Bon Voyage — Vancouver International Airport Serves 39,000 Passengers

Athletes, coaches, sponsors, spectators and volunteers all descended upon Vancouver and Whistler to partake in the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. What an amazing time it was. For many, despite the wonder and revelry, home was calling out and a return was imminent. As the final medals were awarded and the lights dimmed at the Closing Ceremony, bags were packed, hugs and email addresses were exchanged — and 39,000 passengers headed for Vancouver International Airport.

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is an international gateway, and Canada’s second busiest airport — most days. On March 1, 2010, YVR processed 39,000 passengers with 77,000 bags — which made it the busiest day on-record for the Airport. The best of planning and preparation have gone into ensuring this day went as smoothly as possible. “Even though it was hard to say goodbye to our Olympic visitors, we had a plan in place to ensure their smooth travel through YVR,” said Paul Levy, Vice President, Planning, 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Vancouver Airport Authority.

The refinements made at YVR will stand as an enduring legacy, allowing the airport to ever-better serve passengers. Rick Mercer got an entertaining behind the scenes look at the operation at YVR.

The function of YVR doesn’t end with air travel. YVR has a sophisticated network of transportation connections that easily gets visitors from the airport to downtown Vancouver, Victoria and Whistler. Pacific Coach Lines provides a seamless connection from YVR to Whistler. Their comfortable coaches and professional drivers let passengers sit back and enjoy the scenic journey up the Sea to Sky Highway. Of course, selection for transfers abound and for those seeking alternatives, limos, rental cars, and even sea planes are all options.

So, make the journey part of the fun by putting together your perfect combination, knowing that adventure awaits in Whistler.