TORONTO, October 17, 2026 — Major roads across Toronto are closing this weekend as more than 31,000 runners from over 75 countries participate in the 37th TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon. The October 17–18 event is disrupting downtown traffic, affecting TTC services and restricting access to several waterfront neighbourhoods.
Road closures began Friday and will continue through Sunday evening. The biggest disruptions are expected Sunday, when the full marathon and half-marathon take place, affecting Lake Shore Boulevard, Yonge Street, Bathurst Street, Bloor Street and Queen Street East.
Drivers, commuters and residents are being urged to plan ahead, particularly those travelling through downtown or toward the waterfront.
Toronto Marathon Road Closures Begin Friday
Restrictions started Friday, October 16, at 10 a.m. on Bay Street between Dundas Street West and Richmond Street West, and Queen Street West between York Street and Bay Street.
These streets are scheduled to remain closed until Sunday at approximately 9 p.m. Additional restrictions affect nearby downtown streets around Nathan Phillips Square.
Saturday, October 17: Streets Closed for the 5K Race
Saturday’s five-kilometre race begins at 9 a.m., with up to 8,500 runners expected. Participants have one hour and 20 minutes to complete the course.
Major Saturday closures include:
- Bay Street: Fully closed from Richmond Street West to Lake Shore Boulevard West until 1 p.m.
- Lake Shore Boulevard West: Closed between Yonge Street and Bathurst Street from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Nearby downtown streets: Additional restrictions around Front Street, Richmond Street and the waterfront.
The 510 Spadina streetcar will not operate south of King Street West between 7 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Sunday, October 18: Major Road Closures Across Toronto
Sunday will bring the most extensive restrictions as the 42.2-kilometre marathon and half-marathon both start at 8 a.m.
Key closures include:
- Lake Shore Boulevard West: Windermere Avenue to Bathurst Street, 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. Westbound lanes from Bathurst toward Yonge Street will also close.
- Bathurst Street: Lake Shore Boulevard West to Bloor Street West, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Bloor Street: Bathurst Street to Church Street, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Yonge Street: Bloor Street West to Adelaide Street West, 7 a.m. to noon.
- Queen Street East: Woodbine Avenue to Beech Avenue, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Woodbine Avenue: Queen Street East to Lake Shore Boulevard East, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Additional restrictions will affect Bayview Avenue, Front Street, Wellington Street and sections of Lake Shore Boulevard East. Reopening times vary as runners move through the course.
Gardiner Expressway Ramps Face Restrictions
Several Gardiner Expressway ramps will also be affected Sunday, potentially delaying drivers travelling between downtown Toronto and the waterfront.
The Jameson Avenue eastbound off-ramp is scheduled to close from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. Access to the Jameson Avenue eastbound on-ramp will also be restricted until 1 p.m.
The westbound Yonge Street/Bay Street off-ramp will close from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m., while Jarvis Street ramps are expected to remain open.
TTC Streetcar and Bus Disruptions This Weekend
The Toronto Transit Commission has announced temporary service changes affecting several routes.
- Saturday: The 510 Spadina streetcar will not operate south of King Street West from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Sunday: The 509 Harbourfront streetcar will not operate west of Spadina Avenue from 6:30 a.m. to approximately 2 p.m.
- Sunday: The 504 King streetcar will face stop restrictions between Church Street and Dufferin Street.
- Sunday: The 92 Woodbine South bus will not serve stops south of Queen Street East or certain northbound Woodbine Avenue stops.
Other routes may also be diverted. The TTC says no subway closures are scheduled specifically for the marathon, although Sunday subway service begins at 8 a.m.
Passengers can check the TTC’s official website for the latest diversions and service updates.
Marathon Start Times and Weekend Schedule
The 5K race begins Saturday at 9 a.m. Sunday’s wheelchair marathon is scheduled for 7:57 a.m., followed by the full marathon and half-marathon at 8 a.m.
Sunday’s races start on Yonge Street north of Gerrard Street. Participants and spectators should arrive early because several streets will close before the starting time.
Advice for Drivers, Residents and Visitors
Residents in Fort York, the Beaches, the Esplanade and other waterfront neighbourhoods may experience restricted vehicle access. Travellers heading to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport should also allow additional time.
For comparison, Toronto experienced similar traffic planning challenges during the Toronto Marathon road closures and TTC diversions earlier in 2026.
Major events have also affected the city’s transport network, including the Toronto FIFA World Cup traffic and parking restrictions.
Marathon organizers have published an interactive road closure map. Residents seeking local access information can call the event traffic hotline at 647-952-4969.
Drivers should avoid affected routes where possible, check parking arrangements and confirm reopening times before travelling. Some downtown restrictions will remain in place until Sunday evening.
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