mail run tour vancouver

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The Mail Run Seaplane Tour from Vancouver

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Tour Themes: Adventure, Nature

Explore the world with an active and adrenaline pumping tour; Get in touch with Mother Earth

Tour Type: Fully Guided Tour

Tour director/guided escort is available from the beginning to the end of the vacation

Activity Level: Moderate

Designed for travelers in good health who are comfortable with light walking or hiking

Quality: Value

Travel with professional guides, enjoy more time at attractions and/or stay at comfortable accommodations.

See how the locals travel on our award-winning coastal tour that has been designated as a Canadian Signature Experience! Take in the sights of BC’s beautiful Gulf Islands on a scenic scheduled flight from the heart of downtown Vancouver. Based on the mail delivery routes of year’s past, this unique tour lets you harbour hop from one picturesque coastal community to the next! Enjoy taking off and landing in quaint harbours like Maple Bay and the seaside village of Ganges on Salt Spring Island. Maple Bay is a beautiful seaside community located in the Cowichan Valley, known for its mountain biking trails, mild climate and emerging food and wine scene. Salt Spring Island is the largest and most populated of the southern Gulf Islands, famed for its locavore-minded farmers, artisan producers, and organic vineyards. Ask about adding a stopover in Ganges and spend the afternoon exploring!

This tour includes round-trip flights between downtown Vancouver and the Gulf Islands – choose between a 3-hour “island-hopping” excursion or full day trip with a stopover on Salt Spring Island.   The Mail Run tour is customizable, check out two sample itinerary options below. Alternate departure times may be available; flight times vary seasonally.

"Island-Hopping" Option: 11:20 am – Arrive for tour check-in at Harbour Air’s downtown Vancouver terminal 11:50 am – Meet your pilot and fly from downtown Vancouver to Ganges Harbour, then onwards to Maple Bay 1:15 pm – Fly from Maple Bay back to Ganges Harbour 2:15 pm – Arrive back in downtown Vancouver

"Salt Spring Stopover" Option: 11:20 am – Arrive for tour check-in at Harbour Air’s downtown Vancouver terminal 11:50 am – Meet your pilot and fly from downtown Vancouver to Ganges Harbour, then onwards to Maple Bay 1:15 pm – Fly from Maple Bay back to Ganges Harbour 1:30 pm – Enjoy free time to explore Salt Spring and the village of Ganges 4:30 pm – Depart on your return flight to Vancouver Harbour. 5:05 pm – Arrive back in downtown Vancouver

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The Mail Run

• Description

Duration:  Full or Half Day with a 20-90minute flight

Availability:  Offered daily, available year-round

Flight Times:  11:00am

See how the locals travel on our award-winning coastal tour that has been designated as a Canadian Signature Experience! Take in the sights of BC’s beautiful Gulf Islands on a scenic scheduled flight from the heart of downtown Vancouver. Based on the mail delivery routes of year’s past, this unique tour lets you harbour hop from one picturesque coastal community to the next! Enjoy taking off and landing in quaint harbours like Maple Bay and the seaside village of Ganges on Salt Spring Island. Maple Bay is a beautiful seaside community located in the Cowichan Valley, known for its mountain biking trails, mild climate and emerging food and wine scene. Salt Spring Island is the largest and most populated of the southern Gulf Islands, famed for its locavore-minded farmers, artisan producers, and organic vineyards. Ask about adding a stopover in Ganges and spend the afternoon exploring!

This tour includes round-trip flights between downtown Vancouver and the Gulf Islands – choose between a 3-hour “island-hopping” excursion or full day trip with a stopover on Salt Spring Island.  

Sample Itineraries

The Mail Run tour is customizable, check out two sample itinerary options below. Alternate departure times may be available; flight times vary seasonally.

“Island-Hopping” Option:

11:00 am – Arrive for tour check-in at Harbour Air’s downtown Vancouver terminal

11:30 am – Meet your pilot and fly from downtown Vancouver to Ganges Harbour, then onwards to Maple Bay

12:55 pm – Fly from Maple Bay back to Ganges Harbour

2:00 pm – Arrive back in downtown Vancouver

“Salt Spring Stopover” Option:

1:20 pm – Enjoy free time to explore Salt Spring and the village of Ganges. Enjoy lunch at a local cafe, explore the world-famous Saturday market or visit the numerous art galleries. Ask us for recommendations!

4:10 pm – Depart on your return flight to Vancouver Harbour.

4:45 pm – Arrive back in downtown Vancouver

• Adults: 12+ | Child: 2-11 | Infants: 0-1 (free)
• Passenger minimums may apply on some tours
• Passengers may be combined with other guests on the same tour
• Fares include Carbon Offset, port/dock fees, GST and may be subject to change.

Scenic Tour Conditions:

- In terminal check-in is 30 minutes prior to departure time.

- Refundable and changeable up to 24 hrs prior to departure (subject to difference in fare value).

- Cancellations or changes within 24 hrs of departure are 100% non-refundable.

- As always, no fees will be applied in the event of weather disruptions.

- If not fully checked in at least 15 minutes prior to departure time in terminal, seat will be forfeited and a 100% No Show Fee will be charged.

Required Travel Documents:

- All passengers 18 years and above must present either one piece of valid government issued photo identification, or two pieces of government-issued identification without a photograph.

- Physical identification is required. Sorry, we cannot accept copies or photos.

Guaranteed Baggage:

- 25 lbs. on all scenic tours

- over 25 lbs. total (per passenger) is subject to $1 per lb, and travels on space available standby basis.

Reward Points: 105

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The Mail Run Airplane Tour in Vancouver

The Mail Run Airplane Tour in Vancouver. Ride along with the locals on our scheduled service flights from Vancouver Harbour to the quaint villages of the Gulf Islands.

Highlights • Ride along with the locals on our scheduled service flights from Vancouver Harbour to the quaint villages of the Gulf Islands.

See how individuals live on the West Coast of Canada! Take our scheduled service flights from Vancouver Harbour to the quaint villages of the Gulf Islands together with the locals. Depending on the day’s pick-up stops, this thrilling ride is different each time.

Jump off for a few hours or a day on Salt Spring Island and enjoy a self-guided scenic bike ride around Ganges village. Until returning to downtown Vancouver , walk through some of the quaint shops and the farmers’ market. Vancouver Harbour: (Terminal 1) 1075 West Waterfront Road, situated on West Waterfront Road in downtown Vancouver (adjacent to the ‘Simple Park’ lot at 1095 West Waterfront), which is located about two blocks west of Canada Place and the nearest sky train station.

Near the terminal, bus stops are also open. Detailed schedule 2 departure times.) Depending on the tour date, subject to change)

11:30 am – 12:30 pm Vancouver – Maple Bay 12:55 pm – 13:20 pm Maple Bay – Ganges 13:20 pm – 13:55 pm Ganges – Vancouver Harbour —————————or———————————– 14:20 pm – 15:20 pm Vancouver – Maple Bay 15:20 pm – 15:45 pm Maple Bay – Ganges 15:45 pm – 16:20 pm Ganges – Vancouver Harbour

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The Mail Run, Vancouver

Price on request

3 -8 hours | Year round

Introduction

Ride along with the locals on this historical mail flight from Vancouver Harbour to the quaint villages of the Gulf Islands.

Enjoy a scenic flight from Vancouver Harbour over the tiny villages and anchorages of the beautiful islands, before landing in the heart of the seaside village on Salt Spring Island. From Salt Spring’s Ganges Harbour, you will take off immediately after dropping off locals and depart for Maple Bay on Vancouver Island. After you’ll return to downtown Vancouver’s Coal Harbour.

Guests who are interested in spending time on Salt Spring Island (either a 3hrs or 6hrs stop) can request this at the time of booking (subject to availability).

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• Richmond (YVR South) >

The Mail Run

See how the locals travel on our award-winning coastal tour! Take in the sights of BC’s beautiful Gulf Islands on a scenic scheduled flight from Richmond (YVR South). Based on the mail delivery routes of year’s past, this unique tour lets you harbour hop from one picturesque coastal community to the next! Experience taking off and landing in quaint harbours like Maple Bay on Vancouver Island or the seaside village of Ganges on Salt Spring Island. Maple Bay is a beautiful seaside community located in the Cowichan Valley, known for its mountain biking trails, mild climate and emerging food and wine scene. Salt Spring Island is the largest and most populated of the southern Gulf Islands, famed for its locavore-minded farmers, artisan producers, and organic vineyards. Ask about adding a stopover in Ganges and spend the afternoon exploring!

This tour includes round-trip flights between Richmond (YVR South) and the Gulf Islands – choose between an “island-hopping” excursion or full day trip with a stopover on Salt Spring Island.

Sample Itinerary

The Mail Run tour is customizable, check out two sample itinerary options below. Alternate departure times may be available; flight times vary seasonally. 

• 11:15 am – Arrive for tour check-in at Harbour Air’s Richmond (YVR South) terminal
• 11:40 am – Meet your pilot and fly to Ganges Harbour, then onwards to Maple Bay
• 12:55 pm – Fly from Maple Bay back to Ganges Harbour
• 1:45 pm – Arrive back in downtown Vancouver 

“Salt Spring Stopover”   Option:

• 11:40 am – Meet your pilot and fly from downtown Vancouver to Ganges Harbour, then onwards to Maple Bay
• 12:55 pm – Fly from Maple Bay back to Ganges Harbour 
• 1:20 pm – Enjoy free time to explore Salt Spring and the village of Ganges. Enjoy lunch at a local cafe, explore the world-famous Saturday market or visit the numerous art galleries. Ask us for recommendations!
• 3:45 pm – Depart on your return flight to Vancouver Harbour.
• 4:25 pm – Arrive back in Richmond (YVR South)
• Adults: 12+ | Child: 2-11 | Infants: 0-1 (free)
• Passenger minimums may apply on some tours
• Passengers may be combined with other guests on the same tour
• Fares are listed in Canadian funds and include Carbon Offset, port/dock fees, GST and may be subject to change.

Wildlife Zodiac Adventure

The Butchart Gardens & Victoria Butterfly Gardens

The Mail Run Seaplane Experience

Experience Highlights

• Harbour hop from one location to the next following the mail delivery routes of year's past on the Harbour Air Mail Run flight
• Admire the beautiful landscape below, dotted with Gulf Islands with picturesque coastal communities
• Take off and land on water in quaint harbours and seaside villages like Maple Bay, and Ganges
• Choose a 3-hour tour or extend to a full day to visit organic vineyards, and artisan producers on Salt Spring Island
• Duration: 3 - 8 hours WITH 60 - 90 minutes in the air
• Type: Private Experience
• Type: Group Experience

Travel Specialist

Glide through the skies of Vancouver on this incredible seaplane tour. Beginning at the harbour, admire the region’s petite island villages from above. Move on towards the stunning Salt Spring Island, the largest of the Southern Gulf islands, and the charming seaside village of Ganges. You can stop at Ganges if you’d like to take a break and do some exploring on foot. There’s plenty to discover here, including the busy market in Centennial Park, and a range of shops, galleries and fine dining restaurants. Then head to the smooth pebbled beaches of Maple Bay on Vancouver Island, a great place to sit and soak up the scenery, and return to downtown Vancouver’s Coal Harbour to complete your flying visit to the city’s most scenic spots. This tour is available daily, and the flight can be 60-90 minutes, depending on your preference.

1/5 - Ganges Harbour on Salt Spring Island - Photo Credit: Destination Vancouver Harbour Air

2/5 - Salt Spring Island - Photo Credit: Destination BC Reuben Krabbe

3/5 - Garry Oaks Vineyard & Winery on Salt Spring Island Photo Credit: Destination BC Andrea Johnson

4/5 - Aerial Views Over Vancouver. Photo Credit: Destination Vancouver Harbour Air

5/5 - Vancouver. Photo Credit: Destination Vancouver Harbour Air

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Historic Mail Flight

Participate in the historic mail flight.

One of CorilAir unique service is to deliver mails for Canada Post regularly to post offices around the Discovery Islands, at Refuge Cove, Surge Narrows, Big Bay and Blind Channel . We invite people to come along with us to experience this affordable, absolutely unforgettable adventure.  

Our mail flight operates year-round, departs from Campbell River at 12:30 every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, weather permitting. In the summer, more mail flights may be added on other days (Tuesday, Thursday, weekends and stat holidays).  

Breathtaking Scenery

On average, the trip time is approximately 2.0 – 2.5 hours. Combined with local scheduled flight, the routing may vary depending on the bookings. There maybe more stops than mentioned above. We guarantee at least three stops on this flight! Passengers will have 10 – 15 minutes at each post office location to walk around, take photos, look in the general stores and chat with the locals.

Seat rate starts from $327.00 plus 5% GST.

Children above 2 years old require his (her) own seat as per Transport Canada regulation.

• Baggage Allowances

Pack light to come along this mail flight, we have ground storage room for your put aside baggage.

• Change / Cancellation

No fee for date / cancellation. Availability is not guaranteed.

Full charge if no show.

• On travel date

Check in 45 minutes before departure. Large parking lot is exclusively for customer use without a fee, please notify dispatch that you have a parked vehicle when you check in.

Voted as one of the top 5 Canadian outdoor adventures!

Gift Certificates

Gift Certificates are available for the Historic Mail Flight and can be purchased in person or by calling us.

Peak Season Bookings

Please book as far in advance as possible to ensure the time & date you want is available (Suggested 3 months prior for peak season April through September).

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Wave Magazine - Campbell River

Campbell River Mirror

Flightseeing – Hitching a ride on the historic mail run

Michelle Hueller · July 1, 2016 ·

One of the most beautiful vistas you can view on this – or any other coast – is the sea to mountain to sky scenery of the Discovery Islands located between Vancouver Island and the British Columbia mainland.

It’s a maze of channels, narrows and passes between rugged islands that reach from sea level to snowline.

On a sunny day it’s a world of azure sky, deep blue ocean and green forested mountainsides and the usual way to access it is by boat. But it’s not the only way.

Campbell River-based floatplane operator Corilair offers “flightseeing” tours to this scenic wonderland that enable visitors to hop from Campbell River to resorts, coves and historic settlements dotted along the shores of the Discovery Islands and up mainland inlets.

Corilair began flying the friendly skies in 1989 from its home base on Cortes Island. Then in 2000, it was purchased and moved to Campbell River.

Although the tourist services it provides are probably how it’s more romantically viewed, the bulk of the company’s business is still as a workhorse delivering people and freight to remote locations at the northern end of Georgia Strait. The Discovery Islands are dotted with settlements, camps and lodges and they need air service to bring people and freight in and out on scheduled and chartered flights.

But it’s the air of adventure that attracts tourists and Campbell River has a big advantage in being a jumping off point for a big, bold and beautiful land.

One of the quickest and most popular ways to visit this beautiful sea and landscape is through Corilair’s Historic Mail Tours. This involves hopping on board one of Corilair’s De Havilland Beavers or Cessna float planes as it literally delivers the mail – and other goods, services and people – to the myriad stops accessible by air. Visitors can tag along on these varying itineraries as the pilots make service calls to working locations in this region.

“We have people come from all over the world to fly about with us,” says pilot Mike Farrell, one of Corilair’s owners. “It’s rather unique…You go out and you make multiple stops and you get to get out and mingle in each of the stops. Pretty much everywhere we go is off the grid.”

There’s no public transportation or power or any services or roads to them so the only way you can get there is by floatplane or boat.

And while a mail run – both metaphorically and literally – is a working holiday, for the plane anyway, it appeals to tourists because of a combination of factors, Farrell says.

“One, it’s off the grid,” he says. “Two, off the grid is really, really close to us, so we only have to actually fly for 10 minutes and we’re off the grid from here. It’s not like we have to go this horrendous amount of distance to go do that. Three – at the stops we go to, most of it you’re seeing the real thing. It’s not a tourist trap or it’s not stage d. This is how these people live year-round.”

On one mail run flight tour, this writer took off from Corilair’s home base on the Tyee Spit. Lifting off from Discovery Passage we fly north over Quadra Island, the luxurious April Point Lodge drops below us as we gain altitude. We fly to the east side of Quadra Island and then head up Hoskyn Channel along the west coast of Read Island to our first stop at Surge Narrows.

Putting down at the Narrows, we land on the water – always an exciting experience – and motor into the government wharf where the Canada Post outlet is housed. Farrell approaches the wharf at an angle and then cuts the engine to drift expertly to rest at the dock. He hops out and ties the plane up and everybody disembarks for a 10-15 minute stretch of the legs while Farrell seeks out the Surge Narrows post master.

Walking up from the wharf along a gravel road, you immediately notice the silence. No background traffic, building hum or any other human sound intrudes on your ear. It’s just the breeze and the birds as you walk along a country lane to “downtown Surge Narrows” where the community centre and Surge Narrows school are located. A sunny school field is edged by vibrant foxgloves and green, green grass. This is your first taste of island life and its well-deserved reputation for tranquility.

Back at the wharf, the post master has been found and the mail is offloaded. Post Master Donna Keeling offers visitors an opportunity to mail a post card home sporting the unique Surge Narrows post stamp.

Back on the plane, we take off from the wharf, the Beaver engine roaring as we gain enough speed to achieve liftoff. Farrell doesn’t take ‘er straight up though. Instead, just a few feet off the water we fly low up Whiterock Passage, a narrow cleft between steep-sided Read and Maurelle islands. Then we head northeast towards our next stop, Toba Wilderness Resort at the mouth of Toba Inlet. This spectacularly-located lodge is preparing for the new season when we arrive but we get a short tour from owners Kyle and Andrea Hunter.

“It’s not a tourist trap or it’s not stage d.  This is how these people live year-round.”

This lodge is a collection of cabins on a shelf of shore at the foot of a steep mountainside that is highlighted by a high waterfall. The waterfall is important to the lodge not only for the beautiful clear creek that spills out from the bottom of it and tumbles over rocks and boulders into the waters of Pryce Channel, but also because it provides the lodge with its own hydroelectric power.

A small power house is home to the hydro facility which generates electricity from the water drawn off the waterfall that drops down a pipe, building up speed and energy that spins a turbine and creates electricity for this picturesque resort.

It’s this kind of real life ingenuity and resourcefulness that characterizes the many lodges and communities dotting this region.

That dangerous obstacle to large vessels was blown up in the largest non-nuclear explosion and allowed large vessels to negotiate the more direct route to the Inside Passage through Discovery Passage and the constriction of Seymour Narrows. For more on this, see the story on the Ripple Rock Trail on page 15 of this edition of Wave.

The removal of Ripple Rock meant that northbound traffic no longer needed to stop into Refuge Cove and the number of vessels stopping in declined. However, it’s no ghost town as it now mainly serves boating and sailing traffic, many of whom visit nearby Desolation Sound Marine Park. Like most service ports in this island region, many of the buildings stand on pylons with boardwalks partially over the water and tidal rocks. Picturesque is the word that comes to mind as this interface between sea, rock and island compels you to stay and linger a while.

But, this is a mail run, so it’s time to gather up the mail, board the De Havilland and take off for home. Now we run mostly west as we cross Cortes Island, Sutil Channel, the south end of Quadra Island again and then land outside Tyee Spit and motor into home port at Corilair’s seaplane terminal.

That’s another mail run completed in approximately two hours of travelling time, short but the amount of ground (and sea) covered is amazing and the scenery experienced is spectacular. Few mail runs are exactly the same as the itinerary is determined by the deliveries and pick ups that are needed. But it’s a fun and easy way to see this spectacular island wilderness. However, it’s not the only way Corilair’s floatplanes enable you to see it.

Another half-day trip involves a partnership with Eagle Eye Adventures where one half of the travelling party flies to destinations while the other half explores the region on the water with Eagle Eye’s large powered Zodiacs looking for whales and other wildlife. The two meet half way and exchange passengers allowing each group to continue their tour on the other mode of transportation.

The Eagle Eye Zodiac travels through Discovery Passage, viewing the inspiring scenery of Copper Bluffs and taking in the thrill of Seymour Narrows on their way to the Stuart Island area via the aptly named passage known as Hole In The Wall. The water travel segment of the outing culminates with light refreshments and a pause at Big Bay (Stuart Island), where they meet the Corilair floatplane to exchange passengers.

The Corilair sky portion of the tour continues from where the Eagle Eye Zodiac left off departing for two more “off the grid” settlements, each with its own unique lifestyle and history. Opportunity for a short exploration and interaction with the locals is presented with each stop.

You can also experience the excitement of this coast through Corilair’s partnership with Destiny River Adventures which they’ve named the “F-ing Adventure.” The Fs stand for: Float – Fly – Food – Fun – Falls – Fabulous – Fanciful – Fantastic – Fascinating – Flavourful.

It involves a professionally guided river rafting tour with Destiny River Adventures and a scenic flight with a stop for lunch with Corilair.

And if that’s not enough for you, you can choose the the Feast Flight which is a day trip consisting of an aerial tour of the local area, with a stop in at a featured location for lunch or dinner at: Blind Channel Resort – Located On West Thurlow Island; Dent Island Lodge – Located On Dent Island; Rendezvous Lodge – Located On North Rendezvous Island; or Upcoast Summers – Located In Refuge Cove.

Corilair also offers a number of other tour options. They all add up to the fact that seeing this beautiful scenery by air is definitely one of the best ways to go.

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8 Unique Mail Runs To Experience Around The World

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Tag along with a postie for the day. “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” These words are associated with the American postal worker. But even tougher mail deliveries worldwide rely on boats, seaplanes, four-wheel-drives, and athletic teenagers. 

Tourists love to join in on these remote scenic delivery routes that provide chances to meet locals who have little contact with the outside world. After the thrill of my first mail run tour in Australia, I found myself seeking out these unique tours in all corners of the world. Here’s what I found. 

1. The Mail Run Tour

Coober pedy, outback south australia.

The Coober Pedy Mail Run tops the list of Outback adventures . Some tourists describe the experience as the highlight of their trip Down Under. Australia Post contractor Peter Rowe is usually the driver and guide. He takes his four-wheel-drive twice weekly on unsealed roads through red desert sands beginning in Coober Pedy — South Australia’s world-famous opal mining town where half the population lives underground. This otherworldly moonscape, known as Moon Plain , has captured the imagination of apocalyptic filmmakers in films like Red Planet and Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome . 

The Oodnadatta Track follows an ancient trail used by Aborigines for ochre trading. European explorers used the route to build the Overland Telegraph and the Old Ghan railway lines in the late 19th century. The trip takes around 13 hours with stops for meals at William Creek, its population of 10, the legendary bush pub, and Oodnadatta. 

The service delivers mail to a number of homesteads, including the world’s largest cattle station — Anna Creek Station — which is bigger than Israel . The locals love a yarn and a laugh, and tourists meet some amazing characters who call the Outback home. The trip stops at scenic points including the Dingo Fence (the longest fence in the world) and ruins connected to the Old Ghan railway .

2. US Mailboat Tour

Lake geneva, wisconsin.

Magnificent homes skirt Geneva Lake. Back in 1916, when primitive roads were too difficult to traverse, mail here was delivered by boat. The residents possibly no longer need this service, but the much-loved tradition continues.

Tourists love seeing the huge mansions and learning about the area’s history. But most eyes are on the jumpers , or young athletic students who leap from the boat. Will they land safely or make a splash? 

With a delivery schedule of up to 70 homes, the mail boat — named the Walworth — does not stop. Runners make spectacular leaps from the moving boat onto the private docks, race to mailboxes, and dodge trip hazards before jumping on-board the vessel that has already left.

Despite possible drenchings, becoming a jumper is a coveted job with competitive tryouts every spring. Only a few contenders are sure-footed and agile enough to land this valued summer job. 

The Walworth departs at 10 a.m daily from mid-June to mid-September for the 2.5-hour tour. You can find details at Lake Geneva Cruise Lines .

3. The Riverboat Postman

Hawkesbury river, near sydney australia.

The Hawkesbury River is bordered by national parks. The Riverboat Postman mail run makes it easy for tourists to join the fun. Simply catch a train from Sydney Central to Hawkesbury River Station. Brooklyn Wharf, the departure point, is next door to the train station. 

The Riverboat Postman has been delivering mail to water-access-only properties since 1910 and is the last mail boat run in Australia . River residents have had their mail delivered every weekday, despite rain, hail, or high water. These days, the mail is delivered by Hawkesbury Cruises.

At each pier, there’s usually an excited dog eager for its owner and a treat. Although not everyone is social, a reclusive fisherman leaves a fishing hook on a wooden pole in the middle of the river. If he’s got mail, it gets left in a bag on the hook.

It’s a lazy trip up the meandering Hawkesbury and a delightful way to experience a landscape much loved by artists and writers who love their isolation. On a visit to Australia in 1873, the novelist Anthony Trollope wrote: “ The Hawkesbury has neither the castles nor islands nor has it bright clear water like the Rhine. But the headlands are higher, and the bluffs are bolder, and the turns and maneuvers of the course which the waters have made for themselves are grander and, to me, more enchanting than those of either the European or American river .” And so the river remains today.

Trips depart at 10 a.m. on weekdays, except on public holidays, and coincide with the train’s arrival from Sydney . They include morning tea with famous Anzac biscuits — a ploughman’s-style lunch — and there’s a bar on-board. Co-owner Catherine Pignéguy said, “We are a true Aussie small business, locally owned and operated; all the crew live locally as well.”

Pro Tip: Extend your stay with one of the boat-only accessible accommodation options .

4. Pelorus Mail Boat

Marlborough sounds, new zealand.

The Pelorus Mail Boat has been operating since 1918. It sets out 3 days a week from the little town of Havelock at the top of the South Island to cruise through the stunning Marlborough Sounds — a collection of ancient sunken river valleys filled by the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Forested hills rise steeply from the sea around an intricate coastline of sheltered inlets and sandy bays. 

Families that live in these pristine bays and inlets come down to collect their mail. Some live so remotely that they have no road access and their groceries and gas bottles are delivered. They collect their supplies in small boats or from the end of moorings. One expects a few dogs, but these locals bring their sheep, goats, and pigs — after all, this is New Zealand . It’s a hoot for tourists. Cruises last 5–6 hours, depending on deliveries. There are three different but equally scenic routes. There’s also a bring-your-own picnic lunch available in Havelock.

5. Akaroa’s Eastern Bays Scenic Mail Run 

Akaroa, new zealand.

New Zealand is divided into two main islands — the North and South Islands. Akaroa, 50 miles from Christchurch on the South Island, was the country’s only French-founded settlement — albeit short-lived. The quaint township trades on its “Gallic heritage” with its wineries, bistros, cafes, and street names.

Behind Akaroa lies the extinct volcanic crater rim of Banks Peninsula. Join Jeff and Suzi Crawford on Akaroa’s Eastern Bays Scenic Mail Run , a tour that has been operating for over 30 years. Some do this mail delivery tour as a side excursion from the cruise ships that dock near Akaroa; others are touring New Zealand. The bright red mail van cuts a jaunty profile against the green swathes of pastures flecked with white sheep and contented cattle. The blue water-filled crater forming the bay twinkles below. 

The scenic rim would be a daunting drive for tourists, but for Jeff, the drive is second nature while he fills tourists in on the area’s fascinating natural and social history. A favorite stop is a visit to a historic church, after which guests enjoy Suzi’s tasty homemade baking. There are plenty of photo opportunities! Enjoy 5 hours amongst some of the most stunning scenery imaginable.

6. The Mail Run Harbour Air 

Vancouver, canada .

Vancouver is surrounded by water, and tourists love watching seaplanes splash land in the harbor. Here’s an excuse to fly in one. Seaplanes have historically figured large in the delivery of mail in these parts. A Mail Run Harbour Air tour involves harbor hopping. See BC’s beautiful Gulf Islands from the air, skipping from one picturesque coastal community to the next. Experience taking off and landing in quaint harbors like Maple Bay and the seaside village of Ganges on Salt Spring Island with its artisan producers and organic vineyards. 

The tour is customizable; anything from a 3-hour “island-hopping” adventure to a full-day trip with a stopover on Salt Spring Island. Rather than delivering mail, the tour is based on mail routes of yesteryear and ranks as a Canadian Signature Experience . It’s a once-in-a-lifetime excursion by Canadians who are passionate about sharing their part of the country with tourists.

Another option, CorilAir at Campbell River on Vancouver Island, still delivers mail in a De Havilland Beaver or Cessna float plane over British Columbia’s most remote and beautiful scenery. It also stops at one of Canada’s remaining floating post offices.

7. Stjernsund Postal Boat 

Hardbakke in solund, norway.

Island Hopping to Solund, Bulandet, and Værlandet is a trip to the westernmost islands of Norway. There are several thousand islands, so numerous from above, they look like giant lily pads. Some islands are connected by bridges with perfect little Monopoly-style houses gracing the shores. The locals are resilient seafaring people, many tracing their ancestry to the Viking Age.

Cut off from Norway’s mainland until 1960 when a road was built to the village of Hardbakke, many of these windswept and wild islands are only accessible by a postal boat. This tour departs from Hardbakke . Beginning in calm waters and passing by narrow creeks and many beautiful small islands, it brings you close to nature and wildlife. The boat determines its stops based on passengers and mail deliveries. The last stop is the idyllic fishing village of Gåsvær. 

Afterward, the postal boat heads north to Bulandet and Værlandet in Askvoll municipality. Explore the islands on your own. They are connected by a series of bridges and 3.1 miles of roads — perfect for renting a bike. Take this tour as a day trip or over multiple days.

Pro Tip: Bring cash. Gåsvær does not accept credit or debit cards.

8. Warbelow’s Air Ventures Bush Mail Flights

Fairbanks, alaska.

Go where few travelers have gone before and meet the people who live there. Warbelow’s Air Ventures flies its twin-engine, 10-seat Piper Navajo Chieftain to seven towns within 110 miles of its Fairbanks base, delivering mail and packages for the US Postal Service and UPS. Even Amazon packages make their way here.

This tour is a less expensive way to visit rural villages in Alaska , although there are no layovers. The plane only stops long enough to swap mail and have a chat with whoever turns up at the airstrip. But passengers get a bird’s eye view of Alaska’s interior; the treeless snow-covered mountains, roaming caribou , and heavily forested hillsides.

Locals get priority for empty seats, but passengers can pay to tag along for the experience when there’s space. Tours are approximately 1–3 hours with daily departures. Reservations can only be made the day before departures, but feel free to contact and discuss your plans.

Nadine Cresswell-Myatt of Red Bag Will Travel took her first plane trip at age eight. This would not be so unusual except she was flying solo and had never seen a plane before: what were her parents thinking? This adventure set her course for life. For over 25 years, she has crafted stories about her travel adventures for newspapers, magazines, and online travel sites, as well as training others how to do the same. You can follow her international travel on Instagram or read about her Australian jaunts at WeekendNotes . Yes, she’s an Aussie, but with children and grandchildren around the globe and her ability to travel with only a red carry-on bag, you might just find her popping up anywhere. And she still travels solo.

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What a great mail run! - Harbour Air Seaplanes

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What a great mail run!

We did the mail run at just over $200 each. Not so much a mail run these days more of a taxi. I sat next to the pilot for the first two legs and then reluctantly swapped with a fellow passenger! It was a beautiful clear day but there was still a bit of turbulence but the pilot continued to fill in his log as we were flying so I wasn't too worried! We made three stops on the Gulf Islands and the whole trip lasted 1.5 hours. The scenery was breathtaking and I even saw a whale! Good fun and well worth the money. Highly recommended.

Dear Wheaters1, Thank you very much for choosing Harbour Air and for recommending our service! The Mail Run tour is one of the best tour to see how people live on the West Coast and get the full seaplane experience with multiple landings and take offs. I am delighted that your family got to enjoy this exciting trip and hope to have the opportunity to welcoming you again soon for more adventures. CAROLE STURM CUSTOMER CARE COORDINATOR HARBOUR AIR SEAPLANES | WESTCOAST AIR | WHISTLER AIR

What a wonderful gift we received from friends for a site seeing flight over Vancouver in a sea plane. The check in and flight experience were both friendly and professional. I can see why they are flying so many flights to nearby locations. Pilot named Calib even took the time to snap a photo of myself and my husband beside the plane after landing and answered any questions we had. I expected a short cheesy flight up and down but was surprised that the flight was much longer than expected. Great job. Good to see a small company doing well.

Dear TheMeatMan250, Thank you very much for the 5-star review and for your kind words regarding our staff and crew. It is a pleasure to hear that you enjoyed your flight experience and we look forward to welcoming you back on board again soon! CAROLE STURM CUSTOMER CARE COORDINATOR HARBOUR AIR SEAPLANES | WESTCOAST AIR | WHISTLER AIR

My sister and I wanted the Vancouver extended panoramic ...but when I called to reserve a flight they were booked the whole weekend...so the customer service rep added us to a Horseshoe Bay drop off. We got to land twice in the water and went @6:00pm...great time to go near sunset. Our pilot, Jason was great and he let me sit in the co-pilot seat! I will never forget the views ....Wow, what an experience. And don't be afraid, my mom and daughter chickened out and regretted it.

Dear Diane P, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience on our flight and for posting your beautiful photos! We love to hear that you and your sister had such a wonderful time and that Jason made the flight even more memorable for you. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome the entire family on your next visit to BC! CAROLE STURM CUSTOMER CARE COORDINATOR HARBOUR AIR SEAPLANES | WESTCOAST AIR | WHISTLER AIR

Flying a seaplane from Vancouver to Victoria is a great and thrilling experience. It's only 35 minutes and in a sunny day, it's a wonderful adventure. If you decide to spend a day in Victoria, this is the way to go.

Dear Alfredo8074, Thank you very much for the great review and for recommending our tour! We are delighted to know that you enjoyed the flight and look forward to welcoming you again soon! CAROLE STURM CUSTOMER CARE COORDINATOR HARBOUR AIR SEAPLANES | WESTCOAST AIR | WHISTLER AIR

The 20 minute flight by seaplane over the city of Vancouver and the surrounding bays is a great trip. The Exhilaration of taking off on the sea in a one propellor plane and the views when the plane banks from side to side are great. I recommend

Dear Gareth D, Thank you very much for recommending our Vancouver Panorama tour! We are very glad you enjoyed the flight and gorgeous views from above. We look forward to welcoming you again soon! CAROLE STURM CUSTOMER CARE COORDINATOR HARBOUR AIR SEAPLANES | WESTCOAST AIR | WHISTLER AIR

My husband and I took our 2 kids (14 and 10) on the 20-minute panoramic aerial view of Vancouver. It was great fun! The view from above was exhilarating- captured fantastic photos of nature and architecture, in one breath. It was pretty easy to book, accessible (Canada Place), and free coffee while waiting to fly! Looking forward to trying their other tours.

Dear Pids_11, Thank you kindly for the 5-star review! It’s wonderful to hear from our local residents and how much they enjoy the service we provide. On your next visit, you may want to request the co-pilot seat for one of your kids! Great fun and the highlight for most people that have experienced it!! We look forward to welcoming you and your family again soon! CAROLE STURM CUSTOMER CARE COORDINATOR HARBOUR AIR SEAPLANES | WESTCOAST AIR | WHISTLER AIR

Watch CBS News

Solar eclipse maps show 2024 totality path, peak times and how much of the eclipse people could see across the U.S.

By Aliza Chasan

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 5:00 AM EDT / CBS News

A total solar eclipse  crossed North America Monday with parts of 15 U.S. states within the path of totality. Maps show  where and when astronomy fans could see the big event  as skies darkened in the middle of the day Monday, April 8.

The total eclipse first appeared along Mexico's Pacific Coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT, then traveled across a swath of the U.S., from Texas to Maine, and into Canada.

About 31.6 million people live in the path of totality , the area where the moon fully blocked out the sun , according to NASA. The path ranged between 108 and 122 miles wide. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path of totality.

Solar eclipse path of totality map for 2024

The total solar eclipse started over the Pacific Ocean, and the first location in continental North America that experienced totality was Mexico's Pacific Coast, around 11:07 a.m. PDT, according to NASA. From there, the path continued into Texas, crossing more than a dozen states before the eclipse enters Canada in southern Ontario. The eclipse exited continental North America at around 5:16 p.m. NDT from Newfoundland, Canada.

The path of totality included portions of the following states:

• Pennsylvania
• New Hampshire

Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan also experienced the total solar eclipse.

Several major cities across the U.S. were included in the eclipse's path of totality, while many others saw a partial eclipse. These were some of the best major cities for eclipse viewing — though the weather was a factor :

• San Antonio, Texas (partially under the path)
• Austin, Texas
• Waco, Texas
• Dallas, Texas
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Dayton, Ohio
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Buffalo, New York
• Rochester, New York
• Syracuse, New York
• Burlington, Vermont

Map of when the solar eclipse reached totality across its path

The eclipse began in the U.S. as a partial eclipse beginning at 12:06 p.m. CDT near Eagle Pass, Texas, before progressing to totality by about 1:27 p.m. CDT and then moving along its path to the northeast over the following few hours.

NASA shared times for several cities in the path of totality across the U.S. People could have also  checked their ZIP code on NASA's map  to see when the eclipse was to reach them if they were on, or near, the path of totality — or if they saw a partial eclipse instead.

How much of the eclipse did people see if they live outside the totality path?

While the April 8 eclipse covered a wide swath of the U.S., outside the path of totality observers may have spotted a partial eclipse, where the moon covers some, but not all, of the sun, according to NASA. The closer they were to the path of totality, the larger the portion of the sun that was hidden.

NASA allowed viewers to input a ZIP code and see how much of the sun was to be covered in their locations.

Could there be cloud cover be during the solar eclipse?

Some areas along the path of totality had a higher likelihood of cloud cover that could interfere with viewing the eclipse. Here is a map showing the historical trends in cloud cover this time of year. 

You could have checked the latest forecast for your location with our partners at The Weather Channel .

Where did the solar eclipse reach totality for the longest?

Eclipse viewers near Torreón, Mexico, got to experience totality for the longest. Totality there lasted 4 minutes, 28 seconds, according to NASA. 

Most places along the centerline of the path of totality saw a totality duration of between 3.5 and 4 minutes, according to NASA. Some places in the U.S. came close to the maximum; Kerrville, Texas, had a totality duration of 4 minutes, 24 seconds.

What is the path of totality for the 2044 solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

Astronomy fans in the U.S. will have far fewer opportunities to see the 2044 eclipse they had on April 8. NASA has not yet made maps available for the 2044 eclipse but, according to The Planetary Society , the path of totality will only touch three states.

The 2024 eclipse will start in Greenland, pass over Canada and end as the sun sets in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to the Planetary Society.

Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.

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"Sunday Morning" archives: Impressionism at 150

• Richmond(YVR) / Gulf Islands 1.800.447.3247 604.273.8900 Location
• Nanaimo 1.866.692.6440 250.753.1115 Location
• Vancouver Harbour 1.866.692.6440 604.647.7575 Location

Fly n’ Dine

Package includes round trip airfare between Downtown Vancouver to Nanaimo, where you’ll capture the scenic landscape of the Salish Sea and Coastal Mountains. Upon arrival in Nanaimo, savour a lunchtime meal at your choice of restaurants, just a short walk away from the seaplane terminal and enjoy the views of Nanaimo’s waterfront setting.

• Includes round trip seaplane flights between Vancouver Harbour & Nanaimo.

What to Bring:

• Bring your ID: All tour passengers 18 years of age or older must provide government issued photo ID.
• Don’t forget your Camera! Cameras and phones are allowed and encouraged.

Good to Know:

• Fares include all taxes and fees.
• Operates daily and year round.
• Check-in time is 30 minutes prior to your tour.
• Passengers may be combined with others on the same tour.
• Our aircraft are equipped with panoramic cabin windows that enhance your views and make your photos even more spectacular.
• In the event of any delays or cancellations, we will make our best efforts to contact guests using the information provided at time of booking.
• All tours are subject to weather conditions. We will make our best efforts to contact guests if we need to modify the tour, or if there are delays or cancellations.
• Child age is 2-11yrs.
• 24 hr cancellation.
• Fares subject to change without notice.

• Dining voucher issued at check-in