Toronto Subway Question

[KYfriedPanda]

Hi all! Hopefully someone on here will be able to offer up advice on this... We're going to be visiting Toronto mid-May and plan to head downtown using the subway system... We've done a lot of research using google maps, which unfortunately isn't always the most accurate system when it comes to timing. We're staying in the Markham area and looking at Finch and Downsview as the two most likely places for us to park and hop on the subway. Google seems to think both options are relatively close as far as timing and the cost difference is only a dollar on Friday night. Finch has more parking according to wiki, but I'm not sure if that means it's going to be a lot busier. Anyway, we'll be heading to the Rogers Centre on Friday night during rush hour, then pretty much all over the place on Saturday and Sunday at all hours of the day, so if anyone has any advice as to which one I should pick (or if it even matters), it would be greatly appreciated!

 

[hcoker1]

If I am going to Toronto and plan to use the subway (for meetings etc), I always park at Yorkville Mall. There is tons of parking and a special lot just for the subway. It costs $6 to park for the day but so much cheaper than trying to park downtown. Remember in your planning that the TTC map isn't to scale!

Have fun on your trip.

 

[lengmui]

You can consider parking at Don Mills station at Fairview mall. Parking is free if you go there after 10:30am, it's also slightly closer to Markham as it is to the east. It's also right off Highway 404 (Sheppard ave. exit) which will be the main highway you use to go south from Markham. I live in Markham and that's where I park all the time since it's the closest and most convenient. The subway entrance is at the Sears side of the mall, literally right across the entrance so you could park right beside the subway exit. There's also another pick up/drop off zone nearer to Sheppard Ave.

If you don't want to change subways (if you go from Don Mills, you have to take the Sheppard line then change to the Yonge/Spadina line at Sheppard station), then I would choose Finch since it is closer to Markham, but it's not exactly right off the highway, it's a few blocks north of the exit, or west depending on which highway you get off. You just take the subway all the way down to Union from Finch to get to the main downtown attractions (Rogers centre, Air Canada centre, CN tower).

 

[Diamondintheruff]

A couple of things. It's been a long time since I've been to downsview but I would worry about leaving my vehicle there. Perhaps someone else can comment on this area? So I would opt for either of the mall options the previous posters mentioned.

I can see your concern about not driving into the city on friday at rush hour but it might not be so bad on saturday or sunday. That being said getting in and out of Yorkdale mall on a saturday can be quite a headache. You'll be fine early in the morning but not during high "shopping hours". Since you are in Markham it would probably be quicker to get to fairview mall.

Have fun and enjoy Toronto!

 

[KYfriedPanda]

I was actually told that the mall parking is not safe late at night and not necessarily open past midnight (we would likely get back to our car right around midnight). I did also hear similar testimonies to what you were saying about the mall being quite crowded during certain hours.

This is quite the tough choice!

Thanks for all the advice!

 

[Nahanni]

I live in Markham and prefer to drive downtown for weekend events. Friday after 6pm and weekend parking in the bank office towers (Royal Bank Tower, TD, Bay Adelaide Centre) is less than $10 (not sure what event parking costs closer to Rogers). Walking distance to Rogers Centre from bank towers is a couple of minutes longer than from Union station.

 

[tone.def]

I live in Toronto and I do not take TTC. It's over priced and poorly serviced. It's cheaper and more convenient for our family to pay to park for an event. Drive straight down the Don Valley Parkway from Markham and park a block or 2 away from the Rogers Centre. There are reasonably priced lots around Spadina.

 

[BOTL76]

I would support the post by Lengmui for you if you want to take the subway.

As an employee at the Rogers Centre, I assume you might be coming in for the game vs the Mets? I used to come in from York Region from Stouffville (just north of Markham) and used Don Mills Station. While you do have to transfer onto the Yonge line (southbound towards Union station), I would recommend it for you. If you want to drive in downtown and park close to the Rogers Centre parking close by will be $15 and up. Parking a near the Banking towers as the one poster mentioned will be cheaper but a bit longer of a walk if you are up for it.
Walking distance Union Subway station to Rogers Centre 8-10 minutes
parking by the Rogers Centre- anywhere from 1-6 minutes, the closer you are obviously the more you pay
Parking by the banking towers- depending on where you are 10-15 minute walk to Rogers Centre.

Hope that helps

 

[torontodisneyfan]

for the most accurate TTC info, use their website... ttc.ca

enjoy your time here!

 

[pxlbarrel]

I live in Richmond Hill, right next to Markham and I work in the vincinity of Finch station. When I want to take the subway downtown, I go to Finch. There's parking on both sides but one is mostly for the GO and regional bus passengers. It doesn't really matter. You may find that side (the east parking lot) less crowded than the one on the west but you need to walk a little bit to the parking spots.

If you want to drive downtown, which I do more than take the subway, I usually park under Roy Thompson Hall. Parking is accessed on Wellington. The parking is a fixed rate and not at all gouging. It's a short walk to the Rogers Centre from there. If you're unfamiliar or nervous about driving in downtown Toronto, take the subway. On the weekends, you can probably get the family pass.