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YVR Layover Ideas Vancouver Airport Layover Guide

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Top 5 Layover Ideas for Vancouver Airport

If you find yourself with a long layover at Vancouver Airport, don't worry, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Here are our top 5 layover ideas that you can do within 12 hours:

1. Explore with the Vancouver Attractions Passport

For a fee starting from US $19.95, you can get a Vancouver Attractions Passport that offers savings of up to 50% at over 50 top Vancouver attractions. This pocket-sized book is not only full of great tourist information, but it also provides you with considerable savings during your visit to Vancouver. Some of the attractions include the Vancouver Aquarium, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain Tramway, Vancouver Lookout, and more. You can redeem your Attractions Passport at Vancouver International Airport at the International Currency Exchange kiosks.

2. Visit the Vancouver Aquarium

Included in the Vancouver Attractions Passport, the Vancouver Aquarium is a must-visit. It is home to thousands of incredible ocean species and amazing aquatic life. It's also a centre for marine research, conservation and marine animal rehabilitation.

3. Take a Ride on the Grouse Mountain Tramway

Take a scenic ride on the Grouse Mountain Tramway, also included in the Vancouver Attractions Passport. It offers stunning views of the city, the ocean, and the surrounding mountains.

4. Enjoy the View from the Vancouver Lookout

Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the Vancouver Lookout offers a 360° view of the city. Take a glass elevator ride to the observation deck and enjoy the breathtaking view.

5. Immerse Yourself in Culture at the Museum of Anthropology

Also included in the Vancouver Attractions Passport, the Museum of Anthropology at UBC is world-renowned for its collections, research, teaching, public programs, and community connections. It is a place of world arts and cultures with a special emphasis on the First Nations peoples and other cultural communities of British Columbia, Canada.

Helpful Tips & Resources

Need help navigating your way through an unfamiliar airport? Look no further than iFly.com for expert tips and advice. Here are some helpful tips to help you travel stress-free through YVR Airport:

  • Don't let heavy bags slow you down! Make use of our airport's complimentary baggage carts, available for all travelers in the baggage claim area.
  • If you have some time before your departure, relax, grab a bite at one of YVR's restaurants, peruse the shops, or jump on the free internet and surf galore!
  • If you are flying in business or first class (or are a member), check out where the airline club lounges are located.
  • Once you have passed through security, you can use the airport map to find your gate, as well as the various restaurants and shops that are available on your route.
  • Surf to your heart's content. Jump on Vancouver airport's internet (free!)
  • For those (dreaded) early-morning flights, consider one of the airport hotels on or near YVR to spend the night prior to your flight. In many cases your parking for the trip's duration is free!
  • Have a flight arriving and want a fast way to get to your destination? Here are a few taxi and limo airport service providers that service the airport.

Nearby Attractions for an Extended Layover

If you have an extended layover of 12 to 48 hours at Vancouver Airport, there are a number of attractions within reasonable proximity to the airport that you can explore. Here are some ideas:

1. Discover Stanley Park

Stanley Park is a 405-hectare public park that borders the downtown of Vancouver. It's a wonderful place to relax, enjoy nature, or participate in outdoor activities. The park has a long list of attractions, including the Vancouver Aquarium, totem poles, and the Seawall which offers stunning views of the city, mountains, sky, and ocean.

2. Visit Granville Island

Granville Island is a shopping district located across False Creek from Downtown Vancouver. It's home to a large public market, an extensive marina, a boutique hotel, and a variety of arts institutions, including theatres, artisan workshops and craft studios. It's a great place to explore local arts, crafts, and food.

3. Explore Gastown

Gastown is the original settlement that became the core of the creation of Vancouver. Today, it's a national historic site and a neighbourhood in the northwest end of downtown. It's a bustling urban centre full of shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Don't forget to check out the famous steam clock.

4. Visit the Museum of Vancouver

The Museum of Vancouver is the largest civic museum in Canada and the oldest museum in Vancouver. It's a great place to learn about the history of Vancouver and its people. The museum has a number of exhibits and collections that cover a wide range of topics, from the First Nations peoples to the city's recent history.

5. Take a Walk in the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is the first Chinese or "scholars" garden built outside of China. It's a place of peace and tranquility in the city, featuring beautiful plants, water, and architecture. It's a great place to relax and enjoy a bit of Chinese culture.

Updated on: November 22, 2023