Travel

As the largest city in Canada, Toronto is readily accessible by any method of transportation, making it easy for anyone to get to Furnal Equinox!

We're happy to provide this information to assist you when making your travel plans to attend FE. Please note we don't endorse any particular company mentioned on this page.

Crossing The Border?

For any attendees who currently reside outside of Canada, make sure that you have a valid passport. If you don't currently have one, make sure to apply as early as possible. A valid passport serves as verification of your identity and citizenship, which will allow you to enter Canada. For US citizens, you absolutely must have a passport to return to the United States by air... another good reason to make sure you have one!

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may also require a visa to enter Canada. For more information on entering Canada, including a list of countries with visa requirements, we recommend you visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada's website.

All travelers will be required to proceed through Customs (Canada Border Services Agency) when entering Canada. For more information, visit the CBSA's website.

As of this writing, the Canadian dollar is roughly on par with the United States dollar (click here for up-to-date exchange rates). US currency will generally be accepted at most establishments, as will foreign credit cards. Currency exchange services are readily available throughout Toronto.

Driving Directions

If you want to navigate to the convention by using Google Maps or your GPS, the Doubletree is located at 655 Dixon Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The routes provided below are normally the fastest way to get to the hotel, but may be delayed or obstructed by construction, weather, or accidents. Check on road conditions before and during your travels, and allow yourself plenty of time!

From Hamilton, Niagara, and US crossing points (Buffalo, New York):

• There are three border crossings at Niagara. We recommend the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge, accessed via I-190.
• I-190 becomes Highway 405 in Ontario, which merges into the QEW (Queen Elizabeth Way). Continue to follow all signage for "QEW Toronto".
• Exit onto Highway 427 north at exit 139.
• You want to get into the collector lanes (the blue signage to your right), so take a ramp as soon as you can. Follow the signage for Highway 27.
• Once on highway 27, take the first right exit onto Dixon Road eastbound. The Doubletree is immediately to your right, just before the Kelfield Street intersection.

From London, Windsor, and US crossing points (Detroit):

• There are three possible crossing points from Michigan. We recommend the Blue Water Bridge crossing between Port Huron and Sarnia, accessed via I-94.
• I-94 becomes Highway 402 in Ontario. This eventually merges onto Highway 401 east. Continue to follow highway 401.
• Exit highway 401 at exit 354 (Dixon Road), and turn left at the traffic lights. The Doubletree will be to your left, just after the Kelfield Street intersection.

From Montreal, Ottawa, and points eastbound:

• Travel west on highway 401. From Montreal, the 401 can be directly accessed by A-20. Those coming from Ottawa should take Highway 416 south, then exit onto Highway 401 west.
• Exit Highway 401 at exit 354 (Dixon Road / Martin Grove Road). Keep to the left for Dixon Road. The Doubletree will be to your left just after the Kelfield Street intersection.

Caution: Highway 401 is one of the busiest freeways in North America. Avoid travel during the morning and afternoon rush hour if at all possible, as it will slow down your travels.

When you arrive, your most convenient option for parking is at the hotel itself. The rate is $2.50 per half hour, up to a daily maximum of $16. Hotel guests can use their room key to get in and out of the parking lot at a daily rate of $12. A number of other parking options are available along Dixon Road, but they tend to be more geared for airport travellers who are staying long-term and are also more expensive. We therefore don't recommend them.

Public Transportation in Toronto

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is Toronto's primary public transportation provider, offering a combination of streetcar, bus, and subway services. The current adult cash fare is $3.00, tickets and tokens are $2.60 each (sold in 3 or 7) and transfers are free. For more information, fares and route planning info, go to the TTC's website at www.ttc.ca.

You can reach the Doubletree from downtown by taking the following route, which takes approximately an hour:

• Take the Yonge-University-Spadina subway (yellow line) to Lawrence West station.
• Transfer to any 58 Malton bus (58A, 58B, etc. are all fine).
• Get off at the Kelfield Street / City View Drive stop immediately in front of the Doubletree.

Simply reverse these steps to return in the other direction.

GO Transit also provides public transportation to the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding suburbs with bus and train service. We suggest you obtain the appropriate GO schedules and route maps online from your location, then travel to Union Station. Follow the signage to the TTC subway, and then follow the directions above.
For more information, refer to GO Transit's website.

Taxi service is also readily accessible anywhere in Toronto, especially from the downtown area. You should expect to spend approximately $50 Canadian to travel from downtown to the hotel.

Flying To Toronto

Most domestic and international flights to Toronto arrive at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), which is served by a number of airlines.

Pearson Airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, so make sure to check which terminal you're arriving at or departing from. Note that if you are returning through the United States by air through Pearson Airport, you will "preclear" US Customs prior to your departure.

The Doubletree is only a short distance (about 4 km) from the airport, and rental car services are available at each of the terminals. The Doubletree also runs a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport every half hour; when booking your stay, please inquire with them for more details. You can also take the TTC's 58 Malton bus from the airport to reach the hotel.

Flights are also available to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), located near downtown on Toronto Island. You will have to catch a ferry across to the mainland and then seek public transportation to get to the hotel (see "Public Transportation" above).

Please check with your airline for checked baggage weight restrictions, as well as making sure you adhere to all security screening regulations. Canadian regulations regarding liquids and gels in carry-on baggage are identical to international standards (3 ounces / 100 mL containers in a 1 quart / 1 litre plastic bag).

Travelling by Bus or Train

Intercity bus services to Toronto, including Greyhound (Canada / United States) and Coach Canada, arrive at the Toronto Coach Terminal on 610 Bay Street. The terminal is connected by underground tunnel to Dundas Station on the subway (see "Public Transportation" above). For more information, contact the Toronto Coach Terminal at (416) 393-7911.

Intercity train services, including Via Rail and Amtrak arrive at Union Station on 65 Front Street West in downtown Toronto. Union Station is Toronto's most prominent transportation link; from here, you can utilize Toronto's public transit system to get to the Doubletree. Again, refer to "Public Transportation", or contact the Travellers' Aid Society at Union Station at (416) 366-7788.