After successfully redeeming Air Canada’s eUpgrades between YYC and YVR, I once again had the opportunity to visit the Air Canada Lounge Calgary—an experience that has consistently impressed me over multiple visits. From the welcoming atmosphere to the great food and service, the Calgary Maple Leaf Lounge continues to be a solid pre-flight stop.
Here’s my full takeaway and what to expect from the Calgary Maple Leaf Lounge.
2025 Update
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the Calgary Maple Leaf Lounge several times over the past couple of years, and each visit has been a positive experience. Most recently, my Porter Airlines reserve trip started with a visit to the incredible Air Canada Aspire Café at Billy Bishop Airport before connecting to Vancouver on Air Canada’s 737 MAX business class.
The food and service have always been great, with standout highlights including Caesars paired with mini sliders—a nice nod to both the drink’s Canadian origins and Alberta’s famous beef industry.
Where is the Calgary Maple Leaf Lounge Located?
The Calgary Maple Leaf lounge is located in Concourse C (domestic) of the Calgary International Airport. It’s the only Air Canada lounge at YYC so easy to find. At the time of posting this, the lounge is open from 05:15 – 19:00. For the latest hours and Covid restrictions please check out the Maple Leaf lounge website.
How Are the Maple Leaf Lounge Calgary Service & Amenities?
I was fully expecting the Calgary Maple Leaf lounge to be a carbon copy of the domestic lounges at Vancouver (YVR) and Toronto Pearson (YYZ). Upon entering I immediately found this is not the case.
YYC Maple Leaf Lounge Service
For starters, the decor is very nice – western classy if that is even a thing. Second, after passing the curving art wall of an entrance you are greeted by a full bar with a bartender. This is more in line with Air Canada’s international lounge at YVR. This is certainly a nice touch and beats the offerings at YVR’s domestic terminal hands down. Across from the bar is a full-service kitchen. This, however, was limited to take away items due to the pandemic.
As I have found in all Maple Leaf Lounges, the service is top-notch. The staff at the Calgary Air Canada Lounge are consistently attentive and friendly, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for travelers. From the moment you arrive, the welcoming atmosphere sets the tone for a relaxed pre-flight stay.
One of the standout aspects of my visits has been the excellent table service. Whether ordering drinks from the bar or enjoying a meal, the staff go above and beyond to provide prompt and courteous service. The ability to sit back and have a freshly made Caesar cocktail or a snack delivered to your table adds a premium touch that enhances the overall lounge experience.
This level of hospitality is one of the reasons the Calgary Maple Leaf Lounge remains a favorite among frequent flyers. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick refreshment or spending more time unwinding before a flight, the service ensures a comfortable and enjoyable stay every time.
Calgary Air Canada Lounge Amenities
On top of its decor, the Air Canada lounge at YYC stands out for its cellphone free area, fast WiFi, and family-style couch seats in front of the TV areas.
Speaking of seating, the Air Canada Lounge YYC offers plenty of options to suit different needs. Whether you’re looking for a plush bench to relax, a quiet desk for catching up on work, or a dining table for enjoying a meal, there’s no shortage of comfortable spaces to settle in before your flight.
Personally, I always prefer a seat with a view of the tarmac, but given how busy the Calgary Maple Leaf Lounge was during my visit, those prime spots were already taken. Instead, I found a comfy chair just a row back, which still provided a relaxed and inviting space to unwind before my flight.
With its thoughtful layout and ample seating, the Air Canada Lounge YYC makes it easy for travelers to find their ideal spot—whether that means stretching out before a long-haul journey or setting up a laptop to stay productive before boarding.
What is the Calgary Maple Leaf Lounge Food & Drink Like?
As mentioned above, the Calgary Maple Leaf Lounge features both a full bar and a kitchen with a grilling station. Although the grill was shut, the area was used as the takeaway area with the standard wraps, salads, chips, and drinks. On the positive, the bar was open.
Like other Maple Leaf Lounges, there is a dedicated coffee machine area serving up mediocre espresso and drip coffee. What is not like the other lounges is the propper espresso machine behind the bar. Extra points here for sure!
I grabbed a preflight Guinness and perused the online menu for a bite or two to eat. Since the pandemic, Air Canada shifted to meal delivery to guest seats utilizing a nifty QR code at your table. Menu items always feature a prominent Canadian guest chef and have been very good so far. This visit included a delicious mushroom soup by Chef David Hawksworth (of Hawksworth Restaurant) and a Buffalo Chicken Springroll. The latter I was sceptical about but ended up ordering seconds…so there’s that.
Note: As per my post on CleanCare+ in the Maple Leaf Lounges, meal service may be the norm going forward to reduce touchpoints.
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Conclusion
Overall, I was very happy with the experience and service at the Maple Leaf Lounge in Calgary. The space strikes a balance between the domestic and international offerings found at other major Canadian airports, making it a well-rounded lounge option for travelers. Since it is the only Air Canada Lounge Calgary has to offer, it makes sense that it caters to a mix of passengers, providing a comfortable and well-appointed space for both domestic and international travelers.
From the great food and drink selection—including the standout Caesar cocktails and mini sliders—to the attentive service and relaxing atmosphere, the Calgary Maple Leaf Lounge remains a solid choice for anyone flying through YYC. Whether you’re using eUpgrades, traveling in business class, or accessing the lounge with Aeroplan Elite Status, it’s a great way to elevate your pre-flight experience.
For comparison, check out my reviews of the Maple Leaf lounges in Montreal, Ottawa, and Halifax.
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