9 Tips Why You Should Ride the UP Express and Explore Toronto

Last month, we kicked off Travel Massive at one of our most unusual spaces yet – on a train! Our good friends and long-time supporters at Tourism Toronto hosted our community aboard the brand new UP Express train – a cool experience that conveniently links travellers between downtown Toronto’s Union Station and Pearson International Airport.

This Summer, play tourist in your own backyard! Here are 9 reasons we think you should take a ride on the new UP Express – plus where to go and what to do once you hop off.

1. Price. It’s not only convenient but the new low price is very reasonable at $12 ($9 with Presto Card) for visitors or residents. Mirella Matthiesen, Viajoteca

2. Connection. The free WiFi, plugs and monitors put passengers at ease with information about flight delays or cancellations. Solmaz K, The Curious Creature

3. High Park and Roncesvalles. If you get off at the Bloor Street stop, you are very near High Park – a 400-acre urban park which runs from Bloor Street all the way to Lake Ontario with hiking trails, tennis courts, a zoo and a restaurant. In May, the park is a very special place to be when dozens of Japanese cherry trees — a gift from the Ambassador of Japan —  burst into bloom. And just three blocks west of High Park is one of Toronto’s best kept secrets, charming Roncesvalles Village. Formerly a predominantly Polish neighbourhood, Roncesvalles is now a lively mix of old, new and hipster-rific. Favourite places are Fresh Collective for creations by Toronto fashion designers, Ed’s Real Scoop for home made gelato and Reunion Island cafe. Mariellen Ward, Breathe Dream Go

4. Lakeshore. A short walk from Union Station takes you away to our gorgeous waterfront. Grab one of our craft beers on a local patio by the water. Cycle, run or stroll the boardwalk. Jazz Linton, The Urban Traveler

5. Quirky neighbourhood and Old Town. Spend an afternoon in Kensington Market, a funky neighbourhood with its cool independent shops and restaurants. Take a stroll through St. Lawrence Market and then stop for a pint at the Distillery District. Lauren Yakiwchuk, Justin Plus Lauren

6. Airside Tour. Take a cool (and free) airside tour at Pearson Airport. Their airside tours give you a unique behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to run a big international airport. Jazz Linton, The Urban Traveler

7. Graffiti. From the train as you leave or enter Toronto, look for one of the largest and most stunning graffiti walls in North America “The Reclamation Project“, which was a collaboration between dozens of the city’s best writers and the organizations that manage the rail corridor. If the train doesn’t slow down enough for you to enjoy, almost all year round you can take a free tour of Toronto’s Graffiti Alley near Queen Street West on Saturdays. Jason Kucherawy, Tour Guys Toronto

8. Adventure. Step out of your comfort zone and do something you’ve never done before like treetop trekking or indoor skydiving which are both a short 20 minutes from the Pearson Airport stop. Cristina, Chasing Travel

9. Landmarks. Take the SkyWalk at Union Station to the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium. Marie-France Roy, Big Travel Nut

Missed our event on the UP Express? Check out this video by Maiku from Vaycay TV as he captures his experience along with the community.