More people are choosing Niagara for the space and the pace, while still working in Hamilton or the GTA. The big question is always the commute. Here’s an honest look at the Thorold commute from Parkside Living, by car and by train.
Driving to Hamilton
Parkside sits minutes from Hwy 406, which connects to the QEW. From there, the drive to Hamilton usually takes around 40 to 50 minutes outside rush hour. Plenty of residents work hybrid schedules and find two or three trips a week very manageable.
Driving to Toronto
Downtown Toronto is roughly 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Leaving before 6:30 am or after 9 am makes a real difference on the QEW.
Taking the GO Train
The St. Catharines GO Station is a short drive from Parkside. GO’s Lakeshore West line runs between St. Catharines and Union Station, with stops in Burlington, Oakville and Mississauga along the way. It’s a good option if you’d rather read, work or rest instead of driving. Check GO Transit for current schedules, since service levels change through the year.
We covered the station in more detail in our post on 2 bedroom apartments near the GO Train.
Getting around Niagara
If you work closer to home, the commute gets even easier. Brock University is about 4 km away, and St. Catharines, Welland and Niagara Falls are all within about 20 minutes.
Tips for an easier commute
- Go hybrid if you can. Even one work-from-home day a week cuts your drive time by 20%.
- Shift your hours. Leaving 30 minutes earlier often saves far more than 30 minutes on the road.
- Plan for winter. Leave extra time on snowy mornings, and keep a scraper and blanket in the car.
- Carpool. Other residents may be heading the same way, so ask around the building.
A quieter place to come home to
The commute is part of the trade. What you get in return is a spacious 1,000 sq ft suite, in-suite laundry, a private balcony and a park next door, for less than you’d pay for a smaller place in the city. Read more about professional living in Niagara.
Want to test the drive? Book a tour at the time you’d usually head home from work and see for yourself.
