Getting ready to head to Greektown? With the streets packed with pedestrians, patios, and performances, you’ll want to plan your route ahead of time. Here is everything you need to know about getting to the festival smoothly and safely.
Getting Around Toronto / to the Festival
Taking transit, cycling and walking/rolling are the best ways of getting to and from the Festival. Danforth Avenue is closed to all traffic between Broadview and Jones for the entire weekend, parking in the neighbourhood is extremely limited, and surrounding streets will be busy. Leave the car at home and enjoy the Festival stress-free.
Check the City of Toronto road closures in advance so you know what’s open and what isn’t.
If you must drive, consider parking at a TTC commuter lot further out on Line 2 and riding the subway in. Toronto Parking Authority Green P locations can be found at parking.greenp.com. If you’re using a taxi or rideshare, ask to be dropped off a few blocks away from the closure and walk in; drivers cannot enter the Festival footprint.
Public Transit
Local transit – TTC
The easiest way to get to the Festival is by TTC. Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth) runs directly to the Festival! There are three subway stations that serve the Festival route:
- Broadview Station – the west end of the Festival
- Chester Station – the middle of the Festival
- Pape Station – the east end of the Festival
Several surface routes also connect to the Festival, including the 504 King and 505 Dundas streetcars and the 8 Broadview bus at Broadview Station, and the 25 Don Mills and 72 Pape buses at Pape Station. Some routes are detoured around the closure for the weekend! Make sure to check before you travel.
Keep up to date on any service changes with TTC Service Alerts and by following @TTCnotices.
Paying your fare: Simply tap your debit or credit card, or use the card loaded in your phone’s mobile wallet or smartwatch, every time you board a vehicle on the street or enter a subway station. Riders are charged just one fare in a two-hour period regardless of how many transfers you make. You can also use a PRESTO card, a one-ride, two-ride or day pass PRESTO Ticket, a transfer, or exact cash. Note: operators on buses and streetcars do not sell fares or carry change, so have your form of payment ready before you board.
Wheel-Trans provides specialized, accessible transit service for people with disabilities, so everyone can be part of the Festival. Wheel-Trans vehicles are equipped with low floors, ramps and securement areas for mobility devices. Riders are encouraged to book trips well in advance, as demand is high and road closures on and around Danforth Avenue affect pick-up locations for the weekend.
For the most up to date schedules and help with trip planning, visit TTC.ca
Regional transit – GO
Get to the Festival from across the Greater Toronto & Hamilton Area (GTHA) with GO Transit.
- Year-round service – GO Transit runs train and bus service across the GTHA every day of the week.
- Danforth GO Station on the Lakeshore East line is a short ride away: exit at Danforth GO (Main Street & Danforth Avenue), walk to Main Street Station and take Line 2 westbound three stops to Pape. You can also connect at Union Station and ride Line 1 north to Bloor-Yonge, then Line 2 eastbound.
- Plan your trip. When paying, tap with your credit/debit card or PRESTO, or buy online: E-Tickets | One-Day Weekend Pass | Weekday Group Passes.
- Sign up for On-the-GO Alerts so you never miss an update.
Cycling
Riding your bike is one of the fastest and most enjoyable ways to get to the Festival. Toronto has a network of dedicated bike lanes and multi-use trails that will get you there efficiently and safely. Use the City’s Cycling Network Map or Google Maps to plan your route. Remember to always wear a helmet, use lights and reflectors, and follow traffic laws.
The streets surrounding the Festival footprint offer plenty of Post-and-Ring bike stands and other bicycle parking. Please park your bike outside the Festival footprint and walk in — Danforth Avenue is a pedestrian-first zone all weekend and foot traffic is heavy.
Bike Share Toronto
Bike Share Toronto has stations across the east end and along the Danforth, making it a convenient way to get to and from the Festival. You can take out a bike with Pay-as-you-go, a Day Pass, or an annual membership — see Bike Share Toronto’s pricing page for details.
A heads-up: stations right next to the Festival may fill up fast. If your closest station is full, use the app to find the next one over — there are several within a few minutes’ ride.
Walking/Rolling
Walking/Rolling is the best way to experience the Festival. With Danforth Avenue closed to vehicles from Broadview to Jones, the whole 1.6-kilometre stretch becomes a pedestrian-first zone.
The Festival is also an easy walk from surrounding neighbourhoods including Riverdale, Leslieville and East York. If you live nearby, walking in is almost always faster than driving.
Some tips for moving through the crowds:
- Friday evening and Saturday night are busiest. Come earlier in the day for a more relaxed stroll.
- Stick to one side of the street and travel with the flow rather than crossing back and forth.
- Sidewalks and side streets are your friend if you need to cover distance quickly.
- Need a break? Step onto a side street for a few minutes of quiet.
Accessibility: the Festival route is flat and fully at street level. Broadview, Chester and Pape stations vary in accessibility features — check the TTC’s accessible stations list before you travel, and see our Accessibility page for accessible washroom, seating and drop-off locations.