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For flight-simulation use only - Do NOT use for real-world flight
Vancouver International sits on Sea Island in the Fraser River delta, with the city of Richmond to the south and downtown Vancouver across the inlet to the north. It is Air Canada’s primary Western Canada hub, with Mainline, Rouge, and Air Canada Express all operating here. Three runways (two parallels plus a crosswind), sea-level elevation, and frequent coastal fog or stratus make Vancouver a beautiful but weather-sensitive field. The North Shore Mountains rise to over 4,500 ft within 10 nm of the field and dominate the missed-approach and noise-routing design.

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ATIS

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Live Weather

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Online ATC Network Maps

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Runways

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ATC Frequencies

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Airport at a Glance

ItemValue
ICAO / IATACYVR / YVR
CityVancouver / Richmond, British Columbia
Field elevation14 ft (4 m)
Magnetic variation17°E
Time zoneAmerica/Vancouver (PST / PDT)
Air Canada rolePrimary Western Canada hub

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Charts

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Common Procedures

  • Runway selection: Westerly flow (26L/26R) is the most common configuration thanks to the prevailing Pacific weather. Easterly flow (08L/08R) appears on calm or outflow-wind days. Runway 13/31 is reserved for strong south or north crosswinds.
  • Parallel operations: Independent simultaneous approaches and departures are routine on the 08L/26R and 08R/26L pair. The runways are spaced more than 1,300 ft apart, which meets the requirement for fully independent IFR ops.
  • North Shore terrain: Missed approaches and circling are designed to keep you over water as long as possible. After a missed on 08R, expect an immediate climbing left turn to remain south of the harbour and away from the mountains.
  • Noise routing: Departures over the Strait of Georgia are preferred between 2200L and 0700L. Expect a turn left or right off the runway centreline within 1.5 nm of the threshold when noise-sensitive routing is active.
  • Sea Island wildlife: Bird strikes from gulls and waterfowl are an everyday hazard. Tower regularly broadcasts wildlife advisories on Tower frequency.

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Hot Spots and Local Hazards

  • Coastal fog and stratus: October through February sees frequent low-ceiling and low-visibility events. Expect CAT II/III on 26L when conditions warrant. Have the LVTC ready and brief the autoland decision early.
  • Outflow winds: In winter, cold dry air pours out of Howe Sound and the Fraser Valley. The result is strong easterly winds and turbulence on final approach to 08L/08R. Brief gust factors and crosswind limits during the approach.
  • Sea Island connector: Taxi between the South Terminal and the main passenger ramp can route across the active taxi connector. Read every clearance carefully and never assume blanket clearances.
  • High terrain north and east: Even on a clear day, do not deviate north of the river without ATC clearance. The Coast Mountains rise sharply and many GPWS events are caused by improper missed-approach climb-out.
  • U.S. Customs preclearance: Departures to U.S. destinations clear customs at YVR before boarding. Expect tighter ramp schedules and longer boarding windows on US-bound flights.

Next: Calgary (CYYC)

Continue to the Calgary International briefing