If you are visiting Toronto for the first time, getting to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is relatively straightforward, but there is one point where people often hesitate: the final approach from Union Station.
The route itself is simple. Most journeys naturally pass through Union Station, which sits within walking distance of the aquarium. What makes a difference is knowing which direction to walk once you arrive, and how to stay oriented without stopping to check your phone every minute.
This guide focuses on that exact moment. It helps you move from the airport or central station to the aquarium with clear decisions, especially during the last few minutes.
Nearest station
The nearest practical station is Union Station.
Union Station connects multiple systems:
- TTC Line 1 (Yonge–University Line)
- GO Transit trains
- UP Express from the airport
This makes it the most reliable arrival point regardless of where you are coming from. You do not need to transfer again after reaching Union Station, which keeps the route simple.
From Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
The most direct route from the airport is the UP Express train.
- At Pearson Airport, follow signs for “UP Express” inside the terminal.
- Board the train toward Union Station.
- Stay on the train until the final stop (Union Station).
There are no transfers on this route, which reduces confusion significantly. The ride takes about 25 minutes.
Once you arrive at Union Station:
- Follow signs for “CN Tower” or “Rogers Centre”
- Do not exit randomly to the street unless you know your direction
These signs are consistent and easier to follow than street names.
From Toronto Union Station
If you are already at Union Station, you are very close.
From inside the station:
- Look for signs pointing to “CN Tower / Rogers Centre”
- Follow the indoor walkway known as the SkyWalk
- Continue straight until you approach the CN Tower area
The SkyWalk is a long enclosed corridor. It is especially helpful if the weather is cold or rainy.
If you prefer to walk outside:
- Exit toward Bremner Boulevard
- Head in the direction of the CN Tower
Both routes lead to the same area. The indoor route simply removes weather and traffic variables.
By metro / train / bus / taxi
Metro (TTC Line 1)
Use Line 1 and get off at Union Station.
Make sure you are heading toward Union when boarding. Trains loop through the city, so direction matters.
Common mistake: boarding the correct line but going the opposite direction.
Fix: check the final destination displayed on the platform before boarding.
Train (GO Transit)
GO trains also arrive at Union Station.
After arrival, follow the same CN Tower direction signs.
Common mistake: exiting too early inside the station complex.
Fix: stay within the main flow and look for CN Tower signage before choosing an exit.
Bus
Buses are less direct for this destination. Most routes still require a transfer to Union Station or a nearby stop.
When to use: only if your starting point has no direct rail access.
Taxi
A taxi or ride-share can drop you near Bremner Boulevard.
When useful:
- late at night
- heavy luggage
- avoiding transfers
Drop-off is typically close to the CN Tower, which is right beside the aquarium.
Walking the final stretch (CRITICAL)
This is where small decisions matter most.
From Union Station, you are aiming for the CN Tower. The aquarium sits right next to it.
If you are inside:
- follow the SkyWalk corridor
- continue straight without turning off early
If you are outside:
- walk along Bremner Boulevard
- keep the CN Tower in view ahead of you
As you get closer, the area opens up into a plaza-like space near the base of the tower.
You are on the right track when:
you can clearly see the CN Tower getting larger directly ahead of you.
If you see:
the Rogers Centre on your left and the CN Tower ahead
→ you are exactly where you should be
The aquarium entrance is positioned along this same stretch, not hidden deep inside another building.
Common mistakes
- Leaving Union Station without checking direction
→ Fix: always look for CN Tower signage before exiting - Taking the wrong direction on Line 1
→ Fix: confirm train direction using the final stop name - Exiting too early inside Union’s corridors
→ Fix: stay with main pedestrian flow toward CN Tower - Overusing GPS at the station entrance
→ Fix: rely on large visible landmarks instead (CN Tower)
Comparison table
Option | Transfers | Time | Difficulty | Best for
Airport (UP Express) | 0 | ~25 min + walk | Easy | First-time visitors
Metro (Line 1) | 0–1 | 20–35 min + walk | Easy | City travel
GO Train | 0–1 | Varies + walk | Easy | Regional access
Taxi | 0 | 25–40 min | Very easy | Luggage / late arrival
If you get lost
- Return to Bloor–Yonge Station
- Identify Line 1 toward Union Station
- Restart your route and follow CN Tower signs
This reset point works because it connects both directions of Line 1 clearly.
Final tips
- Allow a few extra minutes at Union Station to orient yourself
- Follow signs to CN Tower instead of relying only on street names
- Once you see the tower, you are essentially there
Sources checked
• UP Express — airport to Union Station route — https://www.upexpress.com
• TTC Toronto — subway lines and directions — https://www.ttc.ca
• GO Transit — regional train routes — https://www.gotransit.com
• Toronto Pearson Airport — terminal navigation — https://www.torontopearson.com
• City of Toronto — downtown orientation — https://www.toronto.ca
