Flying low: Exciting new ways to explore the Pacific Northwest

Flying on a seaplane is a rare travel pleasure. 

You get great views and can land exactly where you want to be - providing there is a body of water. 

Harbour Air, British Columbia's leading coastal airline, has announced its largest seasonal expansion, featuring the return of a Vancouver-Seattle service beginning next week, along with three new routes including the airline's first Victoria-Seattle service.

The expansion is in response to strong demand across the Pacific Northwest of Canada and the US, adding new connections to communities like Ucluelet - named one of Expedia's 2026 Destinations of the Year - and Campbell River, a gateway to top-notch fishing and wilderness adventures. 

And for the first time, Vancouver Island travellers will have direct cross-border seaplane service without routing through Vancouver.

"This is our biggest seasonal expansion yet, and it reflects what we're hearing from our guests and communities," said Chris Fordyce, Chief Commercial Officer for Harbour Air. 

"The Vancouver-Seattle route has been one of our strongest seasonal services, and we're thrilled to bring it back. We're also launching three new routes this summer, including our first Victoria-Seattle service, new flights to Ucluelet, and new flights to Campbell River. 

"These additions strengthen our network and give coastal B.C. travellers more ways to explore the region and beyond."

The new flight means locals, and tourists, can fly from downtown Vancouver to central Seattle in one hour. 

Twice-daily departures will connecting Coal Harbour in downtown Vancouver with Lake Union in Seattle. One-way fares start from CAD$149, offering a fast alternative to driving, ferry connections and traditional airport routes. 

The journey has operated as a seasonal spring and summer service since 2018.

The inaugural Victoria-Seattle service launches on June 11, connecting Victoria's Inner Harbour with Lake Union in under an hour. 

Check out harbourair.com/everyday-low-fares for deals and see supernaturalbc.com. 

Why Vancouver might just be the most appealing World Cup host city

With the dawn of 2026 we are close to the latest edition of the FIFA World Cup finals.

This time around the competition is more bloated than ever and hosting duties will be shared by Canada, Mexico and the US.

I've covered four of these tournaments in the past: in Spain, Mexico, Italy and France, but am now happy to watch a few games on TV.

Given the ongoing madness in the US, if I were planning a visit the I'd be tempted by a few games in Vancouver, British Colombia, a delightful city in a sane country that I have been fortunate enough to visit a few times.

The World Cup arrives in BC for seven matches between June 13 and July 7 with games taking place on the traditional territories of the three host First Nations: xʷməθkʷəyəm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh).

Local tourism organisations hope the event will spotlight the cultures, voices, and communities of Indigenous peoples and diverse cultures that call this part of Canada home.

Outside the stadium lies a province as immense as it is diverse: nearly four times the size of the UK and Ireland combined.

BC Place Stadium in downtown Vancouver is a key venue for FIFA World Cup 26 with its seven games including two featuring Canada's national team, one starring Australia and two showcasing New Zealand.


Here's the full match schedule at BC Place:
Australia v Kosovo/Romania/Slovakia/Türkiye | Group D | June 13
Canada v Qatar | Group B | June 18
New Zealand v Egypt | Group G | June 21
Switzerland v Canada | Group B | June 24
New Zealand v. Belgium | Group G | June 26
Match 85 | Round of 32 | July 2
Match 96 | Round of 16 | July 7

Vancouver is a city worth several days of anyone's time, World Cup or not.


It is gorgeous urban area, framed by mountains, temperate rainforest, and Pacific coastline - with the ski resort of Whistler not far away.


National Geographic recently named Vancouver among its Best of the World 2026 list.


The downtown area is home to beaches, ocean views, and 27 kilometres of forested trails.


Visual highlights include Grouse Mountain with city-to-sea views and its new Grouse Bike Park, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Squamish Canyon.


Whales splashing off Vancouver's coast - Orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, and bald eagles - turn the Salish Sea into their arena, Tours depart from Granville Island in Vancouver, also home to one of the best produce markets in the world (below).



Hungry fans will be well catered for: from street food to fine dining, from historic Gastown to leafy Stanley Park.


Pan-Asian flavours rule at the Richmond Night Market, one of the largest in North America, while in the Okanagan wine valley Kelowna was recently named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, the first in Canada.

Visitors can experience Salmon n' Bannock, the only First Nations restaurant in Vancouver, showcasing local Indigenous ingredients with a modern twist.


This multi-cultural city is also home to Little Italy, an eight-block stretch along Commercial Drive in Vancouver and the Punjabi Market, a three-block area in the Sunset neighbourhood - home to one of the largest south Asian communities in Canada.


Here is a BC Fact Sheet to explore quick facts and key context about British Columbia, provided by Destination BC/Destination Vancouver.


See https://www.destinationbc.ca/ and https://www.destinationvancouver.com/

Vancouver puts on the culinary glitz

Vancouver is one of the most spectacular cities in North America. It has a great food and drink culture and has the advantage of being in Canada, rather than its belligerent neighbour. 

If you are heading to British Columbia early in the new year be sure to check out Dine Out Vancouver, Canada’s largest food and drink celebration, which will return for its 24th year. 

Destination Vancouver has announced that foodies can enjoy 19 days of feasting fun from January 21 to February 8, 2026. 

The Dine Out Vancouver Festival (DOVF) is an opportunity for visitors and locals alike to celebrate the city's culinary scene. 

Diners can look forward to a line-up of special menus from local chefs, unique culinary experiences, and a schedule of tasty events. 

The 2026 DOVF will showcase more than 400 restaurants from the North Shore to downtown, through Richmond and beyond, dishing up menus in fixed price points ranging from $25 to $70 per person.

Guests can also enjoy exclusive menus from Michelin-starred restaurants Burdock & Co. and Published on Main for $110.

The Dine Out Vancouver Festival will feature more than 30 ticketed dining events, including a three-course dinner in one of Rocky Mountaineer’s luxury rail cars at the Rocky Mountaineer Station. 

There will also be the “Chowder Cup”- a competition where chefs can showcase their creativity by featuring a sustainable seafood ingredient to win over a panel of judges. 

Also think events like a Sea Foraging Adventure. a Chinatown Walk, Talk and Dim Sum and a Grand Mezcal Tasting Event. 

Participating downtown Vancouver hotels will be offering up to a $250 Prepaid Mastercard with a two-night hotel stay, or a $75 Prepaid Mastercard with a one-night hotel stay (terms and conditions apply).

As the official airline of Dine Out Vancouver Festival, Air Canada will be offering discounted fares. 

For more info see https://www.dineoutvancouver.com/attractions/.