Chester Johnson Park at YVR Airport

The walk between the parkade and the international terminal at Vancouver International Airport (“YVR”) is dotted with the usual landscape like luggage carts, suitcases, tuckered out travellers, and taxi cabs. However, tucked between the two structures is a great green space called Chester Johnson Park.

The sign is visible when entering the parkade from the roadway and looks as though it labels but a small grove of evergreens. The triangular penninsula includes more than meets the eye to the urban explorer. The three K’san Totem Poles stand next to a small pond that is fed by a rocky waterfall and split by a path over a bridge. My niece, nephews, and I ventured down the path and came across flowers, conifers, nursery logs, benches, and curious shaded corners.

The air is cool and crisp, and the perfect getaway from a place where people go to do exactly that. We spent at least 20 minutes on the path and another 10 exploring around the small waterfall area. If you have time to kill the next time you’re at the airport, take a stroll down a path in Chester Johnson Park and get one last dose of West Coast life before you dash off into the terminal.

Tomorrow is another Take Off Friday at YVR Airport and a special hotdog eating competition will take place at the Japadog right in Chester Johnson Park at 12:30pm.