Activities to enjoy near Vancouver International Airport

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.

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver

1
1000-7899 Templeton Station Rd, Richmond, BC, BC V7B 0B7

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.

Milltown Bar & Grill

2
101 9191 Bentley St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2X8

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.

Nuestro Day Spa

3
8073 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6P 4Z5

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.

Fresh Press Coffee Bar

4
121-4940 No. 3 Rd, Richmond, BC V6X 3A5

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.

Nuestro Day Spa

5
8073 Granville st, Vancouver, BC V6P 4Z1

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.

Cravings Restaurant & Lounge

6
8804 Osler St, Vancouver, BC V6P 4G2

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.

Hollywood Nails Spa

7
8638 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6P 5A1

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.

River Rock Casino Resort

8
8811 River Rd, Richmond, BC V6X 3P8

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.

Marine Drive Golf Club

9
7425 Yew St, Vancouver, BC V6P 6H1

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.

Families with young children can easily feel cooped up and go stir crazy during Vancouver’s rainy months. Metro’s best indoor playgrounds, listed below, are no-brainers for those days when it’s simply too dreary to head to the park. They offer ample space for kids to exert their energy, and many have cafés and WiFi on the premises, so parents are entertained too.
If you’ve ever scrounged at the last minute for a salon that could take your hair from dull to divine…only to run home to wash a pound of hairspray down the drain and sweep your hair up a sock bun, read on. This list of tried-and-true Vancouver salons will ensure that your blowout or updo are on point this holiday season.
Vancouver’s natural beauty is one of her strongest selling points, so fantastic views abound in our glorious city. In the rainy winter months, though, it’s easy to choose finding shelter over stopping to take it all in. Sitting on any of these heated patios precludes having to make such a choice, allowing locals to remain warm – and dry – while getting a small taste of the outdoors. [Image courtesy of Dockside Restaurant]
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