Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport

The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport occupies Level 2 of the main terminal, accessed via elevator or staircase from the departure concourse after clearing security. Situated between Gates 17 and 18, it is a fitting lounge for the nation's capital — a steady mix of government officials, diplomatic staff, lobbyists, and frequent business flyers make up much of the traffic. It sits directly across from the Aspire Salon Lounge, forming one of the more convenient side-by-side lounge pairings at a Canadian regional airport. The layout offers a dining area to the left on entry, a sweeping window-side seating bank in the centre with tarmac views, and a private business centre with workstations and printers to the right. Showers are available — a notable distinction from the Saskatoon and Regina Maple Leaf Lounges. The food program leans toward lighter bites with regional touches, paired with a self-serve bar offering wine, beer, and spirits. TVs cycle CTV News, while PressReader provides complimentary access to newspapers and magazines. Hours vary by day of week: the lounge closes earlier Tuesday through Saturday than it does on Sundays and Mondays. US transborder passengers departing YOW cannot access this lounge. How to Access the Maple Leaf Lounge YOW The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International (searched as maple leaf lounge ottawa, AC lounge YOW, or Aeroplan lounge Ottawa) is the primary premium airline lounge at YOW — a compact but consistently well-run facility catering to Ottawa's government, consulting, and diplomatic traveller mix. Access is limited to Air Canada operating flights. Who Qualifies Air Canada Business Class on same-day domestic or transborder flights Aeroplan 50K, 75K, and Super Elite 100K members Star Alliance Gold on same-day Star Alliance flights Maple Leaf Club members Amex Aeroplan Reserve, TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege, and CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege cardholders Air Canada One-Time Guest Pass holders (domestic and US Transborder) Frequently Asked Questions Is there a Priority Pass lounge at Ottawa Airport (YOW)?Yes — the Aspire Salon Lounge at YOW accepts Priority Pass, DragonPass, and walk-in day passes. It has an unusually generous unlimited-guest policy for a Priority Pass lounge and covers domestic and international departures (not US Transborder). Does Amex Platinum work at the Maple Leaf Lounge Ottawa?No. Amex Platinum's Priority Pass is not accepted at any Maple Leaf Lounge. The Aspire Salon Lounge at YOW is the Priority Pass–accessible alternative for Amex Platinum cardholders. What time does the Air Canada lounge open at Ottawa Airport?Hours track Air Canada's departure banks — typically 05:00 to 22:00 daily. Confirm on the day via the Air Canada app. Access rules verified against Air Canada's official lounge policy — last checked August 2026.

The Aspire Salon Lounge at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport sits on Level 2 of the main terminal, to the right of Gate 18, and is directly opposite the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge — forming one of the more convenient side-by-side lounge pairings at a Canadian regional airport. As the only independent open-access lounge at YOW, it serves passengers on any airline or ticket class through Priority Pass, DragonPass, or a walk-in day pass, which is particularly valuable for the many travelers arriving at Canada's federal capital on non-Air Canada carriers. The Aspire Salon delivers a modern, airy interior with hot and cold meal options, plant-based and vegetarian choices, and a complimentary bar of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Unlike the Maple Leaf Lounge adjacent to it, the Aspire Salon operates significantly reduced weekend hours — opening at 10:00 AM on Saturdays and Sundays versus 5:00 AM on weekdays, making it unavailable to early weekend morning departures. Complimentary Wi-Fi, workstations, flight information monitors, and luggage storage are all available; printers and conference facilities carry an additional charge. Like the Maple Leaf Lounge, the Aspire Salon is restricted to domestic and international departures — US transborder passengers from YOW are not eligible. Full disabled access is confirmed.