YVR- Vancouver International Airport

 

Vancouver International Airport has once again been voted Best Airport in North America in the 2025 Skytrax World Airport Awards.  YVR is the only airport to be named Best Airport in North America 14 times in 16 years.

YVR opened on July 22, 1931!  It's 94 years old!  When they announced the AIF (Airport Improvement Fee) I thought it was a cash grab.  I was so wrong.  The artwork and water features amaze me every time I arrive home.  

My favorite statue at the airport is the Bill Reid "The Jade Canoe":

The iconic Jade Canoe, designed by Haida artist, Bill Reid, serves as the natural center point of the Vancouver International Airport. 'The Jade Canoe' is also widely considered to be Reid's greatest masterpiece.

Nearly 20 feet long, 13 feet high, and 11.5 feet wide, the bronze sculpture weighs over 5 tons. The canoe's green patina is meant to mimic jade, BC’s official gemstone.

Indeed, there is something 'magical' about the sculpture, and travelers can often be seen touching the sculpture for good luck, before boarding their flight. The luckiest part of the Jade Canoe is, apparently, the Old Mouse Woman’s nose, which explains why it is noticeably worn down.