Let’s say you have a more than 6 hours layover at Vancouver airport, you want to make the most out of your time there rather than just sit and wait for your next connecting flight. 

In the post, I’ll show you my experience during my 12 hours layover at Vancouver airport during the daytime. 

Can I leave the airport during a layover in Vancouver?

In most cases, yes, but you’ll need to pass through the security checks and immigration requirements again if you’re traveling from outside of Canada. 

How many hours do I need in order to leave the airport and come back on time?

Try to be back at the airport at least 2 hours prior to your departure time. (Remember, you need to pick up your luggage too if you left it at the storage.) The safest length for layovers to travel would be more than 6 hours. Consider the time to get off the plane, drop off luggage to the storage station (sometimes there’s a line too), have some cash for exchanging currencies (mostly just for transportation, food, and tickets)

Luggage storage at Vancouver airport 

Check their official website for the open hours and location. CDS Baggage Service It works for both international and domestic terminals.

During the current situation with Covid-19, you can pre-book a time and only 1 person per family allow to drop off during your scheduled time to prevent long traffic. Pre-book here Pre-book Baggage Drop Off Rates range between C$5.00-10.00 per item/day.

Public transportation from the airport to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Every Skytrain station has a machine to purchase a compass card Where to Buy Compass Cards and Passes (it works for Skytrain, Seabus and West Coast Express) or you can pay cash on the bus but the bus ticket costs a little more than the compass card and only allows you to transfer to another bus within 90 mins, you cannot transfer to other transportation.

I would just purchase a DayPass to wander around the city without worrying about the cost each time you take public transportation. A DayPass costs about C$10.00 and it’s the most compatible for half-day layover traveling around places in the city.

Find out more options on their official website

Pricing and Fare Zones

Since it’s past downtown Vancouver, I suggested you can walk around the city a little bit if you like to wander around new places just like me 🙂

They do have a round trip daily free shuttle service from downtown to and from Capilano.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

As of the spring of 2021, admission at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park has changed. Check on Park Hours and Holidays. Due to COVID-19, tickets must be purchased in advance online.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

If you’re traveling on a tide budget, you can check out Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridget instead, it’s free but the Bridget is not as long as Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Lynn Canyon Park & Suspension Bridge

I personally got attracted to the traveler’s photos online of Capilano Suspension Bridge, and thought that I would really want to visit! The park is pretty big and it’s about 2+ hours to walk around. 

Now since the entry fee raised, if you really want to make the most out of your time there, consider choosing a day that has fewer tourists (during weekdays or early in the morning)!

Final Thoughts

I hope this post gives you some ideas to have some fun during your long layover. If you have a favorite layover plan or place to visit, please share it below in a comment!

Happy Adventure Soul 🙂