Ever dreamed of taking a flight tour but couldn’t quite justify dropping hundreds of dollars for a few scenic spins? Well, turns out there’s a functional solution that’s basically a two-for-one deal, and honestly, we can’t think of a single downside. Harbour Air is a seaplane service that doubles as your ticket to adventure and your ticket to Nanaimo.
Yup, your commute just became a flight-seeing tour over the Salish Sea. In less than 20 minutes, you’ll swap Vancouver’s skyline for Nanaimo’s harbour, all while scoring jaw-dropping aerial views that most people pay extra for. Efficiency meets “wow factor”, and that’s what we call flying smart.
Why Fly?
Sometimes the journey should be just as good as the destination. Sure, you could spend hours in ferry lines or stuck in traffic, but why, when you can be soaring above the Salish Sea in under 20 minutes? Harbour Air turns a simple trip into an experience, giving you aerial views of Vancouver’s skyline, the Gulf Islands, and Nanaimo’s harbour that’ll have you glued to the window the whole way. It’s basically a flight-seeing tour cleverly disguised as your commute.
And let’s talk bragging rights. Rolling up to downtown Nanaimo by seaplane? Instant cool points. Plus, Harbour Air isn’t just about the views. They’re also the world’s first fully carbon-neutral airline, with electric planes already making test flights. Translation: you get to feel good about your footprint while still living your best high-flying life.
Fast, scenic, eco-friendly, and undeniably fun.
What is There to do in Nanaimo?
You’ve just splashed down in the heart of Nanaimo’s harbour, seaplane style. And now comes the real fun (yes, we know the flight was jaw-dropping, but trust us, that was just the warm-up). The beauty of arriving by Harbour Air is that you’re already right in the middle of the action. No long drives, no shuttle waits, you step off the plane and boom, Nanaimo’s downtown is your playground.
To make things easy, we’ve pulled together a quick little itinerary. Whether you’re sneaking away for a one-day adventure or settling in for a couple of nights, these picks will help you eat, explore, and soak up every ounce of island charm without missing a beat.
Morning
Touch down, stretch your legs, and dive right in. Commercial Street is your first stop. This is downtown Nanaimo’s beating heart, where heritage buildings meet modern flair and every storefront begs you to peek inside. Craving something sweet? MilkJam has donuts so fluffy they should come with a warning label. Looking for a keepsake? Snag a handmade mug at Nanaimo Ceramic Arts Studio. Need a caffeine hit that doubles as a vibe? The Vault Café is a local institution. Honestly, you can’t go wrong wandering here. It’s eclectic, it’s vibrant, and thanks to its recent redesign, it’s more pedestrian-friendly (and Instagram-friendly) than ever.
Afternoon
By now, your stomach’s probably starting to grumble. Sounds like the perfect excuse to head into the Old City Quarter. This pocket of Nanaimo is where history and hip collide, packed with indie shops, cozy cafés, and spots that’ll make you linger longer than you planned. Got pasta on the brain? La Stella Trattoria will ruin you for grocery store noodles forever. Want something that feels delightfully Nanaimo? Asteras Greek Taverna is serving up hearty classics in a charming character home. Seriously, it doesn’t get more Nanaimo than this.
Fed and happy, it’s time to stroll down to the waterfront. Wander through Maffeo Sutton Park, dip your toes in at Swy-A-Lana Lagoon, or just grab a bench and let the salty air do its thing. If arts and culture call your name, pop into the Nanaimo Art Gallery or Nanaimo Museum to soak up the stories, history, and creativity that make this city way more than just a ferry terminal stop. Whether you’re chasing food, fresh air, or a little brain fuel, Nanaimo’s afternoon lineup will not disappoint.
Evening
End your Nanaimo day on a high note (literally). If you’re craving the bright lights, The Port Theatre brings the big stage energy with touring acts, concerts, and performances that’ll leave you buzzing. Want to keep it more local? The Nanaimo Theatre Group delivers community theatre packed with talent and heart. Think less Broadway glitz, more small-town magic. Either way, you’ll wrap things up with full bellies, happy hearts, and the kind of contented yawns that prove you did the Harbour Air day trip right.
Will we see you on the Next Flight?
At the end of the day, Harbour Air isn’t just about getting from A to B, it’s about turning the trip itself into part of the adventure. In under 20 minutes you’ve swapped skyscrapers for salty air, commutes for coastlines, and chaos for Harbour City charm. So next time you’re craving an escape, skip the grind, take the seaplane, and let Nanaimo do the rest.
