TRAVEL
ISME Pre-Conference: Community Music Activity | July 21-24, 2026 | University of Toronto Scarborough, Canada
Travelling to Toronto and Scarborough
Scarborough is a large district in the eastern part of Toronto. Known for it’s nature, multiculturalism, and exciting food scene, Scarborough is an integral part of the city. We are excited for you to join us in this unique area with a unique cultural and historical identity.
Getting around Toronto/Scarborough is better with PRESTO!
PRESTO is the official public transit fare payment system for transit across the Greater Toronto, Hamilton Area and Ottawa. With PRESTO, you are able to “Tap on” and “Tap off” of all public transit using your PRESTO card, PRESTO in Mobile Wallet, PRESTO Contactless, PRESTO E-Tickets and PRESTO TTC Tickets. PRESTO also offers special transit discounts and offers when you show your card at major Toronto attractions, see more here.
Flying into Toronto
When you arrive in Toronto by plane, there are two major airports you may arrive at: Pearson Airport and Billy Bishop Airport. From these airports you may take a taxi directly to UofT Scarborough or public transit. If you are taking public transit, you will go from the airport to Union Station, Toronto’s central transit station in the heart of the city.
Pearson Airport – This is the largest international airport in Toronto
- A taxi/rideshare directly to UofT Scarborough will costs about $65-80, depending on traffic
- If taking public transit, you will take the UP express from Pearson Airport to Union Station ($12.35 CAD)
Billy Bishop Airport – A small airport on the Toronto Island. While smaller than Pearson, this airport offers beautiful views and is close to downtown Toronto.
- A taxi/rideshare directly to UofT Scarborough will cost about $55-$75, depending on traffic
- This airport offers a complimentary shuttle bus service to Union Station
From Union Station to UofT Scarborough
From Union Station, Toronto’s central transit station, you will take the following steps:
- Take the GO Train – Lakeshore East Line, eastbound ($7.45 CAD)
Use the screens at Union Station to see the train platform. Get off at Rouge Hill GO Station - At Rouge Hill GO, walk to the bus stop and board bus 38A Highland Creek ($3.50 CAD, or free transfer with PRESTO)
Get off at the University of Toronto Scarborough stop - From here, you can use the campus map to find the major locations for the pre-conference.
Please Note: You can tap on AND off all the above transit option with a major credit card.
Renting a car
- Pearson Airport has various rental car options: https://www.torontopearson.com/en/transportation-and-parking/car-rentals
- Union Station and the Bus Terminal also have nearby car rental options.
Travelling within Toronto
- TTC is the main public transit authority in Toronto. There is a subway, a light rail line and bus routes. Please consult the TTC website for more information.
- Uber, a rideshare company, is widely available in Toronto. There are also several taxi companies in Toronto.
- Blog TO is a good source for offsite eating options, venues and attractions.
2026 CMA Social Activities
- Evening reception
- Performances by Trash Panda Brass and Kune
- Friday excursion to Community music schools of Toronto and Pan Masters Steel Orchestra
- Saturday excursion to Niagara falls and/or Downtown Toronto
- Details for these will be posted by the end of may
Canadian Visa Information
Please Request a visa invitation letter on the registration form only if you have not already done so for the ISME world conference.
Helpful Links:
Event Partners / Sponsors:
ISME 2026 in Montreal, Canada
Unity in Music Education: Building Bridges for All
26-31 July, 2026 | Montréal Convention Centre – Palais des congrès Montréal
