Traveling through Toronto Pearson International Airport and flying with Air Canada? If you’re asking, “What terminal is Air Canada at YYZ?”, you’re not alone. Knowing the right terminal ahead of time can save you from unnecessary stress and help ensure a smoother airport experience. This comprehensive guide to the Air Canada terminal at YYZ will walk you through everything you need to know—from check-in to departure, lounges, dining, and more.
Whether you’re traveling domestically, internationally, or to the United States, here’s your complete resource on the Air Canada YYZ terminal.
What Terminal Is Air Canada at YYZ?
The answer is straightforward: Air Canada operates out of Terminal 1 at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). Terminal 1 is the largest and most modern of the two terminals at Pearson and serves as a major hub for Air Canada operations across Canada and beyond.
If you're searching for information on the Air Canada terminal YYZ for any type of flight—domestic, transborder (U.S.), or international—Terminal 1 is where you need to go.
Air Canada Terminal YYZ Overview
Terminal 1 at YYZ is a spacious, well-organized terminal operated by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA). It is equipped with everything a traveler might need: efficient check-in facilities, a wide variety of dining and shopping options, and helpful signage in multiple languages.
The terminal layout includes:
Level 1 (Arrivals) – for passengers arriving in Toronto
Level 2 (Departures) – where check-in counters, baggage drop, and security screening are located
Airside Concourse – where you’ll find boarding gates, lounges, and duty-free shops
Terminal 1 supports all Air Canada flights from YYZ, making it the central hub for Air Canada passengers at Toronto Pearson.
Domestic Flights: Air Canada Terminal at YYZ
If you are flying within Canada, all Air Canada domestic flights depart from Terminal 1. Upon arrival at the terminal, head to the Air Canada check-in counters or use one of the many self-service kiosks. After dropping off your bags and going through security, you’ll reach the domestic gates area.
Highlights of the domestic section of the YYZ Air Canada terminal include:
Fast security screening with NEXUS or trusted traveler options
Access to the Maple Leaf Lounge for eligible passengers
Dining options such as Tim Hortons, A&W, and Starbucks
U.S.-Bound Flights: Preclearance at Terminal 1
Flying to the United States? Air Canada operates all U.S.-bound flights from Terminal 1, and you’ll pass through U.S. Customs and Border Protection preclearance before boarding.
What this means is that once you land in the U.S., you’re treated like a domestic passenger and can leave the airport more quickly.
Key features of the U.S. departure area in Terminal 1:
Separate preclearance zone for customs and immigration
A dedicated Maple Leaf Lounge (Transborder) for U.S.-bound travelers
Retail and food outlets post-clearance such as Smashburger and Duty-Free
International Flights: Departing from YYZ Air Canada Terminal
For flights to Europe, Asia, South America, or other international destinations, Air Canada passengers will also depart from Terminal 1. The check-in process is located in the main departures hall. Arrive at least three hours early to allow time for passport control, security, and possible long lines during peak hours.
The international concourse in Air Canada Terminal YYZ is well-equipped with amenities:
Duty-free shopping from top global brands
Wide selection of restaurants and coffee shops
Maple Leaf Lounge (International) offering showers, business centers, and gourmet dining
Air Canada Check-In and Baggage at Terminal 1
Check-in at Air Canada Terminal at YYZ is available via multiple options:
Self-service kiosks: Ideal for printing boarding passes and baggage tags
Air Canada mobile app: Offers mobile check-in and real-time flight updates
Full-service counters: For special assistance, oversized baggage, or complex itineraries
After check-in, you can proceed to one of several security checkpoints, depending on whether your destination is domestic, U.S., or international.
Lounges at the Air Canada YYZ Terminal
Air Canada passengers who qualify can relax in one of three Maple Leaf Lounges located in Terminal 1:
Domestic Maple Leaf Lounge – Located near Gate D20, open to Business Class, Altitude Elite members, and Star Alliance Gold passengers.
International Maple Leaf Lounge – Situated near Gate E77, with upscale amenities such as showers, premium food, and business workstations.
Transborder Maple Leaf Lounge – Available post-U.S. customs near Gate F84.
All lounges offer free Wi-Fi, snacks, beverages, and a quiet, comfortable environment away from the main terminal crowd.
Dining and Shopping at Terminal 1
Terminal 1 provides a rich selection of food, beverage, and shopping options, whether you're in the domestic, U.S., or international section. Some standout choices include:
Dining
Paramount Fine Foods – Middle Eastern cuisine
Boccone Trattoria Veloce – Italian fare and wine
Heirloom Bakery Café – Healthy grab-and-go items
Tim Hortons – A must for a classic Canadian coffee and donut
Shopping
Duty Free by Dufry – For perfumes, alcohol, chocolate, and souvenirs
Relay – Magazines, books, and travel essentials
iStore – Tech gadgets and accessories
Transportation to the Air Canada Terminal at YYZ
Getting to Air Canada Terminal YYZ is easy with several transport options:
UP Express Train: Connects Toronto Union Station to Terminal 1 in just 25 minutes
Taxis and Rideshare: Uber, Lyft, and local taxis are available at curbside
Public Transit: TTC and GO Transit buses serve Terminal 1
Airport Parking: Short-term and long-term parking garages are directly connected to Terminal 1 via covered walkways
Tips for Navigating the YYZ Air Canada Terminal
Arrive Early: 90 minutes before domestic, 2 hours before U.S. flights, and 3 hours for international.
Use the Express Security Lanes: Available for NEXUS cardholders and premium class passengers.
Track Flights with the Pearson App: Stay updated on gate changes, delays, and boarding times.
Use Free Wi-Fi: Pearson Airport offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout Terminal 1.
Label Your Bags Clearly: Especially important in a busy terminal like this.
Final Thoughts on the Air Canada Terminal at YYZ
To summarize, Air Canada operates exclusively out of Terminal 1 at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). Whether you're traveling within Canada, flying to the U.S., or embarking on an international journey, Terminal 1 is the place to be.
With premium lounges, diverse food options, modern facilities, and efficient customs preclearance, the Air Canada terminal at YYZ ensures a smooth and comfortable travel experience from start to finish.
Next time someone asks you, “What terminal is Air Canada at YYZ?”, you’ll have the answer—and a whole lot more.
