Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge

Like many Canadian airports, Toronto Pearson airport has separate terminals for domestic, US, and other international departures. Air Canada’s international Maple Leaf Lounge is located in Concourse E, near the security checkpoint and gate E77. The club welcomes Star Alliance Gold customers, Maple Leaf Club members, and Star Alliance premium passengers.

In lieu of (or in addition to) the Maple Leaf Lounge, passengers flying Air Canada’s long-haul business class Signature Service are invited to enjoy the Air Canada Signature Suite (located two stories above the Maple Leaf Lounge) for a far superior experience, including a complimentary full-service restaurant and a premium bar.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge YYZ design

While Toronto Pearson airport serves as Air Canada’s primary hub, the three Maple Leaf Lounges (international, domestic, and transborder) have received relatively little attention over the years. The international Maple Leaf Lounge sports a dated décor that seems somewhat out of place.

Located on a mezzanine above the concourse level, the lounge is bathed in daylight and features sweeping tarmac views, but the layout is a bit disconcerting. The succession of rooms, packed with furniture arranged in tight clusters, leaves guests wanting for a more logical arrangement or more private seating. Most seats are accompanied with miniature and impractical coffee tables in lieu of larger side consoles.

The color palette is eclectic, with furniture sporting playful green and red tones against a vintage backdrop of wooden panels and glass walls.

The lounge fills up at peak times, and the staff struggles to keep the space tidy. In the evenings, at peak departure times, the club turns dark and chaotic. Noise from the concourse bleeds in, further impairing the experience.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge YYZ amenities

The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at Pearson Toronto airport’s International Terminal 1 Concourse E features a set of typical amenities for international travel.

In the ever bustling buffet and dining area, guests will find a selection of snacks, salads, sandwiches, and sweets, as well as comfort fare such as pasta. The experience is hardly gastronomic, but at least the selection caters to health-minded as much as casual eaters.

The self-service bar sports a selection of Canadian and international beers (all on tap), as well as wines and mid-range liquor. Other beverages include espresso, a selection of teas, and soda. A Vivreau tap dispenses still and sparkling water.

The lounge sports two spacious shower suites, each featuring a rain shower, a toilet, a sink, clothes hangers, and plenty of space to change. The green and brown tile may not be the latest design trend, but the facilities are clean and well-maintained. Bath products are available in wall-mounted dispensers, and towels are provided. However, with only two shower rooms, there is typically a waitlist—be sure to inquire early. Passengers flying Air Canada’s long-haul business class Signature Service receive priority access: contact the concierge at the Signature Suite to make a reservation.

A fully-equipped business center is outfitted with work desks, a copier/fax/printer, and a spacious and comfortable conference room available upon request. With the use of airport conference rooms on the decline, the amount of real estate dedicated to the business center is questionable—at least, Air Canada should consider making the conference room available to solo passengers when it is not reserved.

Other amenities include fast Wi-Fi, a selection of newspapers and magazines, as well as charging stations with various cables and tips.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge YYZ bottom line

The international Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at Toronto Pearson airport Terminal E is bland, busy, and often noisy. The club delivers on all the essentials such as fast Wi-Fi, work spaces, a selection of snacks and salads, and an open bar; and it also features a few extra amenities such as a conference room and shower suites. Unfortunately, chronic crowding and lack of privacy make for a less-than-ideal experience at peak times.

Passengers traveling long-haul on Air Canada Signature Class should consider skipping the Maple Leaf Lounge altogether and enjoying the far superior Air Canada Signature Suite instead. The only reason to visit the Maple Leaf Lounge would be to take a shower, which the Signature Suite Concierge can book as needed. Back in the day, passengers connecting from a domestic flight could use the Air Canada Café in the domestic terminal for a more intimate and serene experience, but unfortunately the Cafe is now off-limits to connecting passengers.