PATH: How to Navigate Toronto’s Underground Tunnels

Toronto is known for its towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, but beneath its surface is an underground city most visitors miss. Toronto’s underground tunnels, known as the PATH, offer a range of shops, restaurants and services and are a practical way to get around the downtown core. The Toronto PATH can make your visit easier and more convenient.

To most Torontonians, this network of pedestrian walkways is a great way to get around the city core. Those who work in the city’s core use the PATH to get to and from work. Lunch breaks, business meetings or after-work drinks can all happen here. You don’t even have to go outside, which is especially useful when the weather outside is extreme. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Toronto’s underground passages and discover why they’re an essential part of the city’s infrastructure and culture.

What is the Toronto PATH?

The PATH is North America’s largest underground pedestrian complex, spanning over 30 km (19 miles) of connected walkways. Because of its size, it holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest underground shopping complex. It is also quite the economic engine of the downtown.

Key facts about Toronto’s underground tunnels:

• 30 km (19 miles) of connected walkways
• 371,600 square meters (4 million square feet) of retail space
• 200,000 daily users
• 1,200 shops, restaurants, and services
• $1.7 billion in annual sales
• 4,600 jobs
• 75 connected buildings
• 35 corporations involved in running and maintaining the tunnels

When I worked downtown, I often took my lunch and breaks in the PATH. There are numerous food courts, shops and restaurants that make it easy to find food, get groceries and shop to your heart’s content. The PATH is also connected to six different subway stations, making it easy to get here and spend the day without going outside.

History of the Toronto PATH

The PATH has always been a part of my life in Toronto, but I didn’t use it often until I started working downtown. That’s when I began to wonder when exactly this concept of an underground pathway started. It turns out its history is quite interesting and goes back to the year 1900.

Early pedestrian tunnels

The story of Toronto’s underground tunnels dates back to 1900 when the T. Eaton Co. department store used subterranean passages to connect its main store with its bargain annex. By 1917, five underground tunnels existed in Toronto’s core. The network expanded further in 1927 with a tunnel connecting Union Station to the Royal York Hotel.

Expansion of the Underground Pathway Toronto

The 1950s and 1960s saw significant growth in the PATH system as Toronto’s downtown area developed. In the early 1970s, a new tunnel linked the Richmond-Adelaide and Sheraton Centres, further expanding the network. The City of Toronto took over the management of the underground tunnels and hired a design firm to formalize their layout.

During the 1990s, the officials created more formalized signage and maps to bring awareness to the PATH and help people navigate the system. As more people used the tunnels, more businesses opened up along the way. To help with that, the City of Toronto and the local BIA undertook a project to develop new signage in 2016. The new PATH wayfinding system is now installed, and time will tell if it has done the job. The new PATH wayfinding system has been installed to make navigation easier. While its effectiveness is still being evaluated, it represents a significant effort to improve the user experience in Toronto’s underground world.

The PATH attractions and points of interest

The PATH connects numerous landmarks and attractions in Toronto’s downtown core. It connects Union Station in the south, through the Financial District to the Eaton Centre and Dundas Square in the north. There are also several hotels connected to the PATH, and you’ll find tourists and business people mingling around the underground. Here are some notable places you can access via the underground tunnels:

The Brookfield Place

Brookfield Place, one of the PATH’s crown jewels, features the stunning Allen Lambert Galleria. It’s a pedestrian space that feels like a giant greenhouse filled with light. It is an intriguing place with a clever blend of historical features and a modern, bold style.

This giant concourse is home to frequent art exhibitions and events throughout the year. The site is impressive, but the various exhibitions take it to a different level. Here, you’ll also find shopping, dining options and many spots for people-watching.

There is no shortage of crowds passing by throughout the day. You could spend a good part of the day here just basking in the hustle and bustle of life. At other times, a beautiful stillness seems almost unreal in a city with so many people.

The Hockey Hall of Fame

The Hockey Hall of Fame is a great place to visit for hockey lovers and those who want to check out something different. It acts as both a museum of hockey and a hall of fame. Dedicated to all things hockey, this is your chance to learn more about Canada’s national sport.

Roy Thompson Hall

The Roy Thomson Hall, one of Toronto’s many concert venues, can also be accessed through the PATH. Home to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, it is also used during the Toronto International Film Festival. It is also a pretty picturesque spot, especially during the evening.

The Scotiabank Arena

The chances are that if you are attending a concert or a sporting event in Toronto, you will be at the Scotiabank Arena (formerly known as the Air Canada Centre). This is the home to three of Toronto’s sports teams – the Raptors (basketball), the Leafs (hockey) and the Rock (lacrosse).

The Eaton Centre

Officially known as CF Toronto Eaton Centre, this is one of Toronto’s busiest attractions. In addition to being a shopping mall, it is also an office complex. In the late 1800s, Timothy Eaton opened a dry goods store on Yonge Street. This then became the T Eaton Co., the same company responsible for the first underground tunnel. Eaton’s, as it was commonly known, became one of Canada’s largest department stores and is the namesake of the mall.

Best Shopping Spots in the tunnels

The PATH is a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from high-end boutiques to everyday essentials. Some popular shopping destinations include:

1. The Shops at First Canadian Place
2. Commerce Court
3. TD Centre Shops
4. Royal Bank Plaza
5. MetroCentre

Restaurants to Visit in the PATH

Foodies will find plenty to love in the PATH. Here are some must-try eateries:

1. Momofuku Noodle Bar (inside Shangri-La Hotel)
2. SOCO Kitchen + Bar (in the Delta Toronto)
3. Bannock (in Hudson’s Bay Queen Street)
4. Kupfert & Kim (various locations for healthy, plant-based options)
5. Union Chicken (in Union Station)

How to Access the PATH from Popular Landmarks

• From Union Station: Enter through the lower level and follow the signs.
• From CN Tower: Head east on Bremner Boulevard and enter through the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
• From Yonge-Dundas Square: Enter through the Eaton Centre’s lower level.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

To make the most of your Toronto PATH experience, start by downloading a PATH map app or grabbing a physical map from one of the information kiosks scattered throughout the network. As you navigate, watch for the colour-coded signage, which serves as a helpful guide for directions.

I recommend planning your route in advance, especially if you’re working with a tight schedule, as the extensive network can initially be overwhelming. For the best experience, try to visit during weekday business hours when all shops and services are open. This will allow you to fully explore and enjoy the underground city’s offerings.

Conclusion

While the PATH is not your typical tourist attraction, it’s one of those things that you might take for granted if you live in Toronto. For visitors, it’s a novelty and something different to check out while visiting Toronto. I am always surprised by the reactions of those who visit here. Some ask to see it, while others have never heard about it. Either way, everyone is always excited to check out the underground tunnels. Who knew?

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