Whether you’re an irregular traveller or a constant jetsetter, we all know the pains of travel, both mental and physical. There are very few things in life more exciting and excruciating than travelling. The anticipation and excitement of an upcoming vacation, exploration of something new intrinsically mixed with the pains of packing, customs check, airport food, and a long flight. Trust us, we know.
In an effort to change this experience and this perspective, Toronto Pearson International Airport is doing what it takes to bring back the golden age of air travel. Starting with the newly renovated Terminal 1, the good folks at Toronto Pearson have taken a somewhat unconventional approach to populating the space with desirable vendors and retail. No more basic airport food, as several top Canadian chefs and restaurateurs have opened up shop in Terminal 1. From Susur Lee to Mark McEwan, the food options have never tasted so good. There are of course your go-to staples like Tim Hortons and Starbucks, but even in the hot beverage space you have newcomer DAVIDs TEA, which is the first ever airport location and the biggest DAVIDs store. From domestic flights to the U.S. and overseas international, the food options are next level.
But that’s not all. The duty free shopping game has been stepped up as well and we’re not just talking about the usual suspects like cheap booze and cigarettes. Even here Toronto Pearson has come correct. Featuring an incredible selection of Niagara region icewine, a product for which Toronto Pearson is the largest retailer, selling 365,000 bottles of this highly covetable and extremely delicious regional delicacy in 2014.
Here’s where it gets good: if you’re travelling internationally out of Terminal 1, the actual retail shopping is next level. Featuring premium designer brands like Burberry, Jo Malone, Salvatore Faragamo, Gucci, Bvlgari and more, with a sprinkling of those much desired mid-range brands like Longchamp, Coach, and Michael Kors. A luxury department store level duty free cosmetics floor, which includes Tom Ford, La Prairie, Dior, Chanel, and more, which flows into one of the biggest and well represented Canadian sections we’ve ever seen. Yes, there is plenty of maple syrup, maple syrup candies and candles, but also HBC brand heritage pieces which even includes a canoe in the domestic section. Oh, and it’s duty free so you won’t pay taxes on anything in the store! That Burberry trench you wanted so badly is actually within your grasp.
All of these offerings make the travelling experience even more comfortable and desirable. As you embark on your journey, these options are just the beginning. They’re complemented by a brightly lit environment and an abundance of art and industrial design elements that visually stimulate the senses. From incredible sculptures by Robert Charles Coyle, Richard Serra, and Jonathan Borofsky to beautiful design elements like high ceilings and seemingly endless windows, Terminal 1 offers an experience like no other.
Experience the new Toronto Pearson with us below.
Outfit Credits: Tristan wears, Reebok Ventilators, H&M x Alexander Wang pants, Frank & Oak Button Down, Hustle Varsity Jacket, Burberry Duffle, and Community 54 Snap Back. Hawley wears Miista Shoes, J. Crew trousers, Pink Tartan shirt, Burberry Blazer, Tumi Passport Holder, Goyard Tote, and Rimowa Luggage.
Photos by Joel Levy