Travel

Getting to Toronto

Rule of thumb: Book as early as you can and you can save lots on price. There are substantial deals on trains and buses when you book early, and early can mean months before. This can help us ease the overall travel budget and have more people come to LGM.

The weather in Toronto: Average temperature during LGM dates: 14 degrees (lowest, 4 degrees). Consult forecast here.

By Air

The Toronto area is served by Pearson International Airport (YYZ), located in Mississauga, a short taxi or transit ride from downtown. Clear signage directing travelers to ground transportation is posted in both terminals. Most international flights arrive at Pearson.

For those who want to take a cab, getting downtown, near the LGM venue, from Pearson International Airport by taxi can cost about $53 (the flat rate depends on the area of town where you drop off) plus possible extras (fuel, excess baggage, etc.) that are listed in this pdf file.

A second airport, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) is located on the Toronto Islands, a short ferry ride from downtown and the financial district. Billy Bishop is served by Porter Airlines and Air Canada, with service to many cities in eastern Canada, and a select few cities in the United States.

Getting downtown from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is free with the complimentary shuttle that rides every 15 minutes.

By Road

Toronto is located near several major highways, making access by car or bus relatively easy. The Toronto Coach Terminal offers services from a number of carriers, to much of Canada and the United States.

Travelling by bus — reservation Websites
Arriving in Toronto by bus, is clearly a choice to consider. It’s cheaper than the plane (of course if the distance allows!) and the bus terminal is located downtown, a short trip from the LGM site. Here’s a list to start your research.

Megabus

Greyhound

Busbud

Neonbus

By Rail

Toronto is served by both regional commuter rail (GO Transit) and by longer-distance trains serving Canada (VIA Rail) and the United States (Amtrak). Trains arrive at Union Station, which is a short subway trip from the University of Toronto.

Via Rail has “very low rates” if you book early. “Early” means as early as in the month of January for the end of April. A round trip from Montreal (for instance) can be less that $100 CAD (yes). It’s a 5 to 6 hour ride. And remember the trains arrive downtown, which can save you valuable time to get to LGM. See the Escape fares.