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.

Navigate YOW — Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport airport lounge map