Today we were heading to Victoria and the mode of transportation was a Helijet helicopter. This was my first experience travelling to the island in a helicopter, and after it, I don’t know how I will go back to driving and taking the ferry that way again. This was such a time and energy saving mode of transportation, the only downside would be the cost.
Their location and launch pad is located by the water, near Canada Place, with the view of the Port at the distance. You can drive here and park your car in their lot as part of the service. You only need to register your plates with the front desk clerk.
Flight reservations are required, payment is taken ahead of time. You check-in with government issued ID and are given a reusable pass. There is no mention of a check in time, just the flight one. Therefore, so long as you are here before that you are okay.
To be safe we arrived 30 minutes ahead of our scheduled slight and made ourselves comfortable in their waiting lounge. Here, there are cushy single serve sofas and a drink and snack bar that you can help yourself to.
An espresso machine, hot tea, a caddy of snacks, and even a bar. The latter required the help of a clerk to dispense and pour with wine and beer options.
The rest are at your own discretion. I appreciated the variety of snacks from nuts and granola bars to chips and crackers. All of which unexpected and generous. I was instantly impressed.
Much like the availability of magazines for leisure reading and the showcase of their own branded merchandise. The latter made sense as they are just as much a tourist activity, as they are a mode of transport, like we were using them for today.
When time, you submit your boarding pass and are ushered on to the tarmac. Any luggage or bags are taken to be stored in the helicopter’s trunk. It is already a tight fit for 16 passengers without them on our laps or by our feet.
You are given disposable earbuds and it is recommended that you use them. It gets loud in the cabin, being so near the chopping propellers.
Naturally, the window seat is highly coveted and offers a scenic view on both sides. In the centre it is a tight fit with no elbow room and thigh to thigh touching. The seatbelts are also uncomfortable as they chafe, strapped across each shoulder meeting up with the belt around the waist.
The ride was fairly quick and I found myself nodding off in-between great admiration for the view of land, mountains, and water. This was given how warm and cozy it was, much like being lulled to sleep in a car.
The experience is pretty much the same to and from, just the scenery is different. Between the mountains on the way to Vancouver and more islands and ocean towards Victoria.
Our travel was for the BC CrabFest, an annual event celebrating BC’s bounty of Dungeness crab, served as part of a boil. An outdoor festival celebrating and in support of the local Victoria community.
The full recap of our seafood afternoon at Ships Point, Victoria, BC; right in front of the Fairmont Empress will be in its own dedicated post.
We had some time before our return flight, so took the opportunity to explore downtown Victoria.
We started at the Empress, as the classic go-to for any tourist visiting Victoria. We were far too full for their high tea, but did make it to Q for some drinks.
Feeling a little sweaty and overheated, we thought it helpful to cool down within their air conditioned bar. The service includes complimentary bar snacks, the likes of savoury Japanese style rice crackers with dehydrated peas and their famous charcoal popcorn.
The obvious choice would have been to order one of their Empress gin cocktails, but living in Vancouver means their full collection of gins is highly accessible and on most cocktail menus back home. Instead, we went for a couple of their signature hotel cocktails instead, classic.
Once cooled we ventured back outside to explore downtown Victoria by foot. Taking in the water’s edge and perusing the local weekend markets and going-ons.
There were so many historic buildings with unique architecture, and narrow alleys strung with patio lights.
I especially enjoyed exploring all the nooks and turn offs like Market Square. There is so much to see and explore, with so many different business and no major retail chain in sight.
We made it to Chinatown with its gate and traditional art.
The most touristy spot here is Fan Tan Alley, known as North Americas narrowest street.
When time, we made our way back to Helijet for our flight home. This was a great little getaway that felt different enough for it to be an escape from our regular life in Vancouver. And thanks to Helijet this was a quick one in under half a day.
Helijet
455 W Waterfront Rd, Vancouver, BC V6B 5E8
+1800-665-4354
helijet.com
