City of Neighbourhoods
Toronto is often called a city of neighbourhoods – so when locals talk about Toronto locations, it can get confusing pretty quickly. Luckily, BlogTO has a great Toronto neighbourhoods map that’ll have you differentiating between Corktown and Cabbagetown in no time.
A note about “downtown” – this is generally defined as the area south of Bloor St, west of the Don Valley River, and east of Bathurst St. There are wonderful things to be found, however, in Toronto’s east and west ends as well as in midtown and parts further north.
Public Transit
Public transit is probably your most convenient way to schlep around Toronto while you’re here for Access. Toronto’s unified system of subways, streetcars, and buses makes it relatively easy to traverse our sprawling city. The Toronto Transit Commission website has trip planners, route schedules, and maps for your edification.
Trips cost $3, payable in cash or by subway token. If you plan to take the subway a lot, you may want to buy a handful of tokens from a station collector or vending machine located inside a station. Check the TTC website for more information about fares.
Note that one fare will take you anywhere you want to go in the city, on any of our three forms of transit, as long as it’s all one trip (no stops allowed). Make sure you grab a transfer from the little red box on the subway platform or ask for one from a streetcar or bus driver if you’re going to be switching modes of transit.
Our four conference locales are located close to the following subway stops:
- Heaslip House at Ryerson University – 1 block north and east of DUNDAS STATION on Line 1
- Toronto Reference Library – 1 block north of BLOOR-YONGE STATION on Line 1 & Line 2
- Imperial Pub – 1 block east of DUNDAS STATION on Line 1
- Loft 404 – 1 block north and 2 blocks east of ST ANDREW STATION on Line 1
Walking
Within the downtown core, walking is a great way to see the city. It takes approximately 20 minutes to walk from Heaslip House to the Toronto Reference Library. Walking through Kensington Market, Leslieville, Yorkville, or along Queen St West are all highly recommended leisurely pursuits.
Cycling
There are bike locks located next to the Toronto Reference Library on Asquith Ave, as well as throughout the Ryerson campus.
Bike Share Toronto rents out bikes from stations all over the downtown core. Note their short-term membership option – $7 for 24 hours or $15 for 72 hours.
Driving
Driving in Toronto is not always the most pleasant experience due to clogged streets and a dearth of affordable parking. If you drive into the city, we suggest that you leave your car at your accommodation and take transit, walk, or cycle to the conference venues.
If you do need to drive, there are parking garages located close to both of the conference venues: