Floatplane charters in BC: how booking works
What you're paying for, why the operator asks your weight, and how to plan around coastal weather.
You pay for the whole plane
A charter books the entire aircraft for your group. Price depends on the aircraft and the distance flown, not on how many seats you fill. One person or six can cost the same.
A one-way charter usually includes the plane flying back empty to its base. That's why one way often costs about the same as the aircraft's full round trip. A return trip on different days is two separate flights.
What changes the price most:
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Distance | Most operators charge by distance flown, including the empty flight back. |
| Aircraft size | A Beaver costs less to fly than an Otter or Caravan. The right size for your group and bags saves money. |
| Where you leave from | Starting closer, for example Campbell River instead of Vancouver for the Discovery Islands, can cut the price by more than half. |
| Operator | Different operators can quote very different prices for the same route. Comparing them is what we do. |
Why they ask your weight
Floatplanes have a fixed limit on total weight, and passengers and bags count toward it together. Operators plan each flight using Transport Canada standard weights unless you give actual ones. One BC operator lists these:
| Passenger | Standard weight |
|---|---|
| Adult male | 196 lb |
| Adult female | 154 lb |
| Child, 2 to 11 | 75 lb |
| Infant | 30 lb |
All bags, purses and backpacks are weighed at check-in. A rough total weight on your quote request is enough for us to match you with the right aircraft.
Common aircraft
Most BC charters use a de Havilland Beaver for small groups, or a larger Otter or Cessna Caravan for bigger groups and more bags. An amphibious aircraft has wheels in its floats, so it can land on water or a runway.
Weather
Floatplanes fly by sight. Fog, low cloud and strong wind can hold flights on the dock. Leave a buffer before any connecting flight, and keep your phone on the morning you fly.
Where you leave from
Most lodge charters leave from the Vancouver Harbour terminal downtown in Coal Harbour. Some leave from YVR South on the Fraser River, close to the airport. If you're already on Vancouver Island, leaving from somewhere like Campbell River can cut the flight and the cost a lot.
Questions
How much does a floatplane charter cost in BC?
You pay for the whole aircraft, not per seat. A one-way charter usually includes the plane flying back empty, so one way costs about the same as the plane's full round trip. Price depends on distance, aircraft size and group weight.
How much baggage can I bring on a floatplane?
It depends on the aircraft and how many people are flying. The limit covers passengers and baggage together. Soft bags are easier to load than hard cases. Tell us about fishing rods, coolers or other gear when you ask for a quote.
Do floatplanes fly in bad weather?
Floatplanes fly by sight, so low cloud, fog and strong wind can delay or cancel a flight. Leave room in your plans, especially before a connecting flight home.
Where do floatplanes leave from in Vancouver?
The main terminal is Vancouver Harbour in Coal Harbour, downtown. Some flights leave from the YVR South terminal on the Fraser River in Richmond, near the airport.
What is the difference between a charter and a scheduled floatplane flight?
A scheduled flight sells individual seats on a fixed route, like Vancouver to Victoria. A charter books the whole aircraft for your group, on your schedule, to wherever you're going, including private lodge docks.