Thanks to you both for your insight. I've only experienced the mini-security area. There are 3 security lines, but only 1 has been in use when I'm there.
What prompted my curiosity was the fact that the SD from my NRT-YVR flight caught up to me while I was standing in line.
Yeah you can exit the sterile area (by heading left to the Exit instead of to the right towards Canada Connections) and enter the AC domestic area like a YVR-originating passenger, done this coming back from the U.S. In fact sometimes you have to as the mini-security and direct domestic access isn't always open. The walk is a little longer going outside - frankly I think it's a wash as I've done both.
If flying AC, the domestic security has a separate Nexus line with an automated gate - scans your BP and also your Nexus card. However all it does is put you to the front of the regular line, so still stuck behind Joe and Jane Once-A-Year Traveller if you're unlucky.
Originally Posted by
worldtraveller73
My experience with this has been the opposite.
I've always found the AC international / USA to domestic connection semi sterile security check (after the elevated walkway) to be much less congested than the regular screening point with all the kettles and families.
I wouldn't advocate leaving a sterile area in the hopes that the public side would be less busy. But you may have other experiences. . .