A long layover in Beaver Creek is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Beaver Creek Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 30 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Before heading into Beaver Creek, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for Canada vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Beaver Creek is roughly 30 minutes from YXQ via local transport. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in CAD. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some CAD in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
What’s Worth Seeing in Beaver Creek
If you head into Beaver Creek, here are two things worth checking out:
Beaver Creek Welcome Centre is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Alaska Highway Interpretive Display is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Beaver Creek.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at YXQ, check out Terminal Waiting Area or Aircraft Observation Area to keep yourself occupied.
Where to Grab a Meal
For food in Beaver Creek, local travelers recommend Buckshot Betty’s Diner. If you have time for a second stop, Westmark Inn Beaver Creek Restaurant is another popular pick.
Back at YXQ, Vending Machine Refreshments is the go-to. Self-Serve Coffee & Tea Station rounds out your in-terminal options.
Transport from Beaver Creek Airport to Downtown
From YXQ, the local transport gets you to Beaver Creek in around 30 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 50 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the local transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Beaver Creek might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$10 USD
- A meal: ~$19 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$39 USD
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Luggage Storage Options
Luggage storage options at YXQ can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Beaver Creek for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at YXQ for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Beaver Creek or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at YXQ, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Beaver Creek with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Beaver Creek may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.