Exploring Yvr Airport: Activities And Attractions

what to do at yvr airport

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is consistently voted one of the best in North America, and for good reason. The airport offers a wide range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options to keep travellers occupied during layovers. From exploring the city's best cuisine and trendy neighbourhoods to shopping at luxury brands and local souvenir shops, there's something for everyone. YVR also boasts comfortable spaces, friendly staff, colourful designs, and well-placed artwork, ensuring a pleasant and memorable experience for all travellers.

Characteristics Values
Transportation to Downtown Vancouver Canada Line SkyTrain, airport shuttles, taxis, buses, car rentals
Dining Tim Hortons, Starbucks, Lift Bar and Grill, Vino Volo outpost, Stanley Park Taphouse, Tap & Barrel Olympic Village
Shopping McArthurGlen Designer Outlets, Gucci, Hermès, Cartier, BC Sports Zone, World Duty Free, Absolute Spa
Attractions Vancouver Aquarium, Yaletown, Vancouver City Centre, historic Granville Street, Chinatown, Science World, Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel, River Rock Casino Resort
Services Currency exchange, luggage services, workstations, charging stations

shunhotel

Explore the city: Head to Vancouver's downtown, waterfront, or Yaletown

Vancouver is a vibrant city with a lot to offer. If you're spending your layover exploring the city, here are some things you can do and see in Vancouver's downtown, waterfront, and Yaletown areas.

Downtown

Vancouver's downtown area is a hub of activity, with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The Vancouver Convention Centre, located on the downtown waterfront, offers stunning views of the mountains and is a great place to start your exploration. The area is also home to the Orpheum, the largest performing arts organization in Western Canada and the renowned Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. For art enthusiasts, the downtown gothic-style cathedral, with its beautiful bells, is a must-see. The Chinatown Storytelling Centre, with its interactive exhibits, offers a unique insight into the history and culture of the city's Chinatown.

Waterfront

Just a 25-minute ride on the Canada Line from YVR, Vancouver's iconic waterfront is a popular destination. The Waterfront Station area boasts several attractions, including the Vancouver Brewery Tours and the Secret Food Tours. For those interested in architecture, the nearby Gastown district is worth exploring, with its iconic Steamclock and unique shops. The area also offers stunning views of the cruise ships docking at the port.

Yaletown

Yaletown is a trendy and historic neighbourhood, known for its vibrant and walkable streets. Once the 1886 western terminus of the Canadian Pacific Railway, Yaletown now boasts residential towers, trendy patios, award-winning boutiques, and an oceanfront seawall. It's the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely stroll, take in the ocean views, and explore the latest fashion and dining options.

Whether you're interested in history, culture, food, or shopping, Vancouver's downtown, waterfront, and Yaletown areas have something for everyone. With easy access from YVR, you can make the most of your layover and explore the best of what the city has to offer.

shunhotel

Relax and unwind: Visit the spa, or the hotel's health club

If you're looking to relax and unwind during your layover at YVR, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel, located within the airport, offers day-use rooms for guests in transit. This luxury hotel features soundproofed rooms, an indoor pool, and a health club with a sauna and hot tubs. You can book a room for 4, 6, or 8 hours and enjoy a relaxing spa treatment or a dip in the pool. The hotel also offers dining options, including the award-winning Globe@YVR restaurant, which serves delicious cuisine and afternoon tea with breathtaking vistas of airside operations.

Another option for unwinding is Absolute Spa, which has several locations within the airport. Here, you can treat yourself to beauty services such as manicures, pedicures, and facials, as well as various massage options to help you relax and rejuvenate between flights.

If you have a longer layover and don't mind venturing outside the airport, you can explore the beautiful city of Vancouver and its surrounding areas. The Canada Line can easily take you to downtown Vancouver, where you can find popular tourist attractions, award-winning restaurants, and entertainment. You can also visit nearby Stanley Park, a vast city park with biking and hiking trails, or Granville Island, which offers a pedestrian-friendly glimpse of Vancouver's charm.

shunhotel

Enjoy art and culture: Check out the galleries, or Aboriginal art

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is consistently voted one of the best airports in North America, and for good reason. Beyond its fresh design, comfortable spaces, and friendly staff, YVR is also home to a plethora of art installations and cultural displays that honour the Indigenous peoples of the region.

Upon landing at YVR, you are welcomed by Indigenous artwork that aims to create a sense of place and foster an appreciation for Indigenous cultures and histories among travellers. Notable features include the Musqueam Welcome Area in the International Terminal, which showcases Musqueam artwork, including a large wooden spindle whorl and a welcome pole, both of which embody Musqueam artistic traditions and symbols.

Another prominent art installation at YVR is "The Spirit of Haida Gwaii: The Jade Canoe", a bronze sculpture by renowned Haida artist Bill Reid. This statue, located in the International Terminal, depicts mythological figures from Haida culture paddling in a traditional Haida canoe, symbolizing the Indigenous heritage and connection to the land and sea.

YVR is also home to the Vancouver Aquarium, which runs two exhibits showcasing indigenous sea animals and jellyfish. Located in the International Terminal, these exhibits provide a unique glimpse into the marine life of the region.

In addition to the art and cultural displays within the airport, YVR also offers easy access to downtown Vancouver via the Canada Line. With a layover of at least six hours, you can explore the city's art galleries, pick up local handicrafts, or even rent a kayak. Granville Island, just a short distance from the airport, is a pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood known for its art and culture.

Whether you're admiring the Indigenous artwork within the airport or exploring the nearby art galleries of Vancouver, YVR offers a wealth of opportunities to immerse yourself in art and culture during your layover.

shunhotel

Eat and drink: Choose from over 40 restaurants, or grab duty-free chocolates and alcohol

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has over 40 restaurants to choose from, offering everything from quick bites to leisurely sit-down meals. If you're looking for a quick snack, the airport's food courts have fan favourites like Tim Hortons, Starbucks, and options for sushi, fried chicken, wraps, and salads. You can also find Vietnamese, Japanese, Italian, Mexican, bakeries, and health food and juice options.

For a sit-down meal, there are several great options, including Lift Bar and Grill, which offers elegant urban dining inspired by West Coast flavours. There's also the Vino Volo outpost and the Stanley Park Taphouse. If you're in the South Terminal, your only dining option is the family-run Galiano Café, which serves hot breakfasts, muffins, homemade soups, salads, made-to-order sandwiches, espresso, and even beer.

If you have time to venture outside the airport, you can easily access some of Vancouver's famed Chinese cuisine. Take the Canada Line to Bridgeport Station, where you'll find the Sea Harbour Seafood Restaurant, known for its award-winning dim sum and seafood specialties. For Shanghainese cuisine, try Dinesty, a short walk from Lansdowne Canada Line Station, or Shanghai River, located near the Brighouse Canada Line Station.

Back at the airport, you can also grab duty-free chocolates and alcohol, as well as other luxuries and local souvenirs.

shunhotel

Entertainment: Try the casino, or keep the kids entertained with interactive exhibits

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is a hub of activity, with plenty of entertainment options to keep travellers engaged during layovers. If you're feeling lucky, try your hand at the casino, or explore the various interactive exhibits scattered throughout the airport.

For those seeking a thrilling gaming experience, YVR offers a casino located within the airport complex. Test your luck at the slot machines or try your skill at the table games. The casino provides a fun diversion from the usual airport routine and is a great way to pass the time during a long layover.

In addition to the casino, YVR boasts an array of interactive exhibits that are perfect for keeping kids entertained. The Vancouver Aquarium, located in the International Terminal, showcases over 850 indigenous sea animals in its main exhibit and a captivating jellyfish display in a smaller exhibit. Wander through the airport and discover the many displays of Aboriginal artworks, with the Spirit of Haida Gwaii being a standout favourite. These exhibits offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region and provide an educational experience for young travellers.

YVR also features live local entertainment and performances throughout the terminal. From musical acts to interactive shows, there's always something new and exciting to discover. The airport prioritises entertainment for all ages, ensuring that families have a range of options to choose from during their time at the airport.

With its diverse entertainment offerings, YVR ensures that travellers of all ages can enjoy their time at the airport. Whether you're seeking thrilling casino action or engaging interactive exhibits, YVR has something for everyone. So, make the most of your layover and explore the entertainment options that Vancouver International Airport has to offer!

Frequently asked questions

YVR Airport has a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options for travellers. From luxury brands to local souvenirs, duty-free shops, and art galleries, there is something for everyone. The airport also offers beauty services, massages, and a health club for relaxation. For those with longer layovers, downtown Vancouver is just a short train or shuttle ride away, offering even more options for dining, sightseeing, and shopping.

YVR Airport offers a wide range of dining options, including local and international cuisine. For a quick bite, there are cafes like Starbucks and Tim Hortons, as well as to-go kiosks offering a variety of cuisines such as Vietnamese, Japanese, Italian, and Mexican. For a more leisurely dining experience, there are restaurants like the Lift Bar and Grill, Vino Volo, and the Stanley Park Taphouse.

YVR Airport offers a range of entertainment options for travellers of all ages. For those looking for a relaxing experience, there are airport spas and quiet zones. The Vancouver Aquarium also runs two exhibits showcasing indigenous sea animals and jellyfish. For travellers with children, there are interactive exhibits and games at the children's play areas. Additionally, the River Rock Casino Resort, located just a short drive from the airport, offers gaming, live entertainment, and dining options.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment