Have you ever explored the vast network of tunnels beneath Toronto’s downtown? The PATH is a practical, sometimes puzzling underground system filled with shops, food spots, and shortcuts through the city. Inspired by a recent walk, here’s a closer look at this unique part of Toronto’s urban design.
1. What is the PATH?
- A 30 km (19 mi) labyrinth of tunnels, walkways, and indoor corridors weaving through over 70 buildings in Downtown Toronto.
- Home to 1,200+ shops and services, with around 371,600 m² (4 million ft²) of retail space—earning it a Guinness World Record.
- Every business day, 200,000+ commuters, residents, and visitors traverse its paths.
2. Why the PATH Was Built
Toronto’s PATH system was created to help people move comfortably through downtown—especially during the city’s harsh winters and humid summers. The idea was simple: give pedestrians a weather-protected alternative to street-level travel, while also connecting key office towers, transit hubs, and shopping areas.
It started in the 1960s as a practical solution for commuters and quickly grew into a vast underground network that supports the city’s business, retail, and tourism activity year-round.
3. Navigating the PATH
The PATH can feel like a maze at first, but with a few tips, it becomes much easier to navigate:
🗺 Look for the color-coded signs – PATH signage uses color-coded letters to show direction:
- P = South (Blue)
- A = West (Red)
- T = North (Orange)
- H = East (Yellow)
📍 Follow landmarks – The PATH connects over 70 buildings, including Union Station, Eaton Centre, Scotiabank Arena, and the Financial District. Use these anchor points to orient yourself.
🚇 Transit is your guide – Starting from Union Station is easiest. From there, you can access most major buildings via underground walkways.
📱 Use a digital map – Google Maps can show many parts of the PATH, but for best results, try the official PATH map from the City of Toronto or use apps like “Toronto PATH Map.”
🕰 Know the hours – While the tunnels are open 24/7, many stores and food courts close after business hours and on weekends.
4. Who Uses the PATH—and When
- Commuters rely on it to connect between stations and offices in harsh weather.
- Shoppers and diners flock to it year-round.
- Many parts are open until 1:20 am, though not all entrances share those hours.
4. Top Stops Along the Way
- As you wander through the PATH, you’ll pass by some of downtown Toronto’s most popular spots—perfect for shopping, grabbing a bite, or just escaping the weather:
- 🛍 CF Toronto Eaton Centre – One of Canada’s busiest malls, with over 200 stores and direct PATH access.
- 🏛 Brookfield Place – A stunning architectural highlight featuring the Allen Lambert Galleria, shops, and cafes.
- 🏒 Scotiabank Arena – Connected via PATH, great for catching a Leafs or Raptors game without stepping outside.
- 🚆 Union Station – The city’s main transit hub, fully integrated with PATH routes and surrounded by food options.
- ☕ Hudson’s Bay & Saks Fifth Avenue – Grab coffee, browse fashion, or just use it as a handy landmark.
- 🏢 First Canadian Place & Exchange Tower – Great for lunch options, banking, and shopping right in the heart of the Financial District.
- Check out some of the cool buildings along the PATH network in my Instagram video
🎯 Tips for Your Own PATH Adventure
| Tip | Why |
|---|---|
| Choose a direction | Start north (Atrium) and end south (Waterpark Place) like Trudy did |
| Mind the hours | Not all entrances open late—even if main sections are |
| Check a map | Color codes and building names make navigating easier |
| Explore beyond the main arteries | Discover quieter sections and hidden vendors |
| Respect subway quiet zones | Parts of the PATH pass through TTC areas—keep noise down |
Want to Explore the PATH with a Guide?
If navigating the PATH sounds a bit overwhelming—or you just want to learn more about its hidden corners and history—you can join a guided walking tour! It’s a great way to see the highlights, get your bearings, and hear fun facts along the way.
👉 Book a PATH walking tour here: Want to Explore the PATH with a Guide?
If navigating the PATH sounds a bit overwhelming—or you just want to learn more about its hidden corners and history—you can join a guided walking tour! It’s a great way to see the highlights, get your bearings, and hear fun facts along the way.
👉 Book a PATH walking tour here: https://www.viator.com/tours/Toronto/PATH-Torontos-Underground-City-Afternoon-Tour/d623-55277P4?pid=P00058688&uid=U00684367&mcid=58086¤cy=CAD
Disclaimer: Photos used in this post are for illustrative purposes only—I do not claim ownership unless otherwise stated. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my travel content!
Trudy Travels 
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