Ignore those pre-2004 reviews -- they describe a state of affairs that simply doesn't exist anymore.
I have been flying in and out of Pearson for years, and the new Terminal 1 makes all the difference in the world. Though a portion of it is still under construction, most Air Canada flights (and those of its Star Alliance partners) now use the new terminal. It is well laid out, architecturally impressive, and features attractive dining and shopping. Some have compared it to the new terminal at CDG. With its sweeping ceiling in the main concourse, I prefer to think of it as a modern version of Dulles International in Washington.
Users of other carriers, particularly discounters and carriers from countries with few connections to Canada, will typically land at Terminal 3, which was built in the early 1990s and is still quite attractive and serviceable. There is a hotel attached directly to this terminal for those who want to sleep in until the last possible moment before their flight home.
The horror stories of long walks in some of the other reviews refer to the old workhorse, Terminal 2. Designed as a long rectangle, it features U.S. customs pre-clearance at one end and a combination of international and domestic gates along the rest. Problems arise when you transfer from an international or Canadian domestic flight (in T1) to a U.S.-bound one, or arrive from the U.S. and transfer to domestic / international service -- you will almost certainly have to change terminals. However, this will eventually become a thing of the past, as Terminal 2 is scheduled to be closed and demolished to make way for the second phase of the new T1.
The other major development is the construction of a new rail link between T1 and T3 (perhaps to be renamed T2 when the current Terminal 2 is eliminated?). Currently, transfers are done using buses, but the rail link appears very close to opening, and should make for a much more convenient hop between the two terminals.
There is no rail access to Pearson Airport, so you will be in a car. Access from major freeways is good, but be prepared for some confusion when you arrive at the terminals. With construction of the new T1, road access has been completely redesigned, making for some counterintuitive driving in the interim (e.g. turn right in order to eventually get to the terminal on your left). Until everything is finished, trust the signs rather than your instincts.
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I wish this review was one of the opening ones for Toronto... when I read all the others I thought that the city sounded like such a nightmare, which it really isn't. I've hailed from there, so maybe I'm a bit biased, but I truly do appreciate Toronto's charm the longer I'm away from it. Good review of the Terminal. The LINK Train is now open and I've heard the high-speed rail link with Union station in the city centre is not-too-far-off a dream.
sar80 08.06.2005 10:12
My friend lives in Ontario so I may have to use this at some point. Good review.
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Jun 7th, 2005
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