About 30 km of underground pedestrian walkways linking downtown buildings with shops, useful in winter weather.
The PATH is a network of about 30 kilometres of underground pedestrian walkways in downtown Toronto, Ontario, linking Union Station, office towers, subway stations, hotels and shopping concourses. The main entrance used by visitors is at Union Station, 65 Front Street West, and the system extends north toward the Eaton Centre and Dundas station. The goods differ from generic shopping because the PATH is built around office-district convenience retail, including pharmacies, banks, dry cleaners, shoe repair, newsstands, fashion chains and many food courts rather than destination boutiques. Vendors are mostly national and international chains serving commuters, so souvenir trinkets are limited, and prices are fixed with no bargaining. Typical purchases cost CAD $5 to $60. Cards are accepted almost everywhere. Ontario's 13 percent HST applies, and Canada does not offer a general tourist tax refund on goods. The layout is a patchwork of connected corridors, concourses and building lobbies, and signage with colour-coded directions helps visitors find their way, although the system can be confusing. Anchor connections include Union Station, Brookfield Place, First Canadian Place, the Royal Bank Plaza and the path north toward the Eaton Centre. The atmosphere is brisk and commuter driven on weekdays, with heavy lunchtime crowds, and far quieter on evenings and weekends when many shops close. Eating options are the strongest part of the system, with food courts and fast-casual restaurants throughout. Hours are mostly Monday to Friday from about 7am to 6:30pm, and many shops are closed or limited on weekends, so visitors should plan accordingly. The PATH is most useful in winter, when it provides a warm and dry route between downtown destinations, and it can also serve as a shortcut between the waterfront and the Eaton Centre. Visitors should note that exact opening hours vary by building.
| Hours | Mostly Mon-Fri about 7am-6:30pm; many shops closed or limited on weekends |
|---|---|
| Price | Typical purchases CAD $5-60 (US $3.60-43) |
| Address | Entrance at Union Station, 65 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5J 1E6 |
Location
Entrance at Union Station, 65 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5J 1E6
43.6453, -79.3806 View on map
Highlights
- About 30 km of climate-controlled underground walkways
- Direct links between Union Station and downtown towers
- Food courts and convenience retail throughout
- Useful winter route toward the Eaton Centre
Tips for visiting
- Visit on weekdays, as many shops close on weekends
- Avoid the 12pm to 1pm lunch rush for easier walking
- Follow the colour-coded directional signs
- Use it for a warm route during winter
- Plan to eat at the food courts for quick, inexpensive meals
When to visit
Weekdays outside the lunch rush are best, and winter days bring the most benefit from the sheltered route.
Accessibility
The walkways are level and mostly accessible, with elevators in many buildings, though routes can be long and signage confusing.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the PATH?
The network covers about 30 kilometres of underground walkways in downtown Toronto.
Are shops open on weekends?
Many shops and food outlets are closed or limited on weekends, so weekdays are more reliable.
Where is a convenient entrance?
A common entrance is at Union Station, 65 Front Street West, with access from the subway and GO Transit.