I have a conference in Toronto next month and am staying at the Toronto Marriott Bloor Yorkville Hotel. I'm looking foward to getting away to explore a bit more of the city and am wondering how easy the Public transportation is to navigate. I'm pretty used to subways as a concept, I ride one every day in Chicago. Is it comparable? Also, is there a link up somehow from the airport to the subway system, or should I take a taxi? I'm looking at the maps and trying to sort it out, but thought I'd ask for "insider tips" on navigating Toronto.

The subway system is very easy and there is a subway station underneath your hotel.

Unless budget is tight, take a limo from the airport. Regular Lincoln cars, usually, for the same price, give or take, as a taxi.

BAK

You should also explore a few Toronto neighbourhoods by taking the "Red Rocket" - the streetcars that run along some of the major streets. Two of the more interesting ones are the Queen Streetcar and the College-Carlton Car. On the Queen Streetcar (which will link up with the Yonge-University subway line, you can travel west through trendy downtown neighbourhoods out to "West Queen West" - with interesting galleries, shops, restaurants, etc. Or travel east to the Beaches (a more family-oriented neighhbourhood with a beachy vibe). On the College-Carlton Car (also links up with the Yonge-University subway line), you can explore little Italy to the West (good restaurants and nightlife). To the east, you'll pass through Cabbagetown, then through some working class neighbourhoods, and then, in quick succession, new Chinatown, Little Vietnam and Little India. If you ride the streetcar to the end of the line (Main Station on the Bloor subway, I think), you can trek back on the subway to Greektown on the Danforth, visit Carrot Common (a health-oriented, environmentally friendly shopping centre). Hop back on the Bloor-Danforth subway, head west and you're back at your hotel.

If you wan't to explore TO via its transit system, buy a $7.75 day pass at any subway station. Here's the link for more information:

http://www.city.toronto.on.ca/ttc/family_pass.htm

Also, pick up a free Ride Guide (transit map) at the subway station.

Note: All Toronto Transit Commission buses have transfer links at subway stations.

One detail about transfers on the TTC is that at some subway stations the surface vehicle comes into the station (no paper transfer needed) and at others you need a transfer to board the vehicle. Transfers are free but need to picked up where you pay your fare. Ask the driver or look for the machines in subway stations. Go to www.ttc.ca for more info. There is service to the airport using regular city buses that go to the terminus of the Bloor-Danforth subway. This line stops under your hotel so it is very simple. Pickup at Terminal 1 is tricky to find, it's the very bottom level. One warning about this method is that the this bus has become popular as it is a bargain ($2.25) and has become crowded at rush hour. As BAK said a limo is the nicest way, particularly with a lot of stuff to carry.