How to make the most of your layover in Toronto

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and an exciting destination for a layover. It has a mix of modern attractions, cultural landmarks, and natural beauty. The city is known for its iconic CN Tower, diverse neighborhoods, and the beautiful Lake Ontario waterfront.

Toronto has so much going on, and it can easily find its way to your heart. Solo travelers can enjoy world-class museums like the Royal Ontario Museum. Crews of friends or colleagues can explore the historic Distillery District. While families can shop along the busy Yonge Street. Plus, Toronto’s efficient public transit system makes it easy to get around.

The city is also known for its multicultural food scene, featuring everything from local poutine to international flavors in Kensington Market. If you have a few more hours to spare, you can find Niagara Falls just across the lake!

Things to keep in mind before leaving the airport

We're here to help you out before you leave Toronto Pearson International Airport. Just like other Toronto airports, it has a lot of rules and regulations. And for good reason, they're there to keep us safe. But sometimes, they can be confusing and slow things down. So keep reading to find out what you should know before you head out for an adventure outside this Toronto airport.

Visa requirements in Toronto

International travelers to Canada generally need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). That's only necessary if you plan on leaving the airport during a longer Toronto layover. The eTA is enough if you're from a visa-exempt country, and you can apply for it online. It's about 7 CAD and it's done in minutes. But for a regular visa, you'll have to apply in advance, and it costs about 100 CAD.

Minimum layover times in Toronto

1. In-airport short layover:
2. Domestic flights: 1.5 hrs
   Toronto isn't one of those huge airports where you need to walk for half an hour just to get somewhere. If you are in a hurry though, you can use the YYZ Express. It lets you book a reservation for screening, so you can skip the queue and go through security faster.
3. International flights: 3 hrs
   International flights have a lot more security checkpoints than domestic ones. The wait times are understandably longer because of passport control, customs, and other airport processes. If you have something to declare to customs, you can use their Advance Declaration in the ArriveCAN app to save time. Declare what you have through the app and speed it up through customs! You can also check out their website for live wait times and see if there's a holdup somewhere. If you need to get to the other terminal, the free Terminal Link train departs every 8 minutes!
4. In-airport long layover: 5 hrs
   Toronto Pearson Airport has lounges for those long layovers. The Plaza Premium Lounges are in T1 and T3 and they're perfect spots to relax and have a crisp drink or fresh food. Two hours here is about 60 CAD, or it’s free for premium fliers. If your baby is hungry, the airport has dedicated nursing rooms that are clean, comfortable, and quiet. Also, there are some interactive games for older kids (but adults can play there too). Bored? Check out the concerts and art exhibits around the airport that can entertain you.
5. Out-of-airport layover: 7 hrs
   Want to explore outside of Toronto's Pearson International Airport while waiting for your next flight? Tired of sitting in the airport lounge? You can take the UP Express train to Union Station in downtown Toronto, and get there in just 25 minutes. A ticket is about 12 CAD. You'll need a lot of time to explore everything that’s worth a visit in Toronto!

What to do in Toronto during a layover

Interested in some sights, fun activities, or local food? We've prepared a list of some great ideas on how to spend your layover in Toronto. Digital nomads, families, and businesspeople look for different things when exploring a city, so our list has exactly that! Remember to look for Bounce partners in the city, so you can dump your extra weight. Everything is better without baggage, both physical and emotional!

Morning layover in Toronto

Toronto has a lot of places to visit, so better start early! Here are some must-see spots for photo ops and local food:

1. Start your morning with a view of Toronto's skyline and Lake Ontario from the CN Tower.
2. See literally thousands of fish in Ripley's Aquarium of Canada. It also has underwater exhibits and 20.000 species of fish.
3. St. Lawrence Market is just a short walk away and has a bunch of breakfast items like baked goods and the famous peameal bacon sandwich.
4. You can also try Sunset Grill for some sweet options.

Afternoon layover in Toronto

Jump into Canadian culture with some more top spots that you can check off your Toronto bucket list:

1. Hockey is a big deal in Toronto, so check out the Hockey Hall of Fame with a huge collection of memorabilia, famous gear, and the legendary Stanley Cup.
2. The Royal Ontario Museum has collections of natural history, art, and culture from around the world. It's just a short distance from downtown Toronto.
3. Just outside the museum, Bannock serves traditional Canadian cuisine like poutine and butter tarts.
4. The Peasant Table has Canadian and European comfort food like hearty sandwiches and delicious pastries.

Evening layover in Toronto

You shouldn't miss an evening in Toronto. Check out some places to spend the quiet dusk hours:

1. Take a quick ferry ride to the Toronto Islands to relax on the beach or explore them on a bike.
2. Visit Canada's Times Square in downtown Toronto, the Yonge-Dundas Square that lights up in the evening with billboards, street performers, and city lights.
3. Grab a drink at Barsa Taberna, a bar with a lively vibe, and drinks to get the night started.
4. Want some local ingredients and seasonal flavors? The farm-to-table Richmond Station restaurant has what you need and more.

Overnight layover in Toronto

Looking for a place for a nightlife vibe or a place to spend the night? Check out these:

1. Casa Loma sets the mood with gothic ornate rooms, hidden passages, and lush gardens.
2. Kensington Market has colorful murals and quirky shops for a laid-back evening.
3. Sheraton Gateway Hotel is conveniently next to the Toronto Pearson Airport and not too expensive.
4. The Drake Hotel is perfect for exploring Queen Street and has a more luxurious vibe.

Tips to make the most out of your time in Toronto

Need some tips so you know the ins and outs of Toronto? Check these out these:

• English is the primary language but almost every Canadian speaks French too.
• CAD is the country’s currency and there are places to exchange money all around town.
• Toronto is very safe and its people are famously nice. (It’s well deserved!)
• You can find rooms for 100 CAD, spend about 15 CAD on a meal, and about 3 CAD on a bus or train ticket.

The most valuable tip: is to have fun! Explore with your friends or family without any extra weight by finding a Bounce partner. We'll take care of your stuff so you can enjoy yourself and make the most of your time in Toronto!