Getting around Toronto and to Pickering can seem daunting and that is why we are here to help! This guide breaks down your transit options to make the most of your time and your budget at IATC 2023. All prices listed in this document are in Canadian dollars.
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PUBLIC TRANSIT
Toronto and Pickering are both accessible by public transit. Transit is most densely located in the core of Toronto, and gets less frequent as you get further into surrounding regions.
If you plan to use public transit as a means of transportation during your stay in Toronto (or the GTHA), we recommend buying a Presto card for $3.20. Using a Presto card will automatically save you money on fares and make transferring between systems seamless. You can purchase a Presto card at TTC subway stations, select GO stations, and select retailers. Find out more here: https://www.prestocard.ca/en/about/get-a-presto-card
The Toronto Transit Commission (commonly referred to as the TTC) is the local subway and surface route operation in Toronto. Service is provided via subway lines, and bus and streetcar routes across the city. Information about fares, routes, and schedules can be found at ttc.ca.
GO Transit is the regional public transit service for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). The GO is a network of trains and buses that connect the cities and municipalities that surround Toronto. GO connects to the TTC at multiple subway stations, depending on the line. GO connects to DRT at Pickering GO station. Find more information about fares, routes, and schedules at gotransit.com
One TTC adult fare is $3.25 CAD and provides a 2-hour unlimited transfer. You can purchase a Presto Card for $3.20 and load single rides or unlimited day passes at all subway stations. More information on the TTC website: https://www.ttc.ca/Fares-and-passes
Go Transit offers one- and two-day weekend passes that must be purchased in advance online for $10 and $15 respectively. These passes do not use the Presto system and are activated on your smartphone directly. For more information: https://www.gotransit.com/en/travelling-with-us/dont-need-a-car-to-go
Go Transit fares are calculated based on distance traveled. Short distances (less than 6 miles/10kms) are $4.40 or $3.70 with a Presto Card. The fare calculator can be found here: https://www.gotransit.com/en/trip-planning/calculate-fare
One adult fare on DRT is $3.25 with a Presto card or $4 cash. If connecting from the GO train, your fare is free. Just tap your Presto card or present your GO ticket to the operator. More information about DRT fares can be found here: https://www.durhamregiontransit.com/en/index.aspx
Schedules
The TTC subway runs every 2-5 minutes most of the time. Late night can see longer wait times up to 10 minutes. The last trains leave the station sometime after 1:00am. Check the online schedule if you plan to be traveling late at night. Late night buses run along the subway lines between the last and first trains of each day so you can always get public transit along those major lines. Buses and streetcars depend largely on the route. Some routes end early or reduce to minimal service during off-peak hours. Always check the schedule for departing and returning trips before you leave.
GO trains run approximately every 30 minutes. It is important to check ahead to make sure you get where you are going on time.
getting to BATL Portlands
BATL Portlands is located 33 Villiers St, Toronto, ON.
To Portlands via TTC: (Best for local travel)
Take the subway to Pape Station. Take the 72B Pape Bus south to Union Station via Queens Quay and Commissioners for 19 stops (approx. 20 minutes). Exit Villiers at Munition St. Walk west on Villiers and enter BATL Portlands via parking lot.
Take the subway to King Station. Board the 504C King to Distillery replacement bus (eastbound) on the south side of King St, east of Yonge St. Ride 9 stops (approx. 15 minutes). Exit at Distillery Loop. Walk 0.7 miles (1.1kms): south under the highway and cross Lakeshore Blvd, cross the Cherry St bridge, turn left on Villiers St and BATL Portlands will be on your right. Enter via the parking lot.
Take the subway to Union station. Walk to Bay St (west side) south of Front St. Take the 72 Pape Bus to Pape Station via Queens Quay and Commissioners for 9 stops (approx. 14 minutes). Exit Villiers at Munition St. Walk west on Villiers and enter BATL Portlands via parking lot.
*Please note that all routes are subject to disruption and delay. Check online for most up-to-date information.
To Portlands on the GO transit: (Best for GTHA travel)
Take advantage of the multitude of trains and buses that serve the central hub of Union Station. For most accurate information, visit the Go Transit travel planner: https://www.gotransit.com/en/
See directions for TTC from Union Station above.
getting to BATL Pickering
BATL Pickering is located at 813 Brock Rd #11, Pickering, ON.
To Pickering on TTC, GO Transit, & DRT:
While you can take public transit to BATL Pickering, there is not great transit from the Pickering GO station to BATL and it is a 40-50 minute walk. There are a few buses that will bring you a little closer from the GO station, but you will still have to walk 20-30 minutes to get the rest of the way. However, if you are traveling with a group, you can take an uber from the GO station and split the fare and it will still be cheaper than an Uber from Downtown.
Take the subway or GO train to Union Station. Take the train east along the Lakeshore East line 6 stops (approx. 40 minutes) to Pickering GO. Walk south towards Fairall St to the DRT bus stop near Westney Rd. Take the 917 Pickering Parkway Terminal bus 6 stops (approx. 6 minutes) to Bayly Westbound at Brock Road. Walk south on Brock Road for 1.3 miles (2.1kms) to BATL Pickering.
Take the subway to Main Street station. Walk south on Main St to Danforth GO Station. Take the train east along the Lakeshore East line 5 stops (approx. 30 minutes) to Pickering GO (DO NOT take the Stouffville line that also services this stop). Walk south towards Fairall St to the DRT bus stop near Westney Rd. Take the 917 Pickering Parkway Terminal bus 6 stops (approx. 6 minutes) to Bayly Westbound at Brock Road. Walk south on Brock Road for 1.3 miles (2.1kms) to BATL Pickering.
The GO transit fare from Union Station is $9.40 standard or $7.91 with a Presto card. The GO transit fare from Danforth GO Station is $7.75 standard or $6.52 with a Presto card. You can transfer onto DRT free of charge by using your Presto card or presenting your ticket or weekend pass.
*Please note that all routes are subject to disruption and delay. Check online for most up-to-date information.
getting to BATL stockyards
BATL Stockyards is located at 30 Weston Road, Unit C109, Toronto, ON.
To Stockyards on TTC:
- Take the subway to Keele Station. Take the 89 Weston to Albion Rd bus for 7 stops (approx. 7 minutes) to Keele St at St Clair Ave West. Walk 450’ (140m) to BATL Stockyards.
- You can also take the 89, 941, or 989 buses from Keele Station to Keele St at St Clair Ave West (same route & travel time).
To Stockyards on the GO transit: (Best for GTHA travel)
- Take advantage of the multitude of trains and buses that serve the central hub of Union Station. For most accurate information, visit the Go Transit travel planner: https://www.gotransit.com/en/
- See directions for TTC from Union Station above.
*Please note that all routes are subject to disruption and delay. Check online for most up-to-date information.
getting to BATL vaughn
BATL Vaughan is located at 1600 Steeles Avenue W #12, Concord, ON.
To Vaughn on TTC:
- Take the subway to Sheppard West Station. Take the 105 Major Mackenzie NB bus for 13 stops (approx. 17 minutes) to Dufferin/Steeles. Walk 1300’ (400m) to BATL Vaughan.
- Take the subway to Sheppard West Station. Take the 105A Dufferin North to Steeles bus for 10 stops (approx. 18 minutes) to Gerry Fitzgerald Dr at Steeles Avenue W. Walk 1000’ (300m) to BATL Vaughan.
- Take the subway to Finch Station. Take the 60A Steeles West to Pioneer Village Stn bus 19 stops (approx. 26 minutes) to Steeles Ave West at Futurity Gate. Walk 820’ (250m) to BATL Vaughan.
To Vaughn on the GO transit: (Best for GTHA travel)
- Take advantage of the multitude of trains and buses that serve the central hub of Union Station. For most accurate information, visit the Go Transit travel planner: https://www.gotransit.com/en/
- See directions for TTC from Union Station above.
*Please note that all routes are subject to disruption and delay. Check online for most up-to-date information.
Driving in toronto and pickering
For those of you who live in the GTHA or have visited before, this will come as no surprise: traffic is really, really bad. In fact, Toronto recently ranked as the 3rd most congested city in North America (only behind Chicago and Boston) and 7th worst internationally. If you can avoid driving, especially to Port Lands or Stockyards, take transit.
Uber is available in Toronto and Pickering and can be cost effective when carpooling and sharing fares. We still recommend against taking an Uber to Port Lands as it is near several of the most congested intersections in the city. It is very accessible by public transportation.
If driving is still your best option, all 4 IATC venues offer parking on site. See addresses in Google maps linked below for driving directions:
- BATL Portlands is located 33 Villiers St, Toronto, ON.
- BATL Pickering is located at 813 Brock Rd #11, Pickering, ON.
- BATL Stockyards is located at 30 Weston Road, Unit C109, Toronto, ON.
- BATL Vaughan is located at 1600 Steeles Avenue W #12, Concord, ON.
