10 Largest Airports in Canada

Are you interested in visiting the expansive and beautiful country of Canada? Millions of travelers head to Canada every year to enjoy everything it offers. Canada is known for its stunning landscapes, including national parks, forests, mountains, and lakes. Outside of natural beauty, the country boasts cosmopolitan cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. These cities offer unique cultural experiences like fantastic dining options, museums, and shopping centers. As the world’s second-largest country by total area, you can expect to find some of the largest airports in Canada. Below, we’ve compiled a list of Canada’s ten largest airports. 

So, if you’re interested in learning which airports are known for being the largest based on destinations offered and airlines available to fly from, keep reading!

1. Lester B. Pearson International Airport

The largest airport in Canada is Lester B. Pearson International Airport. This airport is also more widely referred to as Toronto Pearson International Airport. It is located in Mississauga, Ontario, just outside of Toronto. The airport is the primary international travel hub to almost 200 destinations. It features five runways and two passenger terminals. In addition, the overall size of the airport is 4,613 acres. Many travelers note that this airport has a lot to offer in terms of dining, shopping, and general traveling experience. You’ll find tons of high-end fashion brands here and more casual shopping. There are also many food and drink options, including fast food and world-class cuisine.

2. Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport

Located in Dorval, Quebec, is the Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, which serves the Greater Montreal area. This airport allows travelers to depart to nearly 150 different destinations across the globe. Around 30 or so airlines fly from this airport, including Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, Delta, Jetblue, Emirates, and more! There are three airport runways and a two-story terminal with four different areas. If you find yourself famished before hopping on your flight, you’ll be happy to know this airport features a wide range of food options. Additionally, if you’re taking an international flight, you’ll have access to duty-free shopping.

3. Vancouver International Airport

Next on our list is Vancouver International Airport. It is located in Richmond, British Columbia, and is also considered the second busiest airport in the country. It features 56 different airlines and offers passengers around 120 various travel destinations to choose from. As part of the annual Skytrax awards, Vancouver International Airport was recognized as North America’s best airport for 12 consecutive years. It was only recently outranked by Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which just underwent a billion-dollar expansion. Despite this, YVR has continued to be a traveler’s favorite when it comes to airports to travel through. The airport’s interior is considered aesthetically appealing, and you’ll find tons of great facilities throughout YVR. As a large airport, YVR has a lot to offer passengers as they make their way to their next destination.

4. Calgary International Airport

Calgary International Airport is another one of the largest airports in Canada. The airport is located in Calgary, Alberta, and serves as a hub for Air Canada, WestJet, and Sunwing Airlines. When traveling through YYC, you can access over 50 different destinations with 16 different airlines. Since this is also one of the busiest airports in the country, you can expect to have access to a wide variety of amenities, which include great restaurants, lounges, and shops. Many travelers enjoy how clean and spacious the airport is and how it features a lot of beautiful natural light. Also, if you didn’t have a chance to indulge before leaving, then you’ll want to stop at Tim Hortons for a donut or TimBit after passing through security.

5. Edmonton International Airport

You’ll find Edmonton International Airport nestled in the province of Alberta. It is about 16 miles south of downtown Edmonton. This airport serves as the primary transportation hub for the Edmonton metropolitan area and surrounding areas. Regarding its size, this airport offers passengers 15 different airlines to choose from for direct, non-stop flights. Additionally, the airport also offers flights to 55 other destinations. Although Edmonton International Airport is not the largest in terms of destinations and airlines offered, it is one of the largest in terms of overall land size. The airport takes up about 7,000 acres of land. Aside from that, the airport is also a major cargo hub in Western Canada. It handles various types of cargo, including agricultural products, machinery, and even oil-related equipment.

6. Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) is another one of the largest airports in Canada. You can fly to almost 40 different destinations from this airport with access to 11 different airlines. It is also conveniently located about six miles south of downtown Ottawa. This makes the airport incredibly accessible to many people. Since the airport serves the nation’s capital region, it functions as a gateway into Ottawa. One of the most interesting aspects of YOW is its commitment to sustainability. YOW takes the initiative to reduce the environmental impact of its operations through waste management programs and recovering and treating glycol. The airport has even received a carbon neutrality accreditation.

7. Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport

Next on our list is Winnipeg Airport, also known as Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport. A total of 10 airlines fly in and out of here, including Air Canada, Delta, and Westjet. The airport currently has a little over 40 various destinations that you can fly to in five different countries. It is conveniently located only 5 miles west of downtown Winnipeg, which makes it easily accessible to many. The airport was initially constructed between 1961 and 1964, and it is regarded as a stunning example of mid-century modern architecture in Canada. ‘You’ll also find some of the most amazing art pieces in the airport. The airport displays a gorgeous collection of artwork from Canadian and indigenous artists.

8. Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport

Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport is located in Sainte-Foy, a suburb of Québec City. It is only 10 miles away from the center of the city, which makes it conveniently situated for locals. Twelve different airlines fly out of Quebec City International, with about 20 different destinations available all year round. The airport has two runways and one main passenger terminal with two levels. One of the biggest highlights about flying in and out of this airport is how gorgeous everything surrounding it is. ‘You’ll get fantastic views of the Laurentian Mountains and the St. Lawrence River when you’re here. Another interesting tidbit about this airport is that it provides services in both French and English, as much of the population is bilingual.

9. Victoria International Airport

As the primary airport for Vancouver Island, Victoria International Airport is important as a passenger travel and cargo hub. There are 11 different airlines that serve this airport and a number of destinations that you can fly to. Some of these destinations include Seattle, Toronto, and Calgary. This is another airport in a picturesque area that makes flying in and out of here an extra enjoyable experience. Additionally, once you are inside the airport, you can expect quite a pleasurable atmosphere. Although small, it is immaculate inside and easy to navigate. Many travelers often state how friendly and helpful the staff can be. This is why Victoria International Airport has received many awards for its customer service and overall airport experience.

10. Halifax Stanfield International Airport

Halifax Stanfield International Airport is one of the more scenic airports in Canada. This airport is located about 22 miles north of downtown Halifax and offers passengers some gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean and overall coastline. You can choose from eight different airlines here that fly to two destinations in Europe, various cities throughout the U.S., and 21 cities in Canada. The airport continues to provide travelers with great experiences as they have received many awards and accolades for their airport services and customer service.

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