Taking the Spadina streetcar between Spadina and Union Stations takes you on a tour through some of the most interesting parts of Toronto — Chinatown, what should be referred to as SkyDome, and Harbourfront — without you having to pay another fare to continue on your way.
— submitted by Darwin O’Connor
Standing by the door while going over the viaduct between Castle Frank and Broadview Stations gives you a splendid view of the Don Valley.
— submitted by anonymous
Go on a tour of the Sheppard Subway line — each Station was designed by a different artist (editor’s favourite: the individually signed Leslie & Sheppard tiles at Leslie Station).
— submitted by anonymous
Use a ride guide to make all sorts of cool transit stuff — cut them out to make buttons, covers for diaries, etc.
— submitted by anonymous
You are allowed to drink beer on the subway, if the Blue Jays have won the world series that night.
— submitted by Michael Higginson
Memorize all the subway stops in order. Sit in a place where you can see the map and close your eyes. List each stop as you pass them. Open your eyes every now and then to see if you’re correct.
— submitted by anonymous
Play subway trivia games as you travel with friends. e.g., what stations have the word Queen in them; what stations begin with Saint; what station is between Ossington and Bathurst; what’s the only station that begins with the letter F; what letters do no stations begin with? Make up questions while traveling.
— submitted by anonymous
Visit transit websites and then when you travel, admire the history, quirkiness and beauty of each station:
The TTC occasionally adds and removes various routes, but they don’t always remove their schedules. On the internet, go to www.toronto.ca/ttc/schedules/128N.htm, and you will find the schedule for Route 128 Brimley North, a route long gone. Try also /197N.htm and /171W.htm for routes 197 Yonge North and 171 Progress East. These routes no longer exist.
If you’re heading westbound from Warden Station, sit close to the back of the last subway car on a forward-facing seat on the right-hand side of the train. Between Warden and Victoria Park, the train will bend around the track. Look out the window and you will see the front of the train off in the distance. It’s a neat feeling being able to see the front of the train as you’re sitting at the very back. It gives you a sense of how long the trains really are.
— submitted by Leo Gonzalez
Observe how the bus terminal at Downsview Station looks like a mini-Pearson Airport.
— submitted by Calvin So
Pick up a free cardboard model of a TTC streetcar or bus at TTC Headquarters, 1900 Yonge Street (Davisville Station).