Hubby and I'll will be spending our fair share of time at YVR over the next couple of months as friends and family come and go. And if you're coming to visit us, you'll no doubt spend quite a bit of time there as well. Hanging out at airports for hours on end can be somewhat tedious, so here a few ideas to keep yourself amused.
Have a drink and/or dinner at the Flying Beaver. One of hubby's favourite places. We are both rather partial to the black and blue burger - a burger topped with melted blue cheese. It's on south side, on the riverfront and if you time it right you can sit and watch the float planes finishing up for the day. And there's not many places you'll find a float plane crossing sign.
Check out the Air Canada Hangar and you might spot the Air Canada Boeing 777 all decked out in Vancouver 2010 livery. You'll have to be quick as there is only one plane all dressed up.
The airport itself has the usual assortment of fast food and beverage places. There's also a Milestones and the Globe and the Fairmont. Or you can grab a coffee and take a wander. And because most of the airlines don't offer food anymore, the food court places will wrap your meal in a flying friendly bag. (whatever that means).
There's a new Public Observation Area that opened this last summer - in the pre-security area of the domestic terminal on level 4. Floor to ceiling windows allow an uninterrupted view of the airfield and out to the Strait of Georgia.
Information panels, telescopes and interactive kiosks provide facts, features and stories on the airport, the aircraft, the jobs and the people who work there.
Children - there is a nursery with cribs and change tables opposite the US check-in counters on the departure level. After the security check points there are several unsupervised children's play areas.
Internet access - currently there is free wireless internet access if you have a laptop. I don't know if that will change. Probably.
The Fairmont at YVR is located right in the terminal. The Jetside Bar and [email protected] restaurant have awesome views of the runway. And there's a spa, you could have a massage while waiting for your flight, or for Dave and I to pick you up (cause no doubt we will be late!).
There's also a medical centre, a dental centre and a pharmacy, but lets hope you don't ever need them.
And of course don't forget to go shopping in the Olympic Stores at YVR.