New lounge blends Québec’s cultural heritage, local flavours and modern amenities as Air Canada expands its premium airport experience network
Air Canada has expanded its premium airport hospitality portfolio with the opening of its newest Air Canada Café at Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB), marking the airport’s first dedicated premium lounge experience and the seventh location under the airline’s growing Air Canada Café concept.
Developed in partnership with Plaza Premium Group, the new 3,616-square-foot (336-square-metre) lounge has been designed to offer eligible travellers a refined and comfortable environment to relax, work and prepare for their journeys. The opening forms part of Air Canada’s broader strategy to enhance premium travel experiences and modernise its global lounge network.
Inspired by the rich history, artistic identity and culinary traditions of Québec City, the 97-seat facility incorporates Air Canada’s “Glowing Hearted” design philosophy, drawing from the region’s natural landscapes and French heritage. The space showcases works by prominent Québec and Canadian artists, including Antonietta Grassi and Douglas Coupland, creating an atmosphere that reflects the character and creativity of the destination.
Jacqueline Harkness, Managing Director, Product and Services at Air Canada, said the new lounge captures the essence of Québec City while elevating the passenger journey.
“Travellers love Québec City for its food, charm and character. With this new Air Canada Café, we’ve created a space that feels like a love letter to the city — warm, calm, and inspired by its rich and unique character. Québec City is one of Canada’s great treasures, and we’re proud to bring a little taste of its magic into the travel experience,” she said.
A key highlight of the new Air Canada Café is its self-service culinary experience, featuring locally sourced ingredients and collaborations with Québec-based and Indigenous partners. Guests can enjoy regional specialities such as breakfast pancakes served with maple butter, fleur de sel and Sigewigus pumpkin seed spread sourced from the Mi’gmaq Nation of Gespeg Indigenous community. The menu also includes artisanal cheeses, locally produced jams, customisable power bowls and a selection of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
The beverage programme showcases premium offerings including Lavazza coffee, handcrafted cocktails prepared using spirits from la Distillerie du Fjord, and locally brewed beers from La Souche.
The lounge has also been designed with the needs of modern travellers in mind, featuring productivity-focused work areas, power outlets at every seat and USB-C charging facilities for laptops, tablets and mobile devices.
Stéphane Poirier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport, said the addition strengthens the airport’s commitment to providing a distinctive and welcoming passenger experience.
“The opening of the new Air Canada Café aligns perfectly with our ambition to deliver an increasingly modern and attractive airport experience. We are proud to collaborate with Air Canada and Plaza Premium Group in introducing this unique and highly valued lounge concept to our travellers,” he said.
Eric Pateman, Senior Vice President, North America at Plaza Premium Group, added that the new facility represents a continued commitment between the partners to redefine airport hospitality through innovation and premium service.
Access to the Air Canada Café is available to eligible domestic travellers, including Aeroplan Elite members with 50K status and above, Star Alliance Gold members, Aeroplan premium co-branded credit card holders and Business Class passengers travelling on Air Canada and Star Alliance flights departing from Québec City.
The launch further reinforces Air Canada’s investment in premium airport infrastructure. The airline added more than 500 lounge seats worldwide over the past year and has recently expanded its lounge portfolio with new and upgraded facilities, including a new Air Canada Café and a renovated Maple Leaf Lounge at Montréal-Trudeau Airport.
By combining local culture, elevated gastronomy and traveller-focused amenities, the new Air Canada Café at Québec City Airport represents another step in the evolution of airport lounges from simple waiting spaces into immersive destination-inspired experiences.
