There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Lansdowne House into a quick city adventure. From YLH, the local transport can get you into town in around 30 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Three things to verify before you walk out of YLH:
- Can you legally enter Canada? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 30-minute journey each way by local transport, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the CAD. ATMs near the arrivals area typically offer better rates than the exchange counters.
How to Get Into Lansdowne House
From YLH, the local transport gets you to Lansdowne House 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.
Layover Budget Breakdown
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Lansdowne House might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$10 USD
- A meal: ~$19 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$39 USD
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Lansdowne House.
Things to Do During Your Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Lansdowne House, two standouts are:
- Natural Surroundings Observation — On a clear day, the views alone justify the detour.
- Community Overview (from appropriate vantage points) — A quick stop here is rewarding — great for photos.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at YLH, check out Airport Waiting Area Relaxation or Airstrip Observation Window to keep yourself occupied.
Food & Dining Options
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Lansdowne House: Neskantaga Community Store and Local Informal Food Source (inquire locally). Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Airport Vending Machines or Pilot/Staff Snack Corner (if accessible). Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at YLH aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Lansdowne House itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
WiFi at YLH should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Canada and you’re good to go.
Rest Areas & Lounges
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at YLH.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Lansdowne House is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy Lansdowne House.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.