Aspire Air Canada Cafe Review: Best Priority Pass Value?

With my first-ever stop through Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport came the unexpected opportunity to explore the fantastic Aspire Air Canada Cafe — and it almost didn’t happen. Here’s why.

This is my personal Air Canada Aspire Lounge review, where I’ll share everything you need to know about this hidden gem, from how to access it to the experience inside.

Location and Access: Finding the Billy Bishop Airport Lounge

Toronto Billy Bishop Airport is located just minutes from downtown Toronto, nestled on the Toronto Islands. Despite the countless times I’ve flown through Toronto, I had never ventured through Billy Bishop until a last-minute trip to Boston popped up.

The itinerary included a unique routing that connected me through Billy Bishop to Montreal and then Calgary, all on Porter Airlines.

The Aspire Lounge Billy Bishop airport location is tucked discreetly away in the departures area, near Gate 5, making it both central and easy to miss if you’re not actively looking for it. The understated signage and minimal fanfare mean you could easily bypass this gem, but trust me—it’s worth seeking out.

Who Can Access the Aspire Air Canada Cafe?

Although I almost missed my chance to visit the lounge, it wasn’t initially on my radar. Flying Porter Airlines Reserve, their premium seating product, does not include lounge access, and I mistakenly assumed I wouldn’t be eligible to check out the Air Canada Aspire Lounge.

Embarrassingly, I spent over an hour of my two-hour layover wandering the terminal, thinking I couldn’t access it. It wasn’t until I noticed the Priority Pass signage near the entrance that I realized my membership granted me complimentary access.

Although I was annoyed I didn’t get to spend much time inside, I still got to experience it.

How to Access the Lounge

So you don’t make the same mistake as me, here’s the full breakdown of how you can access the Aspire Lounge:

• Aeroplan Elite Status: Complimentary for Aeroplan 50K, 75K, or Super Elite members.
• Star Alliance Gold Members: Free access.
• Aeroplan Premium Credit Card Holders: Complimentary access included with cards like the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card with Air Canada boarding pass.
• Priority Pass & DragonPass Members: Eligible for entry without additional fees.
• Pay-Per-Visit: Non-members can enter for $50 CAD per adult or $30 CAD per child if booked online (prices slightly higher at the door).

My Priority Pass membership, included with my American Express Aeroplan Card. If you don’t already have Priority Pass, consider signing up for an eligible card—it’ll pay off quickly if you’re a frequent traveler.

First Impressions of the Air Canada Aspire Lounge

As I entered the lounge, I was immediately impressed by its elegant and modern design. The Aspire Air Canada Cafe branding above the sleek glass doors hinted at the premium experience awaiting inside.

The check-in counter, with its polished marble finish, was staffed by friendly attendants who made the process seamless. The striking moss-covered accent wall near the entrance added a refreshing natural touch, while soft blue lighting from the Aspire and Air Canada logos added to the lounge’s sophisticated ambiance.

Despite its relatively compact size (4,000 square feet), the lounge felt spacious, thanks to clever design and thoughtful seating arrangements.

Service and Amenities: What Makes the Air Canada Aspire Lounge Stand Out?

A Space for Everyone

The Billy Bishop Airport Lounge is designed to cater to a wide range of travelers. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to work or a cozy corner to relax, you’ll find it here. Seating options include:

• Communal Tables: Perfect for dining or socializing.
• Private Booths: Great for those who need a bit of privacy.
• Wingback Chairs and Leather Sofas: Ideal for lounging.
• Meeting Room and Workspaces: A glass-enclosed meeting room accommodates up to five people, while individual workstations offer privacy for calls and emails.

Every seating area is equipped with accessible charging ports, and wireless charging pads are available throughout the lounge.

Dining and Drinks: A Step Above

The food and beverage offerings at the Aspire Air Canada Cafe are impressive, rivaling those of the Air Canada Cafe at Toronto Pearson, which is one of my all-time favorite places to kill time in between flights.

• Food Options:
  • Hot items included breakfast staples like scrambled eggs, bacon, and hash browns during my visit. The cold buffet offered an array of cured meats, cheeses, and fresh fruit, alongside small jars of green smoothies. All of it pleasantly displayed and appetizing on the eyes.
  • The grab-and-go section was a standout for me. Sandwiches, overnight oats, and pastries were neatly packaged in branded Aspire paper bags, perfect for travelers with tight connections. Since I didn’t have access to the Maple Leaf Lounge in Montreal and the new YUL Air Canada Cafe wasn’t open yet, I grabbed a turkey sandwich for my layover. It was a much better choice than overpriced terminal food.
• Coffee and Pastries:
  • The automated barista machines were a personal highlight and reminded me of what I loved about my visit to the Air New Zealand lounge in Sydney. Using the touchscreen iPads, I customized a cappuccino that tasted just as good as something you’d get from a high-end café. The accompanying pastries—croissants, chocolate danishes, and more—were a delightful treat.
• Bar and Specialty Drinks:
  • At the heart of the lounge stands a stunning three-sided bar, stocked with premium alcohol. Complimentary drinks include beer, wine, and basic cocktails, while specialty drinks and top-shelf options are available for purchase. There was even a Negroni Week event on while I was visiting which was hard to pass on. The staff was attentive and happy to craft custom cocktails.

Connectivity and Entertainment

High-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the lounge, and televisions broadcasting news and sports add to the ambiance. With plenty of charging options—both wired and wireless—you’ll never have to worry about your devices running out of juice.

My Personal Experience at the Aspire Lounge Billy Bishop Airport

My initial plan was to grab a coffee from Balzac’s, a local favorite, and wait near the gate. However, when I realized my Priority Pass membership granted me complimentary lounge access, I decided to check it out.

As someone who frequently travels through larger hubs like Pearson, I wasn’t expecting much from a lounge at a smaller airport. But the Aspire Air Canada Cafe proved me wrong.

Relaxation and Convenience

After checking in, I settled into a cozy wingback chair near a charging station. I ordered a cappuccino from the automated barista machine and paired it with a chocolate croissant. The ambiance was a perfect mix of calm and sophistication, making it easy to unwind before my flight.

The grab-and-go section was a lifesaver. Knowing I had a freshly made sandwich for my layover in Montreal eliminated the stress of finding food in the terminal.

Comparing the Aspire Lounge to the Air Canada Cafe at YYZ

While the Aspire Lounge impressed me, it’s worth comparing it to the Air Canada Cafe counterpart at Toronto Pearson (YYZ), a lounge I’ve raved about in the past. Both lounges excel in providing high-quality food and beverages, but they differ in their overall vibe and features.

• Ambiance: The Air Canada Cafe at YYZ offers a sleeker, more modern feel, whereas the Aspire Lounge leans toward a cozier, boutique style.
• Food: Both lounges excel in grab-and-go options and barista-quality coffee, but the Aspire Lounge edges ahead with its hot food offerings.
• Space: The YYZ Cafe is larger and offers more seating options, but the Aspire Lounge feels less crowded due to its exclusivity and location.

Is This Billy Bishop Airport Lounge Worth It?

In my opinion, yes. The Air Canada Aspire Lounge at Billy Bishop elevates the travel experience with its premium amenities, thoughtful design, and exceptional food and drink offerings. Whether you’re a business traveler needing a quiet workspace or a leisure traveler looking for a touch of luxury, this lounge delivers.

For Priority Pass members like me, this is hands down the best Priority Pass lounge I’ve ever experienced. I would happily pay out of pocket for the visit as well.

Considering my previous visit to a Plaza Premium Lounge a lacklustre one in Taipei, it may not take much to impress me however, I can say with confidence, this Billy Bishop airport lounge impressed me.

• READ MORE: Is Westjet Premium Economy Worth It?
• READ MORE: Air Canada Premium Economy Review
• READ MORE: Is Porter Airlines Good? Check out my full Trip Report

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