Vancouver International Airport Allergy Guide

Overview

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is Canada's second busiest airport, handling around 26 million passengers each year. It serves as a major gateway between North America and Asia-Pacific. The airport has a single main terminal building divided into domestic, US transborder, and international areas. Canada's federal allergen labelling regulations require pre-packaged food to declare priority allergens, and British Columbia's food safety regulations include allergen awareness requirements for food service staff.

For the official airport website, visit yvr.ca.

Official Resources

• Vancouver Airport Official Website
• Terminal Maps
• Dining & Shopping Directory

🍽️Key Food Directory

ℹ️

Important

Chain restaurants often publish allergen menus and matrices online, which can make ordering easier. However, individual franchise locations may vary in their practices. Always confirm directly with staff before ordering.

Domestic Terminal

1. 1
   Tim Hortons — Canadian chain with published allergen information on their website; coffee, baked goods, and light meals
2. 2
   White Spot — iconic British Columbia chain; allergen information available on request, known for accommodating dietary needs
3. 3
   Starbucks — chain with published allergen information on their website and app
4. 4
   A&W — Canadian chain with published allergen information on their website

International Terminal

1. 1
   Vij's — acclaimed Indian restaurant by Vikram Vij; staff can advise on allergen modifications — be aware of common use of dairy, nuts, and legumes in Indian cuisine
2. 2
   Globe@YVR — full-service restaurant; staff can advise on allergen requirements
3. 3
   Tim Hortons — as above
4. 4
   Starbucks — as above
5. 5
   Hanami — Japanese restaurant; ask staff about allergen details — soy, sesame, and shellfish common in Japanese cuisine

US Transborder

1. 1
   Tim Hortons — as above
2. 2
   Milestones — Canadian casual dining chain; allergen information available on request
3. 3
   Starbucks — as above

🏢Airport Lounges

Vancouver Airport has several lounges accessible via Priority Pass, airline status, or day passes.

💡

Tip

Lounge buffets can be tricky for allergy sufferers as dishes may not be individually labelled. Ask the lounge reception desk for allergen information — many lounges can accommodate requests with advance notice.

• Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic and International) — available via Priority Pass; varied food options, ask staff for allergen details
• Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (Domestic and International) — allergen information available on request
• SkyTeam Lounge (International) — allergen information available on request from lounge staff

🏢Allergy-Friendly Tips for This Airport

• Canada's Food and Drug Regulations require pre-packaged foods to declare 11 priority allergens — check labels on grab-and-go items
• YVR has a strong Asia-Pacific influence in its dining options — Asian cuisines commonly use soy, sesame, shellfish, and peanuts, so ask about these specifically
• Tim Hortons is widely available throughout the airport and their published allergen matrix is comprehensive
• White Spot is a trusted local chain with a good reputation for accommodating dietary needs — ask staff about their allergen process
• If you have severe allergies, consider packing your own food — CATSA allows solid food items through security
• London Drugs and pharmacy outlets inside the airport stock antihistamines and basic allergy medication without prescription
• YVR consistently ranks among the best airports in North America — the information desk can help you locate allergy-friendly options
• Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal — use it to check chain allergen menus before ordering

📋Before You Go

1. 1
   Check the YVR Dining Directory to identify restaurants in your departure area
2. 2
   Look up allergen menus for your preferred chains before arriving (Tim Hortons, White Spot, and A&W all publish allergen information online)
3. 3
   Download your free allergy translation card — especially useful if connecting to Asia-Pacific destinations
4. 4
   Pack allergy-friendly snacks in your carry-on as a backup
5. 5
   Carry your allergy medication in your carry-on with a doctor's letter if needed