Green Lake, Whistler
British Columbia, Canada
August 2026
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British Columbia is Canada's westernmost province, with a long Pacific coastline and Vancouver Island lying just offshore from the mainland, opposite the sprawling city of Vancouver and Canada's largest seaport. Seaplane travel is particularly important here, more so than in any other Canadian province, because of the vast distances between some communities and the need to connect the mainland with the sheltered eastern coast of Vancouver Island.
With a journey from Vancouver to Vancouver Island involving more than half a day of driving and ferry travel, a seaplane flight of just 35 minutes is an attractive alternative for many travellers. British Columbia also has more than 150 large lakes, many of which are suitable for floatplane operations.
My brief report explores Whistler's seaplane connection with the rest of British Columbia, operated by Harbour Air from one of the smallest aircraft terminals I have encountered. The terminal is situated on Green Lake, the largest and most northerly lake within the Resort Municipality of Whistler.
The lake's gorgeous turquoise-blue water is caused by suspended glacial silt, often referred to as "glacial flour", giving Green Lake its distinctive and striking colour. |
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| Left to right: de Havilland DHC-3T Vazar Turbine Otter (C-FRNO '301') with Harbour Air. |
| Left to right: de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver (C-GGTV), it is based at Whistler. |
| Left to right: de Havilland DHC-3T Vazar Turbine Otter (C-FIUZ '306') with Harbour Air. |
| Harbour Air's terminal at Green Lake, Whistler. |
| Left to right: de Havilland DHC-3T Vazar Turbine Otter (C-FIUZ '306') with Harbour Air. |
