MONTREAL — Air Canada has expanded its premium hospitality network with the opening of a new Air Canada Café at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), marking the airline’s fourth location of its signature grab-and-go lounge concept. The 2,142-square-foot café, located between Gates C46 and C47 in the domestic terminal, offers a locally inspired culinary experience and design that pays homage to Vancouver’s natural beauty and cultural vibrancy.
A New Standard for On-the-Go Comfort
Designed as a “comfortable and contemporary retreat for eligible travelers,” the new space reflects Air Canada’s focus on blending convenience with an authentic sense of place. The lounge features productivity-style seating, power outlets at every seat—including USB-C ports—and a seamless, self-service entry process that allows guests to scan their boarding passes at eGates.
According to the airline, the Air Canada Café concept caters to premium travelers who want an elevated pre-flight experience without the time commitment of a full sit-down lounge. “The new Air Canada Café blends convenience with a sense of place, reflecting Vancouver’s cultural diversity and connection to nature,” the company said in its announcement.
Culinary Offerings with a West Coast Twist
The café’s menu highlights some of Vancouver’s most beloved local flavors. Travelers can sample Nanaimo bars, Lee’s Donuts, and a selection of Asian-inspired dishes including Vietnamese nems and a Korean crispy chicken burger. Each menu item emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients, underscoring Air Canada’s commitment to regional authenticity and sustainability.
To enhance transparency and guest well-being, ingredient and allergen information is accessible via QR codes throughout the café. Beverage offerings also showcase local craftsmanship, with Persephone Brewing providing craft beer and seltzer options. Guests can also enjoy nitro cold brew coffee on tap, alongside a range of milk alternatives including oat, almond, and soy.
Design Rooted in Vancouver’s Identity
The interior design, developed in partnership with Vancouver-based Smart Design, combines aviation-inspired precision with natural elements that mirror British Columbia’s landscape. A fuselage-style ceiling, soft organic curves, and river-rock-inspired light fixtures—crafted by local studio A-N-D Light—create a space that feels both modern and grounded in its surroundings.
Adding to the visual appeal, the café features four original works by Chinese-Canadian artist Scott Sueme, whose bold, abstract pieces explore themes of nature, identity, and belonging. The inclusion of local artwork reflects Air Canada’s ongoing effort to infuse its lounges with cultural depth and regional relevance.
Expanding Access for Premium Travelers
Access to the Vancouver café is reserved for Air Canada’s most frequent and high-tier travelers. Eligible guests include those flying in Business Class, Aeroplan 50K, 75K, and Super Elite Members, Star Alliance Gold travelers, and Aeroplan premium co-brand cardholders.
With its debut at YVR, the café joins existing Air Canada Café locations at Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), and Montréal-Trudeau (YUL). This addition strengthens Air Canada’s premium lounge network and aligns with the company’s broader customer experience strategy.
Growing the Premium Experience
Air Canada’s investment in its café and lounge portfolio continues to accelerate. The airline plans to add over 500 new lounge seats globally by the end of 2025, expanding access to its premium products for both domestic and international travelers. The initiative is part of Air Canada’s multi-year effort to enhance customer comfort, convenience, and connectivity.
The Vancouver opening highlights the carrier’s focus on offering localized experiences within a standardized global framework—a balance increasingly sought by frequent travelers. By emphasizing regional cuisine, sustainable design, and artistic collaboration, the new café demonstrates how major airlines are evolving traditional lounge concepts into more flexible, design-driven environments.
Key Facts
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Size: 2,142 sq. ft., with seating for 52 guests
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Design Partner: Smart Design (Vancouver)
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Artwork: Four original pieces by Scott Sueme
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Amenities: Power access at every seat, including USB-C ports
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Menu: Locally inspired selections and beverages featuring regional vendors
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Access: Exclusive to Business Class, Aeroplan Elite, and Star Alliance Gold members
As Air Canada continues to invest in its premium offerings, the YVR café sets a new benchmark for airport hospitality—one that connects global travelers to the spirit of Vancouver, one handcrafted coffee and Nanaimo bar at a time.
Follow Air Canada on social media for future updates on lounge expansions and new amenities.
