Vancouver Airport’s Hidden Treasures and Quirky Secrets
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is more than just a busy travel hub connecting North America to Asia—it’s a place full of surprises. After welcoming over 10.75 million passengers in 2024, YVR continues to grow in 2025, but beyond the numbers lies a world of fascinating stories and unique features you probably didn’t know about.
1. Home to Canada’s Largest Disney Figurine Collection
You might expect Hollywood or Disney parks to hold this title, but Vancouver’s airport boasts the largest private collection of Disney figurines in any airport. Thanks to Ken Stephens, whose memorabilia has adorned the domestic terminal since 2016, travelers can enjoy a magical glimpse of beloved characters while waiting for their flights.
2. Lost and Found: From Snakes to Vacuum Heads
YVR’s lost and found is a treasure trove of the unexpected. Among the thousands of items collected monthly—like laptops and passports—some unusual finds stand out, including a preserved snake in a glass jar and even the head of a full-size vacuum cleaner, which was eventually claimed! Items unclaimed after 30 days are thoughtfully donated or recycled.
3. Chopsticks Reborn as Eco-Friendly Tabletops
Every month, YVR collects about 19,000 used chopsticks. Instead of tossing them away, the airport partners with local company ChopValue to clean and transform these chopsticks into stylish, sustainable tabletops now featured in the newly expanded Pier D—a perfect blend of eco-consciousness and design.
4. A Quiet Yoga Haven for Stressed Travelers
For those needing a moment of calm amid the airport bustle, YVR offers a dedicated yoga room near Gate D67. Complete with a stretching mat, this peaceful spot invites travelers to unwind and recharge. Another serene space is the interfaith chapel in the arrivals area, welcoming visitors of all beliefs.
5. Not Quite Global: Missing Direct Flights to South America and Africa
While YVR offers nonstop flights to far-flung destinations like Auckland and Zurich, it currently lacks direct routes to South American and African countries. With much of North America lying between Vancouver and these continents, travelers usually connect through other hubs. Still, the airport’s expanding network keeps inching closer to a truly global reach.
Next time you fly through Vancouver International Airport, take a moment to explore these hidden gems and quirky facts—there’s more to YVR than meets the eye!
