Airports in Canada are vital for connecting travellers to destinations within the country and around the globe. From major international hubs to smaller regional airports, they are designed to offer smooth and convenient travel. With well-planned facilities, reliable services, and options for dining and shopping, these airports aim to provide a great experience for passengers. They also act as starting points for discovering the cities and landscapes of Canada. Whether it is a business trip or a holiday, these airports ensure your travel experience is easy and comfortable.
Top 10 Airports In Canada
Here is a list of the top airports in Canada, known for their well-planned facilities, reliable services, and importance in connecting many travellers to destinations.
1. Toronto Pearson International Airport
Photo: Aaron Davis / Wikimedia Commons
Toronto Pearson International Airport, also called Pearson Airport, is the largest and busiest airport in Canada. This airport is situated near Toronto and is a central hub for both domestic and international flights. The airport is well-known for its modern design, excellent passenger services, and smooth operations. Travellers can enjoy various dining options, duty-free shops, and lounges for a pleasant experience. The airport also uses advanced systems to simplify check-ins and security. With connections to destinations worldwide, it is a key point of entry for visitors to Canada.
Location: Mississauga, Ontario
How To Reach: Reachable by car, taxi, bus, or the UP Express train from downtown Toronto
2. Vancouver International Airport
Photo: Eviatar Bach / Wikimedia Commons
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is one of the most important airports in Canada. It is located near Vancouver and serves as a major hub for flights to Asia and other international destinations. The airport is designed with features that make it welcoming and easy to use, such as open spaces, clear signage, and client-centric services. YVR also has unique attractions such as aquarium exhibits displaying diverse marine life. Additionally, it has Larry Berg Flight Path Park, a playground with slides, climbing structures and aeroplane-inspired interactive elements, ensuring a fun and educational experience for children.
Location: Richmond, British Columbia
How To Reach: You can get there by car, taxi, or the Canada Line SkyTrain from downtown Vancouver
3. Montréal–Trudeau International Airport
Photo: abdallahh / Wikimedia Commons
Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is a well-known airport offering excellent services for both international and domestic travellers. This airport located near downtown Montréal is unique for its culinary offerings and offers a mix of local Montréal specialties and international cuisine. The airport also features dedicated family-friendly areas and an efficient layout, providing a leisurely and convenient experience. This place has modern facilities and a welcoming atmosphere, which ensures a comfortable and enjoyable journey for the travellers.
Location: Dorval, Québec
How To Reach: Reachable by car, taxi, or the 747 Express bus from downtown Montréal
4. Calgary International Airport
Photo: Milan Suvajac / Wikimedia Commons
Calgary International Airport (YYC) is a modern and traveller-friendly airport located in Alberta. It is known for catering to passengers’ convenience and its connection to Alberta’s natural environment and way of life. What makes YYC unique is its in-terminal attractions, like interactive displays about the environment and history of Alberta. The airport has wide walkways, which makes it easy to move around, and fast check-in kiosks for convenience. Travellers can enjoy a variety of dining and shopping options, including stores and restaurants featuring local brands.
Location: Calgary, Alberta
How To Reach: Accessible by car, taxi, or the Calgary Transit Airport Shuttle
5. Halifax Stanfield International Airport
Photo: Robert Alfers / Wikimedia Commons
Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) is a key airport in Eastern Canada, which is located in Nova Scotia and serves as a major hub for travel to Atlantic Canada. A unique feature of YHZ is its focus on local culture, with displays of Nova Scotia art and live music performances, showcasing the heritage of the region. Passengers can enjoy local dining options and comfortable seating areas, which makes it a pleasant travel experience.
Location: Goffs, Nova Scotia
How To Reach: Accessible by car, taxi, or the MetroX bus service from downtown Halifax
6. Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
Photo: ImagePerson / Wikimedia Commons
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) is known for its calm and traveller-friendly environment. This airport is located in the capital of Canada and reflects the heritage of the city with historical exhibits and art that highlight the role of Ottawa in Canadian history. The airport is unique for its strong focus on accessibility and offers step-free access and special assistance services for travellers with disabilities. YOW also provides locally inspired dining options and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a comfortable stop for all passengers.
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
How To Reach: Accessible by car, taxi, or OC Transpo public bus from downtown Ottawa
7. Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
Photo: RFBailey / Wikimedia Commons
Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG), located in Manitoba, is a key air travel option in Canada, known for its welcoming design and efficient services. Sustainability and eco-friendly architecture that uses natural light and energy-efficient systems are central features of this airport. It is also one of the most accessible airports in Canada, designed with clear signage and step-free access for all travellers. YWG features a unique art gallery displaying works from local artists, which adds a cultural touch to the travel experience.
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
How To Reach: Accessible by car, taxi, or public transit via Winnipeg Transit buses
8. Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport
Photo: Wilfredo Rafael Rodriguez Hernandez / Wikimedia Commons
Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) is a modern and well-maintained airport located in Québec City. This airport is focused on passenger comfort and local culture. The terminal is designed with large windows offering natural light and views of the surrounding area. It is one of the most advanced airports in Canada, with self-service bag drop machines and automatic border clearance stations. This place also has special openings in the security fence designed for aviation fans to take clear photos of aeroplanes, which makes it a popular spot for plane photography.
Location: Québec City
How To Reach: Accessible by car, taxi, or RTC public buses from downtown Québec City
9. St. John’s International Airport
Photo:Ccyyrree / Wikimedia Commons
St. John’s International Airport (YYT) gives travellers a unique Newfoundland experience by showing the maritime history and traditions of the province throughout the terminal. Visitors can explore displays of traditional fishing tools, nautical artefacts, and local craftsmanship, highlighting the region’s deep connection to the sea. The airport also has storytelling panels that share the history of Newfoundland and Labrador, which gives travellers an engaging glimpse into the province’s culture. These well-thought-out features distinguish St.John’s International Airport from others and ensure a memorable journey.
Location: St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
How To Reach: Accessible by car, taxi, or public bus route 14, connecting the airport to Downtown St. John’s and Memorial University
10. Thunder Bay International Airport
Photo: P199 / Wikimedia Commons
Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) is a key travel hub in Ontario, Canada, known for its efficient services and regional importance. This airport has a major role in supporting aviation education, and it houses the Aviation Centre of Excellence, which is connected to Confederation College, and offers hands-on training for aviation students. It also supports various operations, such as Hydro One’s aviation hangar and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s seasonal firefighting aircraft base, showing its wide range of capabilities.
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario
How To Reach: Accessible by car via Ontario Highway 61, taxi services, or Thunder Bay Transit bus route 14 Arthur, which connects the airport to the city centre
Airports in Canada are more than just gateways; they reflect the culture, history, and diversity of their regions. From Toronto’s bustling Pearson Airport to the unique charm of St. John’s, each airport offers its own travel experience. Whether you’re planning a business trip or a vacation, these airports ensure comfort and convenience. Plan a trip with TripXL today and explore Canada’s cities and landscapes with ease.
Cover Photo: Steven He / Wikimedia Commons