We’re probably not telling you anything you don’t already know when we tell you that “going to the airport” isn’t exactly on everyone’s bucket list. But just like every destination is different, so is every airport. And just as navigating a new city is challenging in and of itself, so is navigating a new airport. How do I get from one terminal to the next? What are the best airport restaurants? Is there anything to do if I have a long layover?
If you’re anything like us, then these are probably the types of questions you have that perhaps you don’t get push notifications for. But never fear, because we have answers to your airport questions with our series of guides to the world’s top airports. Today we bring you the TripIt airport guide to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).
About YYZ
Toronto Pearson International Airport is Canada’s largest and busiest airport, seeing more than 40 million passengers annually. Pearson is located northwest of Toronto, in what's technically Mississauga, and approximately 15 miles (24 km) away from Central Toronto. YYZ is the main hub for Air Canada, Canada's largest airline, and a hub for WestJet. As Canada's busiest airport, it's also one of several Canadian airports with United States preclearance. Pearson has two main terminals, Terminal 1 and 3, connected via the Link Train.
Getting to the airport is quickest and easiest on the Union Pearson Express Train, a 25-minute ride, leaving every 15 minutes from Terminal 1. Additionally, a number of Great Toronto Area (GTA) public transit routes serve the airport, while taxi and ride sharing (Uber and Lyft) are also available. Finally, car rental counters are located on level 1 of both terminals.
Eat
You’ll find some familiar fast-service chain restaurants in YYZ, including Wendy’s, Starbucks, Subway, and popular Canadian coffee and donut shop, Tim Hortons. A number of other restaurants celebrate Canada, such as Smoke’s Poutinerie and Smoke’s Burritorie, both of which are located in Terminal 3. Others include Red Rocket (Terminal 1), modeled after Toronto's "Red Rocket" transit system, and the Maple Leaf Diner (Terminal 1). Other notable Terminal 1 restaurants include Bar: 120, Banh Shop for Southeast Asian street food, Lee Kitchen by Canadian celebrity chef Susur Lee, Bento Sushi, Boccone Pronto for Italian, BUILT Custom Burgers, Fetta panini bar, Marathi for Indian cuisine, The Hearth, and Twist. Other Terminal 3 restaurants, meanwhile, include Acer for Japanese food, Cluny Grille, Corso for Italian, El Catrin Taqueria, Nobel Burger Bar, and Urban Crave street food.
Drink
A number of the restaurants mentioned above have great bars for grabbing a drink, including Nobel Burger Bar, Fetta and Twist. Other Terminal 1 bars include Vinifera wine bar, Landed Tap House, Toronto-based Mill Street Brewery, Apropos, and Rock Squeeze. Bars to grab a drink in Terminal 3 include Beerhive, Cork and Well, Distillery Bar, Fionn MacCool's Irish pub, Ice Bar, and Tap & Pour. Of the non-alcoholic variety, DAVIDsTEA, located in both terminals, features a selection of more than 150 teas.
Do
Like most international airports, Pearson International Airport has a wide range of duty-free shopping and other designer shops that travelers are likely familiar with, such as Bvlgari, COACH, Gucci, Michael Kors, and Polo Ralph Lauren. In Terminal 3 travelers can find WellBeing Spa, a small spa storefront offering massages and nail services. Most unique to Toronto Pearson, however, are airside tours, featuring a behind-the-scenes tour of the airport. Tours take place during the spring, summer and fall months.
Another rare airport amenity is the GoodLife fitness center, a 10,000-square-foot gym before security. Day passes are available to travelers, as well as clothing and shoe rentals. Finally, travelers can check out a wide selection of permanent and rotating art exhibits throughout both terminals.
Airport Lounges
As Canada's largest airport, travelers will find a number of airline lounges, including American Airlines Admirals Club, Air France/KLM and several Air Canada lounges. Additionally, there are Plaza Premium lounges in both terminals.
Navigate
Use TripIt’s interactive airport maps in the app to discover shop, restaurant, and bar locations. You’ll also have everything you need to navigate your way with estimated walk times and step-by-step directions.
Written By:
SPENCER SPELLMAN
Spencer is a seasoned food, drink, and travel writer who has written for publications from Outside Magazine to Travel + Leisure and Los Angeles Times. When he's not traveling, he's perfecting his favorite cocktails in his home bar. He chronicles his adventures (and cocktails) on his travel site, Whiskey Tango Globetrot.
