Vancouver

Vancouver Airport (YVR) is the gateway to the beautiful province of British Columbia which includes the Whistler/Blackcomb ski area (site of 2010 Winter Olympic alpine skiing, bobsled, skeleton, and luge events), Vancouver Island, and Victoria.

Most arrivals from the United States into YVR are from the south. The two main parallel runways are 8L/26R and 8R/26L. The north runway, 8L/26R is 9940 feet long and is maily used for arrivals. 8R/26L is 11500 feet long and is used for arrivals and departures. Most of the times that I have landed there, it has been to the east, on runway 8R. If this is your runway, you will see the Fraser River on your right. It forms the southern boundary of the airport where small float planes take you to other parts of British Columbia, if that is your final destination. It also has some good paths for running, walking and biking. The Fraser River is the longest river in British Columbia.

You will be making an approach over the water into the airport. Sometimes you can expect some gusty winds off the water and associated turbulence. The airport is laid out pretty well even though the taxiways can get a bit congested at times, along with the ramp areas. The airport is about 9 miles south of downtown.

This is a beautiful city and has one of the largest city parks in the world - Stanley Park . It is a 1000 acres in size. There is one pool that must be one of the largest I have ever swam in! The whole park, with its woods and views is great for being in a city.

Granville Island is a place with a big public market, several restaurants, shops, hotel, theater, University, and parks. You can reach it via a water taxi across False Creek or a bridge from the other side.

When leaving YVR, you can clear U.S. Customs and Immigration. It is one of several Canadian airports that you can do this and not have to worry about it when entering the United States.