Patricia Bay, just minutes from Sidney, is one of the most accessible plane-spotting locations on Vancouver Island. Situated along the shoreline beside Victoria International Airport (YYJ), it offers clear sightlines to the main runway approaches, particularly for aircraft arriving and departing over the water. Depending on wind direction and runway use, you can observe final approaches at relatively low altitude, making it possible to identify aircraft types and airline liveries with ease. The area is used by a mix of commercial carriers, regional turboprops, private aviation, and occasional military traffic, creating a varied and consistent flow of movement throughout the day.

Victoria International Airport operates a single primary runway (09/27), which often brings aircraft in low over Patricia Bay when landing from the west. This makes the shoreline especially appealing for those tracking flight paths or photographing approaches. In addition to scheduled passenger service, YYJ supports flight training, medevac operations, and charter activity, contributing to steady but manageable traffic levels compared to larger urban airports. The nearby waters also see regular seaplane activity, particularly from Harbour Air and other coastal operators, adding another layer of interest for enthusiasts monitoring both fixed-wing and floatplane operations in the same airspace.