Port information & tips for Toronto (Ontario)
Toronto is Canada's vibrant metropolis on the shores of Lake Ontario and delights as a dynamic gateway to North America. The city combines an impressive skyline with urban diversity and offers a unique maritime flair amidst modern architecture thanks to its prime waterfront location. World-famous highlights such as the iconic CN Tower, the charming Distillery District, and the lively St. Lawrence Market are conveniently close and invite you to unforgettable explorations. Cruise ships dock at the Toronto Cruise Ship Terminal in the Port Lands, from where the city center is easily accessible in about ten minutes by shuttle or taxi, while providing direct access to the cultural heart of this cosmopolitan world city.
The Port of Toronto is a key turnaround point for cruises on the Great Lakes and the Saint Lawrence River. The only cruise terminal, also known as the International Marine Passenger Terminal, is located at 8 Unwin Avenue and is easily accessible thanks to excellent air, rail, and road connections.
Airplane
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is the most important international airport for arrivals from the DACH region. From there, the UP Express train takes you directly to Toronto Union Station in the city center in about 25 minutes. For the transfer to the cruise terminal, we recommend taxis or pre-booked shuttle services from Union Station. Alternatively, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) is located particularly close to the city center, less than 3 kilometers away. For a relaxed start to your cruise after long-haul flights from Europe, arriving the day before and staying overnight in one of Toronto's many hotels is highly recommended.
Car & Parking
The cruise port is easily accessible by car thanks to good connections to the Gardiner Expressway and the local streets Cherry Street and Unwin Avenue. From Cherry Street, follow the signs to Unwin Avenue and then directly to the cruise terminal. Parking for approximately 200 vehicles is available directly at the terminal, providing a convenient short-term and long-term parking solution. Additional parking spaces can also be found in the nearby Harbourfront area.
Rail & Public Transport
The central hub for rail travelers is Toronto Union Station, which also serves as the transfer point for the UP Express from the airport. From Union Station, you can easily reach the cruise terminal by taxi, which is less than 5 kilometers away. Additionally, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) offers the seasonal bus route 202 from mid-May to October, providing a direct connection from the city center to the Cherry Street stop at Unwin Avenue, representing an environmentally friendly way to travel directly to the terminal.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
