Union Station

Union Station is more than just a transit hub—it's a living, breathing part of Toronto's history, a place where modern city life collides with Beaux-Arts architecture. At the heart of the city, this sprawling station has served as a gateway for travelers and commuters since 1927. Whether you’re passing through for a quick subway ride or embarking on a cross-country adventure via inter-city rail service, Union Station’s 2000 square feet of space offers more than just a place to catch a train—it’s an experience.

 

Beyond its historical charm, Union Station is a critical transportation hub, connecting local and regional transit networks and offering countless services to make your journey smoother. Located at the bustling intersection of Front Street West, Bay Street, and York Street, it's as much a landmark as it is a functioning station.

 

In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into everything Union Station has to offer—from how to get there to its best features and tips for navigating the station. Whether you're a commuter or a first-time visitor, there’s a lot to discover within this iconic structure. If you love walking, there's a great Toronto Walking Tour that you can book to explore Union Station, The Hockey Hall of Fame, CN Tower, & more. The best part about this tour? There's also a seasonal Toronto Harbour Cruise where you'll be able to relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the city! 

 

 

What to Know 

The city of Toronto has a lot to offer for everyone to enjoy. Recently urban train stations have become tourist attractions because they offer different cultures, food, and various local shops for you to explore. The Union Station is such an example of this trend and within its Beaux-Arts structure, it houses more than 100+ shops and restaurants. It has been the city’s main hub for rail travel since the year 1927. It is Canada’s busiest transportation hub and over 300,000 people pass through this station daily.

 

We can also say that it is one of Toronto's most beautiful buildings with many interesting features. The first rail hub dates back to 1858 and it was like a shed. The second one was a gorgeous structure which opened in 1873. Later in 1896, it was renovated and further expanded. In 1920, the construction of the current building was completed but it was opened in 1927. There is also an abandoned tunnel connecting the Union Station rail terminal to the TTC station of the same name. It was used until 1977 when the Royal Bank Plaza opened.

 

Apart from that, the star of the show of Union Station is its Great Hall which is massive. It’s a work of art and whoever sees it is left in awe! Its beautiful arched ceiling, gorgeous Zumbro limestone walls, coffered windows, a stunning station clock, etc., everything is perfect in the Great Hall. 

 

If you’re into arts and performances, then you’ll find many here at Union Station. The Union Arts Exhibits is the most significant one that connects humans, living beings, and lands. There is Union Dance and Union Music which feature different performances, concerts, free lessons, choirs, etc). You will also find an alley that showcases stunning murals by local artists. 

 

If you love coffee, definitely try cortado brewed which is made from locally sourced roasted beans. Pilot Coffee Roasters is a great place to try this coffee. If you’re not a coffee drinker, try Tao Tea Leaf for its different variety of teas or delicious matcha. Have some freshly baked cookies while enjoying your coffee or tea. Moreover, the place is bustling with many delicious food options, from food carts to proper dining experience—you’ll find it all here. And if you’re in the mood for shopping, there is a mini hall in Union Station where you can buy sports gear, skincare and makeup products, and much more.

 

Plus the exterior of Union Station is not something you should miss. The overall scenic bustling street, Beaux-Arts building with Tuscan columns of Bedford limestone, it’s just simply gorgeous. The Front Street entrance is adorned with 22 columns and is made of Bedford limestone and each one of them weighs around 75 tons. During summer, you’ll find many fun events taking place at Union Station. One of them is Union Summer along the Front Street Plaza where you can find live performances, music, food vendors, and a lot more. 

 

During winter, there is Union Winter which is held inside the building for a cozy atmosphere. Here you’ll find lots of delicious food, entertainment, and so much fun. Every year there is something fun and different activities for you to enjoy. If you want a momentary glimpse of that, book the Toronto Walking Tour with Union Station & CN Tower! 

 

The vintage parts and modern parts of the station are both works of art in their unique style. The train here runs every 15 minutes, so even if you miss one you don’t need to worry much. Near the building, you can find the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, and Ripley’s Museum. You can walk along the iconic PATH and get in your steps. A fun fact about PATH is that the tunnel connection between Union Station and the Royal York Hotel was one of the first parts of this underground network. 

 

How to Get There

Union Station is one of Toronto's most accessible locations, thanks to its central position in the city. If you’re heading there, here are a few ways you can easily access the station:

 

Subway Station Access:

The station is conveniently linked to the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway system. The Union Station subway station serves as a critical stop on the Yonge-University line, making it one of the busiest stations in the city.

 

Streetcar and Bus Routes:

Numerous streetcars and buses serve Union Station, making it simple to catch a ride from anywhere in downtown Toronto.

 

Walking:

If you're already in downtown Toronto, Union Station is a short walk from Bay Street and York Street, right in the heart of the city's financial district. It’s connected to the city's PATH system, which is a network of underground tunnels linking office buildings and shops, making it even easier to reach on foot.

 

Rail Service:

For those coming from outside the city, Union Station serves as the central hub for both passenger trains and inter-city rail networks, including VIA Rail and GO Transit. Whether you're arriving from the outskirts of the Greater Toronto Area or from further destinations, this station is your entry point to the city.

 

Guided Tours:

Toronto guided tours are a great way to reach any hotspot in the city with the convenience of pick-up and drop-off. Plus, you'll get to explore so many beautiful places in the city in a small-group, intimate setting! 

 

Best Time to Visit

Union Station is always bustling, with a constant flow of commuters and travelers coming and going throughout the day. However, if you want to experience the station without the crowds, consider visiting during the early morning or late evening. These are typically quieter times when trains have less congestion, and you can explore the station at a more relaxed pace.

 

Peak hours are typically from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM when commuter traffic is at its highest. If you're looking to avoid these peak times, plan your visit outside these windows.

 

For those interested in the station’s historical and architectural features, early mornings or weekends tend to be the best times to experience the site without too much rush. Weekends, especially during the off-peak hours, provide a great opportunity to explore the station and its shops at a more leisurely pace.

 

Features and Highlights

Union Station is more than just a place to catch a train. As the city's primary transportation hub, it offers a variety of features and highlights that make it a must-see, whether you’re a local or just visiting Toronto.

 

1. Beaux-Arts Architecture

One of the most striking features of Union Station is its Beaux-Arts style, which stands as a testament to Toronto’s rich architectural history. With its soaring ceilings, ornate columns, and intricate detailing, the station is a prime example of early 20th-century architecture. The Great Hall is one of the largest of its kind in Canada and has become an iconic symbol of the city. Don’t miss a chance to marvel at its beauty, whether you’re arriving or simply passing through.

2. York Concourse

The York Concourse, one of the station’s most recent additions, offers a modern and spacious area for passengers to relax and navigate. This area connects the station to the underground PATH system and has numerous customer service kiosks, ticket vending machines, and rest areas for travelers. It’s the perfect spot to plan your journey, grab a snack, or catch up on some work while waiting for your next connection.

 

3. The PATH and Retail Shopping

For those looking to explore more of the city, Union Station’s integration with the PATH network is invaluable. The underground network of tunnels, connected to Union, links passengers to more than 1,200 shops, restaurants, and services throughout downtown Toronto. Whether you're in need of some last-minute shopping or just want to escape the weather, the PATH offers countless options.

 

Additionally, Union Station itself is home to a variety of retail spaces, from high-end fashion stores to quick service kiosks, so whether you’re grabbing a coffee or shopping for souvenirs, you won’t be disappointed.

 

4. Customer Service and Ticket Vending Machines

Union Station prioritizes passenger convenience with numerous customer service kiosks and ticket vending machines throughout the space. Whether you’re buying a single fare, planning a multi-destination trip, or need assistance navigating the station, these service points ensure your visit is as seamless as possible.

 

You’ll find staff ready to help with any questions or concerns, whether you need directions, information about rail services, or advice on how to best navigate Toronto’s public transportation network.

 

5. The Station as a National Historic Site

Union Station is not just a major transportation hub—it’s also a designated National Historic Site of Canada. This distinction highlights the cultural and historical significance of the building. From the moment you step inside, you can sense the weight of its history, which has witnessed decades of growth, change, and innovation in Toronto.

 

6. Connections to Major Transit Lines

As the epicenter of Toronto’s transit system, Union Station offers direct access to a wide array of public transportation options. In addition to the subway lines that connect the station to key areas in the city, it’s also directly linked to several bus and streetcar routes. For those traveling further afield, Union Station is the launch point for GO Transit services, providing convenient rail connections to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and beyond.

 

Union Station also serves as a departure point for VIA Rail, linking Toronto to other major Canadian cities such as Montreal, Ottawa, and Vancouver. Whether you're taking a quick trip to nearby cities or crossing the country, Union Station is your connection to a world of possibilities.