Union Station — Attraction in Toronto

Toronto’s Union Station—a stunning Beaux-Arts landmark and Canada’s busiest transportation hub. The carousel highlights both the majestic exterior colonnade and the iconic interior Great Hall.

🏛️ Architecture & History

Opened in 1927, Union Station was designed by architects Ross & Macdonald, Hugh Jones, and John M. Lyle in the Beaux-Arts style. Its grand façade features 22 towering Bedford limestone columns each 40 ft tall and weighing 75 tons .

The interior Great Hall spans 250 ft lengthwise with an 88‑ft vaulted ceiling crafted from Guastavino tiles. Walls are clad in Zumbro stone, and the herringbone-patterned floors use Tennessee marble. Heritage elements—including carved names of Canadian destinations and original bronze clocks—remain in place .

A centerpiece stamp in Canadian history, it was designated a National Historic Site in 1975 for its architectural significance .

🚉 Transit Hub: Services & Connections

Daily, more than 300,000 passengers pass through Union Station, making it the busiest transit facility in Canada .

Rail services include:

GO Transit (regional commuter rail and bus).

Via Rail (national intercity service across Canada).

Amtrak (connections to the U.S.) .

Airport rail link: UP Express connects Union Station to Toronto Pearson International Airport with trains roughly every 15 minutes, taking about 25 minutes total .

City transit: Direct access to TTC subway, streetcar, and bus lines within the station .

🔧 Revitalization: Heritage Meets Modernity

From 2010–2021, the $824 million Union Station Revitalization Project (USRP) fully restored historic features while expanding concourses and retail areas .

Key upgrades include:

Tripling the GO Concourse capacity.

Addition of nearly 14,900 m² of new retail space and food areas.

Glass coverings over pedestrian moats along Front, Bay, and York Streets.

Expanded PATH connectivity and two new bike parking stations .

The project was honored with a 2024 Heritage Toronto Built Heritage Award for its seamless integration of modernization and preservation .

🧭 Layout & Attractions

Great Hall: Elegant and spacious—the primary waiting area and central ticketing lobby, complete with a historic clock and VIA/Amtrak services .

Concourses:

York Concourse (opened 2015) connects directly to TTC and platforms via PATH.

Bay Concourse (opened 2021) offers expanded access, commuter space, vending, and additional retail .

SkyWalk and PATH: Indoor corridor connecting Union Station to the CN Tower and Rogers Centre, also hosting the UP Express station .

West Wing: Houses Metrolinx offices and a Tourism Info Centre with visitor maps and guides .

🎯 Why Visit?

Architectural grandeur: A living museum of early 20th‑century design with grand spaces, heritage materials, and timeless elegance.

Efficient transit hub: Seamlessly connects regional, national, airport, and local transit.

Vibrant retail & dining: Over 60 retail outlets, cafés, and seasonal events—including a Fresh Market and Union Food Court—turn commuting into a destination...

Union Station is an exceptional transportation hub that seamlessly blends functionality with architectural beauty. The grandeur of its historic building, coupled with its efficient operations, makes it a standout destination. The station's central location provides easy access to various modes of transportation, including trains, buses, and subway lines.

The interior of Union Station is magnificent, featuring stunning architectural details, high ceilings, and beautiful artwork. The restoration efforts have preserved the station's heritage while incorporating modern facilities and amenities. The spacious waiting areas, comfortable seating, and cleanliness enhance the overall experience for travelers.

The station boasts a wide range of shops, restaurants, and services, catering to the diverse needs of visitors. From upscale boutiques to casual eateries, Union Station offers a variety of options for shopping and dining. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a leisurely meal, you'll find something to satisfy your cravings.

The staff at Union Station is friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. They provide excellent customer service and are always willing to assist with any inquiries or concerns. The station's signage and information boards are clear and easy to follow, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey for passengers.

Union Station's connectivity to other parts of the city is exceptional, with multiple transportation options available nearby. Its central location allows for easy access to popular attractions, hotels, and business districts in Toronto. Whether you're a local commuter or a visitor exploring the city, Union Station serves as an excellent starting point for your journey.

Overall, Union Station in Toronto deserves a 5-star rating for its historical significance, architectural beauty, convenient amenities, excellent customer service, and seamless connectivity. It truly embodies the spirit of a world-class transportation hub and leaves a lasting impression on all who pass...

Union Station is a major transportation hub located in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The station serves as a hub for commuter trains, intercity trains, and subway trains, making it a vital part of Toronto's transportation network. The station is also a major tourist attraction, with its historic architecture and bustling atmosphere drawing visitors from around the world.

The station was first opened in 1927, and has since undergone several renovations and expansions to accommodate the growing number of commuters and travelers passing through its doors. Today, the station serves as a hub for several different transportation providers, including GO Transit, VIA Rail, and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).

One of the most striking features of Union Station is its grand Beaux-Arts architecture, which features a large central dome and ornate detailing throughout the building. The station has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada, and is considered one of the most important examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in the country.

In addition to its transportation facilities, Union Station also features a variety of shops, restaurants, and other amenities for travelers and commuters. These include a food court, a convenience store, and a variety of retail shops selling everything from books to clothing.

Overall, Union Station is a vital transportation hub and an important part of Toronto's history and culture. Whether you're a traveler passing through the station or a local commuter, Union Station is a fascinating and lively...