How to Spend Your Layover at Toronto Airport

A layover is the free time between two flights — the hours you spend at an airport before catching your onward journey. If you have an upcoming layover at Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ), there’s no reason to stress. Thanks to the airport’s excellent facilities and services, even a short stopover can be pleasant and productive.

Long layovers, on the other hand, can feel challenging if spent entirely inside the terminal. Fortunately, downtown Toronto is only a 30–40 minute drive away, while the UP Express Train reaches Union Station in just 25 minutes. In short, longer layovers are the perfect opportunity to explore the multicultural capital of Ontario.

Things to Do at Toronto Airport

If your layover is short and leaving the airport isn’t an option, you can still make the most of your time by exploring YYZ’s amenities. The two terminals are connected 24/7 by the free Terminal LINK Train, making it easy to move around.

Shop Till You Drop

Toronto Pearson Airport offers a wide variety of shopping options across both terminals. From international brands and local Canadian shops to extensive duty-free areas, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for gift shopping, personal treats, or casual browsing.

Dining & Drinking Options

YYZ features a broad selection of cafés, bars, fast-food outlets, casual restaurants, and fine-dining-style venues. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack, a gourmet meal, a coffee, or a cocktail, the airport’s food scene caters to all tastes.

Surf the Net

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Toronto Pearson Airport. You can catch up on work, browse social media, stream movies, or stay in touch with friends and family. Free iPads are also available near departure gates and lounge areas.

Spa & Wellness

Treat yourself during your layover by visiting one of the airport’s spa facilities. Services include massages, beauty treatments, and mani-pedi sessions — an ideal way to relax before your next flight.

Explore Art & Culture

Toronto Pearson Airport doubles as a cultural space, showcasing artworks and installations throughout both terminals.

In Terminal 1, highlights include:

  • “As One” – International Baggage Hall
  • “Flight Song” – Level 3 paper plane installation
  • “Tilted Spheres” – International Departures
  • “Wall Drawing #1100” – International Arrivals
  • “Skyward” – Domestic Departures
  • “Inukshuks” – Transport Canada Collection
  • “Jetstream” – landside installation

Terminal 3 features the “Ice Fishing Huts” installation in the Connector Tunnel and three large sculptures at the Departures level.

Religious & Spiritual Spaces

Both terminals house chapels located landside on Level 1. These spaces offer quiet reflection, spiritual materials, and occasional support sessions or services.

Live Music

Toronto Pearson Airport occasionally hosts live performances through its YYZ Live Music Program. Check airport displays or online schedules to see if a performance is taking place during your layover.

Traveling with Pets

Pet relief areas are available throughout the airport, including:

  • T1 Level 2 near public exits
  • Near Gate F83 (T1)
  • T1 Arrivals Transfer Level (international gates)
  • T1 Level 3 near Aisle 15
  • T1 Ground Public Area near Post S
  • T1 Canada Customs Hall (Primary Inspection)
  • T3 Gate B26
  • T3 Gate A9
  • T3 International Arrivals above Gate C36
  • Pier A (Lobby Level 1)
  • T3 Ground Public Area outside Door A

Traveling with Children

Families are well supported at YYZ. Mamava nursing pods are located near Gates D22, E80/E81, and F59 in T1, and near Gates C30/C31, B22, and A12/A13 in T3. Nursing rooms are also available.

A children’s playground is located in Terminal 1 near Gate D24, while coloring books and interactive games can be found at information kiosks.

Exercise During Your Layover

GoodLife Fitness is located landside at Terminal 1, Arrivals Level (Level 1). This fully equipped gym offers luggage storage, towels, and even sportswear purchases for travelers who want to stay active.

Relax & Sleep

Toronto Pearson Airport offers seating without armrests in several areas, allowing passengers to rest comfortably. Premium airport lounges are also available — some require membership, while others can be accessed for a fee.

The Sheraton Gateway Hotel is directly connected to Terminal 3 but lies landside, requiring re-clearing security. Day-use rooms may be available depending on occupancy. Showers are accessible through lounges, spa facilities, the Sheraton Hotel, or GoodLife Fitness.

Accessible Services at YYZ

Accessibility is a priority at Toronto Pearson Airport. The airport provides accessible restrooms, check-in kiosks, wheelchairs, specialized apps, in-terminal shuttle services, and even therapy dogs to support passengers with special needs.

Tip: Smoking is permitted only in 10 designated outdoor smoking areas located across different terminal levels.

Things to Do in Toronto During a Long Layover

If you have several hours to spare, heading into Toronto is highly recommended. Downtown is reachable in 25 minutes via UP Express or 40 minutes by taxi. Remember to return at least 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic departures.

Family Tip: Families (2 adults + up to 3 children under 19) can travel round-trip on the UP Express for approximately 25.70 CAD.

Visit the CN Tower

Toronto’s most iconic landmark offers breathtaking views from its observation deck. Thrill-seekers can try the EdgeWalk — a hands-free walk around the tower’s exterior.

Tip: Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is just a 2-minute walk from the CN Tower.

Hockey Hall of Fame

A must-visit for hockey fans, the Hockey Hall of Fame houses the world’s largest hockey collection and interactive exhibits in downtown Toronto.

Shopping Districts

Explore Toronto’s shopping neighborhoods:

  • Kensington Market – bohemian, vintage vibes
  • Yorkville – luxury boutiques and designer brands
  • Queen Street West – trendy shops, street art, cafés

St Lawrence Market

One of the world’s top food markets, St Lawrence Market is a Toronto institution, perfect for tasting local flavors and gourmet products.

Casa Loma

This Gothic-style mansion resembles a European castle and is one of Toronto’s most unique attractions. Explore its rooms, underground tunnel, stables, and vintage car collection.

Toronto Museums

  • Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) – over 6 million exhibits covering art, history, and natural science
  • Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) – more than 98,000 artworks in an iconic building
  • Bata Shoe Museum – over 13,000 shoes spanning 4,500 years of history

Boat & Helicopter Tours

Boat cruises around Toronto Harbour and the islands offer relaxing city views. For a truly unforgettable experience, helicopter tours provide aerial views of Toronto’s skyline and, weather permitting, Niagara Falls.

Tip 1: Nathan Phillips Square and the famous Toronto sign are a 10–15 minute walk from Union Station.
Tip 2: Don’t miss the local cuisine — from poutine to sushi pizza, Toronto’s food scene reflects its multicultural character.