Vancouver International Airport, YVR, has several lounges for travelers to enjoy before a trip. Access depends on where you're flying, but both the domestic and international terminals of the airport offer multiple lounges.

Options include airline-operated lounges from global carriers like Air Canada, British Airways and Cathay Pacific, and there’s also a SkyTeam alliance-branded lounge. Additionally, Priority Pass card members have numerous traditional lounges to choose from, as well as a restaurant where cardholders receive a dining credit.

Whether you pay for a subscription to Priority Pass or have one of the credit cards that come with membership access, there are six options to visit when traveling through YVR. Sometimes the best one may not be accessible based on where you’re flying, so be sure to review the Priority Pass website before heading to the airport.

Here’s a look at where the Priority Pass lounges are at Vancouver International Airport and what they offer.

Priority Pass options at YVR

SkyTeam Lounge (International departures, D Concourse)

Location: International departures, near Gate 53.

Hours: Range widely depending on the day, check with the lounge directly.

Conditions: Accessible to international-departing passengers only; domestic and U.S.-bound fliers don't have access.

More info: Priority Pass website.

This alliance-branded lounge has airplane views, modern design, a buffet with refreshments and complimentary drinks. The lounge also has a noodle bar.

Stanley Park Taphouse (Domestic, B Concourse)

Location: Domestic terminal, near Gate B12.

Hours: Vary based on flight schedules.

Conditions: Access available for domestic departures only. On occasion, if the restaurant exceeds its seating capacity, it may not be available for Priority Pass members.

More info: Priority Pass website.

Stanley Park Taphouse is a restaurant that has a participation agreement with the Priority Pass network. Priority Pass members who have cards that permit the credit for restaurants (American Express-issued cards don't) get $30 (CAD $37) per person off their check for food and drinks. If you register a guest on your card, an additional credit is also applied to the bill. You can register one guest only, however. To-go orders aren’t eligible for the Priority Pass credit either.

To use the perk, show your Priority Pass card and a boarding pass. Cardholders are responsible for any charges that exceed the credit allowance. Gratuity isn't included and any remaining credit cannot be applied toward the tip. On the menu are burgers, salads and craft beer making this a valuable way to take advantage of your Priority Pass membership before a flight.

How can I access these lounges?

Priority Pass has annual membership options starting at $99 per year, and membership can deliver airport lounge access around the world. Many credit cards include Priority Pass lounge access as a perk.

The numerous travel credit cards that include complimentary Priority Pass membership include:

Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card*. Enrollment required.

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card (10 visits per cardmember year). Enrollment required. Terms apply.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card (10 visits per cardmember year*). Enrollment required. Terms apply.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. Enrollment required.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. Enrollment required.

The Platinum Card® from American Express. Enrollment required.

U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

*Existing cardholders who enrolled in Priority Pass on or before Jan. 31, 2023, will no longer have a membership as of Feb. 1, 2024. Cardholders who enroll between Feb. 1, 2023, and Jan. 31, 2024, will continue to have membership through Oct. 31, 2024. Terms apply.

Most of these cards come with Priority Pass Select membership. This opens the door to any of the over 1,300 lounges within the network, along with the option to bring in up to two guests free of charge. Terms vary depending on which credit card provided your Priority Pass membership. The fee on some cards for bringing in a guest is $35 per person.

If your Priority Pass comes via an AmEx card — such as The Platinum Card® from American Express or the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card — or the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, restaurant visits are excluded. But YVR has numerous traditional lounges to make up for it. Terms apply.

What's the best Priority Pass lounge in Vancouver?

The best Priority Pass lounge in Vancouver depends on what you value in a lounge. If you’re looking strictly for food, you may opt to skip the traditional lounges and head to the restaurant to use the dining credit. If you want to get refreshed with a shower, the Plaza Premium Lounge (International departures) is your best bet.

If all you need is a place to sit and grab some food and drinks, then any of the options will do — though you will be somewhat restricted based on your terminal and where your flight is headed.

The bottom line

Depending on the terminal they are flying from, their destination and the flight timing, Priority Pass members traveling through Vancouver International Airport have five lounges and one Priority Pass restaurant option to choose from.

Always be sure to check the Priority Pass website ahead of travel. The lounge nearest your departure gate or in your departing concourse may not be easily accessible or have reduced hours.

All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is no longer available through NerdWallet.