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Not every layover has to mean overpriced coffee and hard plastic chairs. If you’re transiting through Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)—Canada’s largest and busiest airport—you’ve landed somewhere with surprisingly good food, world-class lounges, and plenty of ways to unwind. Whether you’ve got two hours to kill or six, here’s how to make the most of it without ever leaving the terminal.
💼 Passing Through YYZ on Business? Inspired Travel Group Expertly Manages Business Travel Logistics. Get Started Today with Canada’s #1 Travel Management Agency!
Pearson has two main terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, each with its own vibe and airline partners. Terminal 1 handles most international traffic and Air Canada flights. Terminal 3 is home to WestJet and other global carriers. If you’re switching between the two, just hop on the free Terminal Link train. It runs 24/7 and only takes a few minutes.
🗺️ Explore before you explore:
→ Interactive terminal map
→ Printable map downloads
Sure, there’s a Tim Hortons at every turn (and we wouldn’t blame you for grabbing a double-double), but Pearson has seriously upped its food game in recent years.
Tim Hortons, Starbucks, Booster Juice and plenty of grab-and-go kiosks are scattered throughout both terminals. You won’t go hungry.
🧭 Browse all restaurants
Need a quick gift? Forgot your charger? Want to splurge on something nice for yourself? Pearson has you covered.
Forgot your adapter or headphones? Hit up iStore or Tech on the Go.
Long layover? Early morning flight? Pearson isn’t the worst place to crash for a few hours.
Sleeping Pods (T1) – Quiet, pay-by-the-hour pods near Aisle 15
Rest Zones – Look for dimly lit, armrest-free seating near the far gates
Sheraton Gateway Hotel – Attached to Terminal 3, with day-use rates available
ALT Hotel – A short ride away via the free Terminal Link train
Jetlagged? Grab a nap and recharge. These sleep pods book up fast during peak travel hours.
Both have great Wi-Fi, plug points, decent food and calm vibes. If your company’s covering the travel, treat yourself to a day pass!
💼 Tip for business travellers: You can expense lounge access and it’s often cheaper than airport restaurants, and way quieter.
If you’re someone who likes a side of culture with your travel, you’ll appreciate the art around YYZ.
📷 Worth a stroll even if you’re just stretching your legs.
Knowing what to do during a layover is always a challenge: should you stay or should you go? With limited time, unfamiliar terminals and the looming stress of security lines, it’s not always an easy call. But if you’re flying through Toronto Pearson (YYZ), you’ve got options either way.
With four hours, it’s best to stay inside the terminal. You won’t have much time to clear customs and return for security screening, especially if you’re traveling internationally.
Here’s how to make the most of it:
This is your chance to slow down and reset before your next flight. Pearson’s amenities are better than most give it credit for.
Now you’ve got options. Six and above hours gives you enough time to either dive deeper into what the airport has to offer. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, head out and explore the surrounding area.
Option 1: Stay in the airport
Option 2: Venture beyond the terminal
If your flight is international and you’ve already cleared security and baggage handling, it’s possible to step out for a short excursion.
We’ve put together a full guide with smart, realistic options for how to spend a layover near Pearson—whether you’ve got a couple hours or all afternoon.
👉 Read: Things To Do Close to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ)
You’ll find nearby restaurants, parks, cultural stops and even spa or shopping suggestions that are just minutes from the terminal.
A timeless question—and it depends on where you’re going:
Local insight: If you’re flying out of Pearson in the morning, leave extra time. It gets busy between 6–9 a.m.
From YYZ to YVR and everywhere outside and in between, Inspired Travel Group is your behind-the-scenes team. We manage the chaos so you don’t have to—flights, hotels, last-minute changes, 24/7 support—you name it.
Whether it’s your first business trip or your 400th, we’re here to make it a seamless experience every step of the way.
💡 Need help planning business trips? Work with a corporate travel agency that gets it. Inspired Travel Group handles every detail with expert care. Get Started Today!
