Airport reviews: Vancouver airport (YVR), BC, Canada
by Andy Orrell
Vancouver airport is located in Richmond, one of the out lying areas of Vancouver. The airport is to the south of downtown and is about a twenty minute drive from the city centre, although this depends on traffic. The airport has excellent transport links, the sky train runs from the city right to the airport. The roads surrounding are wide and easily accessible and there are plenty of taxis available.
Vancouver airport is Canada’s second biggest airport next to Toronto. As you can imagine this makes this a very large and at times busy airport. Despite this though the airport tends to feel pretty relaxed, there are plenty of open spaces so even when very busy the airport does not feel overcrowded. I have a feeling much of it has been given a face lift for the Olympics but this is no bad thing. All around there is local art and traditional carvings. A massive waterfall cascaded down the centre of the stairs as you come out of the departures lounge.
Another thing that really stands out at Vancouver Airport is the staff. The vast majority of staff are very friendly and extremely helpful. They are always happy to help and sometimes even stop for a chat. This gives a very relaxed feel to the airport and makes it a more enjoyable place to be.
There are plenty of shops in the airport, all the things you would expect. There are excellent choices if you are looking for electronics, alcohol, clothes, local arts and craft and much much more. There are also plenty of choices when it comes to eating and drinking. You can choose from fancy restaurants serving fine food or just settle for a burger and fries in a fast food outlet. There are lots of bars to choose from that are all stocked with a wide choice of drinks including many local beers.
All the facilities in the airport are first class. The toilets are clean and well maintained. There are plenty of phones around or places where you can log on to the internet. The way the airport is laid out is very simple and easy to follow, despite being a large airport it’s pretty easy to find your way around. Everything is well signed and there is always plenty of flight information on screen around.
Out of all the airports I have ever been too I would have to say this is by far the best. The facilities are excellent, the toilets are clean and easy to find. The staff were friendly and seemed to know what they were doing. There was plenty to do and see. Despite being a massive airport and a very busy one, I felt relaxed and at ease in the pleasant surroundings. Everything about Vancouver airport was first class.
