Review: Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Winnipeg

After arriving in Winnipeg on a flight from Vancouver, I had the opportunity to quickly visit the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge. This lounge is available to passengers on domestic or international departures, but not on flights to the US.

This is one of the smaller Maple Leaf Lounges I’ve visited, but since I had complimentary access on arrival as an Aeroplan Super Elite member, I thought I’d at least check it out before heading into the city.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Winnipeg – Access

Locating the Maple Leaf Lounge in the Winnipeg airport is relatively easy, given that the airport is also on the smaller side. After passing through security, simply head left, and the lounge is immediately opposite Gate 9.

You’ll notice the bright red maple leaf prominently protruding from above of the entrance, where you then head through a set of automatic glass doors.

The entrance of the lounge consists of a small white check-in counter, with a large white and red partition separating it from the remainder of the lounge. This Maple Leaf Lounge is open to passengers from 4:30am to 6:45pm daily.

There are a variety of means by which you can access the lounge.

Passengers flying in business class on Air Canada or a Star Alliance partner airline automatically have Maple Leaf Lounge access, and if you hold a premium Aeroplan credit card, such as the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge access is an included benefit.

Currently, having Aeroplan 35K or higher status will grant you entry, although 35Ks will lose that benefit as of June 1, 2023.

Furthermore, Aeroplan 50K members and above may enter Maple Leaf Lounges upon arrival, which is what granted me access on this occasion. On-arrival lounge access is one of my favourite perks of higher-tier Aeroplan Elite Status, and my intention was to grab a light lunch before heading into town.

Lastly, if you’re in possession of a Maple Leaf Lounge One-Time Guest Pass, you can access this lounge.

After verifying your eligibility with the associate at the front, you’ll pass by the ubiquitous Air Canada model airplane, as well as a flight information screen, prior to entering the main part of the lounge.