This is probably the best overview / guide video of the "new" Union Station I've seen on the internet, and I appreciate your critiques of signage/wayfinding and accessibility! While the joke of Union always being under construction is true, the station experience has come a long way thanks to the renovations to the point where it's probably one of the best overall train stations in the Americas now. And there's still a lot more yet to come! For example to the south of the three main concourses (York , VIA and Bay) they are building a fourth "South Concourse" which will also serve GO platforms and better connect to Scotiabank arena and maple leaf square. You can see the construction from the CIBC elevated park and it's quite cool! They are reconfiguring the platforms as part of the Go Expansion plans which will see subway-like train frequencies on many GO lines Also you didn't really cover the streetcar area (it's joined to the northbound Yonge Line platform) in this video but that will also be reconfigured to handle at least 4 streetcars simultaneously including the planned Waterfront East LRT
Little known fact: There was a gun range in Union Station. It was there so the railway police could practice, but it was also open to members of the CN employee's gun club. I used to be a technician with CN Telecommunications and some of my co-workers were members, though I never was. BTW, I commuted through Union Station for many years, going back to 1973.
Thanks for this video. I was in Union Station in July 2023. I walked over from the arts and crafts fair at city hall and was heading for VIA rail to get the train to Kitchener. I left a couple of hours to make sure I had plenty of time. I must say, the station was VERY busy and really confusing. I located where to line up for VIA rail (before you head to the platform) and then went to the food court for a snack. I was concentrating and carefully observing the route, but ended up circling around a few times on my way back to the VIA lineup, ending up back in the great hall. I thought, I'm in Canada, I'm Canadian, the language is English, and I'm having a hard time finding my way around. Glad that you agree - Union Station is confusing! Finally, I found my train
You video reminded me of the old Dragnet TV show where the standard comment was "Just the fact man, just the Facts." That's what you gave the facts and no self important sounding comments. Keep it up!😃
One thing, the eastern part of the station was originally a post office sorting station, which was used to send the mail out by train. There would also be employees sorting mail in mail cars, while traveling towards the destination. There was also a parking garage at the west end.
In my more than 20 years in Canada, I never was on a train, subway doesn't count. I worked in the Union station building. Crossed the station in all directions buzzilion of times, but never been on a platform. But I was on MagLev and bullet trains in China and on train platforms at Penn Station. I will never forget being in the crowd by the closed TTC entrance doors packed with people after the New Year firework. 😊
Just got back yesterday from a visit to TO for five days. Quite the station and city. Bit confusing at first, but easy to find your way around after and the signage is easy to follow for directions. Never been there before, but got to see the major sites and visit Niagara Falls. I
I love Union Station it's now a destination, I have made the Go Train journey from Hamilton to Union Station just to grab some eats walk around the station and head back to Hamilton lol. I also love that you can get to many parts of downtown Toronto from Union without ever needing to step outside! Great video, look forward The Path video I love exploring the The Path and getting lost down there!
You’re right, it’s definitely a destination now. I’m nervous about trying to tackle the PATH as I’ve never been able to navigate it well.. my wife somehow knows how to get through it easily so I’ll be relying on her knowledge again to teach me.
I'm there at least 3 times a week. I use the Go and the Up. Up is towards York looks new, clean. Go it’s towards Bay (for me) and there’s still construction going on, smells and definitely not the best side. Finally, I definitely have to explore that space in the CIBC building. I didn’t even know it existed.
The way you explain this would have been so much easier for me than like many years of learning it myself while needing to be there anytime I was in the city 💀 I know all this now but it was still a learning curve for even us who live just outside the city a train-ride away
I come to Toronto two or three times a year for meetings, usually by the GO train into Union and I always get confused as to where to go. You are definitely not the only one.
Most annoying is the fact that there is no full escalator pathway (along the Front St side) from the TTC exit through to the UPXpress station. One must carry luggage up the main station grand hall stairs to get to the street level leading to the Pearson Express station PATH. The elevators are hidden and not very helpful with the only route having escalators is convoluted: exit TTC through the Moat into the Bay concourse, turn right at the Nespresso boutique and continue through to the York food court where there is an escalator up to the VIA station street level and the path to the airport train! Adding 10-minutes to your walk if you have heavy or multiple bags. A major design oversight. But good overview video of a place I’ve finally mastered over the course of its multi-year rebuild.
The signage is the worst part - you'll get to an intersection in the PATH and it'll be like , "Entertainment District West, Entertainment District East, Entertainment District North, Entertainment District South" , like ok I guess I have no choice regardless of the direction I go lol
Great video showing parts of Union Station I didn’t know about. I only wish the maps had stayed up, maybe at the side of the screen so I had a better idea of where we were. I’m still rather confused 😆
Very well done video! I'm actually a team lead with the security team at the station, and will be definitely be recommending this video to our new hires/trainees prior to bringing them to the floor!
Watching this all the way through like I don’t go at least once a week
same lmao
Same
Lol!! Same
Here everyday
Same 😂
Finally a video that does union station justice!! Amazing work as always
Always appreciate your support. Thanks Ahmad!
I totally agree with you; the Union Station is a maze. However, I like some of their improvements to the station, making it more attractive to visit.
This is probably the best overview / guide video of the "new" Union Station I've seen on the internet, and I appreciate your critiques of signage/wayfinding and accessibility!
While the joke of Union always being under construction is true, the station experience has come a long way thanks to the renovations to the point where it's probably one of the best overall train stations in the Americas now. And there's still a lot more yet to come!
For example to the south of the three main concourses (York , VIA and Bay) they are building a fourth "South Concourse" which will also serve GO platforms and better connect to Scotiabank arena and maple leaf square. You can see the construction from the CIBC elevated park and it's quite cool! They are reconfiguring the platforms as part of the Go Expansion plans which will see subway-like train frequencies on many GO lines
Also you didn't really cover the streetcar area (it's joined to the northbound Yonge Line platform) in this video but that will also be reconfigured to handle at least 4 streetcars simultaneously including the planned Waterfront East LRT
Thanks for the additional info!
Little known fact: There was a gun range in Union Station. It was there so the railway police could practice, but it was also open to members of the CN employee's gun club. I used to be a technician with CN Telecommunications and some of my co-workers were members, though I never was.
BTW, I commuted through Union Station for many years, going back to 1973.
Interesting info! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for saying SkyDome. Only real ones know lol
I still say SkyDome and ACC 😁
Of course. I’m going to make a skydome video one day soon.
Thanks for this video. I was in Union Station in July 2023. I walked over from the arts and crafts fair at city hall and was heading for VIA rail to get the train to Kitchener. I left a couple of hours to make sure I had plenty of time. I must say, the station was VERY busy and really confusing. I located where to line up for VIA rail (before you head to the platform) and then went to the food court for a snack. I was concentrating and carefully observing the route, but ended up circling around a few times on my way back to the VIA lineup, ending up back in the great hall. I thought, I'm in Canada, I'm Canadian, the language is English, and I'm having a hard time finding my way around. Glad that you agree - Union Station is confusing! Finally, I found my train
Your experience is definitely a common one. Even after making the video I got turned around last time I was there
Been going here for years and still get lost. Don't get me started on the Path. Also, you Def need to do a separate video on the path!
love all of your videos keep it up man
Thank you!
You video reminded me of the old Dragnet TV show where the standard comment was "Just the fact man, just the Facts." That's what you gave the facts and no self important sounding comments. Keep it up!😃
lol thanks!
3:03 SkyDome, always SkyDome 👍👍👍👍
That's probably one of the best overviews I've seen. Will have to check out whatever else you have posted!
Glad you enjoyed it and thank you!
This is a good presentation. It does get a little confusing, but people are always nice and willing to help with directions 🙂
One thing, the eastern part of the station was originally a post office sorting station, which was used to send the mail out by train. There would also be employees sorting mail in mail cars, while traveling towards the destination. There was also a parking garage at the west end.
Thanks for another informative video... it is sooo confusing to go to union station .. unless u r a regular. keep up the good work ❤💚
Thank you!
In my more than 20 years in Canada, I never was on a train, subway doesn't count. I worked in the Union station building. Crossed the station in all directions buzzilion of times, but never been on a platform. But I was on MagLev and bullet trains in China and on train platforms at Penn Station.
I will never forget being in the crowd by the closed TTC entrance doors packed with people after the New Year firework. 😊
Just got back yesterday from a visit to TO for five days. Quite the station and city. Bit confusing at first, but easy to find your way around after and the signage is easy to follow for directions. Never been there before, but got to see the major sites and visit Niagara Falls. I
Just like the TTC, you can now board the UP Express by just tapping a debit or credit card.
WoW! The editing is amazing
Thanks!
Excellent. Now Subscribed. Living out of town it felt exactly the same as you when I would get to Union Station. TY
Awesome thank you! Glad to hear I’m not alone.
I love Union Station it's now a destination, I have made the Go Train journey from Hamilton to Union Station just to grab some eats walk around the station and head back to Hamilton lol. I also love that you can get to many parts of downtown Toronto from Union without ever needing to step outside! Great video, look forward The Path video I love exploring the The Path and getting lost down there!
You’re right, it’s definitely a destination now. I’m nervous about trying to tackle the PATH as I’ve never been able to navigate it well.. my wife somehow knows how to get through it easily so I’ll be relying on her knowledge again to teach me.
I'm there at least 3 times a week. I use the Go and the Up. Up is towards York looks new, clean. Go it’s towards Bay (for me) and there’s still construction going on, smells and definitely not the best side.
Finally, I definitely have to explore that space in the CIBC building. I didn’t even know it existed.
The way you explain this would have been so much easier for me than like many years of learning it myself while needing to be there anytime I was in the city 💀 I know all this now but it was still a learning curve for even us who live just outside the city a train-ride away
Yes definitely a learning curve and I recently got turned around in there after making the video lol.
Go Toronto 😎💪
I come to Toronto two or three times a year for meetings, usually by the GO train into Union and I always get confused as to where to go. You are definitely not the only one.
Glad to hear that lol thanks
Most annoying is the fact that there is no full escalator pathway (along the Front St side) from the TTC exit through to the UPXpress station. One must carry luggage up the main station grand hall stairs to get to the street level leading to the Pearson Express station PATH. The elevators are hidden and not very helpful with the only route having escalators is convoluted: exit TTC through the Moat into the Bay concourse, turn right at the Nespresso boutique and continue through to the York food court where there is an escalator up to the VIA station street level and the path to the airport train! Adding 10-minutes to your walk if you have heavy or multiple bags. A major design oversight.
But good overview video of a place I’ve finally mastered over the course of its multi-year rebuild.
Thanks for sharing!
Just out of curiosity, what does the acronym MOAT stand for?
@ No clue.
keep up the toronto vids! So good
Thanks! I plan on it.
The signage is the worst part - you'll get to an intersection in the PATH and it'll be like , "Entertainment District West, Entertainment District East, Entertainment District North, Entertainment District South" , like ok I guess I have no choice regardless of the direction I go lol
lol definitely a common experience..
Great video showing parts of Union Station I didn’t know about. I only wish the maps had stayed up, maybe at the side of the screen so I had a better idea of where we were. I’m still rather confused 😆
That’s a good idea. I’ll consider that for future videos. Thanks.
Toronto is so overwhelming
can you make a video on the path?
Will be doing a path video this winter 👍
Great video. My only gripe is that the cuts are too quick.
Thanks. Maybe check out the Elora video for a slower pace video. I have plans to do a series like this.
If you count Great Hall, then there's six stations. Via, GO York, GO Bay, GO Bus, and TTC
Don’t Forget UPX
Very well done video! I'm actually a team lead with the security team at the station, and will be definitely be recommending this video to our new hires/trainees prior to bringing them to the floor!
That’s awesome! Thanks man.
Appears I'll have accessibility issues from time-to-time .. !
It’s a hell of messed inside. We’ve just been there over the weekend and we can’t figure it out the way of exit, coffee shops and tge washroom. 😢
The original building is beautiful, but is ANY station in Europe this complicated?
It was safe for me in Los Angeles
9:14 where is that located?
You don't need tickets or presto or any of that. You can just tap your credit card and it calculates any transfers automatically!
But the discounts!
You just have to explore...and if you get lost...ask for directions.