Canada receives upwards of 22 million international travellers every year, and our airports are their very first impressions of our country. They’re also the main gateway for Canadians heading off on vacation. So, which airports stand out for dining, smooth baggage claims, or stress-free trips through customs?

Ottawa, ON

Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW) (also known as L’aéroport International Macdonald-Cartier) serves both the capital of Ottawa and the neighbouring Gatineau region. This international airport is known for being easy to navigate thanks to its smaller size, clear bilingual signage, and customer service. 

Looking to relax before your flight? You can pass the time at the Aspire Lounge, a rare lounge experience that’s open to the public through a day pass. Inside, you’ll get access to workspaces, complimentary beverages and food, and plenty of comfy seating. 

Toronto, ON

This one goes to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ), which is rich with culinary treasures. From modern Japanese to fresh-squeezed juices, the dining options at Toronto Pearson offer a good variety of flavours and price points—many of which are found in Terminal 1. 

Try the custom burgers at BUILT (like the bacon-egg burger with tater tots) or the sandwiches and pho at Banh Shop, a Vietnamese baguette stop that has won several awards. Also in Terminal 1 is Lee Kitchen, an Asian-fusion powerhouse by Toronto chef Susur Lee. If you can’t make it to his restaurants in Singapore or Toronto, at least you can get a taste of his Hoisin-Maple Chicken Supreme on your way through the airport.

Elsewhere in the airport, you’ll also find cuisines like Indian, Middle Eastern, Mexican, Italian, and, of course, a good ol’ A&W.

Victoria, BC

With so much grandeur out there in the Canadian landscape, it’s hard to choose just one airport in Canada with stellar views—so we chose two. 

Victoria Airport (YYJ) serves the small but impressive capital of British Columbia, with views of the Juan de Fuca Strait and the Olympic Mountains in neighbouring Washington state. If you’re looking for a few things to do while in Victoria, stop at the BC Aviation Museum next to the Victoria airport before your flight. You’ll get to walk among historical aircraft and pay homage to the Canadians who have fought in past wars.

Kelowna Airport (YLW) is also in picturesque British Columbia, with views of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding mountains. Peek out the window when you’re in flight, and you’ll likely see locals sailing, fishing, or windsurfing on the lake during the hot summer months. And don’t forget to enjoy the massive glass entryway at the Kelowna airport to soak up the sun before you hit the skies.

Vancouver, BC

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has made customs easier than ever for international travellers. You can actually complete your customs declaration up to 72 hours before arrival using an app. Once you land, simply verify your identity at an electronic kiosk with your passport, and you’ll be on your way.

According to YVR’s statement in September of 2022, “Passengers arriving at YVR are now moving through Canada’s customs and border process up to 50% faster per traveller thanks to an innovative new technology that we developed in partnership with the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA).”

Vancouver, BC

Another win for Vancouver International Airport. With so much to see and experience in this airport, visitors who need to spend a layover in Vancouver certainly won’t be bored. 

Take in a series of indigenous art installations, a massive aquarium situated among the international departure and arrival gates, and “The Pacific Passage.” This walkway leads international visitors to the customs area through a series of art experiences and audiovisual effects, most created by First Nations artists. You’ll see a waterfall wall, welcome figures in the traditional carving style of the Coast Salish people, and colourful Musqueam woven wall hangings. 

For those not travelling internationally, don’t miss the Green Wall, a 17-metre-high living wall that’s bursting with live, green foliage year-round. It’s an impressive sight, with over 27,000 individual plants, including ferns, ground cover, and evergreen perennials.

Calgary, AB

We now move on to Alberta to showcase Calgary International Airport (YYC), which proudly offers the best baggage claim experience of all airports in Canada. After installing an all-new baggage tracking and claiming system, the process now averages only 10 minutes and is modelled after leading-edge systems in Europe. 

Most importantly for travellers, the system eliminates the need for connecting passengers to claim and then recheck their bags, making stressful layovers a thing of the past.

Plan your next trip through Canada’s best airports

Whether you’re heading out on a weekend getaway or a month-long international vacation, flying out of Canada’s top airports makes the journey smoother, faster, and even a little more fun. Use Skyscanner to explore affordable flights that depart from, arrive at, or connect through these standout airports today.