Air Canada operates three different lounges at Vancouver Airport. There is one lounge in each of the three areas. The main one is in the International departures area. US flights are not included as you clear CBP in Canada itself. You can then only stay in the terminal for US departures. There is a dedicated lounge over here by Air Canada. This is known as the Maple Leaf Lounge in the Transborder Terminal. Besides the Air Canada Lounge, in the Transborder Terminal, there is also the Plaza Premium Lounge.

Access Requirements

The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge is open daily from 6.15am to 8.45pm. Star Alliance premium cabin customers, KrisFlyer Gold status and Star Alliance Gold Status holders are allowed access to the lounge. I had access to the lounge on account of my ticket. I was flying business class from Vancouver to Los Angeles. Typical access rules for guests follow. Do note that from 13 June this year onwards, access to Maple Leaf Lounges, Air Canada Cafés, and Signature Suites will be limited to three hours before scheduled departure time. This does not apply during flight connections or flight delays.

Arrival & Location

The lounge is near Gate 84. You can find it after clearing CBP and security. It’s pretty easy to miss it as there aren’t any signs in the terminal. It was quite a struggle to find the lounge. The entrance is very innocuous. I miss it while walking past. The lounge is one level above the main terminal. After the entrance, there are some elevators that take you up to the lounge. I was warmly welcomed in by the staff and admitted entrance after scanning my boarding pass.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (Transborder Terminal) Vancouver Airport

The launch mainly stretches along the terminal. The weather was amazing when I was flying out. The sun was out with the blinds lowered. I do love that the lounge comes with plenty of tarmac views. The gorgeous scenery of Vancouver’s surrounding area is amazing. You have some lounges and a couch along the window. Do note that only some of them come with power outlets. They do have portable chargers available for guests to use around the lounge.

Heading to the inner parts of the lounge, you can find additional seating. There is also a meeting room and some sofa seats in front of the TV Screen. I appreciated that the TV was kept silent. Here are some pictures of the lounge.

On the other side of the lounge, nearer to the refreshment area, some dining tables are more suitable for dining.

Toilets and Showers

The toilets are simple but well-maintained. They were stocked with Molten Brown amenities. I appreciate them having their toilets and showers. The showers were under lock and I did not get a chance to check it out.

Food and Drinks

This is hands down the most disappointing aspect of the lounge. During my time here, breakfast service was served. The selection was very bare. I am expecting a lot more than this. There are just some hard-boiled eggs, oatmeals, pastries, bagels and a couple of fruits.

Drinks-wise, there are some coffee machines, packaged tea, soft drinks, juices and water. Alcohol is not offered until after 11am. They should have learned something from their Lufthansa counterparts. This is still slightly better than the food.

Conclusion

I am disappointed with the lounge. I expected a lot more from this place after all this is in their home hub. The food is very bare and there is nothing much. I would love to try out the Plaza Premium Lounge as I heard that it is pretty good. Sadly, I did not have the chance to do so. This is not a lounge that you should come early for. Air Canada should be embarrassed to provide these in their home hub. I do suspect this might be slightly bare since it is the Transborder lounge. Perhaps the main one will be a lot better. Next up, my first ever premium cabin flight on Air Canada.