Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Montreal International: Pros & Cons

On my last trip to Europe, I had the opportunity to fly out of Montréal–Trudeau International Airport on Lufthansa’s Airbus A350 in business class. This ticket granted me access to the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Montreal International, a lounge I had been curious about for quite some time.

As someone who frequently travels for both work and leisure, I’ve developed a keen interest in airport lounges—they can make or break the pre-flight experience. This visit was no exception, and I was eager to see how this lounge stacked up against others I’ve visited.

Having explored several Air Canada lounges across Canada—including Winnipeg, Toronto Billy Bishop, and Halifax—I was particularly excited to experience Montreal’s flagship international lounge. Would it live up to the hype or fall victim to the overcrowding issues that often plague the Air Canada Facebook groups I’m a part of? And how does it stack up to the other Montreal airport lounges?

Here’s what I discovered during my visit.

Location and Access: Who Can Enter the Maple Leaf Lounge Montreal?

The Maple Leaf Lounge Montreal International is conveniently located near Gate 52 in the international departures area of Montréal–Trudeau International Airport. Of the limited Montreal Trudeau airport lounges, it is the only one catering primarily to international travelers flying with Air Canada and Star Alliance partners. The location is ideal for those departing on long-haul flights, as it’s close to many international gates.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Montreal Hours of operation:

Monday: 5:15 – 22:00
Tuesday: 6:00 – 22:00
Wednesday: 6:00 – 22:00
Thursday: 5:15 – 22:00
Friday: 6:00 – 22:00
Saturday: 5:15 – 22:00
Sunday: 6:00 – 22:00

Who Can Access the Lounge?

Access to the lounge is not open to all passengers—you’ll need to meet one of these criteria:

• Star Alliance Business Class Passengers: If you’re flying internationally on Air Canada or any Star Alliance airline, you’re eligible for entry.
• Star Alliance Gold Members: Travelers with Star Alliance Gold status can access the lounge, along with one guest.
• Maple Leaf Club Members: Those with a Maple Leaf Club membership can use the lounge, though only specific membership tiers include international lounges.
• Select Credit Card Holders: Some premium travel credit cards, such as the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, provide complimentary lounge access. It’s always worth checking your card benefits before your trip.

Unlike Plaza Premium Lounges, Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges do not allow passengers to purchase entry, meaning there’s no pay-per-use option for those flying in economy.

First Impressions: A Queue to Get In?

My first impression of the Montreal Maple Leaf Lounge wasn’t the best—I had to wait in line for nearly 10 minutes just to get in. Overcrowding is a known issue in this lounge, especially during peak international departure times. If I hadn’t gotten lucky, my wait time would have been closer to 20 minutes, as some passengers in front of me gave up and left.

This isn’t an issue I’ve encountered in smaller Maple Leaf Lounges like the Ottawa Air Canada lounge, where you can typically walk right in. That said, I’ve also experienced waits in the Vancouver YVR Lounge and overcrowding in the Maple Leaf Lounge in Halifax, so these issues are not unique to Montreal.

Once inside, it was clear why the lineup existed—the lounge was packed. Every seat near the entrance was occupied, and overflow seating areas were in use. If you’re traveling as a family or a group, finding seats together will likely be a challenge.

As Canada’s third busiest airport with over 20 million travellers in 2023, the crowds shouldn’t be a surprise.

As a solo traveler, I managed to grab a bar seat fairly quickly. But I noticed several families struggling to find space, which made me appreciate the quieter and more spacious feel of larger lounges such as my recent visit to the Thai Airways first class lounge in Bangkok.

Seating and Ambiance: A Modern Space That Feels Cramped

That said, the Maple Leaf Lounge Montreal International is one of Air Canada’s largest lounges, covering 11,000 square feet with 259 seats. Yet, despite its modern decor and large floor-to-ceiling windows, the sheer number of passengers makes it feel smaller than it is.

The lounge layout includes:

• Loungers: Comfortable seats for relaxing, though difficult to secure during busy periods.
• Dining Tables: Found in the buffet area, but often occupied by travelers enjoying meals.
• Bar Seating: A good spot for solo travelers like myself, offering a view of the lounge’s activity.
• Quiet Zones: Designed for resting, though still somewhat noisy due to the lounge’s overall buzz.
• Couches & TVs: Showing Montreal Canadiens hockey games, because, of course—this is Montreal.

One positive: Power outlets were readily available, even at the bar. This is something I love about newer Air Canada lounges like the Aspire Cafe at Toronto Billy Bishop airport or San Francisco’s fantastic Maple Leaf Lounge. There’s also a charging station available for those not seated near a plug. It’s good to see this consideration is being put into the older lounges as well.

Amenities: What Does the Lounge Offer?

While the lounge can feel crowded during peak hours, its amenities are designed to cater to a variety of needs, from freshening up before a flight to catching up on work or simply unwinding with a drink. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll find inside, along with some of my personal experiences:

Showers: A standout feature for long-haul travelers, the showers are a great way to refresh before or between flights. Although I didn’t use them during this visit, I noticed they were well-maintained and cleaned regularly, making them a reliable option for those with tight connections or early morning departures. On a previous trip, I used the showers in the London Heathrow United Lounge, and it completely transformed my travel experience—I felt rejuvenated and ready for my next flight.

Business Center: For travelers who need to stay productive, the business center is equipped with printing services and workstations. It’s a quiet space to catch up on emails, finish last-minute tasks, or prepare for meetings. I appreciated the availability of power outlets and the overall functionality of the area. During this visit, I spent about 30 minutes here finalizing a post away from the noise, and the reliable Wi-Fi made the process seamless.

Wi-Fi: The Wi-Fi here is fast and reliable. During my visit, I was able to download some shows and movies before my long flight to Toulouse, France, without any issues, which is always a plus when you’re trying to stay entertained during a flight.

Full-Service Bar: One of the highlights of the lounge, the bar offers a selection of local Quebec beers and expertly crafted cocktails. Despite the crowds, the bartenders were attentive and friendly, adding a personal touch to the experience. I ordered an Old Fashioned, which was perfectly balanced and served with a smile.

While the San Francisco Maple Leaf Lounge is often praised for its ultra-friendly bartenders, the Montreal staff held their own, delivering excellent service even during busy periods.

Food and Drinks: Local Touches & Hit-or-Miss Dishes

The food and drink offerings at the Montreal Maple Leaf Lounge are a mixed bag, with some local touches that add charm but fall short in execution. I wasn’t very hungry during my visit, so I only picked at a few things, but here’s my take on what I tried—and how it compares to other lounges I’ve experienced.

Maple Leaf Lounge Montreal Food Selection

The self-serve buffet included a variety of hot and cold options, but the highlights were the regional specialties. While I appreciated the effort to incorporate local flavors, the execution left something to be desired.

• Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwiches: A nod to my favourite Montreal eat, it’s nowhere near as good as what you would find at say Schwartz’s Deli. The meat was a bit dry, and the bread could have been fresher. I took a few bites out of curiosity but didn’t finish it.
• Poutine: As a Canadian classic, I had high hopes, but it fell short of the real deal. The cheese curds weren’t squeaky, a sign of a good curd, and the gravy was bland. It was edible, but not something I’d go back for.

That said, I do really appreciate that Air Canada adds local flavors to their menus—it’s a nice touch that sets their lounges apart. For example, the Maple Leaf Lounge in Calgary serves Alberta beef sliders, and Halifax occasionally offers lobster rolls. I just think they could put a bit more effort into the execution.

READ MORE: Check out the new Air Canada Cafe in Montreal

Overall, the quality here was on par with other Maple Leaf Lounges I’ve visited—decent but not outstanding. It certainly didn’t measure up to other Star Alliance lounges, like ANA’s Tokyo Lounge, where the food is exceptional and thoughtfully curated.

Drinks & Bar Experience

The bar, on the other hand, was a pleasant surprise. The selection was better than expected, and the service was friendly despite the crowds.

• Quebec Craft Beers: Instead of the usual Guinness and Molson Canadian, the lounge featured local Quebec craft beers. I tried a local IPA, which was refreshing and flavorful—definitely a step up from the standard lounge beer offerings.

• Wine Selection: The lounge also offers a decent wine selection, featuring both international and Canadian wines. While I didn’t sample any during this visit, I noticed a variety of reds, whites, and sparkling options, including some from Ontario’s Niagara region and British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. It’s a nice touch for wine enthusiasts looking to enjoy a glass before their flight.

• Cocktails: I ordered an Old Fashioned, which was well-made and perfect for pre-flight relaxation. The bartenders were skilled and attentive, even during busy periods.

Compared to other Maple Leaf Lounges, the bar experience here was a standout, so Montreal definitely wins in this department.

Is the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Montreal Worth It?

My Montreal Maple Leaf Lounge experience was a mixed bag. While it offers some standout features—like a great bar selection, fast Wi-Fi, and local food touches—it’s held back by overcrowding and long wait times during peak hours.

The lounge’s amenities are solid, but the experience can feel rushed and cramped, especially if you’re traveling with a group. That said, it’s still one of the better options at Montréal–Trudeau International Airport, particularly if you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy a drink before your flight.

Pros:

✔ Great bar selection with Quebec craft beers
✔ Good variety of seating options
✔ Showers and business center available
✔ Fast Wi-Fi
✔ Local food touches (even if it’s a hit or miss)

Cons:

✖ Extremely crowded during peak times
✖ Long wait times for entry
✖ Hard to find seating, especially for groups

While it isn’t the best lounge in Canada, the Montreal Maple Leaf Lounge is still one of the better Montreal airport lounges. If you have access, it’s a solid place to relax, eat, and enjoy a drink before your flight—as long as you can handle the crowds. Would I visit again? Yes—but I’d try to go during off-peak hours, if at all possible.

Flying soon? Check out my other airline reviews:

• Air Canada Premium Economy Review
• Is Westjet Premium Economy Worth It?
• Is Porter Airlines Good? Check out my full Trip Report
• Is WestJet UltraBasic That Bad?

Layover in Montreal? Check Out These Great Airport Hotels!

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