Beyond Victoria, Nanaimo and Salt Spring, BC's coast has smaller communities that reward a slower trip: the Comox Valley and Campbell River up Vancouver Island, Powell River and Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast, and Gabriola Island off Nanaimo. They take more planning. Most involve at least one ferry and a drive, several flight options are seasonal, and once you arrive, you'll usually want a car.
This regional overview helps you choose. We'll add individual destination guides once routes and local transport are confirmed for the next season.
Destination decision table
| Destination | Year-round surface route from Vancouver | Harbour Air in 2026 | Car needed on arrival? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comox Valley | BC Ferries to Nanaimo, then north by road | Seasonal: Vancouver Harbour–Comox Harbour, April 2–October 25, 2026 (ended) | Usually |
| Campbell River | BC Ferries to Nanaimo, then north by road | Seasonal: Vancouver Harbour–Campbell River Harbour, July 6–September 30, 2026 (ended) | Usually |
| Powell River | Two BC Ferries crossings via the Sunshine Coast, with driving in between | Seasonal: Vancouver Harbour–Powell River (Powell Lake), April 2–October 13, 2026 (ended) | Usually |
| Sechelt | BC Ferries Horseshoe Bay–Langdale, then road | Seasonal Sechelt routes in 2026, including YVR South–Sechelt direct, June 26–September 28, and Sechelt–Nanaimo, May 4–September 30 (ended) | Usually |
| Gabriola Island | BC Ferries from Nanaimo | No direct Harbour Air route; connect via Nanaimo | For most of the island |
Harbour Air's 2026 seasonal dates come from its published route guide. All of these seasons have ended, and 2027 dates had not been published when we checked on November 9, 2026. Don't plan around a flight until the operator confirms dates for your trip. Other airlines serve some of these communities through their local airports; check current schedules directly.
Waiting for next season's dates? Check Harbour Air's route information (opens Harbour Air's help centre)
Comox Valley
The Comox Valley combines a small-town harbour, farmland, beaches and access to the mountains behind. Harbour Air's Comox terminal is at the Comox Valley Marina. By road, cross to Nanaimo by BC Ferries and drive north. A ferry also links the Comox area with Powell River across the Strait of Georgia, which makes a loop with the Sunshine Coast possible.
Campbell River
Further north, Campbell River is known for salmon fishing and as a gateway to northern Vancouver Island and the Discovery Islands. Harbour Air flew a new seasonal route from downtown Vancouver in 2026. By road, it's a long drive north from Nanaimo.
Powell River and Sechelt (the Sunshine Coast)
The Sunshine Coast is on the mainland but reached by ferry, because no road links it to Vancouver directly.
- Sechelt is reached via BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale, then a drive up the coast. Harbour Air's Sechelt terminal is on Porpoise Bay.
- Powell River is further north and involves a second ferry crossing. Harbour Air's Powell River service lands on Powell Lake.
Getting to the Sunshine Coast without the ferry: in season, flights can replace the crossing. Outside the flight season, the ferry is the practical option.
Gabriola Island via Nanaimo
Gabriola is a short BC Ferries crossing from Nanaimo. It isn't a direct Harbour Air destination; if you fly, you'd fly to Nanaimo and continue by ferry. On the island, beaches, parks and studios are spread out, so bring a car or bike, or plan transport. See things to do in Nanaimo and Vancouver to Nanaimo without a car.
Confirmed versus seasonal air access
- Year-round in Harbour Air's 2026 guide: Victoria, Nanaimo and Salt Spring only.
- Seasonal in 2026: Comox, Campbell River, Powell River, Sechelt and others.
Seasonal routes and dates can change from year to year. Use the destinations above as planning ideas until the next season is published.
Ferry and road alternatives
Every destination here is reachable year-round by ferry and road. Reserve vehicle sailings in summer and on long weekends, and check DriveBC for road conditions. See Vancouver by season for timing, and day trips from Vancouver for closer options.
FAQs
Which routes run on my dates? Check the operator. Harbour Air's 2026 seasonal flights to these communities have ended.
Where do I need a connecting ferry? Gabriola (from Nanaimo), and the Sunshine Coast and up-island destinations by road.
Which arrivals need a car? Most of them, once you're beyond the town centre.