Roberta Aguirre
Vancouver, the third-largest metropolitan area in Canada, is served by Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Located on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia, YVR is about 12 km from Downtown Vancouver. It is Canada's second busiest airport by passenger traffic, with over 24 million travellers passing through each year. The airport has won several notable international awards, including the SkyTrax Best North American Airport award for 12 consecutive years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Vancouver International Airport |
| Airport Code | YVR |
| Location | Sea Island, Richmond, British Columbia |
| Distance from Downtown Vancouver | 12 km (7.5 mi) |
| Passenger Traffic Ranking in Canada | Second busiest |
| Number of Passengers | 24-26.2 million per year |
| Direct Flights to China | More than any other airport in North America or Europe |
| Airlines | Air Canada, WestJet, Lufthansa, Condor, Edelweiss Air, British Airways, Icelandair, Air France, KLM, Flair Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska, Delta, JetBlue, Pacific Coastal Airlines, Porter Airlines, Central Mountain Air, Harbour Air, Air North, Porter |
| US Border Preclearance Facilities | Yes |
| Floatplane Terminal | Yes |
| Hospitality Interiors Award | Won in 2013 |
| SkyTrax Best North American Airport Award | Won in 2007 and 2010 through 2022 |
| Dining Options | Burger King, Starbucks, Subway, Tim Hortons, White Spot, Fairmont Vancouver Airport In-Terminal Hotel, Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina, River Rock Casino Resort |
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What You'll Learn
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
The airport has a unique British Columbian theme, with an extensive collection of Pacific Northwest Coast Native art, including wooden sculptures and totem poles. YVR offers a range of dining options, such as Burger King, Starbucks, Subway, and Tim Hortons, and it features environmentally-friendly floating docks and glass elevators. The airport also provides live local entertainment and displays throughout the terminal.
YVR consists of both international and domestic terminals, with the YVR Airport Station centrally located between the two. The Domestic Terminal, constructed in 1968, consists of three piers (A-C) and was renovated in 2005. Pier B is the hub for domestic flights for WestJet, also serving Air North, Air Transat, Flair Airlines, and Porter Airlines. Pier C is the hub for Air Canada and Air Canada Express domestic flights. The International Terminal was expanded between 2017 and 2021 to accommodate more gates and remote stand operations. Pier D consists of 31 gates, with seven designated as bus gates for remote stands. All international-bound flights, except those to the US, depart from the D gates. Pier E is the US Border Preclearance area, consisting of 25 gates.
YVR strongly recommends that travellers arrive at the airport at least two hours ahead of domestic flights and three hours ahead of international and US flights. The airport provides a mobile app, car rental services, and live guest support to assist travellers with their journey through the airport.
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Location and history
Vancouver, Canada, is located at the southwestern end of British Columbia, between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains. It is the third-largest metropolitan area in Canada and is known for its natural beauty and cultural attractions, including its cuisine.
Vancouver International Airport (IATA: YVR, ICAO: CYVR), also known by its airport code YVR, is located on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia, about 12 km (7.5 mi) from Downtown Vancouver. It serves the city of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland region. YVR is the second busiest airport in Canada by passenger traffic, with over 24 million travellers passing through each year. It is a hub for Air Canada and WestJet and has been awarded the SkyTrax Best North American Airport award a record 12 consecutive years from 2007 to 2022.
The history of Vancouver International Airport dates back to 1929 when the City of Vancouver purchased land on Sea Island for aviation purposes. During World War II, the airport was leased to the federal government and operated by the Department of National Defence and the Department of Transport as RCAF Station Sea Island. The airport was used for the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, and crews and their families were housed in a new town on the island called Burkeville, named after Boeing president Stanley Burke.
The present main terminal was completed in 1968 and has since been expanded to include separate domestic and international terminals. The Domestic section was constructed by the Vancouver-based firm Thompson, Berwick, and Pratt and was renovated in 2005 by Vancouver architect Kasian Kennedy. It consists of three piers (A-C) with gates for various airlines. The International concourse was designed by Vancouver-based Architectura (now Stantec) and Kansas City-based HNTB Corporation between 1994 and 1996. It has been expanded several times to accommodate more gates and remote stand operations.
In addition to its efficient connectivity and award-winning design, YVR is also known for its unique British Columbian theme, showcasing an extensive collection of Pacific Northwest Coast Native art, including wooden sculptures and totem poles.
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Arrivals, departures, and terminals
Vancouver International Airport, also known as YVR, is located on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia, about 12 km from Downtown Vancouver. It is the second busiest airport in Canada by passenger traffic, serving over 24 million travellers annually. The airport consists of separate domestic and international terminals, with the YVR Airport Station centrally located between them.
Upon exiting the train at YVR Airport Station, passengers should turn left for domestic flights or right for US and international flights. The Domestic Terminal, constructed in 1968, consists of three piers: Pier A (gates A6–A10 and A12), Pier B (gates B13–B27), and Pier C (gates C29–C52). Pier A is used by WestJet Encore, Pier B is the hub for WestJet's domestic flights and also serves Air North, Air Transat, Flair Airlines, and Porter Airlines, while Pier C is the hub for Air Canada and Air Canada Express domestic flights.
The International Terminal has been expanded several times to accommodate more gates and remote stand operations. It includes Pier D (gates D48–D78) and Pier E (gates E71–E88 and E90–E96). All international concourse gates can receive flights from international and US origins, and Pier D is used for all international-bound flights, excluding those to the United States. Pier E is the US border preclearance area, and some of its gates can be switched to international departures as needed.
YVR strongly recommends that travellers arrive at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before US and international flights. The airport provides a range of facilities, including car rental, dining options, and live local entertainment throughout the terminal.
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Awards and recognition
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is located on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. It is about 7.5 miles (12km) from Downtown Vancouver. YVR is the second-busiest airport in Canada by aircraft movements and passenger traffic. It has won numerous awards and accolades over the years, solidifying its reputation as one of the best airports in North America.
Vancouver International Airport has consistently ranked highly in various categories and has received numerous awards and recognition for its excellence in airport operations, customer service, and sustainability initiatives. Here are some of the notable awards and recognition:
Skytrax World Airport Awards: YVR has consistently ranked highly in the Skytrax World Airport Awards, which are considered a prestigious benchmark for airport excellence.
In
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Amenities and services
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is located on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia, about 12 km (7.5 mi) from Downtown Vancouver. It is Canada's second busiest airport, with over 25 million passengers travelling through each year. The airport has won several notable international best airport awards, including the SkyTrax Best North American Airport award for 12 consecutive years.
Vancouver International Airport offers a wide range of amenities and services to cater to the needs of travellers. Here are some of the key amenities and services available:
- Dining Options: The airport offers a diverse range of dining options to suit different tastes and preferences. This includes quick-service kiosks and cafes such as Starbucks and Tim Hortons, which can be found in every section of the airport. For those looking for a more leisurely dining experience, there are restaurants like the Lift Bar and Grill, Vino Volo, and the Stanley Park Taphouse. The airport also features a variety of international cuisines, including Vietnamese, Japanese, Italian, Mexican, bakeries, and health food options.
- Shopping: YVR offers a wide range of shopping options, from airport staples like newsstands, bookstores, and souvenir shops to high-end boutiques and duty-free shopping. Travellers can explore luxury brands such as Bottega Veneta, Cartier, and Givenchy. The airport also features famous local outlets like Rogers' Chocolates and the Vancouver Aquarium shop.
- Lounges: The airport has several lounges that offer comfortable seating, showers, and nap rooms. These include the Plaza Premium Lounge, Sky Team Lounge, and Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge. Some lounges provide all-inclusive food and beverage options, free WiFi, and charging stations. Lounge access can be purchased at the door or through lounge membership programs.
- Fitness and Wellness: The Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel, located inside the International Terminal, offers a fully equipped gym with Peloton bikes, treadmills, upper/lower body training stations, and free weights. The hotel also features a pool, spa, and wellness amenities. Day passes are available for access to these facilities.
- Medical Services: The airport provides access to medical services through the Vancouver Airport Medical Clinic Annex, offering primary, family, and specialised care. A pharmacy, Pharmasave, is conveniently located next to the clinic.
- Banking and Currency Exchange: ATMs and cash machines are available throughout the airport. Additionally, a full-service Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) branch provides currency exchange services.
- Postal Services: The airport has a Canada Post branch located in the Domestic Terminal, Landside, Level 1, inside the 7-11 convenience store, allowing travellers to send last-minute postcards.
- Internet Access: Free WiFi, "YVR Free WiFi," is available throughout the airport, allowing travellers to stay connected during their time at the airport.
- Nearby Attractions: For travellers with longer layovers, exploring the city of Vancouver is an option. The airport is well-connected to downtown Vancouver, with the Canada Line SkyTrain providing a direct connection in under 30 minutes. Popular attractions include Stanley Park, offering biking and hiking trails, and Granville Island, known for its art galleries, local handicrafts, and kayak rentals.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport in Vancouver, Canada is called Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
Vancouver International Airport is the second busiest airport in Canada by passenger traffic, with over 24 million travellers passing through each year.
Vancouver International Airport has won several awards for its design and hospitality. Facilities include a spa, shopping, lounges, car rental, parking, and a variety of dining options including Burger King, Starbucks, Subway, and Tim Hortons.
There are several highly-rated hotels near Vancouver International Airport, including the Fairmont Vancouver Airport In-Terminal Hotel, the Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina, and the River Rock Casino Resort.
It is recommended that travellers arrive at the airport at least two hours ahead of domestic flights and three hours ahead of international flights. Many airlines offer online check-in 24 hours before departure.
