Seamless Vancouver Entry: A Traveler's Immigration Experience
My recent trip to Canada, specifically the arrival in Vancouver, was surprisingly smooth. It was an adventure shared with a companion, one of us around 50 and the other in their early 20s, both sharing a love for travel. Our shared enthusiasm certainly made the Canada trip even more enjoyable!
We landed in Vancouver last week and handled immigration as a duo. The process involved scanning our passports and completing the declaration forms at the airport's self-service kiosks for our group of two. After printing the forms, we were directed to an exit lane where an immigration officer was waiting, bypassing the main counter.
The Quick Interview
The officer simply reviewed our forms and asked just two brief questions:
- Which airline did you arrive with in Vancouver?
- What is the purpose of your entry?
That was it. We were through the EXIT!
Leaving the country was even simpler; it felt much like a domestic flight experience. We checked in, got our boarding passes, went through security screening, and headed straight to our gate.
Vancouver to Calgary Journey
We spent three wonderful days exploring Vancouver before catching an early morning flight with Flair Airlines from YVR to Calgary, which was incredibly convenient. The flight departed exactly on time, and since we purchased the baggage allowance, handling our luggage was hassle-free.
Upon arrival at Calgary Airport, taking the public bus downtown was easy and affordable. Bus 300 runs every 15-20 minutes and costs just CAD 3.85 per person. The buses are well-equipped with dedicated spaces for luggage.
From Calgary, our next destination was Banff the following day.
Seasonal Shift in Alberta
The weather provided a stark contrast to Vancouver, where late autumn brought alternating sunny and rainy days. By the time we reached Calgary, the city and the entire province of Alberta had fully transitioned into winter. Temperatures occasionally dropped to -1 degree Celsius, and many areas were already covered in snow.
I'm sharing a few images of the stunning snow-covered Lake Louise for your enjoyment.
Credit: Cánh Cam Trips
