All images via Air Canada
Air Canada is expanding its premium airport experience with the opening of new Air Canada Café locations in Montréal and Vancouver, strengthening its investment in the ground experience for passengers. These new cafés build on the airline’s growing concept, combining lounge comfort with a faster, more flexible option for eligible travelers. Together, the openings reflect a broader strategy to modernize the airline’s global lounge network while delivering more localized and elevated experiences.
Vancouver Expansion Brings a Larger, Design-Driven Café Experience
On April 10, Air Canada opened its second Air Canada Café for domestic travelers at Vancouver International Airport, significantly expanding its footprint and capacity. Located in the C concourse near gates 50 and 51, the new space spans 4,489 square feet and offers seating for 84 guests, making it the largest café in the airline’s network.
The Vancouver Café builds on the airline’s original concept while introducing a more refined experience shaped by the city’s West Coast identity. A full-service bar sits at the center, offering barista-made coffee alongside a curated selection of local craft beers, wines, and cocktails. Highlights include wines from Okanagan Crush Pad, reflecting the airline’s continued focus on regional sourcing and partnerships.
The food program follows the same idea, focusing on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients that reflect Vancouver’s diverse food scene. The menu includes items like char siu pork bao buns, vegan curry bao, fresh vegetarian kimbap, and sweets from Lee’s Donuts, a well-known spot on Granville Island. With both freshly made and grab-and-go options, passengers can choose what works best for their time and preferences.
Design also plays a central role in shaping the space. Created by Vancouver-based SmartDesign Group, the café incorporates natural elements inspired by the region. The ceiling reflects the shoreline of Stanley Park, while custom lighting draws from the shape of river stones. The space also features artwork from local artists, including Renée Van Halm, along with a standout piece titled “Connections” by Musqueam Nation artist Kelly Cannell.
“With our first Vancouver Café, we celebrated the spirit of the city, and we’re thrilled to deepen that connection with a second and larger Café space that adds more of the features our customers love,” said Air Canada Managing Director of Product and Services Jacqueline Harkness.
Montréal Café Highlights Local Culture and Expands Network Strategy
The Vancouver opening follows the recent debut of a new Air Canada Café at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, located in the US departures pier. Designed for transborder travelers, the 62-seat space introduces a distinct identity shaped by Montréal’s strong coffee culture and culinary heritage.
The Montréal Café emphasizes what is often described as the city’s “third wave” coffee movement, where quality, sourcing, and craftsmanship take center stage. This focus carries through both the beverage and food offerings, creating a premium yet approachable environment for travelers heading to the United States.
The menu highlights a range of local favorites, including smoked meat sandwiches, fresh bagels, and artisanal pastries such as pistachio croissants. The café also incorporates a broader perspective on regional cuisine, featuring a vegan soup developed by Sagamité Watso, a Québec-based Indigenous-owned business. This inclusion reflects a growing emphasis on local partnerships and diverse culinary voices.
Beverage selections further reinforce the local connection. Guests can choose from wines produced by L’Orpailleur Winery, gin from Distillerie du Fjord, and craft beers from Montréal’s RJ Brasseur brewery. Together, these elements create a cohesive experience that feels connected to the city while still reflecting Air Canada’s premium standard.
The Montréal location also plays a practical role for transborder travel, offering eligible passengers a comfortable and efficient space before heading to the United States. By combining speed, accessibility, and elevated food and beverage options, the café provides a strong alternative to traditional lounges, particularly for travelers with shorter connections.
Beyond individual locations, the café concept plays a key role in Air Canada’s broader lounge strategy. These openings form part of a multi-year effort to modernize the airline’s global lounge network, introducing more flexible spaces that cater to different travel patterns. Rather than relying only on traditional lounges, the airline is expanding its portfolio to include environments that support both quick visits and longer stays.
“The new Vancouver and Montréal Cafés are key parts of our commitment to keep investing in the customer journey. Each is designed to capture the unique spirit of its respective city, and we look forward to welcoming our customers to these new spaces,” said Harkness.
The café format reflects a broader shift in passenger expectations. Travelers are increasingly looking for a mix of speed, convenience, and quality, whether that means grabbing a quick coffee or spending time in a comfortable space. By blending a café and a lounge, Air Canada is adapting to those changing expectations.