Yes, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has designated, signed outdoor smoking areas outside the Main Terminal. They are landside (before security) on the curbsides, away from the doors. The terminal itself is smoke-free and vape-free inside, with no smoking after security.
Main Terminal
- A confirmed designated outdoor smoking area sits at the Level 3 domestic departures level
- Further signed outdoor areas are outside the terminal entrances on the curbsides
- The Y-shaped Main Terminal houses Domestic (piers B/C), International (pier D) and US transborder (pier E) — all share the same landside smoking arrangement, none has an airside area
Good to know
- No indoor smoking and no post-security (airside) smoking — connecting passengers must exit, smoke outdoors, then re-clear security
- YVR is on Sea Island in the City of Richmond, whose bylaw requires a 9 metre setback from doors, windows and air intakes (stricter than the 6 metre province-wide BC rule); the marked zones already account for this
- Cannabis is allowed only in the same designated outdoor areas — YVR was an early adopter of public cannabis areas — and is banned everywhere else; never carry cannabis through the on-site US preclearance
- Vaping follows the same rules as smoking: outdoor designated areas only
For exact spots, follow the on-site signage. For Canada airport smoking rules, the vape ban, and other general info, see our Canada smoking guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke at Vancouver Airport?
Yes, in designated, signed outdoor smoking areas outside the Main Terminal. There is a marked Designated Outdoor Smoking area at the Level 3 domestic departures level, plus further signed areas outside the terminal entrances. Smoking is outdoor-only; the terminal is smoke-free and vape-free inside.
Where is the smoking area at Vancouver Airport?
Outside the Main Terminal, away from the doors. A confirmed designated outdoor smoking area sits at Level 3 (domestic departures); additional signed areas are outside the terminal entrances on the curbsides. Follow the on-site signage and stay within the marked zone.
Is there a smoking area after security at YVR?
No. All smoking areas at Vancouver Airport are outside the terminal building, so step out before clearing security. There is no indoor or post-security (airside) smoking, which means connecting passengers must exit, smoke outdoors, and re-clear screening.
Can I smoke cannabis at Vancouver Airport?
Yes, but only in the same designated outdoor smoking areas — YVR was one of the first Canadian airports to allow cannabis consumption outdoors. It is banned everywhere else on the property. Never carry cannabis across the border, as YVR has US preclearance on site and crossing with cannabis is illegal.
How far from the doors do I have to stand to smoke at YVR?
YVR sits in the City of Richmond, whose bylaw requires a 9 metre setback from doorways, windows and air intakes — stricter than the 6 metre province-wide rule in British Columbia. The marked designated areas already account for this, so just stay inside the painted zone.
