Getting to Toronto for The MedTech Conference is likely easier than you might think! Here’s what I’ve learned from my recent trips to Canada:
Flying Into Toronto Is Easy
Toronto is a major international hub with two primary airports: Toronto Pearson Int’l Airport (YYZ) and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ). Pearson handles most all international flights and has non-stop flights from most major cities. Airfares are comparable to flying into any major US city. In fact, Pearson (YYZ) is the second busiest international air gateway in North America and was voted North America’s favorite airport by business travelers.
Billy Bishop, known as Toronto Island Airport, is a small regional gem offering non-stop flights from NYC, Chicago, Boston, Detroit, and Washington It is located downtown, minutes from the convention center.
Passports and Visa Requirements: Ensure You Know the Rules
U.S. citizens need a passport that is up-to-date and will remain valid for the duration of their Canadian stay (U.S. citizens do not need a visa when visiting for business purposes of six months or less). Citizen of other countries should check their specific visa requirements well in advance of travel.
Getting to the City from the Airport
From Pearson Int’l Airport (YYZ), you have several options for getting to downtown Toronto. The Union Pearson Express (UP Express) is a 25-minute train service connecting the airport to downtown Toronto. It departs every 15 minutes, is comfortable, clean, and roomy with Wi-Fi and power outlets. At $12.35 Canadian (about $9 US), it is the fastest way to the convention center and conference hotels. Toronto’s convention center is a 3-minute walk from the Union train station.
Taxis and rideshares are readily available at the airport, and a typical ride to downtown takes around 30-55 minutes, depending on traffic.
From Billy Bishop City Airport (YTZ), a complimentary shuttle brings you downtown in 15 minutes. Taxis and rideshares are also available and provide a quick route into the city center. The airport is also accessible by streetcar, which connects to the rest of the TTC network.
Navigating Toronto
Toronto is walkable, has an abundance of cabs, Ubers/Lyfts, and both buses/streetcars and a great subway system. If you don’t need a receipt, simply tap your credit card at the subway turnstile and you’re on your way. Streets are well-marked, safe, and clean. Toronto also has an extensive and pedestrian-friendly underground. When hot, rainy, cold or whenever desired, much of the downtown core is navigable below street level.
Toronto is a vibrant, diverse, cultural and foodie city. Plan to visit Toronto’s theater district, Chinatown, or one of the many other safe and clean neighborhoods that define this world-class city.
Returning to the U.S.
When returning to the U.S., the process is straightforward and easy. Toronto Pearson Int’l Airport has U.S. Customs and Border Protection preclearance facilities, allowing you to clear U.S. customs before you board your flight.
Be sure to download and use the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) App, a free service of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. With MPC, I never waited in a line leaving Toronto, yet those without MPC or Global Entry may have had a 20-to-30-minute wait. With MPC, you submit your travel document, photo, and customs declaration information electronically and speed through passport control.
Final Thoughts
Traveling to another country can seem daunting, but Toronto is incredibly welcoming and easy to navigate. Our conference team is here to help with any questions or concerns you may have. We look forward to seeing you in October and making this an unforgettable experience.
Safe travels and see you soon!
by Ray Briscuso, Executive Vice President, Conferences & Events
