Inside Toronto's 33km Long Underground Network

[@SusanMiddleton1]

In my 20 years working in the financial district, I got so familiar with the PATH I would give lost tourists directions. Thanks for the trip down memory lane (PATH).

[@foxjacket]

Wish there was a way to connect College Park to the Path. It's so close...

[@MKPiatkowski]

Someone in the comments said it's being worked on.

[@Mary6661]

No that's racist to connect

[@thewanderingjake]

I walk the PATH every time I work downtown during my lunch hour! It's a great way to go around :)

[@MateodeJovel]

Love this! There's also a "mini-PATH" network around Bloor-Yonge & Bay Stations in Yorkville, so its an idea that Toronto seems to love a lot

[@glasbo]

I’m planning to do a video on Yorkville this year and I’ll be sure to include it! Thanks for the tip.

[@rmdvto]

There's also an underground connection from Aura (at Yonge & Gerrard) to College Park which both have substantial retail space. There are some potential developments that would connect the main Path network from the Atrium on Bay north 200 metres to the Shops at Aura / IKEA store which would effectively bring the Path network all the way to College Street and College station! However linking that to the Bloor segment will take another 100 years though 😅

[@n.b.3521]

​@rmdvto Keeping my fingers crossed the College Park part & Atrium part get connected soon 🤞

[@williamcheang2003]

for sure it does.

[@clydester88]

I love how Skydome is still in your head ❤.

[@glasbo]

lol really showing my age…

[@williamcheang2003]

it is a name most people will refer to.

[@triciamc8373]

​@glasbo it's okay. I toured it before it was opened. Lol I used to use the gym in the Skydome.

[@cravarc]

They held a contest and "Skydome" won. Now, it will always be the "Skydome" to me.

[@debestcanadian]

It's still confounding to me that New York City never coordinated anything like this. Their winter isn't quite as harsh, but it's still significant enough to be a benefit. And the density of development on Manhatten would make such linkages quite successful. Was / is it simply a lack of vision on the city's part? Or is there a fundamental difference between NYC and Toronto in this regard that I'm not understanding?

[@williamcheang2003]

In regards to NYC, the rockerfeller development does have a connection link that stretches below the complex and under some of your places you posted about. and also, the wall street grand central passages and under the battery has tunnal links.

[@ianstuart5660]

Great question!

[@dukezap1]

10:55 Eaton Centre is actually the busiest mall in all of North America

[@Stecbine]

Amazing video I love the PATH network! You forgot to mention the Path does continue north of the Atrium there are two separate sections of the PATH "unofficially" that are connected via the subway system. The block between College Street. Bay Street, Gerrard St and Yonge Street is has a large underground section that includes lota of shopping, small underground mall and food courts. Then you have the northern most section at Yonge and Bloor which is currently in expansion mode. This section is large and includes many office towers, new condos and smaller shopping malls. These two sections should be considered part of the PATH network or hopefully they will officially be once they are all connected via new developments as they keep expanding outwards.

[@williamcheang2003]

The Bloor Yorkvill part is a complete different sistam thoe. The main path currently runs under the Atrium pass the shopps, under the former toronto coach terminal, and ends under Colloge park and the aura complex.

[@coffeesleeves]

Great video man! Lived downtown for over a decade and didn't know all these facts. Awesome editing. Keep them coming.

[@glasbo]

Thank you! I really enjoy researching for the videos.

[@coffeesleeves]

@@glasbo You ever hear about the old schooner construction crews uncovered at Bathurst and Fort York a few years back? I didn't go deep enough into that rabbit hole myself, but perhaps you might find the subject interesting. Happy 2025!

[@williamcheang2003]

it is a interconnected place for sure.

[@bradlevantis913]

It’s so second nature to me that I forgot how unique it is. Navigating through the system has never been easy. Even today after using it for years I still occasionally get turned around. The section by the Sheraton Centre is rather dated in terms of decor, but it seems to be improving. And finally a fun fact. The Fairmount Royal York used to be the tallest building in the entire British Commonwealth. For anyone visiting definitely stop in to the Royal York for a cocktail. The atmosphere in both the Library Bar and Clockwork are amazing

[@williamcheang2003]

They will soon have a connection in to the bottom of Harbor plaza.

[@bradlevantis913]

@@williamcheang2003 that’s going to be amazing. It’s a great system

[@saroshahmad9736]

Great watch, actually discovered the path walking from home near dundas and looking for warmth on the way to harbor, on the way back security said I could do it all underground and I have been living like a teenage mutant ninja turtle since! Its top!

[@williamcheang2003]

Yess, the underground section is quite the place. mostly till the RBC waterpark place.

[@SeanHodgins]

Nice guide! Would be cool to see a video just simply walking a long section of the path.

[@glasbo]

Thank you! Ya I’ve considered that format, in addition to my usual videos. I might try and do videos like that this year.

[@joshleonard4353]

Great video to start the New Year! My friends and I love spending half the day there when we go to Toronto for vacation to wander around. Like the new video format btw!

[@glasbo]

Thanks! Appreciate the feedback too! The PATH is a fun place to explore and I haven’t seen it all yet.

[@williamcheang2003]

great place to warm up.

[@n.b.3521]

I've used the PATH for years & I still get slightly turned around from time to time. Looking forward to the newest piece opening up as the Pinnacle One building finishes.

[@williamcheang2003]

Ware will the path entrance in the Pinacle complex?

[@n.b.3521]

@williamcheang2003 Not sure yet. Still a year or more in the future

[@lexwalker]

Awesome video, I really appreciate it!

[@CambodiaLifeTV]

Great video, thank for sharing beautiful video. New friend here ❤

[@spencermatthews5942]

I enjoy Calgary's plus15 system of walkways. The great thing about it being above ground is that you can easily orientate yourself when crossing one of the 80 windowed bridges between buildings.

[@williamcheang2003]

Does your plus15 sistam go beyond or will it travel ferther beyond the sattledome?

[@ianstuart5660]

Yes, at minus 30 degrees Celsius, it's very welcome!...

[@spencermatthews5942]

@@williamcheang2003 the current system only serves the downtown area. Their are no future plans to connect it to the new arena district.

[@bobbbxxx]

The worst part of being above ground in Calgary is that the walkways are freezing cold in winter, like now when it is -16c. Above all, above grade walkways are really ugly from the street level.

[@SarahDawnsDesigns]

Where the red lobster is at the end of the Path used to be the Inter-City Bus terminal, which was really convenient if you were taking a Greyhound bus or equivalent. But, when the GO Transit bus terminal at Union Station got re-done, they moved all the other busses there too. I'm not sure who's using the Bus Terminal now.

[@davidbalcon8726]

It will be redeveloped with condos though with the main ticketing hall preserved in some fashion.

[@ianstuart5660]

Fantastic video, thanks! I worked in one of those preserved buildings inside Brookfield Place. I got to know the path system pretty well, but it can certainly be confusing! I'm surprised that the path never was extended north from the Atrium on Bay!

[@manindisguise]

The best thing about Toronto is the PATH. I love walking through path and often get lost easily because I wanted to leave through Hockey hall of fame but instead went to Brookfield.

[@ImranKhan-sd6dx]

It’s cool to see Fairmont, as I use to be a hotel shuttle driver downtown and would go there to drop off things for the concierge desk. I’ve never stayed there but when I was doing background acting we had our holding area in the Grand ballroom. Staff there are always friendly. One day I’ll stay there.

[@williamcheang2003]

I have been countless times.

[@countryboyiloveu420]

If anyone can be able to navigate the PATH, imma think you’re a powerful being

[@iamabitterperson]

Path is the best thing Toronto has.

[@bobbbxxx]

LOL! There is a way more to a large city than just underground paths and shopping centres!

[@jacktoulouse5390]

There’s a bunch of these in Canada - and they’re all not commercial. I think if how the hospitals on University Ave are all connected underground, and up and into the Mars building as well.

[@williamcheang2003]

The southern end of the path actually ends at the end of a hallway network in RBC water park place in the 88 Queanskey tower.

[@andrewohare8550]

This is going to sound stupid but when I was a kid, and heard about the PATH and wanted to explore it with the hopes I would run into a ninja turtle or the Morlocks from xmen. Because both of them lives underground.

[@laurahenry1340]

Lived in Toronto my entire life, I never use the path. There’s the underground network all the way up at Yonge and Shepard as well. Maybe someday they’ll connect.

[@stephenwinter8892]

Greetings from oakville thanks for the presentation i have only walked halfway of the path as i was concerned where to exit to the surface and do many homeless people occupy the path in the winter or does it close at night

[@xavierbinet4283]

I thought the Montreal underground network was bigger? 0:02

[@williamcheang2003]

I have the same question, witch is actually bigger.

[@DrRestezi]

They both claim to be the biggest--and whenever mentioning said claim they make it a point to never even acknowledge the competing claim the next province over. It's like the two cities live in their own parallel universe. Which I guess they kind of do.

[@bobbbxxx]

Montreal's system is not continuous; you have broken parts where you have to reconnect. Like jump on a train. If Toronto did that, the system would include those at College and Bloor Street. Toronto's PATH has grown an astonishing amount in the past 25 years with all the new towers built downtown.

[@bobbbxxx]

@@williamcheang2003 Toronto's is. Montreal's system is not continuous; you have broken parts where you have to reconnect. Like jump on a train. If Toronto did that, the system would include those at College and Bloor Street. Toronto's PATH has grown an astonishing amount in the past 25 years with all the new towers built downtown.

[@bobbbxxx]

@@DrRestezi No. Montreal's system is not continuous; you have broken parts where you have to reconnect. Like jump on a train. If Toronto did that, the system would include those at College and Bloor Street. Toronto's PATH has grown an astonishing amount in the past 25 years with all the new towers built downtown.

[@josed.4261]

Mark, thank you for this fantastic video. I like that you mentioned the very high likelihood to get lost in the PATH, which in my opinion is so negative for the experience, but I got used to bad, sorry, ridiculously bad signage everywhere in CANADA!!! but WHY? It is so freaking frustrating that we are so anti tourism. You have to be a local to enjoy. WHY??? I am from a neighbor city to Toronto. I have been in the PATH (to frustration) three times in 22 years!! I hate it. I walk outside. I can't take the lack of ownership! The PATH belongs to no one. Good thing locals use it.

[@chesterfieldjones1055]

The Eaton Centre is the busiest mall in North America.

[@mrsvoyage]

The one at montreal itsnot biggest ?

[@MelissaLidsky]

Thanks for video. I have lived I. The city all my life and I still find the path very confusing and not well marked. Lots of zig zagging to navigate which should be due North or South.

[@BENNYYKWAI]

Doesn't it imply directional signs are insufficient or not effective ? And there should be pedestrian conveyance belts too.....

[@williamcheang2003]

only if it was designed with airport stile features.

[@MKPiatkowski]

Not enough width for conveyance belts and the upkeep of them would be a significant issue. Most people in the path only go a few buildings over.

[@CanadaFree-ce9jn]

i was in the PATH a few times but never used it to get around, i found it difficult to get a sense of where I was in relation to the streets above. It was cool to check out and I'd certainly use it in the winter if I lived in Toronto. I think the map app is a rip off as you have to rent it. It should be a service provided for free, perhaps paid in part by the businesses there.

[@ngohung031]

i get lost all the time there . Once i was looking for washroom at UNION station then end up at Eaton centre

[@markfinn0]

Toronto's is the longest if you include "redundant" corridors (parallel corridors near each other), but Montreal's is the longest if you only count a maximum end-to-end distance (without backtracking).

[@bobbbxxx]

Knew a Montrealer would come in with that. Montreal's system is not continuous; you have to leave the system, as in getting on a Metro train to continue it. If Toronto did this, the system would also include underground systems at College Street and Bloor Streets. But it is a great idea to make Montreal's system sound longer. Plus, with the astonishing number of new towers in the past 25 years, Toronto's system has become massive. So, nope.

[@waltersumofan]

While originally meant to connect buildings during our previous harsh winter months, as the earth heats up due to climate change the PATH will act as a heat wave shelter for the downtown. As heat waves become more common in the future the PATH will need another level below to accommodate more people and more connections on its edges. PATH will act as a design paradigm for other parts of the city to connect Sheppard to Finch and Finch to Steeles among other possibilities

[@waltersumofan]

totally grew up with the PATH and later on when I lived near Eaton Centre it was my downtown not the outside. Thanks for saying Skydome unexpectedly, it's in all our hearts! Now in North York and there is some underground from Sheppard station so some opportunities to expand underground even more. With PATH as a template it's not such a unique but almost expected direction for development

[@Aleksandar6ix]

If people could actually navigate, they wouldn't need the app or GPS. One of the most unique interchanges is where it passes through The Bay department store. Was super confusing the first couple of times

[@julianwei4964]

good

[@ManRay-mq8gr]

Ha ha ha, and it ends with, "at the end of the path network is a Red Lobster" instead of a pot of gold 😂

[@KpopBopping]

I recommended this video to Tyler Bucket maybe one day he will watch this

[@natsume001]

I wish I grew up in Toronto, not Mississauga 😢 y'all a different breed of people

[@gametri-eq6lj]

lol Korea been having this

[@francocabernet11]

Never been and will never go, that’s where the vampires live

[@glasbo]

There was actually rumors of a creature living down there. Look it up!

[@williamcheang2003]

Maby.

[@ergosteur]

Cool video but that AI thumbnail is really bad

[@jeanbolduc5818]

Montreal has the longuest undergrounf city since 1962 with the best and modern subway system . Toronto has no identity , no creativity, no soul with a fake time square, a fake undergournd city , a broken old subway that just got internet network in 2024 .

[@CeBagutte]

How often do you visit Toronto? Also you better not complain when Torontonian's hate on Montreal because people like you are the reason. I was born and raised in Toronto and I have to disagree with you, but unlike Montrealer's when it comes to Toronto I can say that I love Montreal as a Torontonian.

[@Billymays618]

Montreal sucks

[@lackofavailablenames]

Are you able to appreciate anything without putting others down or are you just a miserable person?

[@OliverOrange]

I was born in Toronto and I find Montreal a much more exciting city than Toronto.

[@bobbbxxx]

You again? LOL! Montreal's system is not continuous; you have broken parts where you have to reconnect. Like jump on a train. If Toronto did that, the system would include those at College and Bloor Street and University Avenue. Toronto's PATH has grown an astonishing amount in the past 25 years with all the new towers built downtown. "No soul" "fake" "modern subway sytem", etc. 😅😂🤣