- Monday
- 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
- Tuesday
- 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
- Thursday
- 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
- Friday
- 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
- Saturday
- 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
- Sunday
- 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
If you’ve ever had 20–30 minutes between flights and wondered if it’s worth entering a lounge—this is your answer.
The Air Canada Café in Toronto’s Terminal 1 Domestic is a smart, no-frills take on the modern airport lounge. It’s designed for what I call “short-stay flyers”—business travelers with tight connections who don’t have time for the full buffet and bar experience. And it’s one of my favorite examples of quick-serve lounge innovation.
What Works
Grab-and-Go Everything:
Pre-packaged salads, hummus and veggies, cheese & crackers, fruit cups—it’s all fresh, clean, and portable. You can pack a healthy brown bag meal in 2 minutes flat.
Beverage Station Built for Speed:
Skip the bar line. Everything here is bottled or canned—still and sparkling water, soft drinks, juices, cold brew.
Compostable Cutlery & Eco-Friendly Bags:
Great design touch. It’s fast and sustainable.
No Wait, No Fuss:
Unlike traditional lounges with long entry lines or “three-hour max” wristbands, this space is optimized for movement. In and out in 10 minutes if needed.
What to Expect
Minimal Seating:
Not the place for a deep work session or post-flight nap. There are stools and counters if you need to perch, but it’s built for quick turnaround, not relaxation.
Limited Amenities:
No showers, no concierge, no premium liquor. That’s by design. This lounge isn’t trying to compete with the Maple Leaf Lounge—it’s a complement to it.
If you’re connecting in YYZ with under 45 minutes, hit this café first, then head to the gate. If you have more time, it’s the perfect place to build a snack pack before settling into a flagship lounge nearby.
Bottom Line
This is the lounge built for the in-transit professional. Fast, efficient, and health-conscious. It reflects how the travel experience is evolving—segmenting just like airlines themselves. Sometimes you need a lay-flat seat… and sometimes you need a salad and a San Pellegrino before your next gate.
A+ for design, utility, and execution.
Would visit again—and I often do.
Amenities
Connectivity & Entertainment
-
Flight Monitors
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TVs
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Wi-Fi
Food & Drinks
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Beer & Wine
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Premium Food
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Snacks
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Spirits & Liquor
Wellness & Relaxation
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Showers
Work & Business
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Charging Stations
Reviews
I was pleasantly surprised by the Air Canada Café in Terminal 1. It’s a cozy, well-designed spot — more like a modern coffee shop than a typical lounge. Great coffee, fresh snacks, and a calm vibe that makes waiting for your flight feel a lot less stressful. I liked that it wasn’t too crowded, and the self-serve setup was super convenient. A nice place to catch your breath, get some work done, or just relax before boarding. Definitely a step up from the usual airport experience.
I had a few hours before my next flight, and the Emirates Lounge at Hong Kong was exactly what I needed. The staff were warm and welcoming, and everything felt calm and unhurried. I had a bite to eat, found a quiet corner to unwind, and for a while, it didn’t feel like I was in an airport at all. Just a peaceful, relaxing space that felt almost like being at home. Grateful for the hospitality and the chance to properly rest.
