More than just a transportation hub, downtown’s National Historic Site is worth a visit for local shops, culture and food.
Increasingly, urban train stations are transforming from transportation hubs to tourist attractions in their own right, complete with trendy restaurants, cultural offerings and a curated selection of shops and boutiques.
Toronto’s Union Station was an early adopter of this trend, thanks to an ambitious multi-year revitalization that has seen the National Historic Site boost square footage and amass 100+ shops and restaurants (with more to come!) within its Beaux-Arts structure.
Located centrally on Front Street West, at the nexus of the Financial District, South Core, Entertainment District and Old Town, Union Station has served as Toronto’s key hub for rail travel since 1927.
Launch here to go across town (via the TTC subway system), to the suburbs (via GO Transit commuter trains or buses), to the airport (by UP Express train) or across North America (by VIA Rail or Amtrak train).
Whether you’re arriving or departing, consider spending some time exploring Union Station inside and out. Better yet: stop by before or after a Toronto Raptors basketball game at Scotiabank Arena or a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame or CN Tower.
There’s so much to discover, including travel-sized versions of local-fave Toronto businesses. Here are 10 Union Station stops worth making.
Instagram moments in the Great Hall
Over 300,000 people pass through Union Station daily, making it Canada’s busiest transportation hub.
But it’s also one of the country’s most beautiful, with its expansive Great Hall, complete with vaulted and arched ceiling, coffered windows, graceful walls of Zumbro limestone (look closely: there are fossils embedded inside) and an eye-catching station clock.
Union Station’s Great Hall is a showstopper of a transport hub and well worth a snapshot or Reel.
Locally approved coffee and snacks
Fuel up for your adventures at one of Union Station’s cafés. Sip a cortado brewed from locally roasted beans at Pilot Coffee Roasters or a steaming matcha from Tao Tea Leaf, as you nibble on a nostalgic treat from Craig’s Cookies.
Or, for prime people watching, head to %Arabica, an airy glass box where you can sample java from the cult-fave Kyoto, Japan-based coffee chain as you watch commuters stream to and from one of the city’s busiest subway stations.
Uniquely Toronto souvenirs
Union Station delivers when it comes to local souvenirs.
Hit up Peace Collective for their iconic Home Is Toronto tees and sweats (which give back to local community organizations).
Woodsy Cabin barbershop doubles as a gift shop, where you may stumble across finds like Canadiana ball caps and charcuterie boards crafted from Ontario hardwood.
The LCBO carries a wide selection of Ontario and Canadian wine, beer and spirits so stop by here if you’re coveting Niagara ice wine, Prince Edward County Riesling or a six-pack of craft suds to take home.
Toronto arts and culture
Ongoing cultural programming has amplified the visual and performing arts at this downtown hub.
Current Union Arts exhibits include All Beings Connected, a two-part exhibit by father-son artists August and Luke Swinson, which draw from the duo’s Anishinaabe heritage and portray relationships between people, land and living things.
Be sure to look around when exploring the south corridor of the Union Market area, as it is home to a Unionnale, an art “alley” showcasing murals by local artists.
Other cultural offerings include Union Dance (with performances, free lessons and socials) and Union Music (with concerts, choirs and weekly Union Beats DJ sessions).
Quick local bites
Whether you’re in a hurry or on a budget, stop by the Union Station food court for quick casual bites in a communal space. Besides the global chains, you’ll find outposts of local success stories, too.
Try Roywoods for jerk chicken sandwiches or Caribbean-style oxtail, Sansotei Ramen for stick-to-your-ribs tonkotsu ramen and Paramount Kitchen for halal shish tawouk, shawarma and more.
A pre-game or pre-show meal
Union Station’s central York Street Promenade area hosts three sit-down restaurants perfect for dining before or after the big game, concert or show. They also fit the bill anytime the food court is too bustling.
Amano Italian Kitchen serves up Roman-style dishes with signature cocktails and Aperitivo Hour food and drink specials.
Union Chicken is known for Southern classics like its O.G Fried Chicken Sandwich and a family friendly vibe.
Alpine fare and artisan sausages are on the menu at WVRST, a carnivore favourite with a solid craft beer and cider menu.
A fancy sitdown meal
Given its proximity to the Financial and Entertainment Districts, Union Station was overdue for a fancy restaurant suitable for client meals or pre-theatre refreshment. Well, now it’s here.
Blue Bovine offers a modern vibe while fusing two very different dining concepts: a traditional western steakhouse and a traditional Japanese sushi house. Surf-wise, you’ll find faves like otoro sashimi and seafood towers, while on the turf side, expect big-money beef cuts from Ontario, Alberta, Nebraska, and further afield like Australia and—of course—Kobe, Japan.
Cool host and hostess gifts
Visiting friends or fam? Don’t show up empty handed. You’ll find tasteful and tasty gifts throughout Union Station, many from tiny shops that function as thumbnail versions of a larger location somewhere else in the city.
Consider gourmet sweets from Chocollata Brigadeiros, Italian cookies from Biscotteria Forno Cultura, a cocktail book and bar tools from Cocktail Emporium or fair-trade blooms in an artisanal vase from Lena’s Floral Designs.
Last-minute essentials
A mini mall in its own right, Union Station will help you make up for any packing shortfalls. Try Sephora, Cabin and Detox Market for your beauty and grooming needs; Decathlon for affordable sportgear and wear; and Dresden Vision if you forgot your glasses. Replace a conked-out charger at The Source or pick up some coffee capsules for your aparthotel at Nespresso.
Festival vibes on Front Street
Finally, don’t forget to explore Union Station’s exterior. You’ll find gorgeous shots for your social media feed—the Beaux-Arts building is a downtown landmark, with photogenic Tuscan columns of Bedford limestone—as well as a dynamic street scene.
Union Summer takes place along the Front Street Plaza, with a crowd-drawing array of special events including live performances, DJs, food vendors, shopping pop-ups and more.
Come winter, the festivities move indoors, with more entertainment, food and fun. Last year’s Union Winter included free roller skating at an indoor rink. Stay tuned for what’s on deck for the next Union Winter.
