340k travelers expected at YVR this B.C. day weekend, the busiest of the season

If you’re among the hundreds of thousands of British Columbians travelling this B.C. Day long weekend, expect plenty of company at the airport. Our Kurt Black has more on the busy travel weekend ahead at YVR.

By Kurt Black

Posted August 1, 2026 10:43 am.

This weekend really is the superbowl of the summer travel season here at YVR.

As the airport is expecting its busiest long weekend of the summer, with more than 340,000 travellers passing through the airport between Friday and Monday. 

Friday alone is expected to be the busiest travel day, with roughly 91,000 passengers moving through the terminal.

And to ensure you avoid any travel frustrations, officials are asking folks to arrive well ahead of your scheduled departure, and are encouraging passengers to check in online before leaving home, and to pack smart to help keep security lines moving.

The airport says it’s well prepared for the holiday rush, with additional staff and a number of operational improvements in place to help passengers move through the terminal as smoothly as possible.  

So far, things have been running like a well oil machine. Speaking to one traveller who was heading to Edmonton for the weekend the keys to navigating this busy travel weekend is simple: get here early, and pack light. 

This weekend really is the superbowl of the summer travel season here at YVR.

As the airport is expecting its busiest long weekend of the summer, with more than 340,000 travellers passing through the airport between today and Monday. Today alone is expected to be the busiest travel day, with roughly 91,000 passengers moving through the terminal.

And to ensure you avoid any travel frustrations, officials are asking folks to arrive well ahead of your scheduled departure and are encouraging passengers to check in online before leaving home, and to pack smart to help keep security lines moving.

One thing travellers will want to keep an eye on, though, is the possibility of labour action involving WestJet flight attendants. Anyone flying with the airline is being urged to check for updates before heading to the airport.

If you’re travelling this weekend, arriving early and planning ahead will be the best way to help your trip get off to a smooth start.

Flight board at YVR. (CityNews Image)
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