About Vancouver International Airport

Vancouver International Airport is an international airport located in Downtown Vancouver, Canada. After Toronto Pearson International Airport, this airport is the second-busiest Canadian airport by both passengers and aircraft movements. In 2018, for example, the airport handled over 25.94 million passengers. The airport has won several awards for not only North America's best airport, but also one of the top 10 airports in the world by Skytrax. The airport is also featured in our blog as one of the best airports for shopping.

The airport has historically been used for aviation purposes since 1929, being used by the government and Department of National Defence and Department of Transport during World War II. The airport is often described as a major trans-pacific hub, facilitating connecting flights between the Pacific Northwest and destinations in the Americas, Asia and Australia.

The airport is currently a hub for Air Canada, Air Canada Express, Pacific Coastal Airlines and WestJet. In addition, it is a focus city airport for Air North, Air Transat and WestJet Encore.

Facilities

As mentioned, Vancouver Airport has previously won Skytrax awards for its facilities. Therefore, there is plenty to see and do in this large, bright and modern airport. There is lots of natural lighting and artwork with comfortable seating, providing for a relaxing and enjoyable ambience.

Facilities Include:

Free WiFi

Postal Services

Nursery with playpens, cribs and a changing area

Children's Play Area

Gym

Food and Drink concessions, including a few 24-hour options.

Information Desks

Baggage Sevices including storage and wrapping

Dental Services

Medical Clinic

Pharmacy

Mobile Charging Stations

Interfaith chapel

Quiet Zones & Rest Zones

Aquarium

Lounges Include:

SkyTeam Lounge: Enjoy snacks and drinks at this airport lounge, whilst browsing the internet on the WiFi, or getting some work done. There is also plenty of space to relax whilst you wait for your flight, and even facilities to shower.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge: There are three locations of this lounge dotted around the airport, all airside but one each for domestic, international and USA Transborder departures. They contain alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, quiet zones, showers, snacks, TVs, WiFi and workstations.

Plaza Premium Lounge: Entry to this airport lounge includes food, drinks, WiFi, newspapers and magazines, showers, telephones and a TV.

Book Lounge Passes for Vancouver Airport

Did you know that you can buy lounge passes for Vancouver International Airport with Alternative Airlines? You can purchase them for Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic Departures), SkyTeam Lounge (International Departures), Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures), and Plaza Premium Lounge (USA Departures).

Terminals

There are three terminals within Vancouver Airport; the Domestic, International and South. Both the Domestic and International Terminals are connected and often jointly referred to as the Main Terminal.

Domestic Terminal

The Domestic Terminal was constructed in 1968 but was recently renovated by Vancouver architect Kasian Kennedy. This terminal has 3 piers, and a total of 44 gates.

International Terminal

The International Terminal is the terminal in YVR which accepts flights from international and US origins. There are two piers (D and E), which have 37 combined total gates.

South Terminal

The South Terminal is part of the building that was the original pre-1968 terminal. This terminal usually serves regional airlines such as Pacific Coastal Airlines, Central Mountain Air and Harbour Air.

Top Destinations

Popular Destinations

Below are some of the most popular destinations that airlines commonly fly to from YVR:

• Toronto - Pearson
• Chicago - O'Hare
• Calgary
• Hong Kong
• Londres Heathrow
• Paris - Charles de Gaulle
• Seattle Tacoma
• Victoria
• Nanaimo Harbour
• San Francisco
• New York JFK
• San Diego