Background:

After my Alaska Cruise, it was time to fly back to Los Angeles. I booked an Air Canada flight from Vancouver to Los Angeles in Business Class. Included with my Business Class ticket was access to the Maple Leaf Lounge. At Vancouver Airport, there are 3 Maple Leaf Lounges in the different terminals. Since we were flying to the US, we had access to the Maple Leaf Lounge in the Transborder Terminal. 

I also visited the Plaza Premium Lounge (which accepts Priority Pass). It was just a few gates over so I decided to check it out and see the offerings, but it was so crowded. I was very happy to be able to retreat back to the Maple Leaf Lounge.

Location and Access:

The Air Canada Vancouver (Transborder) Maple Leaf Lounge is located between gates 84 and 86. It’s located on the second floor, so you can take an elevator or stairs up to the lounge. The current hours are 6:15 am– 8:45 pm. 

Maple Leaf Lounge Vancouver

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (Transborder)

Access to the lounge is included for:

  • Air Canada Signature Class and Business Class Ticket Holders
  • Customers traveling in Premium Rouge
  • Altitude Super Elite, Aeroplan 75K, and Aeroplan 50K Members
  • Star Alliance Gold Members
  • Air Canada Maple Leaf Club Members
  • Aeroplan Black Cardmembers and Business + Corporate Credit Cardholders using One-Time Guest Pass

Lounge Entry:

Once you check in to the lounge, there is seating along the windows to the left. Originally, I was going to sit here but unfortunately, the morning sun made that area quite warm. I visited the lounge around 11 a.m. on a Sunday morning.

The bathrooms are located around this area as well. The bathroom was clean, but it was a bit outdated. Also, there is one shower room.

a room with a table and chairs

Lounge Seating

Turning right is more seating, a TV area, and a food area with dining tables. The lounge had a good amount of people, but it wasn’t full which was nice. 

a group of people sitting in chairs in a room

More Seating

a room with black leather couches and a television on the wall

TV Area

The food selection was decent, and we arrived right when they brought out lunch. They had two wraps (BBQ chicken and vegetarian), a cold pasta, and items to create a salad. There were also 2 soups (Minestrone and Beef Barley). I tried the Minestrone and it was pretty good. Also, make sure to give the cookies a try as they were quite tasty. 

Maple Leaf Lounge Vancouver

Food/Dining Area

Maple Leaf Lounge Vancouver

Lunch Food Selection

At the time, some breakfast items were still laid out so I spotted croissants, muffins, and some fresh fruit (bananas, apples).

a kitchen with a large window

Breakfast Items

For beverages, they had canned sodas and teas, as well as a coffee + tea maker.

a cooler with drinks on it

Drink Selection

There’s a private conference room in the center of the lounge which I found unique.

Maple Leaf Lounge Vancouver

Conference Room

Just past the conference room was where I ended up lounging during my visit. There are a couple of sofa chairs in this area and a printer (which was out of order). It was quieter over here and looked at the terminal below.

people sitting in a room with a glass wall and ceiling

Best Seating Area

a printer on a desk

Printer (Out of Order)

Service was very attentive at the lounge, and they made sure to check in routinely. In comparison to the Maple Leaf Lounge in Los Angeles (LAX), I think the service was better. But, I did like how the lounge at LAX was more modern and updated. 

The Verdict:

Overall, I had a solid visit to the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Vancouver (Transborder). The lounge had a variety of seating options and a decent food selection. The best part was that it was very relaxing and much more peaceful than the Plaza Premium Lounge just a few gates over. 

 

Have you visited the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Vancouver (Transborder)? How was your experience? Comment below!

 

Cheers,

Ty


Have any questions? I’ve also started working with a travel agency, Fora Travel, and can assist in booking hotel stays or planning trips. Comment below or email me at takeofftotravel@gmail.com. You can also view all my other posts here! Thanks for stopping by!