Whether you rely on it daily or prefer to stay above ground, the PATH is an important part of Toronto’s downtown. In this article, we’ll share some fast facts and hidden gems and introduce you to a game-changing new map created by Workhaus community members Mappedin.
Whether you already work downtown or are still looking for a place to set up shop, you’re probably familiar with the bustling network of underground tunnels lying just beneath the city’s surface, known as the PATH. It may seem complicated at first, but we’re here to let you know just how convenient it can be! In fact, with ten locations across Toronto, including four directly connected to the PATH and four more just steps away, Workhaus members get to experience the convenience of quick connections to transit, food, shopping, and entertainment via the PATH every day… Not to mention the shelter it provides from the unpredictable Toronto weather!
Whether you rely on it daily or prefer to stay above ground, it’s an important part of Toronto’s downtown. In this article, the first in a series highlighting the neighbourhoods that we’re based out of, we’ll be exploring the ins and outs of the PATH. To begin, we’ll share some facts about the PATH. We’ll also introduce you to a new, and highly user-friendly interactive map created by Workhaus members Mappedin, to make getting around a breeze. Finally, we’ll introduce you to some of our favourite underground haunts.
In 2024, the PATH connects most major landmarks in the heart of downtown, including a variety of shopping, entertainment, restaurants, and office buildings. It can take you as far North as the Atrium at Bay & Dundas, just a two minute walk from our 180 Dundas St. W. location, and as far West as Metro Hall, just across the street from our 212 King St. W. location.
Underground tunnels connecting sections of downtown were first built in the early 20th century. Over the past 100 years the city, along with various developers and corporations, have expanded and improved the PATH. According to the City of Toronto’s latest information, it now connects 75+ buildings and houses 3.7 million sq. ft. of retail real estate providing over 4,600 jobs. Six subway stations, including Union Station, are connected to the PATH, which carries thousands of people each day directly from the TTC to their offices. Our members experience this first hand, as our 20 Richmond St. E., 1 Adelaide St. E., and 181 University Ave. offices are all connected directly to the PATH.
Toronto’s PATH consists of primary tunnels that run the length of downtown. Despite the City of Toronto’s best efforts, which include providing an online map of the PATH available in PDF form and installing a new and improved wayfinding system in 2018, navigating the underground has remained notoriously challenging. All of that has recently changed thanks to a company by the name of Mappedin, who have created the most user-friendly map of the PATH available. It’s now easier than ever to figure out how to enter the PATH, find your destination, and get back out without getting lost!
Mappedin is a global leader in indoor mapping and spatial data management, creating maps as powerful indoors as they are outdoors. Their solutions power billions of square feet of space and guide millions of people visiting malls, stadiums, airports, offices, healthcare facilities, warehouses, universities, and more. Luckily for all of us in Toronto, they’ve used their expertise to create a free-to-use, interactive map of the PATH, which you can access at pathmap.to on both desktop and mobile. Unlike the city’s map, pathmap.to shows a complete and detailed view of all of the PATH’s interconnecting corridors, and includes clearly labelled shops, food courts, washrooms, escalators and more! When asked about their inspiration for creating this essential tool, the team shared the following statement:
The PATH has long been known for its complexity and lack of detailed maps. We are in the age of using AI-powered mapping tools and technology to provide visitors and commuters with an accurate and user-friendly experience. While improvements to signage have improved pedestrian awareness, PATH users need the ability to explore, locate, and navigate — all at their fingertips, in advance on their desktops or in real-time on their phones. We encourage everyone to safely navigate the PATH and to discover businesses and retailers more easily.
-The Mappedin Team
We certainly agree, and we’re proud to have MappedIn as a part of the Workhaus community. We’re also hugely grateful to them for the game-changing new PATH map.
One of the wonderful things about Toronto’s PATH is that while headed from point A to point B there’s so much to discover along the way. Whether you’re an art lover, a sports fan, or just looking for a fun outing, the PATH offers a diverse array of entertainment options to explore. The PATH is even home to one of Toronto’s finest attractions: the Hockey Hall of Fame. Accessible from below Brookfield Place, the HHOF is a must-visit for sports enthusiasts that showcases memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and the original Stanley Cup.
Brookfield Place is also home to the Allen Lambert Galleria. Just a short walk from there you’ll also find Collision Gallery at Commerce Court where rotating exhibitions and interactive programming feature works from local artists and culture creators. If you’re a fan of live events, it’s worth knowing that the PATH connects to Scotiabank Arena, where you can catch concerts, sports games, and other big events. Continue on to Roy Thomson Hall, a cultural hub located just across the street from our 212 King St. location, which offers a range of performances from symphony concerts to world renowned speakers. For those with a sweet tooth, or even just a culinary sense of curiosity, Nadège Patisserie is a Toronto gem within the PATH, that offers baking classes and hosts private events for up to 50 people, making it a perfect venue for a unique team-building activity or a special celebration.
Navigating Toronto’s PATH isn’t just about getting to your destination; it’s also about enjoying the convenience of everything that’s available along the way. When it comes to dining in downtown Toronto, it’s always easy to slip into the PATH and find what you need. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack, a coffee or a full meal, the options abound.
Coffee aficionados will be pleased to know that beyond just Tim Hortons and Starbucks, there are some standout spots for a quick caffeine boost or a leisurely catch-up with colleagues. Mos Mos is a PATH mainstay, with six locations throughout the underground and a few more scattered around the downtown core. A top choice is Dineen Coffee Co, located at 199 Bay St. It’s known for its quality brews and stylish ambiance. There’s also The Alley, famous for its signature bubble tea, which offers a unique twist on traditional coffee, or Sam James Coffee Bar, which is perfect for those seeking a meticulously crafted espresso in a cozy setting.
For a wide range of quick and delicious dining options, try one of the many incredible food courts, including Chef’s Hall, Saks Food Hall, the Urban Eatery, the brand new Queen’s Cross Food Hall at the Eaton Centre, Commerce Court, First Canadian Place, and the Sheraton Centre. One of our team’s favourite spots includes Osmow’s Shawarma, which serves juicy and fresh shawarma at a variety of spice levels. Patties Express, which has 4 locations in the PATH, is a strong contender for best patty in the downtown core. For the health-conscious there’s Lili Foods in First Canadian Place, known for its delicious bowls available in an assortment of flavours. The same food court is also home to Great Canadian Bagel, which is a go-to spot for a freshly baked breakfast or lunch.
If you’re looking for a sit down dining experience, then you don’t have to look far! If you want to have a get-together with your colleagues, or host your next team social, there are plenty of options in the PATH. For something more laid-back, try Local Pub and Eatery, our 181 University Ave. neighbour at the corner of Adelaide and York, which offers a selection of classic pub fare and a great beer hall (try the happy hour menu for excellent cheap eats). It’s an awesome place to get together with your team after work or just grab a midday meal. Other similar options include Cactus Club Cafe on Adelaide or King Taps on King; both offer a tasty and affordable selection of food and drink, and both connect to the PATH via First Canadian Place, making them super accessible to anyone working nearby.
If you’re looking for something with a bit more flare, don’t fret. Whether you’re dining out with a client or colleague or headed out for an anniversary dinner after work, you can reach some of Toronto’s finest restaurants without even stepping outside!
Two of those can even be found in the same building as our newest Toronto location; On the ground level of 181 University Ave., you’ll find Sushi Yugen, #49 on the list of Canada’s Top 100 Restaurants of 2024, and Alobar, the sister establishment of the 3rd best restaurant in the country, Alo. Steak lovers should also keep their eyes peeled for the new Chop Steakhouse location on the ground floor of 181 University Ave. opening soon!
Meanwhile on Bay Street, you’ll find even more incredible offerings like Stratus. Found on the 36th floor of the Toronto-Dominion Tower, Stratus offers PATH-connected convenience paired with sweeping city views and a strong selection of beautifully plated Canadian inspired dishes. Closer to ground level there’s Jump at Bay & Wellington. This sleek gem, found just South of our 1 Adelaide St. E. office, has a sunlit interior and patio that are equally inviting options for a meal of Chef curated cuisine. While it’s got great food and an atmosphere to match, we recommend trying it on a Friday for the three course prix-fixe or the unbeatable buck-a-shuck oysters!
Toronto’s PATH is a shopper’s paradise, offering everything you need. From daily essentials like pharmacies and grocery stores, to barber shops and luxury items, the PATH has it all. One of the biggest advantages of working downtown is the convenience of having all your necessities within a short walk, so that even on the busiest of days, you can take care of errands during your lunch break or after work without having to stress. Being connected to the Eaton Centre is a game-changer for those bigger shopping trips, making holiday and birthday shopping a breeze to get done before or after work. Avoid the outdoor crowds, Queen St construction, and unpredictable weather by using the PATH to grab what you need from high-end brands or everyday essentials!
If you’re looking to unwind, there’s an unofficial “treat yourself” hallway as you enter the PATH from our 181 University location. Here you’ll find Lindt Chocolate, Polishd Nail bar, Blo Blow Drying Bar, Bodybar, Visage, and Xtension & Hair Studio. It’s the perfect place to indulge in some self-care and is also the perfect example of the kind of variety and convenience that makes working along the PATH so great.
For those ‘treat yourself’ moments, you can also try some of our favourites: Hazukido and Sweetie Pie, both of which serve up mouth-watering treats that come highly recommended by our Community Lead, Erina. Hazukido is famous for its delicious baked goods, while Sweetie Pie offers a delightful range of sweet and savory pies that are truly one of a kind. If you fall in love with their offerings, they even provide catering services, making it easy to share these delectable delights with colleagues or at your next office event.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this slice of what the PATH has to offer and how valuable the PATH is to downtown life. But we’re not done yet! Stay tuned for an article all about what you can find above ground in the Financial District.
Did we miss one of your favourite spots? Drop us a DM on Instagram to let us know what you love about the PATH– and if you’d love to work somewhere connected to the convenience, why not book a tour of one of our offices today.
6 years ago
6 years ago
5 months ago
5 years ago
6 years ago