Airline and airport officials would not immediately say what the problem was, but the incident came as the United States and Canada are on heightened alert for terror attacks.
"United Airlines flight 1104 from Anchorage, Alaska to Denver, Colorado was diverted to Vancouver International Airport due to a security concern," an airport spokeswoman said.
"The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are responding."
The plane landed safely and the airline is cooperating with authorities, United said.
There was no impact to flight operations at Vancouver airport.