Information and Travel Guide for Toronto Pearson International Airport
Toronto - Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

The Lester B. Pearson International Airport, more commonly referred to as the Toronto Pearson International Airport, is located 14 miles from Toronto. Even though it is considered the busiest airport in Canada, it is relatively large enough to provide a pleasurable, non-crowded experience for travellers who arrive and depart from this airport location. Toronto Pearson International Airport is well-equipped and capable of meeting most traveller needs. With over 50 carriers flying in and out of the facility, Toronto Pearson International Airport is the main hub for all Canadian air travel.

History

The airport was not named the Lester B. Pearson International Airport until 1984. Named to honour the 14th Prime Minister of Canada, Lester B. Pearson, the airport itself has been serving the Toronto area since its origination in 1937 when it was nothing but land purchased from local farmers. When September 11th occurred, Toronto Pearson was part of the "Operation Yellow Ribbon" project that took on 19 of the diverted planes coming into the United States. Today, Toronto Pearson takes a steady flow of cargo and passenger planes.

Services and Amenities

Toronto Pearson is known for the amount of amenities offered to travellers. Not only does it offer extensive financial services, mailing options and luggage facilities, but Toronto Pearson International Airport also offers business travellers exceptional accommodations. Passengers will also find amenities that include, but are not limited to:
  • Prayer rooms
  • Shoe shine facilities
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Shopping in all terminals
  • A large variety of fast-food, sit-down and coffee bars
  • Playgrounds
  • Handicap facilities and services

Parking

Toronto Pearson offers a variety of parking options including a Cell Phone Lot where pickups can wait for passengers to arrive, valet parking and four other parking areas. Long and short-term parking is available and an economy lot is located next to the LINK train station. 

Surrounding Area

The best way to get around Toronto is through extensive transportation system known as TTC (Toronto Transit Commission). This system runs throughout the city of Toronto and offers cheap travel from downtown to the Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Toronto is also the home of a variety of budget-friendly hotels as well as luxury resorts. The Harbourfront area is the best location for finding a notable combination of budget-friendly and luxury hotels. Hotels in this area include the Hyatt, Hilton, Fairmont, Westin and Intercontinental. More expensive hotels are located within the Theater District including the Royal Alexandra Theatre, Princess of Wales Theatre, Four Seasons Centre and Metro Hall. These range from $100 to $500 per night. For a culturally diverse stay, travellers can venture over to the Kensington Market area and stay at hotels that are surrounded by food shops, clothing stores, ethnic restaurants and the famous Kensington Market.

Contact Information:

Address: Toronto Pearson International Airport, PO Box 6031, 3111 Convair Drive, Toronto AMF, Ontario L5P 1B2, Canada 
Number of Terminals: 3
Telephone: +1 416 776 3000
Fax: +1 416 776 7593
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.gtaa.com 
Time Zone: GMT - 5 (GMT - 4 from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October)
Location: The airport is located 27km (17 miles) northwest of Toronto
IATA Airport code: YYZ