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Vancouver (YVR)

Have a layover? It’s worth going back through security if you can escape for an hour or so to the Fairmont in-terminal hotel for afternoon tea. Expect the full tradition: scones with homemade preserves, finger sandwiches and an assortment of pastries with tea or bubbly (or both). It’s a first-class experience before boarding the plane.

Calgary (YYC)

Before security, get a table at Yakima Social Kitchen and Bar at the in-terminal Marriott hotel, where the menu is influenced by Asian and Indigenous cuisines. Morning flight? Opt for the breakfast bowl with tuna tataki. Later in the day, try the pulled elk and pork. The cocktail menu is also fun with local spins on traditional drinks, such as the Saskatoon Mule (Eau Claire gin and Saskatoon berry syrup with local ginger beer).

Toronto (YYZ)

If you’re flying out of Terminal 3, the food can come to your seat at the gate for both domestic and international departures, thanks to a partnership between Pearson Airport and Uber Eats. Participating restaurants are Caplansky’s Deli, Paramount Fine Foods, Smoke’s Burritorie, Smashburger and Fionn MacCool’s. You won’t go wrong with the shish taouk and fattoush salad from Paramount.

Montreal (YUL)

You can get your fill of Montreal smoked meat at the airport – the caveat is that this outpost of Lester’s Deli is only available to those flying to the United States (at Gate 79). On a domestic or international flight? Head to Gate 52 for Montreal Cuisine de Rue, a kitchen that plays host to a rotating cast of chefs from the city’s food trucks. The menu rotates with the resident chefs.

St. John’s (YYT)

Local microbrewer YellowBelly Brewery & Public House opened its second location in the departures lounge on Level 2 of this airport in 2018. YellowBelly pale ale, Fighting Irish red ale, St. John’s stout and more are on tap as well as menu items including seafood chowder and crispy cod burger. Consider it a version of being screeched out.

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