Vancouver airport - what is there?

[MazdaUK]

We're flying in and out of Vancouver in August and as we are always (touch wood!) really early for any flights, could anyone let me know what is there in the way of shops, eating options etc? Our flight is early evening (sevenish I think) but we have to get our receipts stamped to get the tax back (how long should I allow for this?) so knowing us we'll be there from three or so! Any help and tips most welcome

 

[cabmom]

http://www.yvr.ca/

Hope this helps!

 

[jakoky]

Hi there, i have actually never flown out of YVR, but will be in 21 days as we head to DL......My Brother in law travels a lot, and to many different places, and they tell my YVR is by far the best airport they have been in,apparently lots of options for eating and shopping....sorry i cant tell u more, but i know when we go my husband always likes to be very early, so we will probably be there 3 hours early, and i know that we will be ok with what i have been told...have fun
shar

 

[MazdaUK]

Thanks - i'll be interested to hear what its like. I looked at the website and I see that the Christmas store only seems to be available for US airside

 

[Tantor]

It is a beautiful airport with lots to do and see. Everytime I go there I try to spend time so I can wander around. Love it!!

 

[coastgirl]

The shopping is, of course, centred on souveniers etc., but there's a fair bit to choose from in various price ranges. Also they have what they call "street pricing" which means they don't gouge you on prices for food. Not exactly haute cuisine, but familiar fast-food brands and some decent sit-down options. I'd much rather do Vancouver than Toronto!

 

[cdntourguide]

Vancouver airport has a Burger King, A flying Wedge Pizza stand, sushi bars, sit down restaurants, a market (very similar to the PepperMarket Grill at CSR) all in the US departure area (prior to going to get your airline checkin). After you go through US customs and immigration there are a burger King, a bagel shop, a sit down bar, a sandwich shop (not a lot of selection).
If you are going to the GST refund area, plan on needing an additional 90 minutes.
If you are coming from the cruise ship terminal be advised that the lines can be very, very long. (I have seen lines as long as 2hours just to get to the ticket counter, especially UNited)
If you have lots of time, walk over to the domestic section of the airport, the dining facilities are a lot nicer than in the International/US section. Plus only a 5minute walk away.

have a great time

 

[EnnEss]

YVR has some nice architecture and interesting decor, but its still an airport. As for how it stacks up against other airports, fairly well, it won best airport in North America a couple years in a row, but as for my experiences with it, flying that time of night, sometimes they have disastrous line times at customs and security on the way out.

Take the three hour thing seriously (That is to say, arrive at the airport 3 hours prior to your flight), im the type of flyer that always shows up 1 hour before my flight leaves and have never had a problem, but if i'm flying out of YVR i always take care to book an early morning or late night flight to avoid the line.

It's not horrendous or anything either, dont get me wrong, if you're there at the suggested time you will not miss your flight, so don't worry about getting there any earlier than recommended, just be sure to follow those guidelines for this particular airport.