Canada is the second biggest country in the world, covering about 10 million km2 in total. Being such a big country, land travel is often not the most practical choice. Moreover, as it’s a major travel destination due to its spectacular man-made and natural attractions, flying is the quickest and most convenient travelling choice for many. This is why there are many airports around the nation – 1620, to be precise.
This article will discuss Canada’s top five biggest airports and top 5 busiest airports, so let’s get into it.
Topics
Biggest Airports in Canada (by area)
Canada is the second-largest country in the world, with an area greater than that of the United States of America. It’s a very remarkable place to visit. Therefore, the cities of Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and Montreal are home to some of Canada’s busiest airports, and Air Canada and WestJet are the country’s two most dominant carriers.
Air travel is still the most common and convenient means to get about in most situations, even though the country has the fifth largest railway network in the world. Canada’s airports are high-end and well-equipped, so getting about the country shouldn’t be difficult.
Let’s have a look at the top five biggest airports in Canada by area.
1. Lester B. Pearson International Airport, YYZ, Toronto
The overall land area of the Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is 18.27 square kilometres, which consists of two terminals and five runways. The Toronto Airport is situated near the city of Mississauga, 22.5 kilometres northwest of the central business district of Toronto. It serves the province of Ontario, the most populous in all of Canada, with 13 million people.
In 2019, the number of passengers who passed through Toronto Airport was 50,5 million. Because of the coronavirus outbreak in 2020, Toronto Pearson International Airport only processed 13,3 million passengers and 12.7 million in 2021.
How to Get There
Passengers can reach the airport via hotel shuttles and long-distance bus lines. Moreover, these particular carriers provide public bus options from the centre of Toronto to the airport:
- Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)
- Go Transit
- Brampton Transit
- MIWAY
Taking the Union Pearson Express train is one of the most convenient and fastest ways to go from Union Station in the centre to the airport. The ride is only 25 minutes and will cost CAD12.35 (£7.5) for one-way travel.
Car Rentals
At Toronto Pearson International Airport, travellers can find the following automobile rental companies:
- Thrifty
- Alamo
- ACE
- Avis
- Dollar
- Budget
- Economy Rent A Car
- EZ
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Iversta Car Rental
Taxi
Travellers can reach the airport in 30 minutes (or up to 60 minutes if traffic is heavy) from the centre of Toronto using a cab or a limo. Even though it’s the most costly way to get to the airport, it’s also the most dependable and direct way for travellers to reach their ultimate destination.
Airlines
These are just some of the airlines operating to and from the airport:
- All Nippon Airways – ANA, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Avianca Costa Rica
- American Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Bearskin Airlines, Brussels Airlines
- British Airways, Asiana Airlines,Avianca, Azores Airlines, Emirates
- Ethiopian Airlines, Flair Airlines, Flexjet, Finnair, Lynx Air, Qantas
- Etihad Airways, EW Discover, Hainan Airlines, Philippine Airlines
- EVA Air, Gol, Iberia, Malaysia Airlines, NetJets Aviation, AeroMexico
- Pakistan International Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Air New Zealand
- Qatar Airways, PAL Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Aer Lingus, SWISS
- SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Aegean Airlines, Air China, Icelandair
- Air Canada, Air France, Air Transat, SmartWings, SriLankan Airlines
- Air India, JAL – Japan Airlines, Air North, Thai Airways International
- ITA Airways, JetBlue Airways, Kenya Airways, TAP Air Portugal
- Jetlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Swoop
- Croatia Airlines, El Al Israel Airlines, Alaska Airlines
- Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, XOJET, Korean Air
- Sunwing Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, WestJet, Condor
- United Airlines, LATAM Airlines, Lufthansa
- LOT Polish Airlines, China Eastern Airlines
- Caribbean Airlines, China Southern Airlines
- Cathay Pacific, Copa Airlines, Egyptair
- Delta Air Lines, China Airlines
Airport Services
Toronto Pearson International Airport provides travellers with the following amenities and services:
- Luggage storage service and secure wrapping
- 11 designated outdoor smoking areas
- Restaurants, food, shops and stores
- Art in the airport and art displays
- ATMs and currency exchange
- Aviation Interfaith Ministry
- Baggage carts
- Lost and found
- Medical clinic
- Duty Free
- Spa
- Pharmacy
- Free Wi-Fi
- Nursing room
- Pet relief area
- Information desk
- Children play areas
- Mobile charging areas
- Appletree Medical Center
Terminals
In terms of the number of passengers it serves, Toronto Pearson International Airport is not only the biggest and busiest airport in Canada but also the 30th busiest airport in the world. There are two terminals:
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 at Toronto Pearson International Airport is the busiest terminal for both domestic and international flights where passengers can find D, E, and F boarding gates. It’s one of the most spacious terminals in the world and has the following four levels:
- Ground Level
This level gives passengers access to every kind of ground transportation that is available at the airport.
- Level 1
Level 1 is for arriving flights and where passengers can claim their bags and use various other services.
- Level 2
This level is designated for departure flights, where various services are available, including information desks and security screenings.
- Level 3
This floor serves as the check-in and boarding area for international passengers. Additionally, it provides access to adjacent parking lots.
Terminal 3
Terminal 3 of the Toronto Airport has been functioning since 1991, with local and international aircraft departing from and arriving.
Lounges
Passengers can relax first-class-style in one of the following lounges:
Terminal 1
- Plaza Premium Lounge
- Air Canada Cafe
- Air Canada Signature Suite
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Express
Terminal 3
- Plaza Premium Lounge
- Air France/KLM Lounge
- American Airlines Admirals Club
Food
At the airport, travellers can find Marathi, LEE Kitchen, Built Custom Burgers, Starbucks, Thai Express Restaurant Toronto, Smashburger, Bento Sushi, Apropos, Bar 120, Subway, and 30 other restaurants and bars.
You can see the complete list on the airports’ website.
Hotels
ALT Hotel and Sheraton Gateway Hotel are hotels that passengers can find at the airport and stay overnight.
Other hotels nearby are:
- The DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Airport is around 3 kilometres from the airport.
- The Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel is approximately 2 kilometres from the airport.
- The Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel is 3.1 kilometres from the airport.
Private Jet Terminal
Private jets that arrive and depart from Pearson Airport are handled at a VIP gate, which also offers passengers a concierge service, customised catering, shower rooms, and immediate cargo services. The following fixed base operators operate at Toronto Pearson International Airport:
Other nearby FBOs are the following:
2. Calgary International Airport, YYC, Calgary
Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the primary international airport serving the city of Calgary and the province of Alberta in Canada. It’s also one of the busiest airports in the region. The airport is 17 kilometres to the northeast of the downtown area of Calgary, with a total land area of 21.36 km2.
In 2019, Calgary International Airport served almost 18 million passengers. Because of the coronavirus outbreak in 2020, the airport recorded just 5,6 million passengers and 6,3 million in 2021.
How to Get There
There are two ways to go from the centre of Calgary to the airport: by cab or bus. Taking a taxi is the most time-efficient alternative. The trip takes 25 minutes and costs CAD 45 (£27,3). If passengers decide to go by bus, they should take the 300 BRT bus line, which will only set them back around CAD 11(£6,6) for a one-way ticket.
Car Rentals
Renting a car at Calgary International Airport is the best way to tour Alberta’s city and surrounding area. Passengers can find the following automobile rental companies at the airport:
- Alamo
- ACE
- Budget
- Avis
- National
- Enterprise
- Routes
- Zoom Rent a Car
- Thrifty
Taxi
Calgary’s Livery Transport Services monitors and regulates all taxis within Calgary International Airport. The trip into the heart of Calgary takes around twenty minutes. However, this time can vary greatly depending on the traffic volume and the precise location of the travellers’ final destination. The ride to downtown Calgary often ranges between CAD 40(£24.3) and CAD 45 (£27.3).
Airlines
These are just some of the airlines operating to and from the airport:
- Austrian Airlines, Canadian North, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Middle East Airlines
- Avianca, JAL – Japan Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Air New Zealand, Qatar Airways
- Central Mountain Air, Azores Airlines, LATAM Airlines, Air France, Korean Air
- British Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, NetJets Aviation, Cathay Pacific, SWISS
- Jetlines, Qantas, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Pacific Coastal Airlines
- Lynx Air, Philippine Airlines, Aegean Airlines, TAP Air Portugal
- Aer Lingus, SriLankan Airlines, AeroMexico, Sunwing Airlines
- American Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Croatia Airlines
- Air China, Turkish Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, Alaska Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic, Air Canada, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines
- Swift Air, All Nippon Airways – ANA, WestJet, Air North
- Asiana Airlines, China Airlines, Egyptair
- Copa Airlines, Emirates, Hainan Airlines
- EVA Air, Flair Airlines
Airport Services
At Calgary International Airport, smoking is only permitted outside of the terminals.
Services that the airport provides to passengers are the following:
- Accessibility for passengers with special needs
- Currency exchange and ATMs
- Restaurants and food
- Interfaith services
- Shops and stores
- Lost and found
- Pharmacies
- Info centre
- Free Wi-Fi
- Shoeshine
- Play area
- Post box
- Spa
Additionally, YYC Music Program gives travellers a genuine musical experience and helps local artists by giving them a place to play at the airport where they may get exposure.
Terminals
The Calgary Airport is the principal airport serving the city of Calgary, which is located in Alberta, Canada. Passengers will find the following two terminals at the airport:
Domestic Terminal
The Domestic Terminal at Calgary Airport is often referred to as Terminal 1. It exclusively handles aircraft flying inside Canada and has the following three levels:
- Level 1
This is the arrivals area where passengers can find the baggage claim area and rent-a-car services.
- Level 2
This floor is designated for departures. There are check-in desks in addition to a variety of concessions, VIP lounges, pharmacies, first aid stations, and amenities.
- Mezzanine level
On the Mezzanine level, passengers will find a number the airport hotels and other types of amenities.
International Terminal
The Calgary Airport International Terminal was opened in 2016 and is often referred to as Terminal 2 and the Transborder Terminal. It only handles international flights. While Concourse E solely operates flights to and from the United States, Concourse D offers connectivity to destinations worldwide.
Lounges
At the Domestic Terminal, passengers will find the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge and the WestJet Elevation Lounge.
At the International Terminal, Aspire Lounge and Aspire Lounge Transborder are ready to accommodate passengers for a pleasant pre-flight experience.
Food
Passengers can dine at A&W Canada, Kelseys, Starbucks, Tim Hortons, The Burger Federation, Vin Room YYC Airport, Jugo Juice, and other restaurants and bars.
You can find the complete list on the following link.
Hotels
Delta Calgary In Terminal Hotel and Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel are two hotels passengers can find at the airport for a short or long stay.
Other hotels nearby are:
- The Carriage House Hotel & Conference Centre is 17 kilometres from Calgary International Airport.
- The Hampton Inn by Hilton Calgary Airport North is 2 kilometres from Calgary International Airport.
- The Fairmont Palliser is 9.5 kilometres from Calgary International Airport.
Private Jet Terminal
The following FBOs have a station at the airport:
- Executive Flight Centre
- Million Air Calgary
- Skyservice (World Fuel)
- Signature Flight Support
- Sunwest Aviation (Shell AeroCentre)
Other FBOs located nearby are:
3. Edmonton International Airport, YEG, Edmonton
The Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is the primary international airport servicing the Edmonton region in Alberta. It spans 28.33 sq km and is situated approximately 26 kilometres southwest of the city centre of Edmonton, close to the community of Leduc.
In 2019, 8.15 million passengers went through the Edmonton International Airport as opposed to only 2.6 million in 2020 due to the pandemic.
How to Get There
Route 747 is a direct bus route provided by Edmonton Transit that travels between the Century Park Transit Centre and the Edmonton International Airport. Route 747 is a local service under the jurisdiction of Alberta’s provincial government and Edmonton’s municipal government.
Car rentals
If travellers intend to drive about Canada, mainly through its many little towns and villages, they will need to rent a car at the airport. If they stay in a large city, they likely won’t need a car because the public transportation network is well-developed and organised.
The following rent-a-car companies operate at the airport:
- Avis
- Alamo
- Budget
- National
- Enterprise
- Thrifty
Taxi
Visitors can reach the centre of Edmonton in around half an hour by taxi that will cost them a flat fee of CAD 55 (£33.36). The following taxi companies operate at the airport:
- Airport Taxi Service
- Alberta Co-op Taxi Line
- 24-7 Taxi Line
Airlines
These are just some of the airlines operating to and from the airport::
- All Nippon Airways – ANA, Sunwing Airlines, Xiamen Airlines
- Azores Airlines, China Southern Airlines, LATAM Airlines
- Air China, EVA Air, JAL – Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Air New Zealand, Emirates
- Swoop, Flair Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Austrian Airlines
- Air Tindi, Air Transat, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines
- Qantas, Alaska Airlines, WestJet, NetJets Aviation
- Air Canada, Lynx Air, Avianca, Canadian North
- China Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Delta Air Lines
- Hainan Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Air France
- Egyptair, Central Mountain Air, AeroMexico
- Northwestern Air, TAP Air Portugal, Air North
- Lufthansa, Philippine Airlines, Korean Air
Airport Services
The following services and amenities are accessible at the airport:
- Baggage carts, baggage storage, and wrapping
- Family entertainment centre (KidsWorld)
- Restaurants and food
- Children’s play areas
- Shops and stores
- Parenting rooms
- Free Wi-Fi
- ATMs
- Prayer room
- Lost and found
- Information booth
- Luggage storage
- Duty-free shops
- Meeting points
- Smoking area
- Showers
- Arcade
- Medical clinic
- Pet relief areas
- Business facilities
- Currency exchange
- Wheel-chair renting service
- Observation deck (indoor)
- Self-check-in kiosks
- Charging stations
Terminals
The terminal at Edmonton International Airport is a combined structure that houses the north and the south terminals in one facility. It’s made up of three levels:
- Level 1 is for arrivals and luggage claim. Passengers have access to a variety of amenities as well as ground transportation options.
- The check-in counters and boarding area are located on Level 2. The boarding gates are only accessible after passing a security check.
- At the mezzanine level, passengers can find the lounges.
Lounges
At the airport, passengers can unwind in either the Plaza Premium Lounge or the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge before boarding their flight.
Food
Sevens at 49, Delux Burger Bar, Cookies by George, Belgian Beer Café, Booster Juice, Starbucks, Boston Pizza, and Caffè Sorrentino are some of more than 20 Edmonton International Airport restaurants and bars.
You can see the complete list on the following link.
Hotels
Travellers can find the Renaissance Hotel at the airport. Other hotels nearby are:
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Edmonton South is 13.7 km from Edmonton Airport.
- Wyndham Garden Edmonton Airport is 2.3 km from Edmonton Airport.
- Quality Inn & Suites Edmonton International Airport is 2.3 km from Edmonton Airport.
Private Jet Terminal
Private travellers can find the following fixed base operators at Edmonton International Airport and use their private jet services:
4. Montreal / Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, YUL, Montreal
The Montreal Airport (YUL), officially known as the Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, serves Montreal Island and is situated 20 kilometres outside of the downtown area of Montreal. It’s one of the biggest airports in the world as its operations zone is 70 sq km.
In 2019, the number of passengers who passed through the Montreal Airport was 20,3 million.
As a result of the coronavirus epidemic, the Montreal Airport only processed 5,43 million passengers in 2020 and 5,2 million in 2021.
How to Get There
The 747 bus line connects Montréal-Trudeau International Airport with the city’s central business district around the clock, seven days a week. Passengers can get on the bus on the corner of Berri and Sainte-Catherine – Berri-UQAM station downtown. The time it takes to travel ranges anywhere from 45 to 70 minutes.
Car Rentals
It’s a good choice for travellers to rent a car at the Montreal Airport to get about the city and the rest of Quebec province.
The following are the car rental firms that are located in the Montréal Airport:
- ACE
- Payless
- Avis
- Alamo
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Dollar
- National
- Thrifty
Taxi
The most convenient way to go from the airport in the centre of Montreal is by cab. Passengers will be in the downtown area in only 25 minutes. Taxi drivers that operate at YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport are obliged to get a permit and comply with the terms and limitations that come with that authorisation.
Travellers will pay a fixed price to get to the city centre. The fare for a cab is CAD 41 (£
24.87), while the cost for a limousine is CAD 60 (£36.4).
Airlines
These are just some of the airlines operating to and from the airport:
- Air Transat, Austrian Airlines, Alaska Airlines
- All Nippon Airways – ANA, Pascan Aviation, American Airlines
- Middle East Airlines, PAL Airlines, Asiana Airlines
- Porter Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Royal Jordanian
- Philippine Airlines, Qatar Airways, NetJets Aviation
- SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Avianca
- Azores Airlines, China Airlines, British Airways
- Canadian North, Aegean Airlines, Royal Air Maroc
- Aer Lingus, AeroMexico, Brussels Airlines, Air Algerie
- Delta Air Lines, Air Canada, Air China, Air France
- China Eastern Airlines, EVA Air, Turkish Airlines, Gol
- Copa Airlines, Emirates, Air Creebec, Croatia Airlines, Egyptair
- Iberia, Finnair, Xiamen Airlines, China Southern Airlines
- Flair Airlines, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Tradewind Aviation
- Sunwing Airlines, United Airlines, Korean Air, SWISS, Max Aviation
- TAP Air Portugal, Etihad Airways, SriLankan Airlines
- Thai Airways International, Tunisair, LATAM Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic, Air Inuit, LOT Polish Airlines, Air Liaison
- Air Saint Pierre, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, ITA Airways
- Flexjet, WestJet, JetBlue Airways, Air New Zealand
Airport Services
The airport provides passengers with the following services and amenities:
- Services for passengers with special needs
- Multi-faith prayer area and reflection room
- Bars, restaurants, stores, and shops
- moving sidewalks, access ramps
- Braille signage along the airport
- Automated teller machines
- Relief area for guide dogs
- Elevators and escalators
- Free Wi-Fi available
- Duty-free – The Loop
- Shops and stores
- Lost and found
- Post office
- YULi App
- Boutiques
- Post office
- Wheelchairs
- Planespotting
- Art exhibitions
- TTY telephones
- Shoe care service
- Luggage trolleys
- Nursing rooms
- Spa
- Cloakroom
According to official regulations, Montreal Airport Terminal is a non-smoking facility. Smoking is strictly prohibited throughout the terminal building.
Terminal
The one, vast terminal of Montreal International Airport is split into four distinct sections that are together referred to as jetty: the public area, the domestic jetty, the international jetty, and the transborder jetty.
However, to get into these airside, flyers have to go through two checkpoints: one checkpoint for domestic and international flights, known as checkpoint A gates, and another checkpoint for transborder flights, known as checkpoint C gates.
Lounges
Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport has the following lounges:
Domestic Terminal
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge
International Terminal
- Air France/KLM Lounge
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge
- Montreal National Bank World Mastercard Lounge
- Desjardins Odyssey Lounge
Transborder Terminal
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge
Food
Whether in public or restricted zones, passengers can choose from restaurants and bars at Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport Food. You can see the complete guide on the following link.
Hotels
The Montreal Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel is connected to the airport through the US Departures terminal. This connection allows guests to access the hotel quickly.
Other Hotels near Montreal Airport are the following:
- Comfort Inn Montreal Aeroport
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Montreal Airport
- Sheraton Montreal Airport Hotel
Private Jet Terminal
At Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, passengers can find private jet services from one of the following FBOs:
- Skyservice FBO Montreal
- Starlink Aviation / Signature Flight Support
- Innotech-Execaire / Shell Aerocentre
Other FBOs nearby are:
5. Vancouver International Airport, YVR, Vancouver
The airport that serves Vancouver and the surrounding area is known as Vancouver Airport (YVR). Regarding the number of passengers it handles each year, it’s Canada’s second-busiest airport, trailing only Toronto Pearson Airport.
Additionally, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is one of the few large international airports with a terminal specifically for scheduled floatplane flights. About 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) to the southwest of Downtown Vancouver is where passengers can find YVR Airport, which is on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia. For the past nine years, numerous prestigious honours have been bestowed upon it, including the title of “Best Airport in North America” from Skytrax.
In 2019, the number of passengers at Vancouver International Airport was 26,38 million.
Because of the coronavirus outbreak in 2020, Vancouver International Airport handled just 7,3 million passengers in 2020 and a little more than 7 million in 2021.
How to Get There
There are several ways to go from Vancouver International Airport to the city’s central business district, such as by renting a vehicle, taking a limousine, taking a taxi, or taking public transportation.
The Canada Line of the SkyTrain is a rapid rail service connecting downtown Vancouver and Richmond sections with the airport.
For more details, you can visit the airport’s website.
Car Rentals
Renting a vehicle at Vancouver International Airport is among the best methods to travel the city and other locations around Canada. Travellers can pick one of the following rent-a-car agencies:
- West Coast Car Rentals
- Alamo
- Thrifty
- Budget
- National
- Enterprise
- Avis
- Priceless
Taxi
Only taxis that have been properly licenced are permitted to pick up and drop off passengers at the Vancouver Airport. Due to its distance of around 12 kilometres from the centre, passengers can reach the airport in approximately twenty minutes.
Yellow is the predominant colour of Vancouver Airport’s taxi fleet, making them easy to see. The following taxi companies operate at the airport:
- Yellow Cab
- Vancouver Taxi
- Maclure’s Cabs
- Delta Surrey Green Cab
- Black Top & Checker Cabs
- North Shore Taxi Ltd
- Surdell Kennedy Taxi
- Sunshine Cabs Ltd
- Garden City Cabs
- Kimber Cabs Ltd.
- Newton Whalley
- Bonny’s Taxi
- Maclure’s
- Pacific Cabs:
- Guildford Cab
- Coquitlam Taxi
- Richmond Taxi
- Royal City Taxi
Airlines
Passengers can find the following airlines operating to and from James Armstrong Richardson International Airport:
- Air Canada, American Airlines, Air France, British Airways, Avianca
- Canadian North, Air India, Central Mountain Air, Edelweiss Air
- Brussels Airlines, Air New Zealand, Aer Lingus, EW Discover
- Air North, Cascadia Air, Emirates, Azores Airlines, Flexjet
- Air Tahiti Nui, AeroMexico, Delta Air Lines, Fiji Airways
- Air Transat, Air China, China Airlines, Flair Airlines, WestJet
- Alaska Airlines, Cathay Pacific, All Nippon Airways – ANA
- China Eastern Airlines, Asiana Airlines, China Southern Airlines
- Copa Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Croatia Airlines, Egyptair
- EVA Air, Finnair, Hainan Airlines, JAL – Japan Airlines
- Harbour Air, JetBlue Airways, LATAM Airlines, Qantas
- Iberia, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines
- Icelandair, Jetlines, Korean Air, Pacific Coastal Airlines
- Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Lynx Air, Sichuan Airlines
- NetJets Aviation, Philippine Airlines, Singapore Airlines
- Qatar Airways, SriLankan Airlines, TAP Air Portugal
- Sunwing Airlines, Thai Airways International
- Xiamen Airlines, Swift Air, Virgin Atlantic
- Turkish Airlines, SWISS, United Airlines
Airport Services
Passengers will find the following services and amenities at Vancouver International Airport:
- Shops, stores, and Duty-Free
- Shoe, Clothing Service and Cleaning
- Free Wi-Fi available at Vancouver Airport facilities
- Restaurants and bars
- Concierge Services
- Currency Exchange
- Luggage storage
- Porter Services
- Postal Services
- Medical clinic
- Lost and found
- Smoking area
- Dental Care
- Quiet Area
- Pharmacy
- Chapel
- ATMs
Terminals
Travellers can find the domestic and international terminals within the Main Terminal structure, which has been split into two distinct sections. On the other side, certain flights are also operated out of the Seaplane Facility and the South Terminal.
Main Terminal
The Main Terminal at Vancouver International Airport handles both local and international aircraft.
South Terminal
Along with chartered and helicopter flights, this terminal hosts regional airlines that mainly operate inside the borders of British Columbia.
Lounges
Passengers will find the following lounges at Vancouver International Airport:
Domestic Area
- Plaza Premium Lounge
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge
International Area
- Cathay Pacific First and Business Class Lounge
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge
- Air Canada Signature Suite
- Plaza Premium Lounge
- SkyTeam Lounge
Transborder terminal
- Plaza Premium Lounge
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge
Food
There are more than 30 bars and restaurants for passengers to choose from, such as Wendy’s, Starbucks, Urban Crave, Illycaffe and Relay, Tim Hortons, Subway, Sal Y Limon, Joe and The Juice, and many more.
You can see the complete list on the airport’s website.
Hotels
Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel is ready to accommodate travellers inside the borders of the airport. Other hotels nearby are:
- Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport is 3.2 km from Vancouver Intl Airport.
- Holiday Inn Express Vancouver Airport – Richmond, an IHG Hotel, is 4.2 km from Vancouver Intl Airport.
- Accent Inn Vancouver Airport Hotel is 5.2 km from Vancouver Intl Airport.
Private Jet Terminal
The following FBOs operating at the airport are those serving the entire area:
Busiest Airports in Canada
It should be no surprise that the airports serving Canada’s most populous cities are also the country’s busiest. Airports in smaller towns, such as Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Edmonton, processed between one and five million passengers in 2021. In contrast, airports in larger cities, such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, handled over five million passengers each in 2021.
Here are the top 5 busiest airports in Canada.
1. Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, YOW, Ottawa
The Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, often known as Ottawa Airport (YOW), serves the city of Ottawa and is located in the province of Ontario, ten kilometres to the south of the city’s core.
Air Canada, Porter Airlines, and Flair Airlines use the Ottawa Airport as one of their primary hubs. The airport has three runways.
In 2019, the number of passengers who travelled through Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport was 5,1 million. As a result of the coronavirus outbreak, the Ottawa Airport recorded a total of just 1,36 million passengers in 2020.
How to Get There
The OC Transpo public transit system serves the city of Ottawa. Passengers can access the airport from the Central Business District of Ottawa through Route 97 in only 30 minutes. Moreover, passengers with limited mobility can use the door-to-door transportation service provided by the firm, which is known as Para Transpo.
Car Rentals
Travellers can avoid dealing with public transit by renting a car at the Ottawa Airport and then driving throughout the region on their own. The following rent-a-car companies operate at the airport:
- Routes
- Alamo
- DiscountCar
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- NationalCar
- ThriftyCanada
- Hertz
Taxi
Taxis can journey from YOW Airport to the heart of Ottawa in around 20 to 25 minutes. Because taxis in Ottawa are required to use metres, there is no set fare for the trip. The typical fee for a cab ride from the airport into the city is CAD 29. Passengers will find the following taxi companies at the airport:
- Blue Line Taxi
- Capital Taxi Ottawa
- City Cab Ottawa
- Flit Cab Ottawa
Airlines
These are just some of the airlines operating to and from the airport:
- Aer Lingus, All Nippon Airways – ANA, Virgin Atlantic
- AeroMexico, Swoop, Max Aviation, Porter Airlines
- Air Canada, Brussels Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Canadian North, Delta Air Lines
- Air China, Azores Airlines, Bearskin Airlines, China Airlines, Korean Air
- Air New Zealand, Flair Airlines, Air North, Air Transat, LATAM Airlines
- Asiana Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Qantas, SAS Scandinavian Airlines
- China Southern Airlines, Air France, Egyptair, Air Inuit, Avianca
- EVA Air, Philippine Airlines, Turkish Airlines, WestJet
- Lufthansa, PAL Airlines, Xiamen Airlines
- SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, United Airlines
- NetJets Aviation, Sunwing Airlines
Airport Services
Passengers will find the following services at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport:
- Chapel
- Currency Exchange
- Breastfeeding Room
- Ottawa Airport App
- VIP Assistance Service
- Restaurants and cafeterias
- Shops and duty-free
- Free Wi-Fi access
- Baggage storage
- Adult Change Room
- Coat Check
- Lost and found
- Safe Bag
- Shoe Shine Service
Terminals
Ottawa Airport only has one terminal with the following three levels:
Level 1
Level 1 is the Arriving area where passengers can find the baggage claim region, the Police, the services for the Canadian border, information desks, and ground transportation.
Level 2
At Level 2, passengers have direct access to the VIP lounges and the boarding gates from 14 to 28.
Level 3
Level 3 is the boarding level, where passengers can find the check-in desks for international and domestic flights and U.S. customs, and several airport facilities, including a food court and an observation area.
Lounges
The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge provides guests with beverages, newspapers, snacks, television, and dining services.
Food
There are eight restaurants and bars at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport:
- VinoVolo
- Tim Hortons
- Subway
- Booster Juice
- Starbucks
- Darcy Mc Gees
- Cork and Well
- Cafe & Vin
You can visit the airport’s website for more information.
Hotels
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport doesn’t have a hotel within its borders. Here are some hotels nearby:
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Ottawa Airport is 1.2 km from Ottawa Intl Airport.
- Hampton Inn by Hilton Ottawa Airport is 2.4 km from Ottawa Intl Airport.
- Residence Inn by Marriott Ottawa Airport is 5.3 km from Ottawa Intl Airport.
- Glo Best Western Kanata Ottawa West is 17.5 km from Ottawa Intl Airport.
Private Jet Terminal
Passengers can find private jet handling and services from the following FBOs located at the airport:
Rockliffe Flying Club is an FBO located nearby.
2. Winnipeg / James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, YWG, Winnipeg
The Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson Airport, also known as Winnipeg Airport (YWG), is the primary international airport servicing the city of Winnipeg. It’s located in the province of Manitoba in Canada, 8 kilometres away from the heart of Winnipeg.
As a principal airport serving a fairly vast region, the Winnipeg Airport holds the distinction of being the only commercial international airport in the entirety of the province of Manitoba (Saskatchewan, Nunavut).
A little over 4,48 million passengers went through the airport in 2019. In 2020, Winnipeg Airport reported 1,3 million passengers. This significant decline was owing to the coronavirus epidemic.
How to Get There
Passengers can use the following bus guide to reach the airport by public bus or Winnipeg Transit bus. There is also a safe cycling route to the airport for those who prefer to cycle.
Car Rentals
Travellers who wish to explore Manitoba and its neighbouring areas are recommended to hire a car at Winnipeg International Airport. There are four rent-a-car companies on-site:
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- National Car Rental
- Hertz Car Rental
- Avis
Taxi
It will take around 15–20 minutes cab ride for passengers to go from the centre of the city to Winnipeg International Airport. Taxi service providers available at the airport are:
- Unicity Taxi Ltd.
- Duffy’s Taxi
Airlines
These are just some of the airlines operating to and from the airport:
- AeroMexico, NetJets Aviation, Perimeter Aviation, Qantas, Wasaya Airways
- Air Transat, Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, Air China, TAP Air Portugal, Swoop
- Lynx Air, Philippine Airlines, Air France, Sunwing Airlines, Xiamen Airlines
- United Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Etihad Airways
- WestJet, Delta Air Lines, JAL – Japan Airlines, Egyptair, LOT Polish Airlines
- Flair Airlines, Emirates, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Hainan Airlines
- Korean Air, All Nippon Airways – ANA, LATAM Airlines, Asiana Airlines
- Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Bearskin Airlines, Avianca, Canadian North
- Brussels Airlines, Azores Airlines, Calm Air International
Airport Services
Winnipeg / James Armstrong Richardson International Airport provides passengers with the following amenities and services:
- Luggage services, lockers, and storage
- ATMs and currency exchange
- Pets at the airport services
- Hotel information points
- Food and restaurants
- Stores and shops
- Chapel services
- Free Wi-Fi
- Coat check
- Information desk
- Baby care facilities
- Airport accessibility
- Information Booth
- Information phone
- Lost and found
- Payphone
- Play area
- Travellers Aid
- Smoking areas
- TTY public telephones
Terminals
2011 was significant for Wini since it marked the Winnipeg Airport Terminal’s grand opening. The natural environment and beauty of the city served as a source of inspiration for the Terminal’s architecture. The terminal building has three levels: a ground, second, and third level, featuring the arrivals area, departures area, and the observatory launch, respectively.
Lounges
While waiting for a flight, travellers can relax in the Plaza Premium Lounge, the largest airport lounge operator in the world. Passengers can find the lounge across from Gate 6, which serves both domestic and international departures. Other lounges at the airport are as follows:
- Plaza Premium Lounge
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge: Domestic Departures
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge: International Departures
- The Blue Marble Restaurant & Lounge
- Skylights Lounge
Food
Freshii, Tim Hortons, Prairie Bistro, Starbucks, TRUE Burger Co., Urbancrave, Root98, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and SSP Canada Food Services are restaurants and bars that travellers will find at the airport. You can see the complete list on the following link.
Hotels
The Lakeview Signature, The Grand, and The Marriott are the three hotels that travellers can find on the James Armstrong Richardson Airport’s premises.
Other nearby hotels are:
- Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Center Winnipeg is 1.9 km from James Armstrong Richardson Airport.
- Lakeview Signature, Trademark Collection by Wyndham is 0.82 km from James Armstrong Richardson Airport.
- Wyndham Garden Winnipeg Airport Hotel is 3 km from James Armstrong Richardson Airport.
Private Jet Terminal
Three airports in Winnipeg accept private jet flights, although the James Armstrong Richardson Airport is the city’s primary gateway and receives most of them. The following FBOs operate at the airport:
Another FBO operating nearby is Winnipeg Aviation.
3. Halifax / Stanfield International Airport, YHZ, Halifa
The Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) is the primary airport servicing Halifax, mainland Nova Scotia, and the surrounding Maritime provinces in Canada. It is located near Enfield, and spans 9.6 sq km.
In 2019, the Halifax International Airport accommodated 4.18 million passengers. According to the number of passengers it serves, this airport is Canada’s eighth busiest overall. In the year 2020, the coronavirus epidemic caused the Halifax Airport to report a total of just under one million passengers.
How to Get There
For travellers to get to Halifax International Airport from Downtown Dartmouth, Fall River, or Downtown Halifax using public transportation, the ideal option is by bus. The one-way fare for the MetroX bus service is CAD 5.78 (£3.51).
The second option is for passengers to use the Airports Shuttle Service. The one-way fare for the Halifax Airport Shuttle service is CAD 22 (£18.2), and the round-trip fare is $40. Passengers can pay with Visa and MasterCard only.
You can follow the link for more information.
Car Rentals
The counters for renting automobiles are handily situated on the ground floor of the airport parking garage, where passengers can rent a car from one of the following companies:
- Enterprice
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Thrifty
- Hertz
Taxi
For the convenience of all travellers, airport car services, taxis, and limousines are available at the curbside outside the Arrivals area. The passengers’ destination will determine the total price of the journey. For more information, you can look at the list of fares for cab service.
Airlines
These are just some of the airlines operating to and from the airport:
- Air Canada, Air Saint Pierre, Air Transat, AeroMexico, Air France
- American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, United Airlines, Avianca
- Austrian Airlines, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines
- Azores Airlines, Canadian North, Brussels Airlines, Condor
- Delta Air Lines, Emirates, EW Discover, Flair Airlines, Egyptair, Etihad Airways
- Flexjet, Philippine Airlines, Qantas, WestJet, Swoop, Kalitta Air, JetBlue Airways
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, SWISS, Qatar Airways, Porter Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines
- LATAM Airlines, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Xiamen Airlines
- Lynx Air, NetJets Aviation, SriLankan Airlines, PAL Airline, TAP Air Portugal
Airport Services
The following services ate available to all travellers at the Halifax / Stanfield International Airport:
- Chapel
- Airport art
- Free Wi-Fi
- Nursing room
- Smoking area
- Information desk
- Medical services
- Currency exchange
- Restaurants and cafeterias
- Special assistance for passengers with reduced mobility
- Luggage storage and lockers
- Shops and Duty free
- Children’s play area
- Banks and ATMs
- Lost and found
- Parking access
- Postal service
- Greeter’s booth
Terminals
The passenger terminal at Halifax Stanfield International Airport consists of one building split into three levels: the lower level, the main level, and the departures level.
Level 1
The terminal is undergoing constant renovations at this time. The security checkpoint is conveniently located in the middle of the main building. Several service providers and retail establishments are located inside, at the Airport Square.
Level 2
On the second level, you’ll find the departure gates for the various flights. In the public arrivals area, located at the north end of the Terminal Building, passengers arriving on domestic flights can collect their luggage.
Recent improvements include:
- The development of a US preclearance hold room.
- The installation of a baggage handling and screening system.
- The expansion and renovation of utility infrastructure.
- The reconfiguration of airport highways.
- The construction of a new check-in hall.
The lower level of the passenger terminal is connected to the parking facilities. There is a stairwell, an escalator, and an elevator leading up to the Main floor.
Main Level
The Main floor is home to the building’s central Lobby, which has:
- Dining and retail options
- Checking-in
- Information centre
- Currency exchange
- WiFi access
- Preboard security screening area
- Entry to the United States pre-clearance area
- Domestic and international arrivals with baggage claim
- Canada Customs
- Gates 34 to 46
- Access to the observation
- Duty-free stores
Lounges
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge is the only lounge at the airport. Passengers can find it at the Main Level of the Terminal building.
Food
There are more than ten bars and restaurants available at the hotel. You can see the com[plete list on the following link.
Hotels
The ALT HOTEL is a hotel located within the airport and is connected to the main terminal. It is a large structure with 169 rooms.
Some of the nearby hotels are the following:
- Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Halifax Hotel is 19.5 km from Halifax Stanfield Intl Airport.
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Dartmouth is 20.9 km from Halifax Stanfield Intl Airport.
- Hilton Garden Inn Halifax Airport is 2.7 km from Halifax Stanfield Intl Airport.
Private Jet Terminal
Halifax Stanfield Intl Airport has one Terminal where both commercial and private planes are handled.
FBOs at the airport:
4. St. John’s International Airport, YYT, St. John’s
Passengers will find The St. John’s International Airport roughly 5.6 kilometres to the northwest of Newfoundland and Labrador. The airport opened its doors in 1941, and while Transport Canada owns it, the St. John’s International Airport Authority is in charge of its management (SJIAA).
In addition to its three runways, the airport possesses a single terminal totalling 175,000 ft2. Its flights to destinations in Canada, the United States, and Europe provide service to approximately 1.5 million passengers yearly.
How to Get There
Taking the line 14 bus, which takes 30 minutes, costs anything from CAD 1 to CAD 3 (£0.6-£1.8) and is the most cost-effective method to go to St. Johns Airport.
Car Rentals
The following rent-a-car companies operate at the airport:
- National Car Rental
- Enterprise
- Budget
- Thrifty
- Alamo
- Hertz
- Avis
Taxi
At St. John’s International Airport, City Wide Taxi is the only company authorised to offer passengers ground transportation services. You can see all rates on the following link.
Airlines
The following airlines operate to and from St. John’s International Airport:
- Air Canada Express
- Sunwing Airlines
- WestJet Encore
- Air Saint-Pierre
- Porter Airlines
- PAL Airlines
- Air Canada
- WestJet
- Swoop
Airport Services
Travellers will find the following airport services at St. John’s International Airport:
- Services for passengers with special care / needs
- Pre-board screening and carry-on luggage
- Free wireless Internet zones
- Visitor Information Centre
- CIBC bank machines
- Children’s play areas
- Free charge stations
- Quiet room
- Play areas
Terminals
St. John’s International Airport has one Terminal Building with the following levels:
Level 1
The first floor is the Arrivals area, where passengers can find some airport services.
Level 2
The second floor is the Departures area, which is connected to the Arrivals area. Passengers can find the boarding gates and some airport services.
Level 3
From Level 2, passengers have direct access to Level 3, where they can find airport authorities and airline officers.
You can follow the link to their website for a detailed airport map.
Lounges
Due to COVID-19, The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge was closed but reopened in November 2021, and passengers must present proof of vaccination before entering some of the lounges.
Food
Tim Hortons, JellyBean Harbour, Newfoundland Chocolate Company Café, Heritage Shop, Relay, Breakwater Place, and Freshii are part of the airport’s restaurants and bars.
You can see the complete list on the airport’s website.
Hotels
The following hotels are located at the airport:
- Best Western Plus St. John’s Airport Hotel & Suites
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites St. John’s Airport
If passengers want to accommodate near the airport, here are some recommended hotels in the nearby area:
- Murray Premises Hotel is 7.2 km from St. John’s Airport.
- Courtyard by Marriott St. John’s Newfoundland is 6.7 km from St. John’s Airport.
- Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland is 6.6 km from St. John’s Airport.
Private Jet Terminal
PAL Aviation Services YYT and Woodward Aviation are two FBOs operating at St John International Airport.
5. Victoria International Airport, YYJ, Victoria
On picturesque Vancouver Island to the north of Victoria, passengers can find the Victoria International Airport. Over one and a half million people travel through Victoria International Airport every year, making it one of the busiest airports in Canada. Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and one of the world’s most visited cities, which is why the airport’s popularity is not surprising.
The area designated for recreational use encompasses a total area of less than one sq km and features a baseball facility, flying schools, courier services, manufacturing and industrial businesses, fuel dealers, and aircraft maintenance. Moreover, the Victoria International Airport is home to the headquarters of significant industrial and technology companies, such as Victoria Flying Club, Pacific Sky Aviation, Viking Air, British Columbia Aviation Museum, Wendon Manufacturing, and more.
How to Get There
If a traveller decides to get to the airport by public transport, the best option is a trip by bus lines 72 and 87, which takes 1 hour and 47 minutes and costs CAD 6 (almost £5). You can see all bus lines at the following link.
Car Rentals
Car rental services and some other ground transportation alternatives are all located in the arrivals section of the airport’s main terminal. Passengers will find the following rent-a-car companies:
- Alamo
- Hertz
- Avis
- National
- Budget
- Enterprise
Taxi
The Victoria Airport provides exceptional service to both its arriving and outgoing passengers within the main terminal building. The airport is not particularly vast, so it’s not difficult for travellers to find their way about. Taxis serving the airport may be located immediately outside the terminal building and are often available anytime or night. Yellow Cab of Victoria provides taxi services from the airport. They are an extremely well-known company that provides transportation services using high-quality vehicles and has an excellent reputation.
Airlines
The following airlines operate to and from Victoria Airport:
- Air Canada / Rouge
- Air Canada Express / Jazz Aviation LP
- Pacific Coastal
- Air North
- Swoop
- Jazz Aviation
- Alaska / Horizon Air
- Flair Air
- Lynx Air
- WestJet
Airport Services
Victoria Airport provides the following services to departing and arriving passengers:
- Common use check-in kiosks for self serve check-in
- ICE – International Currency Exchange
- Pet relief area and animals/pets policy
- Two automated bank machines
- Red Coat Information Desk
- Children’s play area
- No smoking policy
- Bicycle resources
- Lost and found
- Family room
- NEXUS
- WiFi
Moreover, passengers can access a telephone outfitted with improved transmission capabilities specifically for those with hearing difficulties.
Terminals
There is one Terminal at Victoria International Airport. You can see the complete airport map on the airport’s website.
Lounges
This airport doesn’t have any lounges available for passengers.
Food
Passengers can access Spinnakers Restaurant and Harbourwalk Shops after the pre-board screening checkpoint.
You can visit the airports’ website to discover all restaurants and bars that they offer.
Hotels
There is no airport hotel on site, but there are some near the airport.
- The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa is 2.5 km from Victoria Intl Airport.
- The Oswego Hotel is 25.6 km from Victoria Intl Airport.
- Villa Eyrie Resort is 12.4 km from Victoria Intl Airport.
Private Jet Terminal
Victoria Flying Club, Viking Air / World Fuel, and YYJ FBO Services Ltd. are the only FBOs operating at the airport and nearby area.
Conclusion
Canada is home to the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains, glacial lakes that seem straight out of a postcard, and the dazzling Aurora Borealis, so it’s no wonder why it’s such a popular travel destination. Airports in Canada are a part of the country’s concerted efforts to boost tourism and provide visitors with an excellent flight experience. Travelling through these Canadian airports makes the entire trip feel like a thrill due to their size and passenger traffic, and now you know the biggest and busiest ones and what they offer.