Kenmore Air Scenic Flights

Kenmore Air has been flying from the Seattle area since 21 March 1946, when it was founded by Robert Munro, Reginald Collins and Jack Mines. Today it is a seaplane and land-plane airline flying to 45 destinations, and it also offers scenic flights that are one of the most memorable ways to see Seattle. Its headquarters is at Kenmore Air Harbor, north of the city, and it has a seaplane terminal on Lake Union in Seattle, which it acquired in the early 1990s.

The scenic flights cover several routes. The Seattle Scenic Flight gives you an aerial view of the city. Other options include Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens, the San Juan Islands, Lake Washington and the South Sound. Taking off from and landing on the water is a big part of the thrill, and the views of the city's lakes, bays and mountains are hard to match from the ground.

Kenmore Air is known for its de Havilland Beavers, which it has rebuilt in large numbers, and its fleet also includes Turbine Otters and Cessna Caravans. These are small aircraft: a Beaver carries five or six passengers and a Turbine Otter around ten, so the flight feels personal.

Book flights through the company's website or app. Prices and schedules depend on the route and season, so check them before you plan your day. Weather can affect seaplane flights, especially in winter, so keep your schedule flexible and choose a clear day if you can. Arrive at the terminal in good time for check-in, and travel light.

Scenic flights suit couples celebrating something special, photographers and anyone who wants a unique view of the region. They are less suitable for nervous flyers, as small aircraft move more in the wind than airliners. Check the company's rules on children, weight and baggage when booking.

The company also runs scheduled flights to the San Juan Islands, Victoria and British Columbia, which can make a scenic way to start a longer trip. Lake Union is a short drive or bus ride north of downtown, and the South Lake Union neighbourhood nearby has plenty of places to eat before or after your flight.