More than 250,000 revellers of sport are expected to take in the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games this summer in Toronto and the Greater Golden Horseshoe region.
From archery to wrestling, this summer’s Pan Am and Parapan Am Games are expected to be a big draw for sports fans and supporters. If you’re planning on taking in the festivities, or have family and friends coming to visit, this handy reference guide will help get you to where you want to go.
- Did you know? While Canada’s health care system is well-known worldwide, the country does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors. Before your visitors arrive, encourage them to get Visitors to Canada travel insurance.
No one ever plans on being ill or hurt while on holiday, but a Visitors to Canada travel insurance policy can help ensure an illness or accident doesn’t leave a long-term financial scar that could take years to heal.
Arriving in Toronto: Union Pearson Express
The Union Pearson Express (UP) is a new option for travellers arriving at Toronto Pearson airport to get downtown to Union Station. Running at about $27.50 for a one-way trip (there’s a family package too that costs $55 and covers 2 adults and up to 3 children), the trains leave every 15 minutes for what is expected to be a 25 minute ride.
Getting to your venue: Public Transit
Organizers are encouraging people to take public transit to their event where possible; not only to minimize the traffic congestion that is bound to happen, but also because parking is limited. To encourage ticket holders to take public transit, fares on the day of your event will be waived; all you have to do is show your printed ticket.
Need help navigating the best route to your venue? Triplinx is the official trip planner of the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games and will help you plan your route. It includes transit information for Brampton, Burlington, Durham Region, Hamilton, Oakville, Milton, Mississauga, Toronto, and York Region, as well as UP Express and GO Transit.
Getting to your venue: Driving
If public transit simply isn’t an option, the hope is that many event goers will carpool. By carpooling, you’ll be able to use the HOV lanes that have been set up special for the Games and take advantage of free carpooling parking lots.
If you’ll be driving, you’ll want to take advantage of the 2015 Games Trip Planner; it will help you map out your route, give you real-time traffic information, and find parking. It’s encouraged that you use this trip planner over anything else as traffic patterns and parking won’t be the same during the Games.
Getting to your venue: Call One and Accessible Parking
For people who require specialized transit services to get to competitions or events, trips can be booked through Call One (1-844-727-2663), and it is advised that you book your trip seven days in advance. For event-goers who will be driving and need accessible parking, advance booking is also required at least 24 hours prior (1-844-695-4313). To book an accessible parking spot, you must have a valid Government-issued accessible parking permit.
Pan Am Games Pan Am Traffic
With an estimated 250,000 visitors taking in the Pan Am experience, and venues located all over including Toronto, Hamilton, Niagara, Haliburton, Simcoe, York, Durham, Peel and Halton, you can expect traffic to be busier than usual. Be a good sport. Plan ahead, be patient and enjoy the Games.
