Amelie CameronAs someone with a strong wanderlust, the Toronto Pearson International Airport is almost like a second home to me. I’ve already nailed down the timing of coming here just in time for my flight, and I also now have a list of my go-to restaurants and shops, just in case I have time to kill before I depart.
But for people who are travelling for the first time or
tourists entering Toronto for the first time, this airport can seem like a maze. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed here, but don’t worry, because I’m here to help you out.
Here’s an in-depth guide to the Toronto Pearson International Airport that will make your travel experience hassle-free.
Things to Know
Address: 6301 Silver Dart Dr, Mississauga
Contact Number: +14162477678
Website
Terminal 1
The Toronto Pearson International Airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 and 3 (fun fact: there was once a Terminal 2, but it was closed and demolished in 2008 in order to expand Terminal 1).
Terminal 1 is the bigger of the two, with a total area of 346 square meters. It has 58 gates, and it’s also where airplanes owned by Air Canada, its subsidiaries, all Star Alliance airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Air North, Emirates, and Etihad Airways land.
This terminal has both domestic and international flights, and it has the standard customs and immigration facilities. It also has special customs “B” checkpoints in the international arrivals section, which are for passengers connecting from an international or trans-border arrival to another international (non-US) flight.
Another highlight of this terminal is the fact that it has eight lounges. Five of them are operated by Air Canada, and the remaining ones are operated by Plaza Premium.
There’s also a parking garage here. It contains eight levels, with 8,400 parking spots.
Terminal 3
With an area of 178,000 square meters, Terminal 3 comes with 46 gates. It’s mainly used by most Oneworld airlines (except Royal Air Maroc), all SkyTeam airlines, Air Transat, Flair Airlines, Porter Airlines, WestJet, and all other non-alliance airlines (except Air North, Emirates, and Etihad Airways).
This terminal also has both domestic and international flights. To make things more organized, it has three concourses: Concourse A for transborder flights to the US, while Concourse B and C are used interchangeably for domestic and non-US international departures.
There are five lounges available in this terminal. Three are Plaza Premium lounges, which you can find in each concourse. There’s also an Air France/KLM lounge in the international departure area of Concourse C, as well as an American Airlines Admirals Club in Concourse A.
Parking is also available here. The garage comes with five levels and a total of 3,800 parking spots.
The airport also has the Infield Concourse (IFC), which is technically a third terminal, but now it just serves as an extension to Terminal 3 because it provides additional bridged gates. Flights that arrive or depart from the gates at IFC will have their passengers transported via bus.
How to Get Here
If you’re travelling from Toronto to the airport, your best bet is to head to your nearest subway station and get on one of the bus services that will take you directly to the airport. These services are 52W Lawrence West, 900N Airport Express, 300 W Bloor-Danforth, 332 W Eglinton West, and 352 W Lawrence West.
Parking
Currently, these are the parking rates at the airport:
| Time of Entry/Duration | Terminal 1 | Terminal 3 |
| Between 12 pm and 7:59 pm | C$8 for the first 20 minutes and each additional 20 minutes | C$7 for the first 20 minutes and each additional 20 minutes |
| Between 8 pm and 11:59 pm | C$7 for the first 20 minutes and each additional 20 minutes | C$6 for the first 20 minutes and each additional 20 minutes |
| Daily Maximum | C$38 | |
| Weekly Maximum (first 7 days only | C$215 | |
| Additional Days | C$38 | |
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks that I’ve learned after years of travelling to and from the airport. I hope they can help you in some way.
- If you do choose to drive here and park your car in one of the garages, I recommend booking your spot ahead of time. The garages getting fully booked happens more often than you think, so save yourself the trouble if you can.
- If you’re an international traveller, you can skip the lines at the customs section with the help of the ArriveCAN app. This app lets you submit your customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours before your arrival in the country.
- Scared to miss your flight? Don’t worry, because the airport’s website has Dashboards, which provides real-time updates. It also includes info on wait times and peak travel times, so you’ll know the best time to get to the airport.
- Connect to the free Wi-Fi, which is available everywhere in the airport, so that you can entertain yourself before your flight. If you don’t have a laptop, you can find iPads in the lounge areas that you can use to browse the internet freely.
- If you want to get to downtown Toronto ASAP, you should take the UP Express. This train connects the airport to downtown, taking you all the way to Union Station.
- If you’re tired of waiting in line to check in your baggage, you can help yourself at the self-serve check-in kiosks instead.
- I recommend arriving at the airport at least three hours before your flight. This might seem like too much, but you never know how long queues can be, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Facilities
No matter which terminal you are in, you can find the following facilities:
- Welcome center
- Currency exchange booths
- Smoking area
- Water fountains
- Charging stations
- Prayer room
- Vending machines
- ATMs
- Mobile network stores
- Nursing room
- Pet relief area
Special facilities you can find include a spa (Be Relax Day Spa on the departure level of Terminal 1) and a gym (GoodLife Gym, near Terminal 1, in the arrivals section).
Accessibility Features
Here are some of the accessibility features that are available in the airport:
- Aira and BlindSquare. These are two apps that can help travellers with sight loss navigate the airport independently.
- Aira ASL. This app delivers on-demand American Sign Language (ASL) for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Hearing Loops. This is a special type of sound system that hard-of-hearing people with hearing aids or cochlear implants can use. These work by cutting out unwanted background noise, letting you hear things clearly. You can find hearing loops at counters in the airport, such as information desks, gate check-in counters, and more.
- LanguageLine. This helps travellers who struggle with speaking English or those who are deaf or hard of hearing to communicate with airport staff.
- MagnusCards. This is a free app that helps people with autism and other special needs with common tasks.
- Accessible self-service check-in kiosks and accessible toilets are also available.
- Wheelchairs are available for people who need mobility assistance. These are provided to you by your airline, so you have to prearrange this (at least 48 hours before travel).
- In-terminal shuttle service. If you struggle with walking, the airport staff can provide you with a quick and easy ride to and from your gate.
Plaza Premium Lounge
From: thestraightpipes
Locations:
- Terminal 1, after security (International), near gate E77
- Terminal 1, after security (Canada), Level 3 Check In
- Terminal 1, after security (USA), near gate 55
- Terminal 3, after security (Canada/International), near gate B24
- Terminal 3, after security (Canada/International), near gate C32
- Terminal 3, after security (USA), near gate A10
Rates:
- 2 Hours: C$59
- 3 Hours: C$72
- 6 Hours: C$96
- Child aged between 2 and 11 years old: 30% off
- Child under 2 years old: Free
The Toronto Pearson International Airport has a good number of lounges for relaxation, but many of them are exclusive to certain airlines. Fortunately, the airport has several Plaza Premium Lounges, and these are all open to all passengers.
These lounges are well-furnished to keep you comfortable. You can find desks with outlets if you want to work on your computer, as well as several flat-screen televisions if you want to watch something for entertainment.
If you’re hungry, fresh food and a selection of hot and cold drinks are also available. Staying in this lounge isn’t free, but it’s definitely worth it, in my opinion.
Where to Eat
Boccone Trattoria by Massimo Capra
From: bocconeyyz
Location: Terminal 1, after security (Canada), near gate D41
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—4:30 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14167760492
Website
Italian classics in the airport? Say less! Massimo Capra’s Boccone Trattoria boasts an extensive menu full of pasta dishes and pizza; they even have breakfast options.
My favourite thing to get here is their shrimp pasta dish. I love how tangy and acidic the sauce is, and it tastes great paired with the mellow sweetness of the shrimp. The shrimp pieces are also plump and juicy, which I love.
Twist By Roger Mooking
From: twistbyrogermooking
Location: Terminal 1, after security (Canada), near gate D36
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—4:30 am to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +14167762345
Website
North American comfort foods are my guilty pleasure because they’re so tasty and hearty (though they can be a bit unhealthy at times). And in my experience, Twist By Roger Mooking is one of the best places to get this type of snack.
I’m a big fan of the fried chicken here. It’s perfectly crispy (like, seriously, it has that crunchy sound you normally hear in advertisements), and the meat inside is tender and juicy.
It also packs quite the spicy punch, and you can try to douse the heat by dipping it in the sweet and tangy sauce. All in all, this dish is just a flavour explosion.
The Hearth
From: feedmyphone
Location: Terminal 1, after security (USA), near gate F60
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—4:45 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14167763100
Website
At The Hearth, you can enjoy the joy and comfort that only a home-style meal can provide. Every time I dine here, I feel like I’m back at my childhood home, eating something that my grandmother made for me.
The Hearth Mac N’ Cheese is a favourite of mine. It’s cheesy, salty, and filling—what’s not to love? If you have money to spare, you can even add on pieces of Nova Scotia lobster; that way, you can taste a burst of mellow sweetness with every bite.
Nobel Burger Bar
From: forkinhungry
Location: Terminal 3, after security (USA), near gate A13
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact Number: +18665083558
Website
Craving a juicy burger? Then, you need to stop by Nobel Burger Bar!
One thing that I love about this spot is that I can build my own burger, and let me tell you, I’ve definitely experimented a lot of times. My favourite creation is combining beef and chicken patties in one burger—savoury perfection, if you ask me.
If you don’t like experimenting, you can choose from the bar’s specialties. You can’t go wrong with the bacon burger. The inclusion of bacon adds a nice crunchy texture and a pop of salty and savoury flavours. It’s also served with fries that are thick and well-salted.
Fionn MacCool’s
From: fionn.maccools
Location: Terminal 3, after security (Canada/International), near gate B24
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—4:30 am to 10:30 pm
Website
Fionn MacCool’s is a great spot to be if you’re stuck in the airport for some time. This pub is always lively, and the food is great. Personally, I have a blast every time I come here.
The shepherd’s pie is a pub classic that I’ll always order at any pub. The portion size is pretty massive, making it a hearty meal. It’s also flavourful—salty and savoury, with earthy notes. I can’t wait to get it again!
Mill Street Brewery
From: millstreetbrew
Location: Terminal 1, after security (Canada), near gate D20
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—5:30 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14166810338
Website
Mill Street Brewery is a popular brewery in Canada, best known for its organic alcoholic drinks. It also has a few brewpubs in the country, and I was delighted to discover that one is in the airport.
I’m obsessed with their braised short ribs here. The ribs are cooked in a sauce made with their organic amber lager, so it has a slightly bitter and malty taste that complements the ribs’ rich savouriness. The ribs are also so tender that they practically melt on my tongue!
Pair the ribs with the creamy mashed potatoes, and I’m set for the day!
Wahlburgers
From: wahlburgers
Location: Terminal 1, after security (International), near gate E67
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—6:30 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14167762576
Website
Another great spot for burgers in the airport is Wahlburgers. My go-to order here is the Double Decker, which has two Angus beef patties, so it has that extra savoury flavour. It also has a tangy sweetness to every bite, thanks to the in-house burger sauce.
There are many other handheld options available here. One sandwich I can’t get enough of is the meatball hoagie. I love how the meatballs are juicy and springy, and the arrabbiata sauce is savoury, which complements the melted provolone cheese.
Caplansky’s Deli
From: caplansky
Location: Terminal 3, after security (Canada/International), near gate B41
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—4 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14165003852
Website
Caplansky’s Deli is a Jewish deli that’s best known for their mustards, but their food is pretty good, too, which is why I keep coming back.
My go-to order is the BBQ beef brisket, which is so succulent and tender that it falls apart with just my fork. The sauce it’s cooked in is tangy and acidic, with a hint of sweetness from the molasses.
Where to Shop
Salvatore Ferragamo
From: ferragamo
Location: Terminal 1, after security (International), near gate E76
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact Number:
Website
If you need a new pair of shoes or you’re planning to get a gift for someone who loves shoes, then you need to stop by Salvatore Ferragamo.
I love how the men’s shoes here look so simple and sleek. I bought a pair of loafers here, and I’m obsessed with them. They’re made of calfskin leather that has been buffed to become soft.
The shoes also have a titanium-colored buckle that stands out against the leather’s deep colour. The soles are made with white rubber, giving the shoes a laid-back look.
Discover Canada
From: torontopearson
Location: Terminal 3, after security (Canada/International), near gate B41
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—6:30 am to 9 pm
Discover Canada is a store that will undoubtedly appeal to tourists because it’s got all the Canada-themed goodies that can serve as a memento for your vacation!
Even though I’m a Toronto native, I still love checking out this store because I think their stuff is pretty cute. I’ll never get tired of seeing the maple leaf on every piece of apparel and mugs, as well as vibrant red and white in everything.
Duty Free by Dufry
From: torontodutyfree
Locations:
- Terminal 1, after security (International), near gate E76
- Terminal 1, after security (USA), near gate F61
- Terminal 3, after security (Canada/International), near gate B41
- Terminal 3, after security (Canada/International), near gate C30
- Terminal 3, after security (USA), near gate A10
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
For Canadians coming back home, Duty Free is a go-to spot to shop for any last-minute gifts for their loved ones. Thankfully, the Toronto airport has Duty Free outlets in both terminals, and they’re always stocked with all the goodies.
Chocolates are always what I buy in these stores because my family is full of chocolate enthusiasts. Sometimes, I treat myself to a few branded liquors because it’s not every day I can find a high-quality bottle of wine that I can get tax-free.
Flowerette by Gardenstead
From: floweretteyyz
Location: Terminal 1, before security, international arrivals
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—7 am to 11 pm
- Thursday to Saturday—6 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +16474826646
Website
Sometimes, a bouquet of flowers is all you need to light up a loved one’s day (or yours). That’s why I love that the airport has Flowerette by Gardenstead; I’ve made a habit of buying a bouquet for my family every time I fly back home.
Personally, I’m very fond of the dahlia bouquets because the pop of colour is eye-catching. I remember giving my wife a bouquet of red dahlias, and she was so thrilled. Those flowers definitely brightened our apartment.
Le Labo
From: lelabofragrances
Location: Terminal 3, after security (Canada/International)
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—4 am to last flight
Website
It’s hard for me to pass by Le Labo without going inside. The sweet fragrance of their perfumes and other products lures me in every time!
I love their eucalyptus perfumes; their scent evokes an image of a journey in a faraway land, with rolling sand dunes and an oasis somewhere in the distance. It smells woodsy and leathery at the same time, and I love that the scent isn’t too overpowering.
In addition to perfumes, this shop also sells diffusers and scented candles.
Lolë
From: lole
Location: Terminal 3, after security (Canada/International), near gate B41
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—6:30 am to 9 pm
Website
Lolë will appeal to active women because this shop features an impressive array of chic and stylish activewear.
My wife bought a pair of leggings and a sports bra here, and she loves how stretchy the fabric is. The leggings also have a few pockets, which she appreciates because a lot of her activewear clothes don’t have them.
This shop also has a few options for men. I’ve browsed their collection, and I think their joggers and shirts look so comfortable.
Montblanc
From: montblanc
Location: Terminal 1, after security (International), near gate E76
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—4 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +19056734576
Website
If you’re as obsessed as I am with pens, then Montblanc is for you. This shop is a pen and stationery haven; the moment you step inside, there’s no way you’re getting out without buying anything. That’s my warning to you!
Jokes aside, it’s really tempting to burn some cash here because they have some amazing luxury pens. I’m still eyeing the Starwalker Polar Green pen, which is a ballpoint pen in this gorgeous green metal casing. It’s pretty expensive, though, but oh, how I want it!
Where to Stay
Sheraton Gateway Hotel
From: sheratongatewaytoronto
Location: Daily Park, Terminal 3
Contact Number: +19056727000
Website
Do you want to stay close to the airport before or after your flight? Then you’re in luck because the airport has the Sheraton Gateway Hotel.
I love that the rooms and suites have prominent wooden accents in their decor, thus giving off a sense of relaxation. They’re also well-furnished, with in-room rising tables (perfect for business professionals) and a flat-screen TV for entertainment. Some even have seating areas overlooking the city!
This hotel also comes with a fitness center, just in case you want to work out. And when you’re done, feel free to take a dip in their indoor heated pool.
ALT Hotel
From: althotel
Address: 6080 Viscount Rd, Mississauga
Distance from the Airport: Around 5 minutes
Contact Number: +19053624337
Website
If the Sheraton Gateway Hotel is fully booked, another great hotel near the airport that you can check out is ALT Hotel. This one is more modern in terms of interior design; the rooms and suites have that dark and moody vibe, with a pop of vibrant colour in the decorations.
This hotel also has several event spaces, which is why a lot of business professionals prefer coming here since they can host meetings. There’s also a well-equipped gym that’s open 24/7, so you can exercise anytime you want.
