Best way to experience Toronto in 3 hours?

Question

I'll have a five-hour layover in Toronto on a Wednesday morning in late July and would like to get out of the airport and see something of Toronto. I can probably safely dedicate three hours to this without missing my connection. I've done a great deal of international travel but have never visited Canada. What can I do in that time that would be unique, memorable and fairly inexpensive? Also, what's the best way to get to the suggested places?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, it's a very tight fit considering the distances.

Estimated time:

Clearing customs: 1 hour

travel downtown or to points of interest : minumum 30 minutes each way

checking in for new flight: 2 hours suggested

We all wish it could be more convenient.  Best of luck.

Answer 2

EG has the answer however he is generous in allowing 30 minutes for the cab connection.

My suggestion is to go to the Limo or Cab stand and ask the attendant for a tour guide for a two - three hour site seeing trip. Rent a cab for the two hours and take a ride might be pricey but you'll see the city.

Good Luck.

Answer 3

I don't know, but you can check out this site for a bunch of ideas. It features a list of attractions and things to do while you're in Toronto. Good luck, and have fun!

Answer 4

I hate to say it, but by the time you allow for getting out of the airport and getting back to check in far enough ahead of your ongoing flight, and allowing for things to go wrong, there won't be time to do a lot. The suggestion of hiring a cab or limo and getting a quick ride downtown and back is probably the best you can do but it won't be inexpensive, and that's about all there'll be time for.  Best for general scenery and quick overview would be to go straight down towards the lake from the airport, along the Lakeshore Blvd or Gardiner Expressway, up Yonge,University Blvd,Bay St,Avenue Rd(one or a combination) through downtown with perhaps a quick buzz through some residential areas, onto the Don Valley Parkway and back to the airport. With a good driver, and out of rush hour, this should be doable. It might be worth calling a cab or limo company ahead of time and see what they think and get estimates of time and cost. You could also check schedules of airport express-type buses which would go downtown to major hotels. They'll be slower than a cab but much cheaper.