8 hour layover in YYZ - what to do?
 

Due to weather worries in DEN, UA has switched me to a much earlier flight than I was originally scheduled on. My 3 hour layover in YYZ has now blossomed into 8 1/2 hours. I am *G so I can hang out in the MLL but I don't want to sit for 8+ hours before getting on a 10 1/2 hour flight to Chile. Is there anything interesting to do at the YYZ airport? Any good shops? Good food? I greatly appreciate any advice you can give me!

You do NOT want to be stuck at YYZ for 8 hours. Likewise, the immediate area around YYZ is mainly industrial and bleak.

Downtown is only an hour away by an express bus/subway combo for $2.75 each way. Lots of info in the AC and Toronto forums.

I have never been in the new Terminal 1 YYZ International MLL, but I'm told it is quite pleasant. I'd bring a book and enjoy it for your 8 hours. You have enough time to visit downtown Toronto, if you wish - for example shopping, go to the Art Gallery of Ontario. This would be the express bus service to Kipling Station, then the subway, as mentioned by YYZC2. I would estimate this trip would take 1 1/4 hours. Perhaps this might be too stressful though - I'd be constantly looking at my watch! :)

Enter Canada for the sake of saying you went to Canada and getting a Immigratio Canada stamp in your passport.

Bring a strong rope in your carry-on, tie a loop on one end about the size of your head, find a place to hang the other end... :D :D

Zip downtown. Cost isn't excessive, and much more interesting than the airport. Like many other places, the area around the airport isn't much to speak of. Lots of things to do and see - you can easily kill 8 hours without a worry.

The new MLL is pretty nice... I was there when it opened for about a week. At the time the showers weren't ready yet but otherwise, the layout was open and comfortable, with areas sectioned off for laptop and PC access.

If you get bored and go outside of security, the other thing to do is get a drink at the Expedia cafe... free cabled internet. There is a Sheraton connected to the hotel if you want to just relax in a comfier atmosphere. You can always trip out at the very cool art installation in the back of the landside terminal... really trippy cube things floating in water, with occassional jets of water to move it around.

But if you can, get to the city to break the monotony.

I was stuck for nearly 24 hours, so I may be a bit biased... :D

You were there for a whole week? :eek:

:D

Take TTC Airport Rocket (192) to subway station- free transfer. Take subway downtown. Door to door from Pearson to my apt. was almost always less than an hour. Faster than the Airport Express which stops at 10 places.

Would pick the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) over the AGO (Art Gallery), you could definitely spend a few hours there. Then on to Younge and Bloor to shop at the botiques and grab a bite to eat. Could go to top of CN tower (cheesy IMO). If raptors still in playoffs or blue jays at home, stadiums next to union station. Head back to airport to visit MLL and shower before catching flight.

T2 wasn't the greatest although the MLL was decent, but this terminal closed down; I've never been in T1 but hear it's supposed to be quite nice.

BTW, immigration Canada often refuses to stamp US passports, depends on the officer.

Sounds like my best bet is to get out of there - but just like restlessinRNO says - I will probably be staring at my watch the whole time.

I will have my laptop and a good book as well to pass the time in the MLL. I forgot about the showers in there. That's a great idea. Random question though - do they have towels or do I need to pack one?

def head into the city as there's nothing to do in the terminal. and 8 hours is plenty of time if you plan it right.

as suggested above use the bus/subway combination into town. however if you're running late catch the downtown express from near union station on the way back. dont think it stops from there to the airport or if it does not too many times.

Hotel or airport? :confused: :D

When Mrs. Alliance and I had a ~8hr layover at YYZ in December, we rented a car, went downtown, and then drove around and had a good time. The bus/subway option would be cheaper.

TO is a great city and a second home.

Go check out Hockey Hall of Fame!

Walk Younge St

Go to the Eaton Center....lots to do!

I asked this question on the canada area - they said getting thru immigrtion etc was a nightmare - and then entering the canada to US security was slow also it would be difficult if you left the secure area and had to get back in - told it was a non starter if we had checked luggage (but we are coming in from the UK) advised not to try risking going to downtown. Maybe you should visit that forum - may be more feasable if you come in from the US or have hand luggage only - would be interested to see what was said to you!! Gwen