Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre is a seaplane aerodrome located on the waterfront of downtown Vancouver. Unlike a typical airport, CXH hosts floatplanes which take off and land on the water. Primarily used for commuters heading to costal communities along Vancouver Island, Whistler, and Victoria. This seaplane base is very popular with tourists who enjoy the sweeping views of Vancouver and the Coastal Mountains.
Good to know …
Terminals information
Terminal
- The Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre does not have a terminal in the traditional sense, rather all of the seaplanes dock on slips (equivent to gates) on the docks. Wait in the building before walking onto the floating dock to board. That said, enjoy the views of North Vancouver and the mountains from the waiting area.
Notes
- CXH is Canada’s busiest seaplane
- The air traffic control tower (the highest in the world) sits on top of Granville Square building and the only one in Canada dedicated to the water aerodrome CXH
Pros
- Beautiful, sweeping views of Vancouver and the Coastal Mountains with flying.
- Embrace a unique experience departing the city by floatplane.
- Short walk to Canada Place, transit, downtown, and hotels nearby.
- A very convenient option to skip the ferries (and traffic) to reach Vancouver Island and Victoria.
Cons
- Limited facilities post security.
- Boarding the seaplane on the water means being exposed to the elements – dress for the weather.
