Vancouver Airport is one of the more family-friendly airports in North America. The facilities are modern, the terminal is spacious, and transport options work well for families.
At the airport
YVR has nursing rooms, family restrooms, and children's play areas. The international terminal features aquariums and First Nations art that keep kids entertained during waits. Restaurants and shops are plentiful. If you need to buy snacks, diapers, or other supplies after landing, you can find them here.
The terminal is well-signed in English and French. Moving between the domestic and international sections is straightforward. Luggage carts are available for a small fee.
Child seats
British Columbia law requires children to use car seats or booster seats based on weight and height — roughly up to age 9. Taxis in Vancouver are exempt from car seat requirements under provincial law, so children can ride without one in a taxi. However, Uber and Lyft drivers may refuse trips without proper child restraints for safety reasons.
If a car seat is important to you (and for young children it should be), book a private transfer and request one in advance. Alternatively, bring your own travel car seat. The SkyTrain requires no car seat, making it a practical option for families heading downtown.
SkyTrain with kids
The Canada Line from YVR to downtown takes about 26 minutes and costs CAD 5-6 per adult. Children under 5 ride free. The train is clean, air-conditioned, and runs every 3-6 minutes during the day. The stations have elevators, making it accessible with pushchairs.
The challenge: navigating a pushchair, suitcases, and children through a busy station during rush hour. If your hotel is near a Canada Line station (Waterfront, Vancouver City Centre, Yaletown-Roundhouse), the SkyTrain is genuinely excellent for families. If you need a bus connection after the train, the logistics with young children become tiring.
Luggage for families
Standard taxis handle 2-3 suitcases plus a pushchair. For larger families, request a minivan taxi or book a larger transfer vehicle. The SkyTrain has luggage space but it fills up during peak hours. If you are a family of four with full luggage, a car-based option is more comfortable than the train.
Best option for families
For families with young children: a private transfer with car seats arranged in advance gives you the smoothest experience. For families with older children heading downtown: the SkyTrain is fast, affordable, and kids usually enjoy the ride. For families heading to Whistler, North Vancouver, or other suburban destinations: a private transfer or taxi is the practical choice.