Toronto Airport

[meese]

Does anyone live near the Toronto airport? I have a couple of questions.

I'm helping run a convention out there at the end of May, and I'm looking at riding out on the GT. Dayle would be flying in with lots of convention stuff, so I'd probably meet her at the airport and rent a car for the long weekend.

Does the airport offer free, secure motorcycle parking?

What kind of weather can I expect at the end of May?

The easiest option would be for both of us to fly in, but I'd really rather ride out if I can arrange it. Gotta get some miles on the new bike. :)

[DentalFlossTycoon]

I live in Mississauga where Pearson International Airport is located. The airport does not have free parking as a matter of fact it is very expensive. I would recommend if you must ride, park at the hotel you are staying.

Weather statistics for Toronto can be found at www.weathernetwork.ca (http://www.weathernetwork.ca) for the month of May.

Have a safe and enjoyable trip,

George

[PMitchell]

Does the airport offer free, secure motorcycle parking?



Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha :histerica

Weather, temps wise should be pleasant, but the rains are unpredictable. I fly to Toronto a couple of times a year and the climate is similar to NE Ohio. Traffic is very fast and congested during rush hour(s). You gotta know where you are going.
BUT, all said and done, Toronto is a great city with lots to see and do!

[starky]

Does anyone live near the Toronto airport? I have a couple of questions.

I'm helping run a convention out there at the end of May, and I'm looking at riding out on the GT. Dayle would be flying in with lots of convention stuff, so I'd probably meet her at the airport and rent a car for the long weekend.

Does the airport offer free, secure motorcycle parking?

What kind of weather can I expect at the end of May?

The easiest option would be for both of us to fly in, but I'd really rather ride out if I can arrange it. Gotta get some miles on the new bike. :)

Meese:
Yo may be able to park in the secure area of Park 'n Fly which I beleive has covered parking and it is monitored 24/7.
Not sure of the cost of parking a motorcycle.
Weather will generally be good at teh end of May.

It'll be a nice ride.
JS

[Nebish]

A suggestion: if you have a GPS, take it with you and use it in your rental car. It will help you navigate in the area.

Exiting the airport can be a little intimidating. Because there are 3 terminals, the network of roads leading out of the airport is maze. The worst that can happen is that you will be going around in circles! That is not an experience unique to the Toronto airport.

[meese]

Thanks for the info, guys. Guess I'm just spoiled, as I can get free covered bike parking at LAX and PDX, which are the two airports I use most often. If I have to pay for parking so be it, just thought I'd check.

GPS is a given, and I have a portable unit and 12V adapter that I've used in several rental cars.

Parking at the hotel is difficult, as we'll be at Casino Rama for the first four days. That means getting 140 Km back down to the airport to pick up Dayle and several boxes of stuff. So I figured parking at or near the airport and getting a car there would be easiest.

It looks ike there's a Hertz location in Barrie, but that's still 50 Km away. Plus we're adding on a few extra days at her folks in Plattsburgh, NY. So I figured I could drop her and the car at the airport afterwards, then pick up the bike and head out solo.

I've got time to sort it all out, but I appreciate the local advice.

[PMitchell]

Thanks for the info, guys. Guess I'm just spoiled, as I can get free covered bike parking at LAX and PDX, which are the two airports I use most often. If I have to pay for parking so be it, just thought I'd check.

GPS is a given, and I have a portable unit and 12V adapter that I've used in several rental cars.

Parking at the hotel is difficult, as we'll be at Casino Rama for the first four days. That means getting 140 Km back down to the airport to pick up Dayle and several boxes of stuff. So I figured parking at or near the airport and getting a car there would be easiest.

It looks ike there's a Hertz location in Barrie, but that's still 50 Km away. Plus we're adding on a few extra days at her folks in Plattsburgh, NY. So I figured I could drop her and the car at the airport afterwards, then pick up the bike and head out solo.

I've got time to sort it all out, but I appreciate the local advice.

Depending on the day and attitude of the border agents/guards(?) you should have a Canadian Certificate of Insurance if you ride your bike in the Great White North. They can legally refuse to allow entry in the country. Ask your agent for the document.

When I traveled the northern route through Ontario to the BMWMOA in Burlington, VT, I was asked for Passport, Drivers License and Canadian Proof of Insurance. :eek:

Progressive fax'd me a copy w/in 24 hours and sent a hard copy on the official Canadian form in a couple of days.

[mtrevelino]

It looks ike there's a Hertz location in Barrie, but that's still 50 Km away. Plus we're adding on a few extra days at her folks in Plattsburgh, NY. So I figured I could drop her and the car at the airport afterwards, then pick up the bike and head out solo.
I do not know if it is possible, but what about leaving it with Hertz. They should have covered secure parking. Since you are renting a car from them, they may offer some "corner" spot for you.

[meese]

Depending on the day and attitude of the border agents/guards(?) you should have a Canadian Certificate of Insurance if you ride your bike in the Great White North.Ooh, good call. I'll have to remember to ask for that paperwork once the new bike arrives and I get it covered.

I didn't need it when I took my LT into Canada a couple of years ago, but that was at a tiny little crossing somewhere on the Montana/Saskatchewan border.

[meese]

I do not know if it is possible, but what about leaving it with Hertz. They should have covered secure parking. Since you are renting a car from them, they may offer some "corner" spot for you.That may also be an option, especially if I go with the Barrie location. Airport offices tend to be a little more picky about such things.

[garry_kramer]

If you are going from Pearson to Casino Rama, I'm on the way, you can park your bike at my place, I have room,(25 acres) and the price is right. We can go for a ride also. We also have a spare bed if you need it.

PM me if you want.

Garry

Thanks for the info, guys. Guess I'm just spoiled, as I can get free covered bike parking at LAX and PDX, which are the two airports I use most often. If I have to pay for parking so be it, just thought I'd check.

GPS is a given, and I have a portable unit and 12V adapter that I've used in several rental cars.

Parking at the hotel is difficult, as we'll be at Casino Rama for the first four days. That means getting 140 Km back down to the airport to pick up Dayle and several boxes of stuff. So I figured parking at or near the airport and getting a car there would be easiest.

It looks ike there's a Hertz location in Barrie, but that's still 50 Km away. Plus we're adding on a few extra days at her folks in Plattsburgh, NY. So I figured I could drop her and the car at the airport afterwards, then pick up the bike and head out solo.

I've got time to sort it all out, but I appreciate the local advice.

[nelson61]

If you are going from Pearson to Casino Rama, I'm on the way, you can park your bike at my place, I have room,(25 acres) and the price is right. We can go for a ride also. We also have a spare bed if you need it.

PM me if you want.

Garry

Now thats what Canadians are all about...eh. Still very proud to be from Canada. :)

[meese]

Thanks for the offer, Garry. I'm flying back up to Portland on Friday, but I'll PM you in a couple of days and see if we can work something out. :)

[sanjaun2]

Now thats what Canadians are all about...eh. Still very proud to be from Canada. :)
I spent the last week diving in Cozumel and one of the highlights of the trip were the Canadians I met while down there. Its nice to have such good neighbors!

[garry_kramer]

Thanks for the offer, Garry. I'm flying back up to Portland on Friday, but I'll PM you in a couple of days and see if we can work something out. :)


The offer is still open if you want.

Garry

[meese]

I'm sorting out the details for my upcoming trip, and I have another question. Are there any good BMW dealers near Toronto? Looks like I'll be needing tires once I get out that way.

Or, does anyone in that area have a tire changing setup? Or something like a Cycle Gear shop (generic motorcycle shop that can change any tires). I have the Marc Parnes balancer for the GT, but can't carry a tire changing rig on the bike . . .

[garry_kramer]

I'm sorting out the details for my upcoming trip, and I have another question. Are there any good BMW dealers near Toronto? Looks like I'll be needing tires once I get out that way.

Or, does anyone in that area have a tire changing setup? Or something like a Cycle Gear shop (generic motorcycle shop that can change any tires). I have the Marc Parnes balancer for the GT, but can't carry a tire changing rig on the bike . . .

I use Open Road BMW in Newmarket. It's about 1/2 north of me towards Casino Rama. They put on my tires last year and do my maintenance.

Reach them at www.openroadbmw.ca/bmw The guy I deal with is Mike Rocco. Give him a call and you can probably work something out.

Garry