Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre - Spotting Guide

Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre – Spotting Guide

January 21, 2019 - last modified on July 23, 2023

Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre, also known as Vancouver Harbour Water Aerodrome, is a registered aerodrome and an airport of entry into Canada, located at Coal Harbour, Vancouver, British Columbia. It is within walking distance of the HeliJet heliport and Waterfront Station, a public transport hub in Downtown Vancouver.

Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre is a partnership between the Clarke Group of Companies and the Ledcor Group of Companies. After five years of preparation, consultation and construction, the Flight Centre seaplane terminal opened for passenger service on May 25, 2011. It features ticketing counters, baggage areas and an award winning passenger lounge. The control tower is the only one in Canada specifically for a water aerodrome. It is located on top of the Granville Square building, and at 142 metres (466ft) above ground, it is the highest control tower in the world.

The airport is the busiest water aerodrome in Canada and it can handle general aviation aircraft up to a maximum of fifteen passengers. Harbour Air, including its associated companies Westcoast Air and Whistler Air, are the main operators however, Seair, Saltspring Air and Gulf Island Seaplanes also serve the airport. Flights are provided to several coastal communities of the Pacific Northwest, including weekday flights to Seattle Lake Union in the USA.

General Information
Terminal	The airport has one passenger terminal serving all traffic.
Runway	“Area Alfa” in the harbour north of the docking area. Traffic will take off either east to west or west to east along Vancouver Harbour dependent on the wind direction.
Amenities	Several bars and restaurants in close proximity to the Flight Centre including the Tap & Barrel with seating overlooking the Flight Centre. There are many hotels available in Downtown Vancouver though most are likely to be quite expensive.

	Along the Harbour Front
WHERE	Choose your spot along the harbour front depending on the subject you want to take. You can easily shot from the waterpromenade as it’s higher than the normal sea level and the harbour airport itsself, so you can see the aircraft on the water well.

WHAT	All traffic manoeuvring to and from the docking area as well as either landing or departing traffic depending on the wind direction.

TIME	All day during the winter. In the summer the light’s best from late morning onwards, though photos are possible at other times depending on the angle.

MISC.	As you’re in the middle of the city, all facilities are available nearby.

FOCAL LENGTH	100-500mm Dash front shot: ~300mm / Dash back shot: ~450mm

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