun first time using your south terminal. My usual terminal is Vancovuer HArbour (Coal Harbour) and for good reason. South terminal is actually in Richmond. South terminal is far from the main terminal but it is cheaper like a whole $100 on some days. Since it was Mother's Day weekend I couldn't find a cheap online ticket until the Tuesday after. So I call the night before to inquire about the shuttle. now considering it is a couple miles to the south terminal, I figure arriving an hour before should be enough time. Wrong!?!? I was informed that if a shuttle was not here by 10:30 to take a cab. Take a cab? but you offered me a shuttle. if I had known this was going to happen I would take Skytrain to Bridgeport then a community bus to the south terminal than pay for 18$ cab ride. And the community bus would have dropped me at 10:14. Next time I know better. the pick up shuttle is unreliable at best. it is 10:27 right now. Will I make my 11am Flight ??? P. S, I took ended up taking a cab and they were nice enough to take the cost of the cab off my ticket price. Thank you. (+1 star). But unless I am in desperate need of a cheap ticket to the Island that is the *only* thing that will drag me out to the middle of no where again Fly out of Vancouver Harbour. It is easier to get to by train and it also has a much, much, MUCH better view from the air.

Flying over the Gulf Islands on a clear sunny day with blue skies, with the glistening water below us; this was a breathtaking view. It showcases the beauty of our province. Taking the seaplane was always something I wanted to do, so we booked a spontaneous weekend getaway to Victoria. There is free parking in the lot right across the terminal, and you only need to arrive 25 minutes before departure. There's no security screening, and the waiting area has coffee and snacks to fuel you up. The plane ride is about 30 minutes, and it's a smooth, but a bit noisy ride. I really enjoyed taking in the views. Seats are a little tight, and it can get quite warm in the plane, but I loved the whole experience. We land right in the heart of Victoria, so there's no need to travel into town. I can't wait for my next flight!

This week was my first riding the seaplane to Victoria, and I am DEFINITELY doing this again! NO security hassles, complimentary Wi-Fi/cookies/coffee at the terminal, free parking at the south terminal location and you can check-in up to 25 mins before departure... I like this! I was travelling for work and the ferry was too slow but I didn't want the hassles of YVR security for such a short trip, so my colleague suggested I try the seaplane. The only downside is the schedule is highly dependent on the winds... they can only fly in smooth weather. But if the weather permits, I highly recommend it. Lovely view for the 30 min flight from Vancouver to Victoria.

I had to book a last minute trip from Victoria to Vancouver and there was nothing available. The customer service team was amazing; they offered an alternative arrival destination which was suitable; I was able to put them on hold while clarifying with my boss (the traveler) if the location would be convenient and I booked the very last seat for the day. I will definitely consider using Harbour Air when I plan my holiday to BC.

Service and flights were great. I actually had to rush to Nanaimo to grab something before my flight at YVR and they fit me in and got me there and back in less than 2 hours. The flights itself were about 20 min each way, and it went by so fast. Overall, its a great experience and super convenient, but pricey. Customer service was also super nice and they provide free coffee and muffins at their terminal. BTW make sure to get there 15-20 min before flight, I was almost too late but they luckily fit me in.

Flew with HA for my very first time the other day. Have to say that the customer service is excellent! Love the free parking at the Richmond terminal. The pilots are super friendly too. Refreshments are free so no need to stop off ahead of time. Flying on a nice sunny day is always recommended! :)

I have to admit was a disappointing situation.... Harbour Air gives you a discount coupon to go have meal at the Flying Beaver (nice gesture)... What they don't tell you is that they can't actually count the number of passengers properly.... The Flying Beaver assures you that the Harbour Air people ALWAYS come pick up the passengers in the restaurant... It seemed convenient to me.... Actually way to convenient...! Harbour Air can't count don't notice I'm missing and when I come over five minutes before the flight (my fault I should not have trusted what I was told) it was too late to get on the plane... Harbour Air says they told me to be their 15 mins prior to the flight Flying Beaver says they come get the passengers all the time... Harbour Air can't tell the difference between 10 and 11 and I miss my flight... well Harbour Air and Flying Beaver say very sorry... We've never had this happen before...