Recently Josh and I made a stop at the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge in Vancouver International Airport on route to San Francisco. This was part of a weekend getaway trip for Frugal Flyer to see a concert at UC Berkeley (Two Friends) and also enjoy the beautiful views San Francisco has to offer.
After stopping at the Plaza Premium Lounge in Edmonton, our flights (Air Canada business class) had a moderate layover in Vancouver on a Thursday evening so we had the chance to check out the Maple Leaf Transborder Lounge in the US Departures area during a quieter time.
Overall we were pleasantly impressed with what this Maple Leaf Lounge had to offer. Read on for full details.
Where is the Maple Leaf Lounge (Transborder) at Vancouver International (YVR)?
The transponder Maple Leaf Lounge is located past security next to Gate 84 in the US Departures area of Vancouver airport. This lounge is open from 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM daily and will be your most likely stop if you are traveling to the United States on Air Canada.
Accessing the Maple Leaf Lounge (Transborder) at Vancouver International (YVR)
We were able to access this lounge courtesy of our Air Canada business class ticket. A business class ticket on any Star Alliance flight would in fact get you access.
Related: Definitive Guide to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges & The Best Credit Cards for Lounge Access for Canadians
Other ways you can gain access for yourself and one guest to Air Canada Maple Leaf lounges:
- Complimentary for Aeroplan 50K status or higher members, or Star Alliance Gold members
- Redeeming a Maple Leaf one-time guest pass
- Holding a premium Aeroplan credit card (primary or secondary cardholder)
Any of the following premium Aeroplan credit cards will grant eligibility:
| Credit Card | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
90,000 Aeroplan Estimated value: $1,890 |
|
 |
85,000 Aeroplan Estimated value: $1,785 |
|
 |
85,000 Aeroplan Estimated value: $1,785 |
|
If you don’t have Maple Leaf access, it is worth mentioning there is also a nearby Plaza Premium lounge.
Seating
Overall, the inside of this lounge was pleasant, modern, and spacious. It was updated and not dated as some domestic Maple Leaf lounges tend to be.
At the entrance, we were greeted with the trademark model Air Canada airplane that is located in most Maple Leaf lounges.
The main seating area in this lounge was diverse and spacious. In combination with the large bay windows, it created a relaxed atmosphere.
For business travelers, there was business-style seating available, complete with Herman Miller chairs, workstations, and a fax/copy machine. They had a small meeting room as well which could be very nice for anyone needing to take a call or have some more privacy to work. Power outlets were easy to find.
Food & Beverage
There was a nice assortment of food options available to us, including tuna and vegetarian wraps, salads, hummus, and soups. Snacks like chocolate chip cookies and Miss Vicki’s chips are always appreciated as well.
The non-alcoholic beverage options were also typical of any Maple Leaf lounge, including a Lavazza coffee and expresso machine, tea, water, pop, soft drinks, and juices.
The self-serve bar had a really large assortment of liquors, including Bullit, Crown Royal, Courvoisier, Narrative, Grand Marnier, Baileys, Kahlua, Captain Morgans, Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker Black, Singletons, Tanqueray, and Jack Daniels.
I am used to seeing 4-6 or so basic options in Domestic Air Canada lounges so this was a nice surprise that I took advantage of.
Bathroom & Shower Facilities
Although we can only speak from the male perspective, the washrooms inside the lounge, located next to the reception desk, were clean and basic, as they should be.
Strangely there were both automatic and manual faucets and soap dispensers located throughout, but I guess it doesn’t hurt to have options…
There is also a shower suite available in this lounge, located next to the bathrooms. It includes a shower, sink, toilet, and changing table. Towels are provided.
Conclusion
We enjoyed our visit to the Air Canada Maple Leaf Transborder Lounge in Vancouver airport, which is a great place to relax before any transborder flights to the USA. It is conveniently located and has nice modern seating and ambiance, complemented by quality food and a plethora of drink options. Not to mention, you can take advantage of YVR Express to speed through security and get yourself in the lounge quicker.
As with most lounges, I probably wouldn’t pay money to enter, but lounges like this are definitely one of the aspects of credit card rewards that makes airports more palatable.
Reed Sutton
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I don’t know about that. I went through that lounge twice in October on my route to Japan.
I would say YVR lounge will give YYZ one a run for its money in the competition for bad lounge spot. It was shocking contrast with Japan lounges – when an attendant screamed at the passengers to get away from food station, because the items she unpacked were for lunch, and the lunch was supposed to begin in seven minutes. Never mind the others schedule.