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Air Canada Café YVR at Gate C47
Vancouver International Airport has steadily expanded its lounge footprint in recent years, and the addition of the Air Canada Café concept reflects a shift toward high-quality grab-and-go dining. After wrapping up a PMB Meetup in Vancouver in February, I had the opportunity to experience it firsthand on my way back to Ottawa (YOW).
The Air Canada Café at YVR is the fourth in the network, having opened in November 2025. The fourth in a lineup of Café locations across Canada, including Toronto YYZ, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport YTZ (in collaboration with Aspire), and Montréal YUL.
View from AC Cafe YVR at C47
Location and Access
The lounge is located in the domestic terminal at YVR, between Gates C46 and C47, and is open from 5 am to 10 pm daily. Access follows the standard Air Canada lounge policy and is available to passengers travelling in Business Class, Aeroplan 50K, 75K, and Super Elite members, Star Alliance Gold members, and Aeroplan premium co-brand credit cardholders. On this visit, I accessed the lounge as a 75K member while travelling on an economy ticket from YVR to YOW.
The entry process was seamless, with automated e-gates allowing quick access via a simple boarding pass scan. Within seconds, I was inside the lounge.
Air Canada Cafe YVR near Gate C47
Lounge Layout and Seating
The design of the space was immediately striking. The contrast between the black exterior wall panels and the light wood finishes inside created a modern, clean aesthetic that felt both premium and understated.
Despite its relatively compact footprint, with an official seating capacity of just 52, the lounge was designed for functionality. The seating leans heavily toward productivity, with high-top counters and work-friendly setups. Every seat is equipped with power outlets, including USB-C ports.
Artwork and curved ceiling of the lounge
One of the standout design elements is the fuselage-inspired curved ceiling, which nods to aviation without feeling overly thematic. The lounge also incorporates artistic elements inspired by Vancouver’s natural surroundings. Carefully curated artwork, paired with precise lighting, gives the space a gallery-like feel, almost like a modern museum where you could easily spend time appreciating the details.
Lounge Seating
Additional Lounge Seating
View of Lounge from F&B section
That said, the compact size does come into play during peak periods. About 45 minutes into my stay, the lounge began to fill up noticeably, and finding a seat could become a challenge during busy departure waves.
Food and Beverage
The defining feature of the Air Canada Café concept, and the true highlight of this location, is the extensive grab-and-go food selection at the back of the lounge.
Grab and Go section
Visiting early in the morning, I was greeted by a well-curated breakfast spread that included Vancouver favourites like Lee’s Donuts, as well as croissant breakfast sandwiches, spiced potato wedges, muffins, and butter croissants.
Hot food selections
Croissants and Muffins
Cold food options were equally impressive, featuring a wide variety of boxed meals, including mini cheese boards, matcha overnight oats, vegetarian summer rolls, pesto chicken wraps, and veg japchae. The diversity and quality of the offerings felt more aligned with a premium urban café than a traditional airport lounge.
Cold Food options
Drinks and Beverages
The beverage selection was equally robust, with highlights including nitro cold brew available on tap! If there was one standout item, it was the churro donuts from Lee’s Donuts. As much as grabbing two donuts in the morning felt questionable, watching fellow travellers confidently pack five or six into their bags quickly normalized my decision 😉 No, seriously, they are that good.
Overall, the F&B offerings were a thoughtful tribute to Vancouver’s diverse culinary scene, in a way that felt both intentional and elevated.
Takeaway
The Air Canada Café YVR at C47 delivers a high-quality lounge experience and excels in the areas that matter most to short-haul and domestic flyers, with efficient, exceptional food.
The compact size and limited seating are the only real constraints, particularly during peak periods. However, relief is on the horizon. During my visit in February, a second Air Canada Café was already under construction within walking distance, closer to the U.S. gates. Once open, this additional location should significantly ease congestion.
With the existing Cafe at C47, the upcoming second Cafe near US gates, and the flagship Maple Leaf Lounge, YVR will offer one of the most well-rounded lounge ecosystems in Air Canada’s network. For Aeroplan elites and frequent travellers, this trifecta will add meaningful value to the airport experience.
