Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – Toronto (YYZ) Domestic

The sprawling domestic Maple Leaf Lounge at Toronto Pearson Airport Terminal 1, Concourse D welcomes Air Canada’s domestic business class passengers, Star Alliance Gold customers, and Maple Leaf Lounge members.

Located on the 4th floor near gate D20, the Maple Leaf Lounge is a stone’s throw away from the security checkpoint, just above the Plaza Premium Lounge, and occupies a premium location with commanding views over the airport.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge YYZ design

The Air Canada domestic Maple Leaf Lounge at Toronto Pearson Airport is spacious, luminous, but busy. The club welcomes thousands of passengers a day, and the open design reflects a focus on space efficiency, at the expense of privacy.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – Toronto (YYZ) Domestic

Located on the upper level of the terminal building, the club sports large windows throughout, with superb views of the tarmac and airport grounds from most seating areas (though the central section overlooks a roof.) The space receives abundant daylight year round.

The lounge is divided into two sections on either side of the lobby. The left wing—the largest and busiest—features a large open seating area, dining zones, a TV room, and buffet and bar areas. Most seats are located near the windows, and come with side consoles or coffee tables. The right wing sports additional seating and a spacious business center with individual work cubicles and a plethora of desks.

The open design maximizes daylight and views, and facilitates wayfinding, but comes at the expense of privacy and noise buffering. At peak times, the club bustles with activity, and while finding a seat is hardly a challenge, constant traffic is not conducive to relaxation. For a quieter and more private experience, head over to the rear of the left wing, where a few high-backed seats with ottomans offer a sanctuary with panoramic views, or sit in the typically quieter right wing, near the business center.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – Toronto (YYZ) Domestic

The coziest and most comfortable space, outfitted with larger seats and couches, is designed as a TV room. That’s a blessing when hockey is on TV, as fans can cheer their favorite team behind  a closed door, but that’s unfortunate for weary guests who could use the sofas to take a power nap.

The décor is functional but hardly modern, and the space could use a refurbishment. The monochrome color palette is enhanced by a few bright red spots, in a nod to Air Canada’s branding. The furniture has seen better days, and some seats are in dire need of a replacement. As expected from an older lounge, power outlets are few and far between, though the business center has plenty of spots to plug in. Overall, the Maple Leaf Lounge has the feel of an older office space that’s been reasonably well cared for, but has none of the visual appeal or designer feel that characterizes more modern lounges.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge YYZ amenities

Air Canada’s domestic Maple Leaf Lounge at Toronto Pearson airport sports a wide range of amenities suitable for domestic and connecting international travelers alike.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – Toronto (YYZ) Domestic

Three self-service bars and several buffet and dining areas dot the lounge. The food spread includes snacks, salads, comfort hot fare such as pasta, as well as cookies and fresh fruit. On the beverage front, guests will find soft drinks, a couple of red and white wines, several beers on tap, and liquor staples such as Johnny Walker Red, Ballantine’s, J&B, Smirnoff Vodka, Grand Marnier, Bailey’s, and Kahlua. Espresso machines and a selection of teas as also available.

The business center features dozens of work cubicles with ergonomic seats, individual lamps, and credit card phones and fax machines from times gone by. It is truly an excellent place to work, away from the crowds. Wireless copier and printers are available, as well as two small conference rooms on a first come, first serve basis.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – Toronto (YYZ) Domestic

Guests who wish to freshen up will find shower suites appointed with a sink, toilet, shower, and bath products in wall-mounted dispensers. Be sure to inquire early as there may be a waitlist at peak times.

Other amenities include electronic device lockers and charging stations (a blast from the past; most modern lounges have power and USB ports at every seat) and an expansive selection of newspapers and magazines.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge YYZ bottom line

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – Toronto (YYZ) Domestic

The Air Canada domestic Maple Leaf Lounge at Toronto Pearson Airport is a bit of a mixed bag. The sprawling club, located at the airline’s largest hub, has the potential to be a flagship facility. But despite superb views and a solid range of amenities, the experience is somewhat underwhelming. The Maple Leaf Lounge is due for a refurbishment: the design has faded, the furniture has seen better days, power outlets are few and far between, and the business center features a collection of antiques such as credit card pay phones and data ports. But it’s the constant roar of the crowds and lack of privacy that ultimately disappoint.

For a quieter experience, consider using the right section of the lounge: whether it’s because of the distance from the buffet, or the lack of traditional seating (most of the space is occupied by the business center), guests tend to stay away and congregate in the left section instead.

As an alternative to the Maple Leaf Lounge, head over to the superb Air Canada Café opposite gate D20. While much more compact and lacking amenities such as showers and a business center, the airline’s newest lounge is quieter, more visually appealing, and boasts an impressive menu of food and beverages to be consumed on site or to take away.