Originally Posted by bocastephen (Post 29693564)

I am trying to remember from the last time I was there, but once you enter the international terminal, you can still just exit back out through security without re-clearing immigration - the only way to get to immigration is by the arrival gate and escalator to the upper walkways that lead back to the immigration hall. Someone would need to let you in and escort you upstairs, so IIRC, you can just walk back out. For pre-clearance, back in the day you could walk out too, but now I think they make you re-enter Canada through immigration and someone needs to escort you upstairs to the walkway.

Originally Posted by mistermap (Post 29693591)

There are no CBSA formalities for a passenger originating at YVR and leaving on an international flight. On your second question, the international departures area at YVR does not have an easy path to the land side, because it is configured for transit without visa (TWOV). I recall reading in another thread that it is possible to be escorted to down to the regular customs area for reentry to Canada. Perhaps someone with experience can weigh in on this.