It can be challenging to maintain your health & wellness while traveling. After all, what do we usually do when we’re bored at the airport? Eat and drink, which can be useful for you—at times. (Salad and a glass of red wine, anyone?) However, getting healthy at Vancouver Airport is a lot easier than you might think.
If you’ve ever been to YVR, you know how serene it can feel. From green walls to green juice, this airport cares about your health and wellbeing! So, if you’re heading to the West Coast, make sure you check out this list of 10 ways to get healthy at Vancouver Airport.
10 Ways to Get Healthy at Vancouver Airport
1. Spend some time with adorable Airport Therapy Dogs.
YVR recently launched an airport therapy dog program called Less Airport Stress Initiative (LASI). The program offers all airport users a new way to manage anxiety associated with travel, work, or general stress. Molly, Bailey, Mira, Norman, Grover, Kermode, and Soda are onsite in the terminal Mondays through Fridays, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
(Ps. Check out our adorable Instagram page dedicated to Airport Therapy Dogs around the world here.)
2. Sip on a fresh smoothie from Booster Juice.
Freshly pressed juice options will give you a boost of healthy energy. After all, we all need a little bit more of this when traveling!
Location: Booster Juice, Domestic Terminal, Level 3 before security
3. Grab some delicious avocado toast.
The Globe@YVR Restaurant at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport offers one of the best avocado toasts in the city. Honestly. The deliciousness begins with char-grilled avocado on toast with a poached egg, marinated tomatoes, and chanterelle mushrooms. Delicious!
Location: US Terminal, level 4 before security
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4. Indulge in a delicious fresh salad at Freshii.
Freshii is paving the way for an entirely new segment of healthy food-to-go with a unique approach that emphasizes foods you should eat more of instead of focusing on foods to avoid. You can also get fresh juice and smoothies here! Which are the best way to round out a health-conscious meal.
Location: International Terminal, level 3 before security
5. Workout at the Fairmont Hotel—and go for a swim!
Travelers on a layover at Vancouver International Airport can keep fit on-the-fly without having to pack (or unpack) their workout gear. The Fairmont Hotel offers a variety of Health Club drop-in rates and provides a place to store your luggage. And workout gear is available too! Now there’s no excuse not to workout.
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6. Hydrate at the many water bottle filling stations.
All of Vancouver International Airport’s terminal washrooms have a water refill station or a mix of water/bottling stations. The benefits of water are known to combat bad moods—and who doesn’t want to feel happier at the airport? We do!
7. Get pampered at Absolute Spa.
Is there anything like a massage to melt away the stress of gate changes, flight delays, and annoying passengers? We can honestly tell you (because we’ve been there and experienced it) that Absolute Spa at Vancouver Airport works wonders on your travel mood. Check out our review of getting pampered in 2 hours or less at the spa here.
Locations:
- Domestic Departures – Gate 44
- Domestic Departures – Gate 47
- US Departures – Gate 85
- Spa & Salon – Domestic Arrivals (next to 7 eleven)
8. Explore the cozy yoga room at Lolë.
Canada’s women’s lifestyle and activewear retail store is at YVR. Yoga is incredible for relaxing your mind, body, and soul. Next time, don’t let airport stress get you down—strike a downward dog instead, just like all these other yogis at the airport.
Location: Domestic Terminal, Post-Security by Gate C31
9. Relax with nature.
Immersing yourself in nature has been proven to have calming effects on your body. And being on the West Coast, Vancouver Airport is full of it! So, if you’re feeling in a panic, just scope out some of the airport’s greenery and take a big, deep breath.
10. Take some time just to yourself.
YVR’s Quiet Area is a designated space for relaxation and meditation. The area has comfortable seating, a stretching mat, low-volume speakers, and soft lighting. Signage encourages others to refrain from creating noise too.
Location: International Terminal, After Security – Gate D67
If you get stressed while traveling (don’t we all), check out the airport’s new Fly Calm initiative, a website with tips, videos, and a downloadable adult coloring book to help you de-stress before your flight. You can even pick up a print copy and set of coloring pencils at any pre-security Customer Information Counter.
Location: pre-security Customer Information Counters
Do you have any other ways to get healthy at Vancouver Airport? Let us know by tweeting to us at @vaneairportmag!
If you get stressed while traveling (don’t we all), check out the airport’s new Fly Calm initiative, a website with tips, videos and a downloadable adult coloring book to help you de-stress before your flight. You can even pick up a print copy and set of coloring pencils at any pre-security Customer Information Counter.
Thanks.