YYZ Airport Guide
Toronto’s International Airport or the Lester B. Pearson International Airport is Canada’s largest and busiest airport. Pearson Airport is located 14 miles, or 22 kilometers, from downtown Toronto. The airport was named after Canada’s 14th Prime Minister of the same name who was born in Toronto and won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1957.
From some truly humble beginnings in the 1930s located in the town of Malton, Ontario, the small terminal, which actually started as a converted farmhouse, is the 35th busiest airport in the world measured by passenger traffic and a major global gateway for international travelers. The YYZ Airport is now home to 79 airlines and more than 35 million passengers go through its gates every year.
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The Great White North
Canada’s busiest airport also has the largest and most efficient snow removal system in the world with a crew of nearly 200 people and 89 pieces of snow clearance equipment that can handle 12 aircraft simultaneously, is prepared for any emergency, and available 24/7. There are more than 4.2 million square meters of airfield surface and the airport’s multiple component winter plans, including Deicing and Anti-icing enables runway clearing within 15 minutes of a snowfall.
Sluggish and Slow Security
According to Huffington Post Canada and Flight Network’s 2013 survey, Canada’s busiest airport is ranked the worst airport in Canada in terms of security lines, poor customer service, and traveler experience. However, the airport’s efforts to improve its status earned it the most improved title at the same time.
Some Unusual and Beautiful Attractions
The YYZ has two medical centers, various inter-faith chapels, counseling services, Wi-Fi, and completely fitted for disabled passengers. As a cultural and artistic hub, Pearson Airport continues to make significant contributions to Canada’s historical and diverse heritage as well as its instrumental position in world travel.
In order to honor its attributes, the airport commissioned artist from around the globe in 2000 to create art that represents Toronto’s unique perspective. There are eight permanent installations including the Dinosaur Exhibit in Terminal 1 and numerous changing exhibits that reflect local and provincial partners such as Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, Ontario Crafts Council, and the Royal Ontario Museum.
To help combat the tiring impact of long flights and delays, last year GoodLife Fitness opened a gym in the arrival area of Terminal 1. The 10,000 square foot full-facility rents clothing, shoes, and storage lockers. Sports fans can visit The Scoreboard in Terminal 1 to shop for Toronto’s team paraphernalia: Toronto’s Blue Jays, Maple Leafs, Raptors, and Argonauts.
Fine Dining and Canadian Favorites
The airport upped its dining ante in 2013 with the addition of two new eateries in Terminal 3: Pizzeria Corso that offers fresh pasta and pizza, and the Nobel Burger Bar a gourmet hamburger joint. In addition, locals favor the Beaches Boardwalk Café, a nod to hippies and yuppies, and the Red Rocket 192 Grill, named for Toronto’s streetcars. Of course, a Canadian airport cannot go without a salute to Tim Horton’s and Swiss Chalet, two of the country’s most popular restaurants.
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