After years of flying out of Vancouver and dreaming of a better pre-flight experience, the Air Canada Cafe Vancouver has finally landed. As someone who has long enjoyed the chic and efficient Air Canada Cafés at Toronto Pearson and the Aspire offering at Billy Bishop airport, this addition to YVR wins big points in my books.
Not only does it help alleviate the overcrowding in the Maple Leaf Lounge, but it also offers a stylish, grab-and-go alternative for busy travelers who still want a premium airport experience.
Before taking a short Air Canada business class flight to Edmonton, I had the perfect excuse to check out the new café and see how it stacks up.
Search for the lowest prices on Air Canada flights with SkyscannerWhere to Find the Air Canada Cafe YVR
The Vancouver Air Canada Cafe is located near Gates C46–C47. But for a more useful reference, you’ll find it just past the small food court near the end of the C Gates. Look to your left as you make your way down the concourse — you can’t miss the bright, modern entrance.
The café is open daily from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM, making it convenient for early morning departures and late afternoon flights alike.
A welcome improvement at YVR is signage near the often-crowded Maple Leaf Lounge line, now pointing travelers to this new cafe. Smart move, although I have often found the Air Canada Cafe at Toronto Pearson as a bit of a hidden and under-appreciated gem.
Access is granted via an automated turnstile—just scan your boarding pass. It’s sleek and efficient, much like the lounge itself.
Who Can Access the Air Canada Cafe Vancouver?
Just like other Air Canada Cafés, this lounge is limited to those departing on a domestic confirmed Air Canada flight in Business Class or Premium Rouge, Aeroplan Super Elite, 75K, 50K, and Star Alliance Gold members, plus holders of select Aeroplan credit cards, including:
- TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege Card
- CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege Card
- American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
- American Express® Aeroplan® Business Reserve Card
- American Express® Aeroplan® Corporate Reserve Card
Air Canada Cafe YVR Design and Atmosphere
First impressions? Small but bright, modern, and inviting. The layout is essentially a cookie-cutter version of the Montreal Cafe, with clean lines, minimalistic design, and smart use of space. On my visit, it was busy, so I wasn’t able to get many wide-angle shots of the seating area, but if you’ve seen the YUL location, you already know what to expect.
For more on what that looks like, check out my full review of the Montreal Air Canada Cafe.
There’s a mix of:
- Bar seating along the windows facing the tarmac
- High stools and worktables
- More plush, comfortable seating along the entrance wall (the best spots in the house)
These cozy lounge chairs are reminiscent of the ones at the San Francisco Maple Leaf Lounge and are perfect for some pre-flight downtime. Fun moment: I spotted Kevin Bieksa kicking back in one of these prime seats—fitting, as he was heading home from Hockey Day in Vancouver, while I was en route to Edmonton to catch the Oilers in action.
Every seat I saw included power access—USB-C ports included. Huge plus. Whether you’re catching up on work, streaming a show, or just recharging before your flight, you’ll find a spot that fits your needs.
Bar-style seating along the windows is great for solo travelers or plane spotters, while the lounge chairs along the wall are ideal for relaxing with a coffee. Communal high-top tables offer space to spread out or dine comfortably. No matter your seat, access to power makes this café especially functional for business and leisure travelers alike.
Food & Drink at the Vancouver Air Canada Cafe
The food offering also closely mirrors what I experienced in Montreal, but with a localized twist. Instead of French-Canadian bites like smoked meat sandwiches and croque monsieurs, the Air Canada Cafe YVR leans into the West Coast and Asian-inspired flavors Vancouver is known for.
During my visit, I tried:
- A hot Korean chicken sandwich
- A spicy spring roll (a rare welcome kick of heat in lounge food where bland is safe)
- A fresh veggie salad roll with peanut satay sauce
For drinks, I grabbed a craft lemonade before diving into dessert—matcha chia pudding and a mini donut—paired with a coffee.
One of my favorite features of the café concept is the takeaway bag. Like the Toronto and Montreal locations, this one includes small to-go bags you can use to bring snacks or a meal on your flight.
There’s also a gluten-free baked goods selection. I snagged a blueberry muffin for later—nice touch for dietary needs.
Drink options include the typical lineup found in Air Canada lounges: bottled waters, soft drinks, juices, and a few beer selections.
Of note is the inclusion of Persephone Brewing Co., a Sunshine Coast craft brewery. As highlighted in my Air Canada London Heathrow review, I’ve been advocating for more local beer options in lounges for years, and have praised Plaza Premium Lounges in the past for doing just that. Great to see Air Canada finally making that shift here.
As for coffee? Here’s where the “cafe” stumbles.
The Maple Leaf Cafe Without a Barista?
Ironically, for a space branded as a “café,” the coffee experience falls short. Much like the Montreal location, there’s no live barista crafting espresso drinks—something you might expect given the name.
There isn’t even a self-service ordering station like the iPad kiosks I’ve used at the Air New Zealand Lounge in Sydney or the Air Canada Aspire Cafe at Billy Bishop. Instead, you’ll find quality machine-pulled espresso beverages and drip coffee, but nothing close to the hand-crafted experience at Billy Bishop or Toronto Pearson.
To their credit, there are milk alternatives available for dairy-free or plant-based preferences, but still, it feels like a miss for a space branded as a cafe.
Final Thoughts – A Welcome (Almost Perfect) Addition to YVR
The Air Canada Cafe YVR is a much-needed alternative to the overcrowded Maple Leaf Lounge, and it brings a sleek, fast, and flavorful experience to the domestic terminal. While I wish it had a bit more personality—like the French-themed tile greeting at the Montreal cafe—and a proper barista setup, it’s still a big win for Vancouver-based travelers.
The seating, power access, local food offerings, and improved lounge flow all make this a welcome addition to the Air Canada lounge network. If you’re passing through YVR and have access, skip the line at the Maple Leaf Lounge and check out the new café instead. It’s modern, quick, and delicious—just how airport lounges should be.
If you’re new to navigating lounge access or Air Canada’s various premium offerings, I’ve broken down the experience in other detailed reviews, including:
- Is Air Canada Premium Economy Worth It?
- Air Canada eUpgrade Credits – How to Maximize Value
- Air Canada 737 MAX 8 Business Class Review
- Air Canada A330 Business Class Review
- Air Canada 787 Business Class Review
- Winnipeg Maple Leaf Lounge Review
- Halifax Maple Leaf Lounge Review
These posts dive deeper into what to expect onboard and in lounges across the network—perfect if you’re planning your next trip and want to make the most of your Aeroplan status or ticket upgrade.
Layover in Vancouver? Check Out These Great Airport Hotels!
FAQs – Air Canada Cafe Vancouver
Where is the Air Canada Cafe YVR located?
It’s near gates C46–C47 at Vancouver International Airport, past the small food court toward the end of the C Gates.
Who can access the Air Canada Cafe?
Business class passengers on Air Canada, Star Alliance Gold members, Aeroplan elite members, and select premium credit card holders.
Is the food at the Air Canada Cafe YVR good?
Yes! The café features fresh, local options with an Asian flair—like Korean chicken sandwiches and salad rolls.
Are there takeaway options?
Yes, small to-go bags are available so you can bring food and drinks onboard.
Is there barista coffee?
Unfortunately, no. Coffee is machine-made, but decent. No hand-crafted drinks are available like at Toronto Pearson or Billy Bishop.
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