A trip to downtown Toronto is always an adventure, whether you’re taking in a ball game or heading to a show. From the Rogers Centre to the Air Canada Centre or Ripley’s Aquarium to the CN Tower one thing is always a hassle: finding parking. We’ve taken the liberty of making your life a bit easier by finding the best and cheapest places to park park in Downtown Toronto.
Here are the most economical parking venues categorized by district, and broken up into total cost for the times given.
Entertainment District
ProPark Parking – 352 Front St. W
Besides its price, this lot is one of the few indoor garages in the area. In addition to having low rates for the daytime (prices can be up to $24 in the area) this spot is right next to Blue Jays Way, which means the Rogers Centre is just a couple minutes away on foot. This also means that Ripley’s, the ACC, the CN Tower and Union Station are all a stone’s throw from your car. It’s probably cheaper to park here if you’re staying in a nearby hotel or Airbnb as well. So no matter if it's a day or night experience, the price for this parking garage is rather manageable.
Pricing:
- Hourly $6
- Weekdays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: $12; 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.: $1
- Sat/Sun: (full day): $10
Security:
- One guard operating the payment booth during regular business hours (9-5); additional security is present during special events such as sports games.
In the area:
Harbourfront
Targetpark Radison Hotel – 277 Robertson Crescent
Things can get a bit pricier on the Harbourfront but have no fear, we’ve got you covered. With the location of this lot being right at the waterfront (simply take a look on Google Street View!) it is quite the hidden gem. Other lots in the area are at least a few dollars more, especially on the weekends. Amenities nearby include the Amsterdam Brewhouse, Harbourfront Centre, Rogers Centre, Roundhouse Park and the Steamwhistle Brewery. With its proximity to the pier, where you can have lunch right next to the water, this may be one of the best places on the list and worthy of planning a day around!
Pricing:
- Hourly (every day): $6
- Weekdays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: $12; 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.: $10
- Sat/Sun (full day) - $10-$1
Security:
- Parking is underground but public, however there is security on-hand during daytime business hours.
In the area:
- Amsterdam Brewhouse
- Harbourfront Centre
- Rogers Centre
- Roundhouse Park
- Steamwhistle Brewery
- Harbour Square Park
East Bayfront
Target Parking – 43 Queen’s Quay East
The beautiful East Bayfront almost looks like an entirely new, coastal city. The lot is very close to the Pinnacle Centre (amazing new condos), Harbour Park and the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal in case your day includes travelling across to Centre Island for a day of fun. Parking isn’t too expensive in this area, but this is the lowest price for the most centralized location. It is easy to find from street level, and if you’re feeling like a relaxing day, the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel has an incredibly nice spa, which backs onto the park. You’ll almost forget you’re in Toronto while you’re here.
Pricing:
- Hourly (every day): $8
- Weekdays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: $10;6 p.m. to 11 p.m.: $8
- Sat/Sun (full day): $8-$10
Security:
- There's only one security guard on duty here, but the Bayfront is a low-risk and nice area so that shouldn’t be a problem.
In the area:
Financial District
Impark Parking – 17 Colborne Street
Amenities can get awfully pricey in the financial district with bankers and big businesses taking up the bulk of the buildings. However, what makes this area a great place to go is the delicious food and the fact that almost anything you need can be found underground on the PATH. So skip any bad weather or foot traffic and find one of the many entrances underground, which is full of food courts and clothing stores. Everything is connected underground here, which can make getting around a whole lot easier.
This indoor garage is in a great place compared to others that are the same price, right near Yonge/King. A 10-minute walk north is the Eaton Centre (a shopper’s delight including restaurants and a movie theatre), while trekking south for 10 minutes gets you to the Air Canada Centre. Limitless restaurants and shops surround you both below and above ground—spend wisely!
Pricing:
- Hourly (every day): $8
- Weekdays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: $20;6 p.m. to 11 p.m.: $6
- Sat/Sun (full day): $6
Security:
- This indoor garage has a parking attendant/security guard on duty during daytime business hours. As well, they have a handy directory/phone service for any other questions (877-909-6199).
In the area:
- PATH
- The ACC
- Eaton Centre only 10 mins away
Saint Lawrence
Go Park – Frederick Street garage – 170 Frederick Street
Admittedly, from the get-go there are a couple parking spots slightly cheaper than this one. However, it is in our estimation that an indoor garage in the College Theatre district inside a nice building is much more appealing than parking under the overpass. The Frederick Street garage is walking distance to two wonderful parks (St. James and Market Lane), which are right next to the majestic St. James Cathedral. Grab a Starbucks (and maybe some snacks from Bulk Barn?) from the location 10 feet away on your trip to the St. Lawrence market. What a wonderful area this is, and even better to find cheap parking at the same time. The theatre is just steps from this parking garage as well, in case you want to take in some college culture at a low price.
Pricing:
- Hourly (every day): $6
- Weekdays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: $13;6 p.m. to 11 p.m.: $6
- Sat/Sun (full day): $7
Security:
This location could not be reached, however others locations have a security guard working regular business hours, so it is safe to assume it’s the same across the board (no promises, however).
In the area:
- St. James Park
- Market Lane Park
- St. Lawrence Market
- College Theatre
Distillery District
Parklink Parking – 33 Mill Street
If the Distillery District is a foreign concept to you, you're certainly in for a treat. We chose this spot not only because it is the only indoor garage in the immediate area at a good price, but it is also right next to the famous outdoor/historic district. Here you will find the Mill St. Brew Pub, the SPORT gallery (sports-focused art), Brick Street Bakery and plenty of other establishments to whet your whistle and satisfy any cultural needs. All of this is within a beautiful and excellently constructed district meant for strolling about and having a great time. The atmosphere is loose, calm, safe and exciting all at once. Expect to try new drinks, eat new foods and probably make new friends because everyone around here is in a good mood whilst looking to have fun. Parliament Square Park isn’t too far to the west either!
Pricing:
- Hourly (every day): $4
- Weekdays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: $16; 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.: $16
- Sat/Sun (full day): $16
Security:
- The Distillery District office said there are as many as five security guards working at one time, 24 hours per day. Therefore, your car should be well looked after.
In the area:
- The Distillery District
- Mill St. Brew Pub
- The SPORT gallery
- Brick Street Bakery
- Parliament Square Park
There you have it, our picks for the best places to park in the major downtown districts of Toronto. If we helped you find a great spot to park, send us some of your pictures of your downtown adventures!
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