Toronto, Canada’s largest city, is a vibrant metropolis known for its diverse culture, iconic skyline, and world-class attractions. If you’re passing through Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) on a short layover, you might be wondering how best to spend your limited time. While you might not have the luxury of exploring everything the city has to offer, you can still experience a few highlights that are easily accessible from the airport. This guide will show you how to make the most of your layover in Toronto by offering quick and easy excursions that won’t leave you stressed about getting back to your flight on time.
Quick Overview of Toronto Pearson’s Location
Toronto Pearson is located about 30 minutes to 1 hour from downtown Toronto, depending on traffic and your mode of transportation. With this in mind, it’s important to manage your time carefully to avoid missing your next flight.
- For layovers under 4 hours: It’s best to stay at the airport and enjoy its facilities.
- For layovers over 4 hours: You can venture into the city for a quick tour, but keep an eye on the time to ensure you return to the airport with plenty of time for security and boarding.
Toronto’s Top Attractions for a Short Layover
If you have at least 4 to 6 hours, you’ll have enough time to explore some of Toronto’s nearby attractions. Here are some of the top spots that are close to the airport:
2.1. CN Tower: A 360-Degree View of Toronto
The CN Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Toronto, and it’s only about a 30-minute drive from Pearson. If you have a little extra time, head to the observation deck, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline, Lake Ontario, and even Niagara Falls on a clear day.
- Attraction Highlights: Observation deck, glass floor, SkyPod (for higher views), and rotating restaurant.
- Time Needed: 1–2 hours.
2.2. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is located just over 30 minutes from the airport. It’s a great choice if you’re interested in culture, history, and art. You can explore its diverse exhibits, including world-class collections of dinosaur fossils, Egyptian mummies, and Indigenous artifacts.
- Attraction Highlights: Natural history, art, and cultural exhibits.
- Time Needed: 1–2 hours.
2.3. St. Lawrence Market
If you’re looking to experience Toronto’s vibrant food scene during a short layover, St. Lawrence Market is a perfect stop. Located about 30 minutes from the airport, this bustling market offers fresh produce, local delicacies, and delicious snacks. It’s ideal for grabbing a quick bite while exploring the local flavors of the city.
- Attraction Highlights: Local cheeses, baked goods, artisanal products, and fresh seafood.
- Time Needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Shopping and Dining Near the Airport
If venturing into the city feels too rushed, there are plenty of shopping and dining options around Toronto Pearson where you can relax and enjoy a bit of Toronto’s atmosphere without leaving the airport area.
3.1. Toronto Premium Outlets
For travelers looking to shop, the Toronto Premium Outlets is located about 15 minutes from the airport. With over 85 designer stores offering discounts, it’s a great way to spend some time browsing and picking up a few items during your layover.
- Attraction Highlights: High-end fashion, discounts, and a variety of stores.
- Time Needed: 1–2 hours.
3.2. Airport Dining: Taste Toronto’s Best
Toronto Pearson offers a variety of restaurants and cafes to explore during your layover. Many of the airport’s eateries feature Canadian cuisine or international flavors, so you can taste a bit of the local culture without leaving the terminal. Some great spots include:
- The Craft House (Terminal 1): A Canadian-inspired restaurant offering a menu of locally sourced dishes.
- Caplansky’s Deli (Terminal 3): A legendary spot for classic Jewish deli sandwiches.
- True Confections (Terminal 1): A perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth with delicious desserts.
- Time Needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Taking a Quick City Tour
If you have a layover of 5 to 6 hours or more, a city tour can give you a snapshot of Toronto without straying too far from the airport.
4.1. Airport Shuttle Tours: Toronto Highlights
There are companies offering shuttle tours that can take you to Toronto’s main attractions during a short layover. These tours typically last about 2 to 3 hours, giving you enough time to see a few of the key landmarks, such as:
- CN Tower
- Harbourfront
- Ripley’s Aquarium
- Distillery District (for arts and shopping)
Some services even allow you to customize your trip, so you can focus on the things that interest you most.
- Time Needed: 2–3 hours.
Conclusion
With its convenient location and numerous attractions, Toronto offers plenty of ways to make the most of your layover. Whether you’re interested in iconic landmarks like the CN Tower, exploring neighborhoods like Kensington Market, or simply enjoying local food and shopping near the airport, you’ll find plenty to do during a short stopover.