Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

YYZ is split between Terminal 1 (Air Canada/Star Alliance) and Terminal 3 (WestJet, oneworld, SkyTeam) with curved concourses around a central landside spine. The free, driverless LINK train connects terminals and the Value Park Garage every 4–8 minutes, and both terminals have clearly separated domestic, international, and US pre-clearance zones. Airside walks inside each terminal are manageable: most gate pairs are within 8–12 minutes, while the longest trek (T1 domestic pier to T1 international hammerhead) is roughly 15 minutes with moving walkways. Terminal-to-terminal on foot takes about 25 minutes curb-to-curb, so the LINK is the preferred option. Clear bilingual signage and plentiful monitors help during tight connections. Security is provided by CATSA, with large checkpoints in each terminal for domestic/international departures and separate entries to the US pre-clearance facilities. Peak waits spike during 5–8 AM and 4–7 PM banks, often 25–45 minutes; midday and late evening can be closer to 10–20 minutes. NEXUS, Trusted Traveller, and priority lanes are available where signed. International arrivals clear CBSA in sizable halls with eGates; international-to-domestic passengers reclaim bags, clear customs, and re-check before re-screening. US-bound travelers complete CBP pre-clearance before boarding and arrive stateside as domestic passengers. Amenities are extensive: Terminal 1 hosts Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges (domestic, international, and transborder) plus the Signature Suite for eligible international premium customers, while Terminal 3 offers Plaza Premium lounges, an American Airlines Admirals Club, and the Air France/KLM lounge. Dining spans Vinifera wine bar, Caplansky's Deli, Smashburger, La Piazza, and grab-and-go options; duty-free anchors both terminals with luxury boutiques nearby. Free Wi‑Fi, bottle refill stations, and quiet zones appear throughout the concourses. Accessibility support includes step-free routes, elevators at each pier junction, tactile floor strips, visual paging, and wheelchair escort services coordinated through airlines. Families can access nursing rooms near gates C36 (T1) and B27 (T3), stroller-friendly wide corridors, children's play zones near T1 gate D20 and T3 near C10, and family/security assistance lanes during peak times.