By Air
Toronto is the largest city in central Canada. It's on the same time zone as New York and is served by several airports, including Lester B. Pearson International. It is possible to ride downtown from Pearson Airport, but you'll need a map. The hardest part is actually getting out of the terminal. Allow for 90 minutes or more of mainly flat, dull suburban/industrial riding with no need to use highways.
Recently, Hamilton International Airport has opened in a neighbouring city, and airfares in and out of Hamilton are cheaper than in and out of Pearson. Hamilton is about 90 minutes away via GO Transit (under $10 one-way). Bikes are allowed on GO trains, but NOT buses. Check FAQ-Bicycles at www.gotransit.com for details.
***Some good timely advice for our UK messengers from Tom McGuire;
On 11-Mar-08, at 7:54 PM, Tom Mcguire wrote:
For anyonw thinking about flying to Canada from the UK for the wc's, it might be helpful to know that Zoom Airlines, who were previously the cheap option, have decided to start raising their prices. they make the changes effective on the Fri 14th March so for a cheaper flight get the finger out and get yerself booked up, you slag.
hope that is helpful. Tom,
p.s I dont work for Zoom.
Border Warning! Anyone who's passing through or into the U.S. by air must have a valid passport – even U.S. citizens returning home. At the moment, passports aren’t required for ground travel, but they’re a good idea. Canadian and American passport authorities are backed up, so plan ahead!
By Train
Trains run into Toronto from Montreal on Via Rail ( www.viarail.ca, about 5 hours away) and from New York on Amtrak ( www.amtrak.com, about 12 hours). Be advised! Checked Baggage, especially Bicycles are only allowed on 1 train in each direction between Montreal and Toronto. Via Rail can accommodate checked baggage regardless of the train you are on yourself, but your baggage will travel separately to your destination, where you can retrieve it from the train station. VIA Rail policy will not allow a bicycle as carry on baggage, even if disassembled. There is a $20.00 CAD fee for oversized baggage including Bicycles
By Road
Toronto lies about 150 km/90 mi from the U.S. border crossings at Buffalo/Niagara. (The Niagara region is a great bike tourism zone, with dozens of wineries offering tastings for $1-$2. And of course the famous Falls.) Bus service is available to Toronto from most major North American cities via Greyhound (www.greyhound.com). They sometimes have amazing discounts.
$$$
The Canadian and American dollars are now close to par, so U.S. couriers shouldn't count on stretching the budget with a favourable exchange rate. |
