For travelers with a layover in Val D’or, the proximity of YVO to the city center is a real gift. Getting into town takes around 30 minutes via Taxi, and we’ve mapped out the logistics so you can spend less time planning and more time exploring.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
A few things to sort out before you leave YVO:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for Canada. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Val D’or takes about 30 minutes by Taxi. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is CAD. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some CAD in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
The Best Way Into Val D’or from YVO
You have two main options for getting from Val-d’Or Airport into town:
- Taxi: About 30 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 50 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Val D’or 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 Val D’or.
What’s Worth Seeing in Val D’or
Two recommendations for your time in Val D’or:
Start with Cité de l’Or (City of Gold Historical Site). You can see the main features in a short visit. Then, if time allows, make your way to Parc Belvédère. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at YVO, check out Val-d’Or Airport Viewing Area or Airport Kiosk & Souvenirs to keep yourself occupied.
Best Bites Near YVO
- In the city: Restaurant Le Piacere and Mikes Val-d’Or are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Val D’or.
- At the airport: Airport Snack Bar/Cafe and will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Storing Your Luggage at Val-d’Or Airport
Dedicated luggage storage at YVO may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Val D’or’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at YVO, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Val D’or itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Canada that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Resting at the Airport
Long overnight layover? Your options at YVO include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Canada also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Val D’or count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave YVO. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.