The Air Canada Signature Suite Vancouver is now open, and like its counterpart in Toronto is one of the best business class lounges in the world.

At the end of 2017 Air Canada unveiled their international business class Signature Suite lounge in Toronto. In my experience it is the best business class lounge in North America, and perhaps the best lounge in North America. Dining there is genuinely fantastic. It is open only to paid business class passengers on Air Canada, not to Star Alliance customers, award passengers, or upgrades.

It’s taken quite some time but Air Canada has now completed their second Signature Suite in Vancouver. My friend Ryan Hoult attended the media preview and shared this report.

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Air Canada’s Signature Suite offering debuted in Toronto back in 2017 and was instantly considered one of the best business class lounges in the world. The popularity of the lounge and calls for more cities did not go unnoticed, and Air Canada has just unveiled its second Signature Suite, showing off the exclusive pre-flight experience in Vancouver at a media event this week. I left a Calgary snowstorm behind for a day’s visit.

Unlike the standalone Toronto location, Vancouver’s version is accessed from within the existing international Maple Leaf Lounge, similar to Singapore Airline’s Private Room. This allows eligible passengers to enjoy the upscale offerings of the Signature Suite, while also having easy access to the regular lounge’s showers and amenities.

The entrance to the Signature Suite is easily located in the middle of the Maple Leaf Lounge, with bold black sign. Air Canada Concierges are there to check eligibility and also able to store bags if you want to relax without hauling a bag around. Access to the Signature Suite highly limited, with only customers holding revenue Air Canada’s Signature Class tickets eligible. This notably excludes all passengers using points and upgrades (whether eUpgrade or cash), as well as guests.

Entrance

The Suite itself is located above the Maple Leaf Lounge, replacing the overflow seating area previously located there. There are both stairs and an elevator available for use, with an host waiting at the top to welcome guests and help them to a seat.

Covering 4,400 sqft, the Signature Suite has capacity for 105 across a variety of seating areas. Behind the host is a bistro area with tables for 2 and 4. Beyond this is a cocktail lounge, with banked seating and a tended bar. Off to the side is a small, slightly hidden seating section for those looking for a quieter seat.

Air Canada Signature Suite Vancouver Lounge

Lounge

Air Canada Signature Suite Vancouver Bar

Quiet Seating Area

Across from the bistro area is a buffet, with different offerings through the day. The buffet was excellent, with a wide variety on offer that would accommodate most dietary restrictions.

Air Canada Signature Suite Vancouver Buffet

The lounge also features a wine and liquor list, which I inconveniently forgot to photograph while enjoying the Moet. While not in the league of top first class lounges, the beverage quality is very good for a business class lounge and significantly above what is offered in the Maple Leaf Lounge.

In addition to the buffet, the Signature Suite also offers a la carte dining for all guests. While this can be ordered anywhere, the back of the lounge contains a dedicated dining area for those looking to enjoy a more formal dining experience. The lounge also contains a private dining room for up to 6 guests.

Air Canada Signature Suite Vancouver Dining Room

Air Canada Signature Suite Vancouver Dining Room

A la carte dining wasn’t offered during the media event due to the large turnout; however, the menu, designed by David Hawksworth, Air Canada’s celebrity chef and Vancouver local, looks delicious.

Menu

The new Suite fixes ones of the few complaints of the Toronto location, no windows, with sunlight (or moonlight) and tarmac views abound throughout the lounge.

The new Air Canada Signature Suite Vancouver airport is now open. It’s a welcome addition to the Air Canada network and expands its premium ground experience to its Pacific hub. With food offerings on par with the original in Toronto, easy access to showers and a great view, the fight for best business class lounge just got another strong contender.