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August 18, 2017Vancouver Intl. Airport & Seaplane – Spotting Guide
- last modified on September 23, 2024
Vancouver International Airport (YVR/CYVR) is the second busiest airport in Canada. The airport handles about 22 million passengers a year and is the Asian gateway to Canada. Both Air Canada and WestJet are based at Vancouver. Furthermore, there are a lot of smaller regional carriers flying to the north, like Air North and Pacific Coastal Airlines, starting from the South Terminal.
On the south side of the airport lays the Vancouver International Seaplane (CAM9) base. The Seaplane base is located on the Fraser Rivers and is a hub for Harbour Air and Seair. On busy days, the base will be swarmed by Beavers, Turbo Beavers, Otters, Twin Otters and all kinds of Cessna floatplanes.
Written by Bas Velders, Achim Walter, Jan Seba, Luciano Manara, Dana Low, Daniel Chen (Spot 14 and 15) and Stefan Bratner. Last Update: September 2024 (Spot 5+13)
| Rating | |
| Movements |  |
| Airline Variety |  |
| Photo Locations |  |
| Weather |  |
| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 08L/26R | 3.030m (9,940 ft) |
| 08R/26L | 3,505m (11,500 ft) |
| 12/30 | 2.225m (7,300 ft) |
| Terminals | |
| Main Terminal | Almost all domestic and international flights. |
| South Terminal | All flights of Pacific Coastal and smaller charter airlines. |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Not needed at the spots below |
| Car/Public Transport | A car is advisable for most spots. But there is a courtesy bus between the main and south terminals. For the 26R spots you can use the metro and exit at Templeton Station and walk to these positions. |
| Restrooms | In the terminals and seaplane bases. |
| Drinks/Food | There are a few restaurants in the vicinity. One of the best is the Flying Beaver Grill and Bar (at the Harbour Air Seaplane Terminal). |
| Hotels | On the east side of the airport, there are a lot of affordable hotels. The River Rock Casino is almost under the approach of 26R and you can spot and photograph the arrivals from their parking garage. The angle is not the best and it will look like that. |
| Season | The best weather season is from April untill Oktober. Also more charter traffic in the summer |
| Runway Usage | |
| 08L/26R | Mostly used for landings especially by international and long rage flights. |
| 08R/26L | Mostly used for takoffs. |
Templeton Station Rd - Arrivals 26R
| WHERE | From the terminal, drive towards the city centre (Grand McConachie Way) until you cross Templeton St. Turn left here. Turn right on Templeton Station Road and park you car along the road near the shopping centre. Walk towards the Fraser River and find a nice spot to take photos of the arriving traffic. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on RWY 26R only. |
| TIME | Almost all day long. In the summer backlit in the morning and evening. |
| MISC. | Everything you need is at the shopping center. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100 – 250 mm. |
Ferguson Rd - Arrivals 26R
| WHERE | This spot is located along Ferguson Rd . Easy to reach if coming from the mall and Tempelton Rd. Park your car alongside the road once you have passed the approach path. There is a small hill which is undeveloped so it is fully covered by grass and low bushes, but it is a good place to capture the arriving planes from aside. There is small wooden gate and a path that leads to the top. From there find your prefered position. You can stay on the road too if you don´t wanna get on the hill but the angle is a little bit worse. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on RWY 26R only. |
| TIME | Late evenings in the summer only. |
| MISC. | Everything you need is at the shopping mall. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 75 – 100 mm. |
Larry Berg Flight Path Park - Arrivals 26L
| WHERE | From the terminal, drive towards the city centre (Grand McConachie Way) until you cross Templeton St. Turn right here. Turn left on Miller Rd and right again on Rus Baker Way. The Larry Berg Flight Path Park will be on your right hand side. |
| WHAT | Arrivals 26L only. The angle is pretty worse and its good for head-on shots in the evening. There is also a crash gate next to the park where you might be able to photograph the line up for 26L. |
| TIME | You are directly under the approach path. |
| MISC. | South of this location is a McDonalds (see spot #4). This is more a place to relax (with the family) and watching the aircraft passing by. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50 – 100 mm. |
Gilbert Rd - Arrivals 26L
| WHERE | Just south of spot #3. Park your car on the parking lot at the corner Gilber Rd and Russ Baker Way. There are some retail stores. No parking restrictions. You can cross the street if needed. |
| WHAT | Arrivals 26L only. Most 26L arrival are for small props planes and business jets during the day time. British Aerospace Avro RJ100, 4-engine jet landed a few times at 26L. |
| TIME | Almost all day long. In the summer backlit in the morning and evening. |
| MISC. | The McDonalds restaurant is a 2 minute walk. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 400mm lens won’t fill up those small planes. Need cropping. |
South Terminal Viewing Platform - Ramps and 08L/26R
| WHERE | To reach the spot #5 and #6 you can follow the signs to the South Terminal. On the right hand side of the terminal, there is a public parking lot and an elevated observation area. There is also a courtesy shuttle between the main and south terminal you can use. |
| WHAT | All South Terminal traffic. Departing/arriving traffic runway 08L/26R (watch out for heat haze). You can walk along the perimeter fence and photograph different kind of angles through the fence. |
| TIME | Almost the whole day as you can shoot different angles. Runway is backlit in the summer in the morning and evening. |
| MISC. | Everything you need is inside the South Terminal. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Apron: 70-200mm Runway: 200-400mm |
The viewing deck seen from the parking:
View from the viewing deck itsself:
Vancouver International Seaplane (CAM9)
| WHERE | Follow the signs to the South Terminal and park on the Float Plane parking. |
| WHAT | All movements on the Fraser River are visible. |
| TIME | Depends on the angle you prefer. For planes on the rive late afternoon – sunset |
| MISC. | The Harbour Air Terminal also houses the Flying Beaver Bar & Grill. Also the South Terminal is nearby. There are some benches along the riverside. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100 – 300 mm. |
Turning area Ferguson Rd - 08L arrivals
| WHERE | Driving the Ferguson Rd., pass spot #8, to the end of the airport and you see a big turning area and some trucks parking . Just stay there and start spotting. |
| WHAT | 08L arrivals only. |
| TIME | Only useful in the summer in the morning. |
| MISC. | Everything you need is at the shopping mall. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 789 = 90mm; A333 = 150mm |
The dirt pile - 08L/26R movements
| WHERE | Coming from spot #2 follow Ferguson Rd. After the last building you’ll see severel small mounds to the left side where you can climb up to shoot over the fence as you are 3-4 meters higher. There are two good options too stay. In the morning if runway 08L is active stay at the western positions. In the evening if runway 26R is active go to the eastern point next to the Canadian Post. You can park closeto the entrance to the Canadian Post (don´t enter their property) on the side of the road and walk to the spots or park at the McDonald Beach Park which is a bit more far away. By public transports exit at Tempelton Station and walk to the locations for approximate 20-30 minutes. |
| WHAT | The northern taxiways are in range too. |
| TIME | Only useful in the summer. Best for 08L in the early morning, 26R in the evening. |
| MISC. | Don´t go down to the fence and Stay away for at least 2 meters. Everything you need is at the shopping mall. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 150 to 300mm |
Miller neighbourhood Park - 26R arrivals
| WHERE | This is an alternative to #1. You need a higher focal length but the angle is slightly better. Coming from Grant McConachie Way use exit to Russ Baker way. Turn right into Miller Rd and follow the street until you see the dog playground on the right. Park you car and go north until you have a postion you like. Address fpr navigation: 6800 Miller Road |
| WHAT | Arrivals on RWY 26R only. |
| TIME | Almost all day long. In the summer backlit in the morning and evening. |
| MISC. | Everything you need is at the shopping mall. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 763 = 300mm |
Long Term Parking - 26R arrivals
| WHERE | The location is on the YVR Value Long Term Parking. Northeast of Grant McConachie Way & Templeton St. Just follow the signs. It’s btw Spot #9 and #13 and it’s a big lot and the view is different from east to west side of the lot. If coming by metro just exit at the Templeton Station and walk on the lot. |
| WHAT | Best location for 26R as different angles are possible. From 90 degree till front view. |
| TIME | Almost all day long. In the summer backlit in the morning and evening. |
| MISC. | Fee for parking is $4.25 hourly. $20.50 Daily Max. The shopping mall is just around the corner. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 77W = 260mm |
Hangars - South Terminal movements
| WHERE | The position is on the opposite site of the south terminal in a corner next to some hangars. Just continue the road from spot #6 and park your car next to the fence where you have to shoot through. |
| WHAT | Best for aircraft coming from the runway and heading to their parking position. |
| TIME | Good location from afternoon till sunset. |
| MISC. | As usual on the ground, heat haze is an issue, especially in the summer. Everything you need within the south terminal. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 737 = 140mm; Beech = 110mm |
Fraser River - Seaplane movements
| WHERE | There is a nice location across the Fraser River where you can photograph the seaplanes. Its on the opposite site from #6. To get there continue the road from #3 and #4 southwards and cross the river. Turn the next right into Westminster and then once again right to get to the river road. There is a dyke where you find plenty of photo positions. |
| WHAT | All seaplane movements on the fraser river and heavy 08R departures.
For seaplane movement it is better to stand more in the western side of the marked path but for the heavy departures you need to move more to the east, otherwise the planes will still be too low. |
| TIME | Almost all day long. In the summer backlit in the morning and evening. |
| MISC. | Heat haze is an issue in the summer. Nothing special nearby. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Seaplanes on the river = 300-400mm; A345 departure = 350mm |
Templeton St - 26R arrivals
| WHERE |
This is an alternative to spot #9 as you are much closer but the angle is a little bit worse. Located at Templeton St, just after the crossing with Templeton Station Rd. 20 mt. after the traffic light if coming from Templeton St or immediately on the right hand side after turning right if coming from Templeton Station Rd. Stop your car as there is plenty of space on the shoulder on the right on the unpaved road. You can then either stand somewhere here on the unpaved shoulder or position yourself south of the crossing “N Service Rd” on the meadow there for a better angle.
By public transport you can easily walk from the Templeton Station. |
| WHAT | This is the favourite spot for locals for landing shots on 26R. Very close and very low approaching planes, mostly international, long range flights with Canadian traffic too. |
| TIME | Almost all day long. In the summer backlit in the morning and evening. |
| MISC. | The shopping mall is just around the corner. Parking is not really legal but usually cops don’t bother you there. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 77W = 40mm |
North of N Service Rd on the unpaved shoulder:
South of the N Service Rd on the meadow:
Terra Nova Park - 26L departures
| WHERE | The location is within the Terra Nova Park, which is approximate 3 kilometers westwards from spot #12. Use the way to #12 and continue on River Rd till the end. There are some offical parking lots and the park is dirctley at the water to hang out. You can position yourself all along the trail that runs along the river. |
| WHAT | This is not the best place for photography as you are very very far from the runway. BUT, if the conditions are good enough you can make stunning departures photos from 27R with the canadian mountains as a background. |
| TIME | Only usable in the winter due to massive distance and heat distortion. |
| MISC. | Restroom and benches are in the park. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 500-600mm needed if you don`t wanna crop. |
Sample photo on JP. The location itself looks like this.
NEW Avis Lot - 26R arrivals/taxiway
| WHERE | The new avis Lot is near mike 5 taxiway and is accessible by car from McDonald Rd. Parking on side available but stay at least 2m (6ft) away from the fence with the car. Reachable by foot if you get off at sea island center station and walk a bit. There is a fence and a gate where you can shoot thru. Otherwise huge ladder needed! |
| WHAT | Nearby mike 5 taxiway and 27R landing and touchdown. |
| TIME | Almost all day long. In the summer backlit in the morning and evening. |
| MISC. | There is always chance to get kicked off so it is important to tell the security your here to take photos! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | LH744 arrival = 150mm; AA 738 = 200mm |
Hi there Yesterday (august 5thj I noticed a CAF CC-138 at Vancouver Intl. Anyone able to Id ( regestration) the rare bird? Thank you
i am wondering if anyone would know any good spots for the winter and that would be good with a 250mm lens
The porta potty at spot #15 (new Avis lot) is gone.
Always park your car at least 6 feet or 2M away from the fence.
I left a note, thanks.
-Julian
I would like to ask how tall of the ladder is needed for spot #15? Hence, can I buy a ladder from the store nearby? Thanks.
Refering to the attached photo in the guide I would say 5-6 steps to get over the barbed wire.
-Julian
Remove Templeton mall (McArthurGlen) from the list of recommended planespotting sites. Every time I go there, the plane that I wanted to see always lands on the south runway, in which case the Larry Berg Park and the South Terminal platform would’ve been far better places. International arrivals like the A380, or chartered flights like those from Titan Airways, always lands on the south runway.
Larry Berg is reachable by a 15 min walk from Templeton Station or a 2 min walk from BCIT which is accessible by the limited service 412 bus (which runs a few times per day with no service on weekends). The South Terminal is accessible by a shuttle which runs every 30 mins from the YVR main terminal (check schedule as it differs every day), the aforementioned 412 bus, or a taxi.
McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Mall is good when landing at 26R. 26R ILS is out currently (2022) so planes require ILS for landing will use the south runway 26L.
I visited Spot 8 last week. Standing on top of that, an hour later, a Canadian Post guard arrived. He said you can understand that you like airplanes, but you can’t get in here. This place seems to be owned by Canadian Post. He said he was very kind and didn’t even need an ID check. And I think there are other nice spots, so I was told to enjoy them, so I left here immediately.
No trouble occurred in Spot 2. By the way, I visited on weekdays. I didn’t meet other photographers at both spots.
The best spotting place ever (world-wide notorious, among professional local and international photographers)) at YVR Vancouver International, used to be located west of current # 15, at the very end of Avis yard. Since YVR extended their remote standings apron toward East, the original McDonald Rd South, access road to it, was permanently closed. Even prior to that closure, high fences (6 meter high with additional barb wire at the top) were scaled up and photographers were basically chased out of that location. As a result of many complains that followed, the YVR Authority, the entity in charge of managing the airport on behalf of Canadian Government, promised to relocate and improve that former called “AVIS LOT” by constructing a new spotting structure facing North, similar to the one they built at the South Terminal, which is quite away from the fence but high enough to partially clear out the barb wire at the top of the fence itself . That very old promise, never materialized, leaving the South Terminal spotting platform as the only decent facility for taking professional photos. The rest of YVR spotting positions listed in this guide, are marginal in terms of quality of videos or photography.
The Avis Lot is still available but has a chance to get asked to leave just tell the security guards your here to spot and that is fine with them
Also Has a Terra nova rural park shots of the Vancouver mountains 300mm min bigger the better
Can you send us some pictures from there please so we can add it.
-Julian
By email ?
Best way is to use this form https://www.spotterguide.net/missing-photos-location/
Otherwise send me a mail to info@spotterguide.net
I still think the south viewing park will be good for me , depending what runway they are using ,
I am going on a cruise to Alaska this August 2020 , I have been allowed a day at YVR by my beloved wife , looking at your information , the best place for me to go is the MacDonald’s on Russ Baker way so I can have a drink and something to eat , and maybe a sit down.
I am staying at the Coast Coal Hotel (is it much in a taxi from A to B or better getting public transport , any help grateful
Tony
Manchester UK
Hi Tony,
Since you’ll be staying in Coast Coal Hotel, it’s just a few minutes walking to Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre Seaplane Terminal to spot the seaplanes. Lots of actions there in the summer. Do this right after you done with your breakfast and honey. stay 30min-1 hr
Wanna see choppers taking off or approaching? CRAB Park is near by(short taxi ride). Go to the northwest side of the Crab park to spot Helijet that is located west of the park. Taxi dropoff 49.285857, -123.104226. Ideal spot around 49.286207, -123.103700
stay 30min-1 hr.
Go to YVR in the afternoon.
1) If the runways direction is from east to west:
Take Canada Line(train) to YVR(to YVR, not to Birghouse).
http://thecanadaline.com/
Get off at Templeton stn & shortwallk to Spot #14(only if the planes are arriving from the east. there’ll be NO planes if the runways change direction ). Check flightradar24 app before you go. it’s around 5-10 min walk to washroom @McArthurGlen Designer Outlet nearby.
2) If the runways direction is from west to east:
Go to Spot #5 – South Terminal Viewing Platform. Spot airplanes taking off and much more.. you’ll love this spot. There’s washroom in the terminal nearby. How to get there? Take Canada Line(to Brighouse). Get off at… stn like Aberdeen or Lansdowne station to Spot#5 by taxi. After you’re done, take a walk to Flying Beaver Bar & Grill nearby. Seaplanes in the river 🙂
ps: Spot #5 is great for any runway directions. You can do panning shot if the planes is heading west.
MacDonald’s on Russ Baker way is only for smaller planes. It’s good if the runways directions is east to west(otherwise there’ll be no planes). Take canada line, get off at Lansdowne stn, taxi.
You can score all of those above in one day. Have fun!
Thank you very much for your comments, most helpful
Tony
You are welcome.
Allow me to edit the spot # i mentioned above:
Go to YVR in the afternoon.
1) If the runways direction is from east to west:
Take Canada Line(train) to YVR(to YVR, not to Birghouse).
http://thecanadaline.com/
Get off at Templeton stn & shortwallk to Spot #10 (i wrote #14 yesterday. It’s #10 now)
The rest remains the same.
Thanks Julian (sorry)
Jack
I was thinking of going to south viewing platform but don’t know if I will be able to read off the registrations with my binoculars (8×42) if aircraft come in over the sea (left to right) I hope they will taxi far enough for me to read them off.
Tony
Hello, I was just wondering precise directions to spot 15?
Hi Tony,
Coast Coal Hotel is in downtown. Take the Skytrain Canada Line to YVR (the international airport). To go to spot 5 at South Terminal, take the FREE South Terminal Shuttle from the main terminal. You can walk to spot 6 for float planes from spot 5.
Alternatively, rebook your room at Fairmont Airport Hotel (not mentioned in this guide) and you can spot from your room.
Go to Facebook YVR Spotters page to contact local spotters.
This is a great guide for YVR spotting. Allow me to add a couple of more spots:
Spot #14: River Road, North of Cambie. Parking lot of Skyline Marina. (You can find limited street parking on River road). Great of Arrival of both runways. but not much of sunlight for south runway arrival. Last time i was there?.. April 2019. Hope the new buildings in the north won’t block our spotting. Nearest washroom: Tim Hortons.
Spot #15: YVR Value Long Term Parking. Northeast of Grant McConachie Way & Templeton St. $4.25 hourly. $20.50 Daily Max.
It’s btw Spot #9 and #13. It’s a big lot and the view is different from east to west side of the lot. Address from google map: 5VW3+43 Richmond, Greater Vancouver A, BC
btw, i have a few photos for Spot #4 – Gilbert Rd – Arrivals 26L Would like to share with if permitted.
Good day Jack, thanks a lot for your message. Would be nice if you use this blank for new locations or photos:
https://www.spotterguide.net/missing-photos-location/
or just send us an email to support@spotterguide.net
For your #15 please keep in mind we already have three spots for 26R arrivals so there must be a good reason to add it.
Hope to hear from you soon!
-Julian
Howdy Julian,
Thank you so much for this great spotting guide and replies. I’ll add some photos to your link later as instructed. As to #15 i mentioned above, you can fill up Embraer 175 with 400mm lens. But not from #9(one of my favored spots) which you have to crop alot.
And from #15, you can shoot more head-on shots of the planes if you go to east side of the lot. From #9, you can only do side view. #13 is good for head on. But if I park at the outlet lot for too long, I’ve a feelings they may ticket or tow my vehicle some day(they’ve been good to me so far). I’d rather pay 4.25/hour at #15(hope it’s official here later) and worry free.
Cheers,
Jack
Good Morning Jack, I received your email with the photos. I will add your position and remove either #1 or #13. Thanks!
Julian
Howdy Julian,
All the spots you mentioned above are great. No needs to remove any one of them 🙂
Cheers, Jack