Whether you’ve arrived at Vancouver International Airport airport only to discover that your flight has been delayed or the person you’re picking up will be landing later than expected, you’ve got some time to kill. The suggestions below might have you wishing for more airline delays in future, or will at least inspire you to schedule in a bit of extra time during your next trip through YVR.
If there’s anything you’ve forgotten to pack, you can surely find it at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet mall located on YVR’s Sea Island. Why limit yourself to the necessities, though, when the deals are this good? Shop to you drop (or run out of luggage space) with discounts of up to 70 per cent on such luxury brands as Coach, J Crew Factory, Armani, Ecco, and many, many more. The fashionable stopover is conveniently located within walking distance from Templeton Station on the Canada Line.
Built on a site where a historic wood mill once stood, Milltown has two scenic patios to choose from; so it’s up to you if you would rather overlook the marina or watch the planes land (but maybe you’d prefer to forget about planes while you’re waiting for your flight). The waterfront restaurant serves up an appetizing array of gourmet comfort foods, including bacon-wrapped meatloaf, slow-roasted pork ribs, and classic fish and chips. Want to take your order to go? The kitchen also does takeout and picnic baskets, for those who would rather rather settle in at a park nearby.
If a flight delay has you stressed out, Nuestro Day Spa is a great place to unwind for a couple of hours. Work out any kinks before your trip with a massage, get fresh faced with a facial, go hair-free for your beach vaycay with a quick and painless wax, or simply spoil yourself with any number of indulgent pre-flight treatments. Located on Granville Street, the day spa is a quick 10-minute cab ride from YVR’s main terminal.
The mother-daughter team behind Fresh Press Coffee Bar has sought out some of Vancouver’s best offerings: the to-die-for pastries come from Gastown’s Cadeaux Bakery, the excellent coffee is roasted locally at East Van Roasters, and the tea comes from JusTea, a Vancouver non-profit that works with Kenyan tea manufacturers, providing training and support to help them produce their own teas. The gourmet goodies at this Richmond café (just a 10-minute drive from the airport) are sure to perk you up before a full day of air travel or after an over-night red-eye flight.
If a flight delay has you stressed out, Nuestro Day Spa is a great place to unwind for a couple of hours. Work out any kinks before your trip with a massage, get fresh faced with a facial, go hair-free for your beach vaycay with a quick and painless wax, or simply spoil yourself with any number of indulgent pre-flight treatments. Located on Granville Street, the day spa is just a quick 10-minute cab ride from YVR’s main terminal.
Head over to Marpole and grab a tasty bite at Cravings, so that – depending on the length of your flight – you can forego the airplane food later. The Osler Street restaurant offers a selection of lighter to heavier fare to satisfy (you guessed it) cravings of all sizes – think soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers and filling pasta bowls. They also do take out, if your flight hasn’t been delayed long enough for a sit-down meal.
Didn’t manage to fit in a mani-pedi before catching your flight? Then a delay may just be a blessing. If you’ve got a beach vacation on the horizon then pop over to Hollywood Nails to get your hands and feet looking tip-top in a jiffy. They have the requisite massage chairs, so the most can be made of this R&R time.
Wouldn’t it be nice to win enough money to pay for your vacation? If nothing else, heading into River Rock Casino is a sure-fire way to make the time pass quickly as you wait for your flight. Who needs Vegas? One of the many restaurants onsite is sure to appeal to your palate, too.
If you’re delayed on your way to a golf vacation, never fear – you can work on that handicap at Marine Drive Golf Club. The course here isn’t an easy one, though, so make sure you’ve got enough time to complete it... especially the 17th hole, which is notoriously difficult.