Airlines have increased their focus on the business-class ground experience during the past few years.
This trend began in the United States with the construction of the Flagship and Polaris Lounges by American and United, respectively, and Delta may now be catching up.
Air Canada is the only other airline in North America that currently has a full business lounge.
The Air Canada Signature Suite was recognized as one of the greatest on the continent when it debuted in 2017.
I'm happy to say that it continues to live up to that reputation following my most recent visit.
Location
The Signature Suite is situated in the international departures sector of Toronto Pearson Airport.
You can locate the space specifically on the third level, across from Gate E77, after passing through security.
To reach the clearly marked entrance, you must ascend one floor either by stairs or an elevator.
If you're connecting from a Canadian domestic flight, a BMW will pick you up at the airport and take you directly to the Signature Suite.
The lounge is open every day from 6:30 am until 11 pm.
Access
The rigorous entry restrictions ensured that the lounge never seemed crowded or completely full during my visit.
Only paid business travelers are permitted in the Signature Suite.
You must be flying on an Air Canada flight bound for Europe, Asia, or South America; guests are not permitted.
If during irregular operations you redeem miles, receive an upgrade, or are rebooked onto a qualifying flight (assuming you weren't already booked on an eligible aircraft), you are unable to enter.
Air Canada has done an excellent job of keeping the Signature Suite fairly restricted, even if I myself would enjoy it if guests redeeming miles were allowed to enter.
Layout
Once you enter the lounge, one of two attendants will scan your boarding pass to determine if you have access. Once admitted, there’s a host waiting to collect your baggage and show you around.
You don't even need to obtain a claim ticket because the luggage storage closet is manned throughout the day and your bags are identified by your last name.
For bigger groups or individuals seeking more privacy, a small circular table is located on the left after you enter the lounge.
Four rows of tables are arranged in rows, and a stunning steel sculpture divides the room in half.
There are both open booths and a variety of classic dining tables.
The lounge staff was willing to accommodate larger and odd-numbered parties despite the fact that tables are set for two or four people.
A small buffet is located towards the back of the space.
The distinctive bar is located along one wall, and a mural honoring the airline and its native nation is located along the other side. The mural's central red maple tree is prominently featured.
Another dining room with additional tables is located behind the bar.
During my visit, this was considered the backup room, and business was only brisk in the late afternoon and early evening.
A six-person private dining area is also available for VIPs and important meetings.
If no one is inside, you can use it on a first-come, first-served basis.
Between the entryway and the extra eating room, the leisure area is set up in a long, slender rectangular hallway.
Couches, individual recliners, and two-person tables are available in this area.
It is obvious that the emphasis in this location is on the cuisine given how much space is devoted to dining.
Although considerably smaller than other top-tier business class lounges, the little leisure room is unquestionably attractive.
I thought the lounge was well designed overall.
The outdoor area served as a peaceful retreat from the airport terminal.
And this was definitely a notable step up from the AA Flagship Lounges and United Polaris Lounges I’ve been in the U.S
Amenities
There aren't many amenities available at the Signature Suite because it was primarily built as a dining space.
There are no showers, sleeper suites, family rooms, or spas here.
Use the showers at the adjoining Maple Leaf Lounge if you want to freshen up before leaving.
The lounge is dotted with several (hidden) AC and USB outlets.
Only a small number of tables lack access to a local port.
There are six separate bathrooms in the lounge, but there are no showers.
Each is packed with "genuine" individual hand towels in addition to Molton Brown hand soap and lotion.
There is Wi-Fi available everywhere.
During my visit, the open network had a download speed of 50 Mbps and an upload speed of 20 Mbps.
Food and drink
As anticipated, this club provides a culinary experience that is only surpassed by the top first-class lounges in the world.
A small buffet with a variety of appetizers is available to start.
Breakfast is served from the time the lounge opens until 10:30 a.m.; after that, all-day dining is available.
I wasn't able to try the breakfast cuisine because I went during the day.
Breads, salads, two soups (chicken and caramelised sunchoke when I visited), meatballs, polenta, Brussels sprouts, and a few sweets were available for lunch.
The buffet was not particularly large, but everything on it was amazing.
Instead, it was created to go along with the outstanding a la carte food that is available throughout the lounge.
As a pescatarian, I greatly enjoyed that all the items were listed with all of their allergens, unlike many lounge buffets.
Together with the talented Vancouver-based chef David Hawksworth, the meal was created.
There were five main dishes and four appetisers on the menu.
I received a warning that dishes could take up to 30 minutes to make when I placed my order.
There is a more condensed express menu for products that are made on demand for individuals who are in a hurry.
For lunch, I tried the chickpea panisse, harissa-marinated ling fish, and winter greens salad. They were all outstanding.
The dinner was just as excellent as what I would anticipate being served at a high-end restaurant in a big metropolis.
There were five options on a separate dessert menu.
At this time, I wasn't especially hungry, but I decided to take one for the team.
The sticky toffee and date pudding was one of the nicest desserts I've ever had, whether or not it was served in an airport.
A server checked on me periodically throughout the lunch (and, for that matter, the entire time I was in the lounge).
My drink was continuously refreshed, and I was informed when my food will be served.
Just as stunning as the cuisine were the drinks.
The eye-catching bar was well-stocked with top-shelf liquor, including Ketel One and Ciroc vodkas, Don Julio tequila, Johnnie Walker Gold and Black label, and gold and black labels of Johnnie Walker.
For a lounge of this class, Mot Brut or Rosé was the champagne that was available.
Also available was a complete drink menu with a wide selection of wines, cocktails, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages.
I tried two cocktails while I was there.
The gin-based Lavender Bliss was great, but the rye-based trademark drink was a little too smokey for my tastes.
For those seeking a little caffeine, there were also barista-made Sloane teas and Lavazza coffees available.
Overall, the meals were delicious, and the drinks were fantastic.
I wouldn't be shocked if this lounge won accolades for its food and drinks if it were a restaurant in the heart of Toronto.
Overall perception
One of the best lounges is the Air Canada Signature Suite.
Starting with combating overpopulation, the tight entrance criteria.
Once inside, the room is exquisitely furnished and unquestionably felt more first-class than professional.
Although there aren't many amenities, the food and drink options were fantastic.
In fact, it is so excellent that it discredits a lot of eateries.
So, is this North America's top airport lounge?
It all depends on what you prefer.
The Qantas First lounge at LAX, which boasts a few extra amenities like showers, is the only other genuine competitor.
But I don't like to unwind in that lounge when it's full.
In addition, I slightly preferred the meals at the Signature Suite over that at the Qantas lounge.
In any case, schedule a protracted layover if you're traveling commercial with Air Canada.
Your taste buds will be grateful.
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