Vancouver Airport Visitor Guide 2024: Everything you need to know

Vancouver Airport serves the city of Vancouver on Canada’s Pacific Coast. Located seven miles from downtown Vancouver, this is the second busiest airport in Canada, with over 25 million passengers each year. The airport operates as a major transpacific hub, with more flights to China than any other airport in North America. But it’s also the gateway to one of Canada’s most beautiful and exciting cities.

Despite its busyness, Vancouver airport is relatively small, and the city is both close and easy to reach via public transportation. Drop off your unneeded bags at a luggage storage near Vancouver Airport and you can start exploring this jewel of the West Coast right away.

Vancouver Airport bag policy

Vancouver Airport’s bag policy is similar to that you’ll find in airports across North America. In fact, Vancouver even has a preclearance area for flights to the US that is classed as United States soil. Any bags you try to take on a flight will be screened with x-rays, and no liquids with a volume of greater than 100 milliliters are allowed on the plane.

Vancouver Airport does have its own baggage storage service. However, many passengers find it more convenient to store data needed bags near Vancouver Airport but not actually in the terminal itself. That way you won’t have to make the journey to and from the airport every time you want to pick up your bags.

Vancouver Airport food policy

You can bring just about any food you like to Vancouver airport. You can even take food onto the plane if the airline doesn’t prohibit it. Of course, any food you do bring will be subject to security screening, and the restriction on liquids in volumes of over 100 milliliters.

If you don’t want to bring your own food, Vancouver Airport has a few options for dining. Fast food outlets like Burger King and A&W make it easy to get something on the go. There are also sitdown restaurants such as Globe@YVR and Monks Grill. Plus, in this coffee-loving city, you’ll find plenty of cafés. In short, you won’t need to go hungry while you travel.

Vancouver Airport camera policy

Cameras are allowed inside Vancouver Airport. You can take photos of the airport, make sure you don’t photograph any secure areas. You should also avoid photographing security personnel as they go about their duties. Additionally, professional equipment such as tripods and lighting is not recommended, and you may be asked to leave.

It might be better to leave expensive camera equipment at a luggage storage service near Vancouver Airport. That way, you know it will be looked after while you travel and will be ready for you to pick up at your convenience.

Vancouver Airport rules

• Smoking is not allowed anywhere inside Vancouver Airport. You’ll have to go outside to smoke and maintain a distance of six meters from doorways while you smoke. You’ll find designated open-air smoking areas outside the main terminal.
• Animal repellents such as bear spray are not permitted in your bags.
• Bullets and ammunition are not allowed in carry-on bags, but may be permitted in checked baggage depending on your carrier.
• Vancouver Airport is connected to downtown Vancouver by the SkyTrain elevated rail system. You’ll need to purchase a ticket to get through the turnstile onto the platform, but once you do, the journey only takes around 30 minutes.

Vancouver Airport lockers

Surrounded by mountains and the ocean, Vancouver is a city with unparalleled access to the outdoors. Whether you plan to spend your time skiing, sailing, dining, or enjoying the cultural offerings of the city, Vancouver has plenty to offer everyone. It’s also a very safe and walkable city, and you won’t find it difficult to get around. However, you can make things easier on yourself by dropping off your bags at a luggage storage locker near Vancouver Airport. The lighter you travel, the easier it will be to enjoy your Western Canadian adventure.