Review: Air Canada Signature Suite – Toronto Pearson (YYZ)

Air Canada Signature Suite – Location and Access

One lounge at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) that had long been on my bucket list was Air Canada’s Signature Suite in Terminal 1. Given its strict entry requirements, it remained elusive despite my years of flying through YYZ. However, due to a scheduling change on my initial flight, Air Canada rebooked me, granting me access to the esteemed lounge—an opportunity I gladly took advantage of.

Located in Terminal 1 after gates 76/77, the Air Canada Signature Suite is upstairs next to the Plaza Premium Lounge.

Lounge access is highly exclusive. To enter, passengers must hold either a paid Air Canada Business Class ticket or if flying on points, an Aeroplan Business Flexible fare, which tends to be costly due to Air Canada’s dynamic pricing structure. As I was told, the third way to gain access is by flying Emirates First Class out of YYZ. Notably, a Business Flexible class redemption ticket on a Star Alliance partner will not qualify for entry.

Air Canada Signature Suite YYZ – Entrance

My entry was due to a rescheduled flight. Originally, I was booked on Swiss Air in Business Flexible, but a scheduling change led Air Canada to rebook me on an Air Canada Business Flexible fare at a significantly discounted rate via Aeroplan—over 50% less than the usual redemption cost.

Lounge Seating, Layout, and Amenities

Upon arrival, the reception desk verified my access before summoning a concierge to escort me. This immediate personal touch set the Signature Suite apart from the Maple Leaf Lounge (MLL), where long lines are common. During my visit, the lounge was remarkably quiet and never reached more than 50% capacity.

The Signature Suite’s atmosphere is distinctly serene, thanks to its strict access policies. No background music plays, contributing to a peaceful setting. The lounge offers a relaxed and spacious environment. As the concierge led me inside, I noticed the buffet area to the left and the à la carte dining section to the right. Seating was ample, with comfortable leather chairs and neatly arranged tables, each set with a gray placemat, a folded white napkin, stemmed wine and water glasses, and silverware. Most tables were set for two, though a long row along the right side remained unoccupied throughout my visit.

Lounge Seating

One downside was the lack of unobstructed views. Only one small window provided a view of the planes, while the others were frosted, limiting outside visibility. Six unisex bathrooms and a fully stocked bar were at the back of the lounge. A particularly interesting feature was a private dining room with a sliding door adorned with maple leaves, accommodating up to six guests. My server, Lilas, informed me that this room could be reserved through Air Canada in advance.

Seating and Bar Area

Private Dining Room

Air Canada Signature Suite – Food and Drink

The lounge offers two dining options: a self-serve buffet and an à la carte restaurant. Given that I had three hours before my flight, I opted for the à la carte experience.

My dining table setup

À la carte Menu

The Signature Cocktail menu was extensive, featuring nine signature cocktails. During my visit, I sampled three:

• Berry Horizon (Rye, maple syrup, lime, vanilla bitters, blackberries) was served in a rock glass with a large ice cube, featuring a layered look with a deep purple top and a soft yellow base, garnished with a blackberry. It was a very classy and well-balanced drink, Sweet with prominent rye, lime, and berry flavours.
  

  Berry Horizon

• Gate E77 (Tequila, Strega, agave, lime, cucumber, mint, jalapeño, salt) was their take on a margarita. If you love margaritas, you’ll appreciate this well-crafted version.
  

  Gate E77

• Solar Eclipse (Vermouth Rosso, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, port, sparkling wine, simple syrup) was a blood-red base from the port wine with a clear sparkling wine top garnished with an orange wedge. The drink was refreshing, though I preferred the Berry Horizon.
  

  Solar Eclipse

The bar also featured high-end scotch whiskey selections, including Johnnie Walker Gold Label. I sampled a 16-year-old single malt Lagavulin, which I had never encountered before. It had a delicate, smoky flavour, perfect for scotch lovers. My à la carte experience was a three-course delight;

• Appetizer
  • Foie Gras and Chicken Liver Parfait (Savory granola, orange and blood orange jelly, crostini, radish, arugula) with two pieces of crostini per foie gras portion and jelly drops around the plate. The dish was rich, smooth, and delicious—far beyond typical lounge offerings.
• Main Course
  • Ontario Flat Iron Steak (Signature rub, chimichurri, lemon herb parmesan fingerling potatoes, grilled broccolini) was cooked perfectly to my medium-well request, tender enough to cut without a steak knife. The chimichurri complemented the beef, and the potatoes and broccoli rounded the dish beautifully.
    

    Steak and Broccolini

• Desserts
  • Lemon Olive Oil Cake (Candied pistachios, lemon segment, pistachio ice cream) was slightly dry, requiring the ice cream for moisture—least favourite of the desserts.
    

    Lemon Olive Oil Cake

  • Chocolate Cake (Chocolate ganache duo, Ontario macerated strawberries) was exceptionally refined and of fine-dining quality.
    

    Chocolate Cake

The buffet offered hot and cold dishes, including Charcuterie board, cheeses, quinoa salad, Caesar salad, artichoke salad, and mini roast beef sandwiches. The hot food options included Jasmine rice, chana masala, marinated chicken, and minestrone soup complementing the Chocolate panna cotta for dessert.

Air Canada Signature Lounge – Buffet

Takeaway

My first experience with the Air Canada Signature Suite at YYZ was outstanding. The impeccable food and beverage options made it clear why Air Canada limits access to this lounge.

The à la carte meals were a clear step above standard lounge offerings, and even the buffet exceeded expectations. If you have access, I highly recommend arriving early to take full advantage of the dining options. While redeeming Aeroplan points for a Business Flexible fare may not always be ideal, if you happen to be rebooked into one (as I was), the silver lining is access to this premium lounge.

My Overall rating would be 8/10—exclusive, high-quality dining, but with room for improvement in bar selection and lounge views.