Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is Canada’s busiest and most important air travel hub, and Air Canada, the country’s flagship airline, plays a dominant role in its daily operations. The Air Canada YYZ Terminal is located in Terminal 1, which is dedicated to Air Canada and its Star Alliance partners, offering passengers a seamless, modern, and efficient travel experience.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a first-time visitor, navigating through Terminal 1 with Air Canada can be a smooth and comfortable experience. In this comprehensive guide, we explore every aspect of the Air Canada YYZ Terminal — from check-in and security, to lounges, shopping, dining, and international connections.

Terminal 1 at Toronto Pearson International Airport was designed to meet the needs of high-volume international and domestic travel. Serving as the primary terminal for Air Canada, it handles:

• All Air Canada domestic and international flights
• Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express flights
• Star Alliance partner airline flights

As a central hub for connecting passengers across North America and around the world, Terminal 1 is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, ample amenities, and advanced processing systems that support Air Canada’s expansive route network.

Getting to Terminal 1

Terminal 1 is easily accessible by:

• UP Express from downtown Toronto (Union Station) in about 25 minutes
• TTC and GO Transit buses
• Personal vehicles or taxis, with ample short-term and long-term parking
• Airport shuttle services and hotel transfers

Once at Pearson, the signage for Air Canada and Terminal 1 is clear and multilingual, easing navigation for international travelers.

Air Canada Check-In at YYZ Terminal 1

The check-in area for Air Canada is located on the Departures Level, accessible by escalators, elevators, or direct drop-off. Air Canada offers a wide variety of check-in options tailored to different travel needs:

• Self-service kiosks for domestic and international check-in
• Bag drop counters
• Full-service counters for assistance and complex itineraries
• Priority check-in for Business Class, Aeroplan Elite Status, and Star Alliance Gold members

The check-in process is typically efficient, though it’s recommended to arrive:

• At least 2 hours before domestic flights
• 3 hours before U.S. or international departures

Security and Customs Procedures

After check-in, travelers proceed to security screening and, if necessary, immigration or U.S. preclearance.

Security Highlights:

• TSA PreCheck & NEXUS lanes for expedited screening
• CATSA Plus lanes with automated trays and bin return
• Separate screening lanes for families and passengers requiring assistance

U.S.-bound travelers benefit from preclearance facilities, meaning immigration and customs are completed before departure. Once you arrive in the U.S., you’re treated as a domestic arrival, saving time.

For international travelers, Pearson has installed automated passport control kiosks to streamline the immigration process.

Airside Experience: Shopping, Dining & Amenities

Once through security, passengers enter one of the best-equipped terminal concourses in North America. Terminal 1 at YYZ offers an extensive selection of:

• Dining options
• Retail stores
• Passenger services

Dining Options:

• Boccone Trattoria by Massimo Capra — Italian cuisine by a celebrity chef
• Twist by Roger Mooking — Canadian ingredients in international dishes
• Heirloom Bakery Café — Fresh sandwiches, salads, and pastries
• Tim Hortons and Starbucks — For a quick coffee fix
• Smoke’s Burritorie and Paramount Fine Foods — For fast-casual meals

Whether you’re looking for a sit-down meal or a quick bite before boarding, there’s something for every taste.

Shopping Highlights:

• Duty-Free Americas — Liquor, cosmetics, fragrances, and luxury goods
• Relay and iStore — Books, travel accessories, tech gear
• The Scoreboard and Canada Collection — Canadian-themed souvenirs and apparel

The Maple Leaf Lounge Experience

One of the key benefits of flying with Air Canada from Terminal 1 is access to the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges. Terminal 1 features multiple lounges depending on your flight type and destination.

Domestic Lounge:

Located near the domestic gates, this lounge offers a comfortable environment with:

• Complimentary snacks and beverages
• Business centers and Wi-Fi
• Showers and workstations

U.S. Transborder Lounge:

Located past U.S. customs preclearance, this lounge caters to U.S.-bound travelers.

International Lounge:

Overlooking the tarmac, the international lounge features:

• Premium hot and cold buffet items
• Full-service bar
• Relaxation and quiet zones
• Shower facilities

Access is available to:

• Business Class passengers
• Aeroplan 50K/75K/100K members
• Star Alliance Gold status travelers
• Paid access (subject to availability)

Boarding Procedures

Air Canada gates are organized and spacious, with clear signage and helpful staff. Boarding usually starts 30–45 minutes prior to departure, organized by zone, class of service, and elite status.

Zone-based boarding includes:

1. Pre-boarding for those needing assistance
2. Business Class
3. Aeroplan Elite/Star Alliance Gold
4. Economy Class in zones (Zone 1 to 6)

Digital gate screens and mobile boarding support make the process even smoother.

Arrivals at YYZ Terminal 1

Arriving at Terminal 1 is equally streamlined. After deplaning:

• Domestic travelers proceed directly to baggage claim
• International passengers head to customs and immigration
• U.S. arrivals are treated as domestic due to preclearance

The baggage claim area is efficient, with digital monitors showing flight status and carousel numbers. Porter assistance, lost baggage services, and ground transportation options are readily available.

Connecting Flights

YYZ Terminal 1 is designed for easy connections. There are three main zones (D, E, and F gates), and walking between them is quick, with automated walkways to assist travelers. If you’re connecting to another Air Canada or Star Alliance flight, signs and monitors help guide you efficiently.

If connecting to a domestic, U.S., or international flight, Air Canada provides guidance at transfer desks to assist with direction, document verification, and baggage transfer.

Ground Transportation and Services

Once you’ve completed your trip or arrived at YYZ:

• Taxis and ride-shares are available curbside
• UP Express offers quick transit to downtown Toronto
• Rental car centers are accessible via shuttle or walkway
• Hotel shuttles and airport buses stop directly at Terminal 1

Additional services at Terminal 1 include:

• Currency exchange
• ATMs
• Luggage wrapping
• Accessible services and family rooms

Why Choose Air Canada at YYZ Terminal 1?

Whether you’re flying short-haul within Canada or embarking on a long-haul journey across continents, the Air Canada experience at YYZ**** Terminal 1 is among the best in North America. The terminal offers:

• State-of-the-art infrastructure
• Comprehensive dining and shopping
• Luxurious lounge access
• Efficient check-in, security, and boarding
• Smooth connectivity for international and domestic transfers

It reflects Air Canada’s commitment to quality, reliability, and customer service — making Toronto Pearson’s Terminal 1 a gateway worthy of the national carrier.

Final Thoughts

Flying with Air Canada through YYZ Terminal 1 means enjoying one of the most refined and efficient airport experiences in Canada. With modern amenities, intelligent design, and world-class lounges, the terminal sets the tone for a great journey ahead. Whether you’re heading to Vancouver, New York, London, or Tokyo, Air Canada and its YYZ terminal operations ensure you get there with ease, comfort, and a touch of Canadian hospitality.