Aspire International Lounge Review – Montreal (YUL)

Aspire International Lounge – Montreal (YUL)

Earlier this month, before flying to Toulouse for the first edition of PMB Experiences, I had the opportunity to visit the newest addition to Montreal Trudeau’s international terminal, the Aspire International Lounge. I have long relied on the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (International) and the Air France Lounge (operated by Plaza Premium), and the opening of another option was reason enough to explore something new. As a space positioning itself differently from the traditional self-serve lounge experience, Aspire immediately intrigued me.

Main Entrance – Aspire International Lounge YUL

Location and Access

The lounge is located between Gates 52 and 53, tucked behind the Ubar restaurant area. Its open concept design makes it surprisingly easy to walk past if you’re not expecting it, as it blends seamlessly into the terminal environment. Access is exclusively for passengers travelling on international flights after clearing passport control.

I accessed the lounge using Priority Pass through the American Express Business Platinum Card, which offers unlimited complimentary lounge visits. The entrance experience, however, was slower than expected. The welcome team was polite and genuinely trying to navigate what appeared to be a new verification system, requiring a scan of the app barcode, then the physical credit card, followed by several on-screen checks before admission. With the lounge still in its infancy, this learning curve was understandable, though improved clarity and signage would go a long way.

In-terminal lounge setup

Lounge Layout and Seating Options

Stepping inside, it became clear that Aspire was more “airport restaurant meets premium hospitality” than a traditional airline lounge. Rather than one large communal seating area, the lounge offers a mix of environments for different types of travellers, small groups, solo flyers looking to work, families needing a table setup, and lounge style sofas for those who simply want to unwind. Much of the furniture is plush, modern, and aesthetically coordinated with the restaurant concept.

Varied Seating Options

Restaurant style seating across lounge

Not all seats have power plugs

Sofa seating options with connectivity

There is designated workspace seating, but not all tables are equipped with power outlets, which is surprising for a newly built lounge. While there are areas well suited for getting work done, anyone needing constant device charging will want to choose their seat carefully. The best seats in the house are arguably those near the windows, offering relaxing views of aircraft movements and gate operations. There are few better ways to enjoy a drink than while watching widebodies being prepped for departure.

Window Views from Lounge

Food and Beverage Service

The standout feature of the lounge is its restaurant-style food and beverage program. Rather than buffet counters, every table has a QR code for ordering, allowing guests to be served directly by staff. Each round is limited to one main and one drink, but there is no limit on how many times you can order. Items arrive plated beautifully, with table service that would not feel out of place in an upscale bistro. Even the bottled water is served in elegant glassware, a detail rarely prioritized in airport lounges.

All Day Menu in lounge

Lounge Bar

Table Service – App order

The menu was not extensive, but instead curated, offering shared plates, mains, desserts, and drinks that were varied enough to appeal to most travellers. During my visit, I tried two mains, the Chicken in mustard sauce with confit garlic, and a vegetarian eggplant and spinach lasagna. Both dishes exceeded expectations, not only in taste but in presentation and balance. While many lounges promise premium dining, this Aspire lounge actually delivers it. Staff actively checked in to assist anyone struggling with the QR system and ensured each table had what they needed.

Chicken in mustard sauce with confit garlic

Eggplant and Spinach Lasagna

Other Amenities: Wi-Fi and Washrooms

While the lounge does have its own Wi-Fi, it became clear that adequate connectivity requires joining it, as the cell signal in the area was noticeably weak. I generally prefer avoiding public Wi-Fi, but relying on mobile data quickly became frustrating. Staff helped explain that they were aware of the issue and that improvements were underway.

Terminal view from lounge

One notable drawback is the absence of washrooms inside the lounge. Guests must leave the space and walk into the general terminal area, a minor inconvenience for individuals but a bigger one for families or anyone travelling with small children or multiple carry-ons. This limitation likely stems from the open terminal footprint, but it remains something travellers should be aware of.

Takeaway

The Aspire International Lounge in Montreal stands out not by offering a getaway from the terminal, but by reimagining what a lounge experience can feel like. It doesn’t fully insulate travellers from the surrounding airport noise, yet elevates the time spent before departure through attentive service, well designed plates, quality beverages, and a seating environment that feels more like a premium restaurant than an airline lounge.

For anyone who values thoughtful dining over buffet counters and scratched-up utensils, this Aspire lounge in YUL is a refreshing alternative. With its upscale aesthetic, aircraft views, and table-served menu soon set to expand to dedicated breakfast and dinner offerings, this lounge brings a new level of service to YUL’s international terminal. Minor operational kinks aside, Aspire delivers on comfort, good food, and a space to decompress from the bustle of travel. I am impressed!