YVR, Billy Bishop Make ‘Amazing Airport’ List

Love them or loathe them, airports are an essential part of travel and to help travellers get more bang for their travel-bound buck, frequent flier and luxury lover Helen Hayden (A Pilot’s Daughter) has come up with a list of “10 amazing airports, including Canada’s Vancouver and Billy Bishop airports.

Of Toronto’s Billy Bishop city airport, Hayden says it’s “a tiny gem thanks to the savvy minds behind Porter Airlines. While waiting to depart passengers enjoy complimentary cappuccinos, shortbread cookies and other delightful refreshments in the airport’s departure area, which Porter has made one big lounge. Other fab perks include the luxe and stylish travel concept shop WANT Passport. Toronto City Airport is one of the few flight facilities where you can see the stunning surrounding skyline from the terminals, before you’ve even taken off.”

Regarding Vancouver International Airport, she says, “like the city of Vancouver itself – [it] is a breath of fresh air. Waterfalls and streams run through the terminals, creating a natural, serene atmosphere. The mountain views are breath-taking and there’s plenty of space to curl up and enjoy them on a clear day. Make sure to pick up some smoked salmon and maple syrup from duty-free before you take off. YVR is home to two satellite Vancouver Aquarium exhibits – a 114,000-litre main aquarium and a 1,800-litre jellyfish aquarium.”

Other airports on the top 10 list include Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore; Copenhagen Airport, Denmark; Dubai International Airport, Dubai; London Heathrow Airport, United Kingdom; Geneva International Airport, Switzerland; Hong Kong Airport, China; Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, Spain; Munich Airport, Germany.