TRAVEL INFO
Looking to make the most of your time off the mats? Check out the guide below to explore all that Toronto has to offer: where to stay, what to do, where to go out, and tips for getting around. We look forward to seeing you soon!
SUGGESTED HOTELS
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GETTING HERE
From Union Station – Arriving by train or bus
From Union Station, it’s only a 10-minute Uber ride to the suggested hotels. Alternatively, follow the signs to the TTC (Toronto’s transit network) and board the subway platform for the Yonge Line towards Finch. Exit at College Station for the Holiday Inn, Courtyard by Marriot, and Chelsea hotels, or exit at Bloor-Yonge Station for the Town Inn.
From Toronto Pearson International Airport
The UP Express train connects Pearson Airport to Union Station downtown in only 25 minutes. From Union Station, it’s only a 10-minute Uber ride to the recommended hotels. Alternatively, follow the signs to the TTC (Toronto’s transit network) and board the subway platform for the Yonge Line towards Finch. Exit at College Station for the Holiday Inn, Courtyard by Marriot, and Chelsea hotels, or exit at Bloor-Yonge Station for the Town Inn.
Note, an Uber directly from Pearson airport to the downtown hotels should take approximately 45-60 minutes and cost around $80-$120 depending on the time of day. Unless you’re arriving in a large group, we recommend taking the UP express train to Union Station and either taking an Uber or the subway to your hotel from there.
Pro-tip: Toronto Billy-Bishop City Centre Airport
Travelling from Ontario, Quebec, or the Northeastern US? Porter airlines and Air Canada offer direct flights into the heart of downtown Toronto. From Billy-Bishop airport, take the free shuttle to Union Station.
From Union Station, it’s only a 10-minute Uber ride to the recommended hotels. Alternatively, follow the signs to the TTC (Toronto’s transit network) and board the subway platform for the Yonge Line towards Finch. Exit at College Station for the Holiday Inn, Courtyard by Marriot, and Chelsea hotels, or exit at Bloor-Yonge Station for the Town Inn.
GETTING AROUND
BY PUBLIC TRANSIT
Public transit is the cheapest way to get around Toronto. The extensive network of subways, buses, and streetcars makes getting around the city easy. If you plan to take public transit frequently during your stay, you'll want to purchase a PRESTO card. You can use PRESTO to load funds and tap to get on any of the subways, buses, or streetcars. They can be purchased at any subway station (look for the green machines) or Shopper's Drug Mart store locations.
BY BIKE
For an active way to explore the downtown, Bike Share Toronto offers stations across the city where you can simply scan the app to pick up and drop off a bicycle. Day passes can be had for as low as $15.
BY RIDE SHARE OR CAR
Uber and Lyft are widely available in Toronto and are recommended over taking taxis. Be aware that travelling during rush hours can make for long (and expensive) rides.
There are numerous rental car options in Toronto, and overnight parking is widely available at parking garages throughout the city (for the best rates, use the Toronto Municipal Parking Authority's Green P garages). Driving in Toronto can be very stressful, as traffic is always heavy during rush hour, and drivers need to keep in mind the often confusing streetcar lanes, bike lanes, and pedestrian crossings. Given the comprehensive public-transit options, you do not need a car to see the city.
TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN TORONTO
VISIT THE CN TOWER
Towering 550 meters (1,804 feet) above the city, this icon of Toronto's skyline is not to be missed. Built in 1975, it is the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere. Head to the top for spectacular panoramic views of the city. If you're feeling daring, take the Edge Walk, where you'll be suspended on the edge of the tower and can boast to your wrestling partners about having completed the world's highest hands-free walk. For a unique splurge, try the 360-degree rotating restaurant.
SPEND AN AFTERNOON ON THE TORONTO ISLANDS
Looking to unwind after your matches? Take the ferry over to the Toronto Islands. The public ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal downtown takes about 15 minutes each way. Enjoy the great city views, stroll along the boardwalk, or take advantage of
other activities such as kayaking, swimming, and hiking. Grab a few drinks and head over Hanlan’s Beach, Toronto’s clothing-optional beach, and a popular hangout spot for the gay community. For the best sunset views of the city, head over to Ward’s Island.
VISIT A MUSEUM
If you want to add some culture to your trip, Toronto has no shortage. Check out the best museums that celebrate everything that makes this city so great, from hockey, to art, to diversity and everything in between.
Hockey Hall of Fame: If there’s one thing we take seriously up here, it’s hockey! Opened in 1943, the Hockey Hall of Fame is dedicated to the history of the sport. MORE INFO >
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO): Explore the works of both local and world-renowned artists. With over 100,000 items, it’s one of the biggest museums in Canada, featuring the works of Van Gogh, Andy Warhol, Yayoi Kusama and much more! MORE INFO >
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): Home to over 6 million items and 40 galleries, the ROM features exhibits on ancient China, Aboriginal Canadians, Medieval Europe, Ancient Egypt, and much more. The dinosaur exhibits are a must see! MORE INFO >
EAT AT THE ST. LAWRENCE MARKET
Originally established in the early 19th century, this historic public market has endless rows of local treats to taste and buy. With over 100 vendors, the markets have everything from bakers, butchers, artisans, produce stalls, and on Sundays, there’s an
antique market with over 80 antique dealers.
GRAB A DRINK IN THE DISTILLERY DISTRICT
Take a step back in time and enjoy the more than 40 heritage buildings housing shops, restaurants, art galleries, and more. The Victorian-era buildings host live events and performances, making for a perfect date night or relaxing getaway.
FREE THINGS TO DO IN TORONTO
WINDOW SHOP IN KENSINGTON MARKET
Kensington Market is the hub for Toronto's hip, alternative culture. While not a market in the traditional sense, you'll find a huge variety in the multicultural supermarkets, street food, restaurants, hole-in-the-wall boutiques, and vintage clothing stores that line the neighbourhood's streets.
ENJOY THE OUTDOORS AT HIGH PARK
Looking to get outdoors and relax between your matches? You're in luck. Located just 30 minutes outside of the downtown core, High Park is one of the largest and most well-known parks in Toronto. Enjoy the outdoor hiking trails, cool off at the pool, or stroll through the endless gardens. Check out the free High Park Zoo, view the heritage buildings, and unwind on the lakefront trail.
TAKE A WALK ALONG THE HARBOURFRONT
No trip to Toronto would be complete without getting to the lake. Stretching the length of downtown along the Lake Ontario Shoreline, the Harbourfront is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the urban waterfront vibes. Head to Harbourfront Centre for art exhibitions, marvel at the tall ships docked along the harbour, or visit one of the many restaurants for a drink on the water.
TOP GAY BARS
BEST ALL-AROUND GAY BAR: WOODY'S AND SAILOR
Woody's is Toronto's largest gay bar and an institution in the Toronto gay nightlife scene. From the outside, it looks like two separate bars: Woody's and Sailor. On the inside, the two connect to form one huge dance floor of fun and debauchery. Made famous as the filming location for Queer As Folk, Woody's is THE staple of Toronto's gay scene. Events happen every night, from drag shows, to theme night, to the crowd favourite "best" competitions (best chest, best legs, best ass).
BEST TO WEAR YOUR GEAR: THE BLACK EAGLE
Looking for a fun night out in your gear? Look no further than The Black Eagle! As Toronto's most famous fetish bar, there's a place here for everyone. The "dungeon" downstairs is where the main action on the dance floor happens. Upstairs is a smaller bar with a dark room to explore your kinks (note: wrestling is not permitted). It's also a great space to hang out during the day with BBQs on the large outdoor patio.
BEST FOR SOMETHING LOW-KEY: PEGASUS ON CHURCH
Another staple in the Toronto gay community, Pegasus is the perfect place for low-key conversations and good times. Spread over two floors, Pegasus has a neighbourhood bar feel with tons of activities like pool tables, pinball machines, ping pong, darts, and even a shuffle board. For a fun night out, check out the drag bingos and trivia nights.