what to do with a 7 hour layover

[bev r.]

My flight to Fort Lauderdale, involves a 7 hour layover in Toronto. We arrive at 1:40pm, and leave at 8:30pm. Any suggestions of what my daughter and I might be able to do, that would be easy to get to (ie, shopping mall, sightseeing). I'm not too interested in having to sit in the airport for that length of time.

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

Just FYI, because Toronto is your last Canadian departure point, you'll need to collect your bags and go through US customs before boarding your flight to Fort Lauderdale - which depending on the time of day could take a couple hours.

I haven't been to Toronto in quite a while, but I'm sure others will have suggestions on what to do do for the other few hours.

 

[misslissa]

There is absolutely nothing sightseeing wise to do around the Toronto airport. You may want to consider renting a hotel room at the airport so you could be comfortable. Or, there is a fantastic Lone Star Grill down the street. However, to get to any malls or sights would be a little risky considering the incredible and unpredictable traffic in that area.

 

[disneymath]

Being in the Toronto Airport for that length of time isn't exactly fun -- I speak from multiple experiences, a few of which were not by choice!

That said, leaving may not be your best option. As the pp mentioned, you will have to collect your bags and bring them through US Customs etc - that means storing them or lugging them with you if you decide to leave the airport for a few hours. Keep in mind that the Toronto Airport is huge ... you're looking at taking a taxi to wherever you might decide to go - which puts you at the mercy of Toronto traffic - and based on your timeline you would be looking to get back to the airport during rush hour. This could cause problems with clearing US Customs in time to make your flight.

My advice would be to bring a few books/magazines and a travel game or two and just camp out with your daughter and make the best of it. Before you clear US Customs/Security there are some shops you can browse in if you so choose. (But that's just me.)

 

[dancin Disney style]

I'm not sure you would be permitted to leave the airport at all. You are inside the secure area.

Even if you are permitted to leave by the time you got your bags and get out it would be approx 2:45. Then it would take you a minimum of 30 minutes to get someplace (without traffic) and you would need to be back at the airport by 6pm. So you would only have about 2 hours to do something when you factor in calling and waiting for a cab plus the ride back. Not exactly a lot of time.

There are lots of places to eat and shops to browse in inside the airport. Toronto airport is really big. Just plan to relax and read or play cards. What about a portable DVD player?

 

[tribus121]

I would approach what ever airline you are flying on ( after you arrive in Toronto )to see if you could go standby on a earlier flight out of Toronto most will let you do that at no extra charge .

 

[dancin Disney style]

I would approach what ever airline you are flying on ( after you arrive in Toronto )to see if you could go standby on a earlier flight out of Toronto most will let you do that at no extra charge .

The problem there is luggage. They will not pull bags from another flight. Standbys are loaded at the gate about 5 minutes before they close the door and at that time they would not have your bag. Getting it would then delay the flight. It is not legal for the carrier to leave with either you and not your bag or your bag and not you.

To even have a chance at a standby you will need to speak to a ground agent before you re-check the bags in Toronto. In fact, ask when you check in for the first leg of the flight. They can check the schedules and loads from any city.

 

[OntFamily]

There is a lot of things you can do in that time period, but I'd advise storing your bags in the airport, so you won't have to lug them around. There are storage places within the airport.

http://www.gtaa.com/en/travellers/connecting/baggage/

Without knowing the age of your daughter, if she is above 18, and you like to gamble, there is a casino cl0se to the airport. http://www.woodbineentertainment.com/qct/default.asp

Otherwise, there is some nice malls a 15 minute drive from the airport. Even with bad traffic, you won't have more than a 20 minute drive to return.

http://www.sherwaygardens.ca/home/index.ch2

http://www.woodbinecentre.ca/

 

[tgropp]

If you are at Terminal 2, the Sheraton Gateway hotel is at the terminal and the lounge is very relaxing there. You can get a drink, a bite to eat or just plain relax away from the hustle and bustle of the airport. Greatw way to kill 2-3 hours.

 

[MikeyNS]

What airline are you flying? You could post a request for a lounge pass and go there for a few hours. Nice and relaxing with free snacks and beverages.

 

[Sillyminny40]

By the time you leave and come back you will only have left for a few minutes. Honestly.

Yes, indeed we have spent many hours in YYZ airport. The other posters are right on: collect your bags, go through customs and relax. Find a nice place to have a meal and play a game or two.

It actually is a nice airport but huge. There are a few shops you will like browsing. I always get a few books, play some games with kids and have a lovely meal.

This next trip is the FIRST non-Toronto change planes to Orlando trip we have ever had. All the best!

 

[DearDaisyinDurham]

If you are at Terminal 2, the Sheraton Gateway hotel is at the terminal and the lounge is very relaxing there. You can get a drink, a bite to eat or just plain relax away from the hustle and bustle of the airport. Greatw way to kill 2-3 hours.

I can relate to not wanting to hang out at the airport w/ a city to explore.
Have flown into both Anchorage & Honolulu w/ NO TIME to leave the airport, made me crazy!!

If you end up having to stay at the airport, Terminal 1 is quite pretty!

We get emails from Aeroplan that quite often mention buying a Maple Leaf Lounge pass, sounds like that might be worth your while?

- Or -

https://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=271

You might want to check w/ the Sheraton Gateway to see if they have a shuttle to their Sheraton Centre Toronto. If the Sheraton Gateway would hold your bags, you could shuttle to the Sheraton Centre Toronto, and then you're right in the heart of downtown. Even if you walk the city for an hour (Eaton Centre is connected via underground walkway) or just get a day pass for the Sheraton Centre, it's something to do. HTH! Enjoy your trip!

 

[bev r.]

thanks for the input and advice. We're flying on westjet and it appears there is not a lounge to take advantage of. My daughter is 15 so I only have to worry about a grumpy teen as opposed to an antsy toddler.