Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1105981
tourismvancouver.com | 77 PO YANG/FLICKR FIRST IMPRESSIONS Vancouver International Airport isn't the worst place to arrive a little early: with art and architecture inspired by a sense of place and celebrating themes of land, sea and sky, it's a surprisingly serene place despite the 25 million or so travelers who pass through the terminal each year. Settle in next to the wall-to-wall aquarium maintained by the Vancouver Aquar- ium or the bronze-cast Jade Canoe sculpture by acclaimed First Nations artist Bill Reid and enjoy the natural light, beautiful water features, living green wall and striking artworks that inspire even the most harried of travelers to take pause. FIND YOUR WAY It's hard to get lost at YVR: you'll find all domestic, United States and international arrivals on the second floor, with departures on the third. (If you're taking a short- haul local flight, corporate charter or helicopter, the YVR South Terminal is where you'll need to be. (There's a courtesy shuttle from the main terminal.) If you do find yourself needing a little help, though, 24-hour customer care and Green Coat volunteers can be found throughout the airport. PRE-FLIGHT PAMPERING Once you're through security, you'll find plenty to occupy your time before your boarding call. In the domestic departures area, try a flight before your flight at wine bar Vino Volo, or pair a beer with the game at Stanley Park Taphouse. Beyond your classic airport newsstand, you'll find shopping options like Canadian activewear boutique Lolë and an outpost of B.C.-founded Rogers' Chocolates. Absolute Spa awaits, too, if you're looking to get into maximum relaxation mode before you head out. Over in the U.S. terminal, you've got a chance to grab merch from your favourite local team at BC Sports Zone, or source a bold new look from Desigual. Killing time before an international flight? Lift Bar and Grill serves up artisanal cocktails and local craft beers, and high-end shopping options line the terminal: think Cartier, Burberry, Hermès and Omega. TIME TO KILL Make the most of a layover with these nearby amenities: A few hours: Kick back in the YVR Plaza Premium lounge for access to Asian-inspired snacks, hot showers and beer from local heroes Steel and Oak. (Premium members of frequent-flyer loyalty programs can find access to airline-specific lounges throughout the airport too: Air Canada, British Airways and Cathay Pacific among them.) An afternoon: Located close to YVR (two stops along the Canada Line) and well known in Europe, McArthurGlen opened its only Canadian outlet mall here in 2015. Score designer brands such as Armani, Kate Spade New York and Coach for up to 70 per cent off. Tourists, be sure to grab a Fashion Passport for exclusive savings. A full day: It's a short half-hour trip via the Canada Line SkyTrain into Richmond or Vancouver, so hop aboard and spend the day exploring all the food and culture these cities have to offer. Long-term baggage storage is available on the arrivals level at CDS Baggage, so you can travel light until your flight. Jade Canoe Smart tips for navigating transfers and layovers at YVR Airport orientation } N E E D T O K N O W GET IN, GET OUT BY CAR: Short-term and long-term parking options are available both in the parkade next to the airport and at park-and-fly, shuttle-accessi- ble lots nearby. Local car-share companies like Car2Go and Evo even offer parking options nearby (membership required). BY CAB: Taxis going from Vancouver Inter- national Airport to downtown Vancouver charge a flat fee of C$31 (fees vary for other zones). Compa- nies include Black Top & Checker Cabs, MacLures Cabs, Vancouver Taxi and Yellow Cab Company. Sedans and limousines are also available without a reser- vation through YVR's official car service, Aerocar. BY TRAIN: There's also the Canada Line SkyTrain, accessible via the domestic or international terminals, which offers a quick and convenient way to get yourself into the city: it takes 18 minutes to central Richmond, and just under 30 into downtown Vancouver.