Are you planning a visit to Canada? You must be super excited to visit the second largest country and one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Keep your Canada visa ready and be prepared to have the best visit of your life to this beautiful country. Modern travel involves a lot of waiting in airports and during this visit too, you will spend a lot of time in airports. If you are in any of the following airports, remind yourself that you are at one of the best airports in Canada, ready to visit the best places in Canada and explore all the finest destinations the country has to offer.
Exploring Canada’s Finest Airports for Travelers
1. Toronto Pearson International Airport
This is the largest and busiest airport in Canada. It serves the Toronto Metropolitan area and the Golden Horseshoe area around it. As you look around you realize how busy it is but extremely well managed too. There are many lounges for the comfort of the passengers. You can shop for special sweets, jewelry, etc. The airport is beautiful and has plenty of dining options. The permanent art collection and rotating art exhibits, along with a kids’ play area, two colossal dinosaur models, pet relief centers, bars, and other facilities enable the passengers to spend their time pleasantly.
As you arrive at Toronto Pearson International Airport, you’re not just entering Canada; you’re opening the door to a myriad of unforgettable experiences and things to do in Toronto, waiting to be discovered.
Distance: Around 27 km northwest of downtown Toronto.
Location: Located in Mississauga, near Toronto’s western boundary.
Special Features:
- WSIB Travelers’ Walking Trail for plane spotting.
- Extensive public art program throughout terminals.
- Flagship lounges for major Canadian airlines.
2. Vancouver International Airport
Called the best airport in the world, this airport has world-class facilities and decor. Admire the scenic beauty of this airport that boasts of a huge YVR aquarium, housing 850 species of British Columbian marine life. There is also a smaller aquarium dedicated to jellyfish. Admire the beautiful Totem poles, a part of the Northwest Coastal Aboriginal Art. This airport protects the environment and has taken steps to reduce greenhouse gas emission, waste, potable water consumption, and improving ecosystem health. Awarded the Skytrax award, you will find here the world’s largest living wall with thousands of green plants and a solar-powered water heating system.
Distance: Approximately 12 km from downtown Vancouver.
Location: Situated on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia.
Special Features:
- Aquarium and other art exhibits in terminals.
- Aboriginal culture showcased through artwork and architecture.
- Award-winning green design and operations.
3. Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
This airport has received awards in various categories. On specific days, special airport tours are available. Watch the sniffer dogs in action. Do not forget to sample the fresh seafood which is a specialty here. The staff of the airport is extremely friendly and helpful and has earned numerous accolades for passenger service. You can enjoy good food, neat and clean facilities, and pick up some good souvenirs too.
Distance: Approximately 28 km north of downtown Halifax.
Location: Situated next to the community of Enfield, Nova Scotia.
Special Features:
- Aviation museum highlighting local aviation history.
- Observation deck overlooking runways.
- Public art featuring Maritime themes.
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4. Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport
As you step into Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, you’re not just starting your journey; you’re commencing an adventure in a city that fascinates you with a myriad of enthralling things to do in Montreal.
This is an international airport serving Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The international arrival complex, the gateway to Canada for all passengers, from the US and overseas, is an architecturally striking building. The airport has wonderful restaurants, bars, and duty-free shops to keep the passengers engaged as they wait for their flights. With helpful staff, the boarding procedures are quick and hassle-free. Browse around the shops in the airport, avail of the services at any of the spas, and enjoy the food at the various food outlets.
Distance: Around 20 km from downtown Montreal.
Location: Located in Dorval on Montreal’s West Island.
Special Features:
- Mirabel Air Trade Corridors Museum.
- Indoor botanical gardens and green spaces.
- Kids play areas themed after airplanes.
5. Calgary International Airport
This is a hi-tech and modern airport. One of the most popular facilities here is the Space Port, which is an amazing entertainment and education facility. Learn about aeronautics and space and experience flight simulation. Enjoy the artifacts from NASA and the Canadian Space Agency. The airport’s hi-tech baggage carousel updates travelers on their baggage arrival and location. With good food outlets, your time passes pleasantly.
Distance: Roughly 17 km northeast of downtown Calgary.
Location: Situated northeast of Calgary near the city of Airdrie.
Special Features:
- Award-winning white tent roof terminal design.
- Observation deck with views of the Canadian Rockies.
- Aboriginal gathering space and art exhibits.
6. Edmonton International Airport
This is a mid-size airport with all modern facilities and looks like a stack of pancakes from the outside. It is the fifth busiest airport and has also received many awards. Well-organized seats are displayed for the passengers. Enjoy the art collection during your time at the airport. The friendly and helpful staff add to the passengers’ pleasant experience here. With play areas for kids, good restaurants, and bars, you can expect your time to pass quickly as you wait for your flight.
Distance: Approximately 26 km south of downtown Edmonton.
Location: Located near the city of Leduc, south of Edmonton.
Special Features:
- Massive arched roof design inspired by flight.
- Indigenous peoples’ artwork throughout terminals.
- Outdoor Sculpture Garden Trail.
7. St. John International Airport
This is a small international airport and is important for tourists looking to explore Newfoundland and Labrador region. The helpful staff goes about their duties with smiles, thus earning the gratitude of the passengers. With Wi-fi zones, children’s play areas, and good food joints, the airport helps the passengers have a pleasant waiting time at the airport. Visit the Heritage Shop or Jellybean Harbor to get some unique souvenirs and gifts. A unique feature of this airport is the updates about the whale and iceberg sightings given by the Visitor Information Center.
Distance: Around 6 km from downtown St. John’s.
Location: Situated in the St. John’s neighborhood of Torbay.
Special Features:
- Airport Path multi-use trail circling airfield.
- Water safety education exhibits.
- Airport club for aviation enthusiasts.
8. Ottawa McDonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
Ottawa’s main airport serves over 5 million travellers annually. Officially known as the Ottawa McDonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW), it features modern amenities, including an observation deck and a kid’s play area. Canada’s first LEED-certified airport terminal highlights its environmental sustainability efforts.
Distance from downtown – Approximately 10 kilometers south of downtown Ottawa
Location – Situated at the southern end of Ottawa city
Special Features
- A LEED-certified terminal building pioneering eco-friendly design
- An observation area with sweeping views of runways
- An outdoor playground catering to families with children
9. Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG)
Winnipeg’s largest airport, Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG), serves over 4 million passengers annually. It has modern facilities and is a key transportation hub for Manitoba and major parts of northwestern Ontario.
Distance from downtown – Approximately 8 km west of downtown Winnipeg
Location – Located on the western side of Winnipeg City
Special Features
- The Winnipeg Airport Art Collection with over 200 pieces
- A children’s play area themed after Manitoba’s landscapes
- The Prairie garden showcasing native plant species
10. Victoria International Airport (YYJ)
Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is the primary airport serving Victoria, British Columbia and southern Vancouver Island. It handles over 1.9 million passengers annually, with connections across Canada and seasonal international flights.
Distance from downtown – Approximately 25 km north of downtown Victoria
Location – Situated in the municipality of Sidney on Vancouver Island
Special Features
- An award-winning Air Terminal Building with West Coast design features
- An observation area with views of runways and coastline.
- Public art displays showcasing local artists
11. Montreal Saint-Hubert Airport (YHU)
Montreal Saint-Hubert Airport (YHU) is a regional airport located on the South Shore of Montreal. It primarily serves general aviation traffic, along with passenger services for chartered flights and air ambulance operations.
Distance from downtown – Around 16 km east of downtown Montreal
Location – Situated in the Longueuil borough on Montreal’s South Shore
Special Features
- One of the busiest general aviation airports in Canada
- Home to the Canadian Air Mobility Museum.
- Hosts annual airshows and aviation events
12. Boundary Bay Airport (YDT)
Located in Delta, British Columbia, Boundary Bay Airport (YDT) caters primarily to general aviation enthusiasts. A popular spot for recreational flying and pilot training, it bustles with activity including small aircraft and aviation clubs. Despite its regional size, YDT is one of Canada’s busiest general aviation airports.
Distance from downtown – Around 25 kilometers west of downtown Vancouver
Location – Situated in the municipality of Delta near Boundary Bay
Special Features
- Offers scenic coastal views of Boundary Bay and beaches
- Numerous aviation-related businesses and flight schools on site
- Hosts annual fly-in and airshows
13. Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB)
Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) is the primary airport serving Quebec City and the surrounding regions. It handles around 1.6 million passengers annually, connecting Quebec to major Canadian cities.
Distance from downtown – Approximately 10 km west of downtown Quebec City
Location – Located in the Ville de Québec borough of Québec
Special Features
- Newly renovated and expanded terminal building.
- A public observation deck overlooking runways.
- Inuit art collection showcasing works from Northern Canada.
14. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) is a unique urban airport situated on the Toronto Islands, providing convenient access to downtown Toronto. It primarily serves regional routes within Canada and the United States.
Distance from downtown – At 3.6 km southwest of downtown Toronto
Location – Located on the Toronto Islands in Lake Ontario
Special Features
- A Pedestrian tunnel connecting to downtown’s ferry terminals
- One of the world’s finest city-center airports
- Offers spectacular views of Toronto’s skyline from runways
15. Gander International Airport (YQX)
Gander International Airport (YQX) is located in Newfoundland and Labrador. In the early days of aviation, it was an important refueling stop for transatlantic flights. Though its strategic significance has diminished, it remains a vital regional airport.
Distance from downtown – Around 6 km northwest of downtown Gander
Location – Situated near the town of Gander in central Newfoundland
Special Features
- An aviation museum showcasing Gander’s aviation history
- Viewing parks overlooking runways
- Annual airshows and fly-in events
16. Greater Moncton Romeo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM)
Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM) is the largest airport in New Brunswick, serving over 600,000 passengers annually. It connects Moncton to major Canadian cities as well as some sun destinations.
Distance from downtown – Approximately 8 km east of downtown Moncton
Location – Located in the Dieppe region of Greater Moncton area
Special Features
- A modern terminal with green design features like a living roof
- An aviation museum and observation deck
- A sculpted bear statue as a major landmark
17. Regina International Airport (YQR)
Regina International Airport (YQR) is the primary airport serving Regina, the capital of Saskatchewan. It handles around 1.2 million passengers annually, connecting Regina to major Canadian cities and sun destinations.
Distance from downtown – Approximately 6 km west of downtown Regina
Location – Situated on the western edge of the city of Regina
Special Features
- The Saskatchewan Aviators sculpture celebrating aviation pioneers
- An observation area with views of runways and prairie landscape.
- Public art displays featuring local artists.
18. London International Airport (YXU)
London International Airport (YXU) is a major airport serving London, Ontario and the surrounding region. It handles over 500,000 passengers annually with connections across Canada and to sunny vacation destinations.
Distance from downtown – Around 9 km northeast of downtown London
Location – Located in the Municipality of Thames Centre near London
Special Features
- Newly renovated and expanded terminal building
- Airport trail allowing views of aircraft operations
- Public art displays and exhibits showcasing local culture
Travels should be fun, whether on a vacation or an official trip. As you may have experienced, you generally spend more time at the airport than on your flight. It makes sense to plan a pleasant waiting time for yourself and your family. Make the best of your time at the airports by doing thorough research before you set off. Find out the best features and facilities about the airport.
These Canada’s major airports offer affordable transportation options, making Canada travel on budget quite feasible for cost-conscious travellers. Some of these airports even provide free WiFi and inexpensive dining options to help stretch your dollar further. The fun elements at the airports add to your travel experience. Have a great time in Canada.
Airport Diversity and Significance
Canada boasts an impressive airport infrastructure with over 500 airports nationwide, serving millions of travelers annually. These airports are more than transit points; they’re gateways to Canada’s diverse regions, showcasing the country’s commitment to accessibility, technological innovation, and cultural representation.
The Canadian airport system reflects the nation’s geographical complexity, connecting remote northern communities, bustling metropolitan centers, and scenic coastal regions. Each airport offers a unique glimpse into its local environment, from maritime-themed displays in Halifax to space exploration exhibits in Calgary.
Technological and Environmental Leadership
Canadian airports are at the forefront of technological and environmental innovation. Many airports, like Vancouver International Airport, have implemented extensive green initiatives such as living walls, solar power systems, and comprehensive waste reduction programs. These efforts demonstrate Canada’s commitment to sustainable travel infrastructure.
Technological advancements like high-tech baggage tracking, automated check-in systems, and digital information displays are becoming standard across Canadian airports, enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airports In Canada
1. How many airports are in Canada?
2. How many international airports are in Ontario, Canada?
3. Which is the best airport to fly to Vancouver?
4. What are the major airports in Canada?
5. Which is the biggest airport in Canada?
6. Are there two airports in Toronto?
7. What is the closest airport to Niagara Falls in Canada?
8. How are Canadian airports improving accessibility?
9. What makes Canadian airports unique compared to international airports?