YVR Observation Deck: Thumbs Down for Entertainment Value

The new YVR/Vancouver Airport Observation Deck was not as exciting as I was anticipating. As part of our first trip on the new Canada Line Skytrain, we visited new Observation Lounge that opened in July.

The lounge is in a small loft area and is basically a bunch of tables and chairs, large windows overlooking the not-so-busy domestic terminal tarmac, and a couple displays.

Expectations and Reality

Honestly, I was expecting something a bit more exciting. The scale model of Sea Island was pretty fun to look at with the blinking lights, and was probably the highlight of the lounge.

However, it is quieter to wait for friends and family there, as opposed to the domestic or international arrival levels. I was hoping for more activity in the lounge or on the tarmac to keep me entertained so I was a bit disappointed there.

YVR Observation Deck: Only One Thumb Up

The idea behind the lounge is good, but I think it needs a bit of work. It gets one thumb up for being a great place to chill between flights, or while waiting for family members to arrive. No thumbs up for entertainment value though.

The younger kids seemed to enjoy it more than I did, so at least some people can still enjoy the area. But, other than being a quieter place to chill at the airport, next time I’ll bring my own entertainment (perhaps a book).

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Two Thumbs up for Canada Line: Our Inaugural Ride!

On Monday, Dan and I rode the new Canada Line Skytrain from Langara-41st Avenue to the Airport and back. Armed with 2 SLR cameras (one for each of us) and my video camera, we began our Canada Line Adventure.

The Plan: Avoid the crowds of downtown and head out to the airport to check out the new YVR Observation Deck, take a few photos and head home.

The Canada Line Ride Experience

The underground portions of the train were pretty uneventful, and it was too busy and crowded to enjoy the views once we got above ground.

We accidently got on a Richmond-bound train instead of the Airport line so we had to debark at Bridgeport Station. After watching one full YVR train and 2 Richmond trains pass by, we finally squished on one headed for the airport.

YVR-Airport Station

We finally made it! With all the stress from heat, crowds and the people aggressively pushing their way onto the trains, I knew we deserved large Tim Horton’s Iced-Capps when we arrived.

Iced-Capps in hand, we proceeded to the Domestic Terminal (which I haven’t seen since they started construction) and up to check out the new Observation Deck.

Endless Line-ups

After wondering around the airport, trigger-happy with our cameras, we decided it was time to brave the line which snaked outside and back and forth down the sidewalk, to board the Canada Line home.

I’m sure it took over an hour until we boarded the train back home, but we had magicians and even Fin (from the Vancouver Canucks) to keep us entertained.

The Canada Line: Two Thumbs Up!

I can’t wait to enjoy the Canada Line when it’s not so busy. I think it’s a great thing, and was potentially worth all the stress it caused local drivers and businesses. I’m sure I’ll be using it to head downtown for future client meetings.

Overall, we had a great day, got a bit of sun, and got some great videos and Canada Line and YVR Airport Pictures. Here is my 2 minute recap of the afternoon…

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Canada Line Skytrain Opening Aug 17

The Canada Line, the new skytrain line from Vancouver Airport to downtown Vancouver is opening on Monday, August 17,” over 3 months ahead of schedule!

What you need to know

• 16 new stations +19km on new track = 26mins from Vancouver Airport to downtown
• On Aug 17 from 1pm -9pm service on this new line will be FREE!
• Regular zone fares will be in effect until 2010 when a special “Add Fare” will be needed to the Bridgeport and 3 Sea Island stations
• There will be some revised bus service routes

Other Exciting Canada Line Facts

• Your cell phone will work the entire trip (even underground)
• Bikes are allowed on board at all hours (including rush-hour)
• Extra large train cars allow for more room to transport your luggage

It will be FREE to ride this new line between 1 and 9 pm on Aug 17, but as Translink predicts, it could get quite busy. Leave lots of extra time and be patient. I’m looking forward to taking the Canada Line for a test drive!

My thoughts

I live nearby one of the new stations, but didn’t think I’d have much time to use the new Canada Line as I may be moving soon. Now that the line is open so early, you might just see me riding my bike to my local station to get downtown (much more convienent than taking the 45min, crowded and hot bus).

Learn more about the Translink Canada Line.

UPDATE Aug 17: I will be posting some pictures and video from my first trip on the skytrain today. Check back later this evening or tomorrow to see them (Teaser: I also got my picture taken with Fin from the Vancouver Canucks).

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