Toronto Pearson International Airport is a crucial entry point for Canada, and for many travelers, it's their first and last impression of the country. While it has the potential to be a truly "world-class" airport, my overall experience suggests it currently falls short of that standard, particularly in its passenger-centric design and amenities. Aesthetic and Ambiance: A Missed Opportunity The first impression of Pearson's terminals, particularly Terminal 1 and 3, is often one of disappointment. The spaces feel dated and uninspired, lacking the vibrant design, engaging art, and modern feel of other global hubs. While some artwork is present, it's not enough to create a memorable or inspiring environment. This is especially noticeable upon departure, where a bland, bureaucratic atmosphere leaves a sour taste rather than a fond farewell. For a country known for its diverse culture and creativity, the airport's limited and underwhelming art and design are a significant missed opportunity. The Passenger Journey: A Lack of Cohesion The process of navigating the airport, from arrival to exit, is often a disjointed and frustrating experience. The corridors are long, and this issue is compounded by the frequent closure of the high-speed moving walkways, forcing travelers to endure a monotonous and lengthy walk. The lack of a smooth, intuitive flow through the airport can make the entire process feel more like a chore than a seamless part of a journey. Limited Amenities: More Than Just a Place to Fly A truly world-class airport should be a destination in itself, offering a diverse and engaging retail and dining scene. Unfortunately, Pearson's offerings in this regard are limited and uninspired. While the airport has been working to introduce new restaurants with local chef partnerships, the overall selection still feels underwhelming. The lack of a vibrant shopping and dining experience makes the airport feel purely functional, failing to provide the kind of positive, memorable experiences that would encourage travelers to linger or return. A Glimmer of Hope: Cleanliness and Staff Despite these drawbacks, there are some positive aspects worth noting. The bathrooms and waiting areas are generally clean and well-maintained, which, while a basic expectation, is a notable positive. Additionally, from my limited interactions, the staff appeared to be professional and efficient, which helps to mitigate some of the other frustrations. Conclusion: A Call for Comprehensive Improvement Toronto Pearson International Airport is a vital piece of Canada's infrastructure, but it is in desperate need of a comprehensive overhaul. While the airport has announced a long-term plan called Pearson LIFT to address some of these issues, including modernizing terminals and improving the passenger experience, the current state remains a point of concern. The management needs to continue implementing a forward-thinking vision that prioritizes innovation, aesthetics, and a seamless passenger journey to truly make Pearson an airport that Canada can be proud of.

Much need for improvement, long gate wait times, and particularly, scammers posing as Uber drivers. Where's the security at?

Maybe with the exception of ORD, EWR and IAD, YYZ is the worst airport I've been to in the world for major international airports. Garbage restrooms, few restaurants, roaches, no plug-ins for devices in seating areas, poor queuing areas. The list goes on. The staff are relatively nice although nowhere even close to what you would find in southeast Asia for example. Concerned to sit anywhere with all the crumb encrusted chairs...explains the roaches. What a dump. Roach is from T1 D gates. Beware.