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| - LOCATION, ACCESSIBILITY AND PARKING
This is always a subjective rating, since convenience of location obviously depends on where you're starting out. No doubt for those in Mississauga Pearson is far more convenient. However, this airport is special because airports are typically located on outskirts of cities, and having one right downtown is quite special and unusual. This must be insanely convenient for business types who work downtown.
The airport is fairly easily accessible by public transportaiton. There is a free-for-all Porter shuttle bus (free even if you're not flying Porter) that departs every 15 minutes from the western entrance to the Royal York Hotel (just across Union Station, basically). This bus takes you right to the ferry terminal. A couple of streetcars (511 Bathurst and 509 Harbourfront) also go by the airport, but taking those involve a short (~2-minute) walk from the stop to the terminal.
As you may expect, there are always lots of cabs waiting just outside the terminal.
Parking is expensive. I would suggest public transportation or taxi to get to the airport (or have someone drop you off).
Then, of course, you have to take the ferry. It is uber-ridiculous (made the Guinness Book of Records as the shortest scheduled ferry ride in the world), but charming, in my humble.
ATMOSPHERE AND SERVICE
The atmosphere is much more laid back than at Pearson. This is a much smaller airport, and the only airline that flies out of there - Porter - is well known for excellent customer service and pleasant employees who are genuinely attentive and friendly. They have a brand spanking new terminal, new shiny planes, and a lot of little extra perks that have long disappeared from the bigger carriers like Air Canada.
If you like general aviation, this airport is also a great place for you. There are two flight schools on the Island, and a few people fly out of there recreationally. On a nice sunny day, you'll see little Cessnas milling about, a few other smaller planes, an occasional helicopter or two. Did you know that if, instead of proceeding to Porter, you take the stairs down to ground level, go outside, and walk West, you can go to the pilot's lounge, where you can enjoy a view of the runways and hang out with general aviation pilots there? Or pop into one of the flight schools, pretend you are interested in flight training, and ask for a tour of the hangars?
FOOD
If you are a Porter passenger, you get free snacks at the lounge. If you are not (or are looking for a more substantial meal), there is a Druxy's in the old control tower. Now, that's one of the most disgusting fast food joints ever... and whatever you do, avoid the washrooms. I think it would be advisable to eat on the mainland prior to coming to the airport. The good thing, though, is that you don't have to show up super-early - the check-in process for Porter is generally quick and painless.
FLIGHTS
The range of places you can go to out of the Island is fairly limited. It is, after all, a smaller airport with short runways, which means that jumbo jets are not an option (another consideration is noise, of course... there are people who live right next to the airport). However, Porter is continually expanding its destinations. The more prominent ones include New York, Chicago, Montreal, Boston, Ottawa. There are also companies offering charter services from the Island, as well as flight schools offering flight training and sightseeing. Helicopter tours are also available.
BONUS
Get a window seat! The view of the CN Tower and the rest of the downtown on take-offs and landings is breathtaking - especially at night!!! This is the real reason I personally feel this airport is 5/5. It's got one of the most beautiful views in the world. I guess I'm a hopeless romantic.
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