Best Train Station & Airport Layover Destinations in Toronto, Canada
1. Union Station
Toronto's main rail terminal offers a variety of dining and shopping options, as well as easy access to popular attractions like the CN Tower.
- Transport Hub: Direct connections to GO Transit, VIA Rail, TTC subway, and UP Express
- Dining & Shopping: Multiple food options and retail stores within the station
- Nearby Attractions: Easy walk to Toronto's most famous landmarks
2. Toronto Pearson Airport
Canada's busiest airport offers a wide range of amenities and is connected to downtown Toronto via Union-Pearson Express.
- Transport Link: Direct connections to downtown Toronto and other destinations
- Amenities: Shops, restaurants, lounges, and services for travelers
- Art Program: Public art installations throughout the airport terminals
3. Bloor-Yonge Subway Station
The busiest subway station in Toronto, offering connections to multiple lines and nearby attractions like the Royal Ontario Museum.
- Transport Hub: Direct connections to multiple TTC subway lines
- Dining & Shopping: Shops, restaurants, and services within the station
- Nearby Attractions: Easy walk to popular Toronto attractions
4. Toronto Island Park
A collection of small islands offering beaches, picnic areas, and breathtaking views of the city skyline.
- Natural Beauty: Beautiful beaches, parks, and gardens
- Recreation: Activities like bike rentals, boat tours, and picnicking
- Accessibility: Ferry service from downtown Toronto
5. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
An aquarium located near the CN Tower offering a variety of marine life exhibits and interactive experiences.
- Marine Life: Over 13,000 exotic and local aquatic animals
- Interactive Experiences: Touch pools, diving shows, and a moving tunnel exhibit
- Education: Learning opportunities about marine life conservation
6. Casa Loma
A historic castle located in midtown Toronto offering tours, gardens, and special events.
- Historical Significance: Built in the early 1900s by Sir Henry Pellatt
- Architecture: Gothic Revival-style castle with unique features
- Gardens: Beautiful terraced gardens and a secret tunnel system
7. Toronto Zoo
One of the largest zoos in the world, offering a wide variety of animals and exhibits.
- Animal Variety: Over 500 species representing 13,000 individual animals
- Exhibits: Zones dedicated to different geographical regions
- Conservation: Work in partnership with global conservation organizations
8. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
A museum of world culture and natural history located near the University of Toronto.
- World Culture: Exhibits on various cultures from around the world
- Natural History: Fossils, minerals, and interactive exhibits about Earth's history
- Architecture: Modernist architecture inspired by a crystal and a behemoth dinosaur
9. Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
A major art museum in Toronto housing a vast collection of works from Canadian and international artists.
- Canadian Art: One of the largest collections of Canadian art
- International Art: Works by artists like Rembrandt, Renoir, Monet, and Cézanne
- Architecture: Modernist design by Frank Gehry
10. CN Tower
A iconic Toronto landmark offering observation decks, restaurants, and edgewalk experiences.
- Observation Deck: Panoramic views of the city and lake
- Dining: Restaurants offering fine dining and casual meals
- Edgewalk: An exhilarating outdoor walk on the tower's roof
11. Distillery District
A historic area featuring cobblestone streets, unique shops, and restaurants.
- Architecture: Victorian-era industrial architecture
- Shopping & Dining: Unique boutiques, galleries, and restaurants
- Events: Hosts festivals, markets, and performances throughout the year
12. St. Lawrence Market
A bustling market offering a wide variety of food, antiques, and specialty items.
- Food Variety: Over 100 vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and more
- Antiques & Specialty Items: Vendors selling antiques, collectibles, and unique finds
- History: Originally built in the early 1900s as a produce market
13. High Park
One of Toronto's largest parks offering hiking trails, gardens, and a zoo.
- Natural Beauty: Beautiful forests, meadows, and gardens
- Recreation: Activities like hiking, picnicking, and sports facilities
- Gardens: A Japanese garden, a memorial garden, and a children's creative garden
14. Harbourfront Centre
A waterfront area offering performances, exhibitions, and dining options.
- Performances & Exhibitions: Music, dance, theatre, and visual arts events
- Dining: Restaurants and cafes with waterfront views
- Water Activities: Boat tours, sailing lessons, and canoe rentals
15. Fort York National Historic Site
A military fort offering tours, exhibits, and special events.
- History: Built in the late 1700s to defend Toronto
- Architecture: Historic buildings and artillery pieces
- Tours & Events: Guided tours, special events, and family activities