| There are few things in the world as impressive as | | | | As the PATH network has extended, so to have the |
| PATH, the system of underground networks that | | | | shopping opportunities of those who choose to use |
| connect stores and pedestrian walkways beneath | | | | the network. Today PATH includes not only the |
| the streets of bustling downtown Toronto. In fact, it | | | | stores located underground, but also the shopping |
| is not stretching a point too far to say that the | | | | opportunities that abound in the centres that the |
| PATH project itself is a tribute to the ingenuity of | | | | passageways connect. |
| the human mind and the willingness of the human | | | | Store owners in the PATH system are obliged to |
| spirit to adapt. | | | | take care of the costs of maintenance of the |
| PATH was first conceived in the 1960s under | | | | section of the passageways in which their |
| Toronto’s city planner. The idea was to free up | | | | storefronts are located. These store owners also |
| Toronto’s congested sidewalks by providing a | | | | have the distinction of running, once a year, the |
| walking and shopping alternative to the busy streets | | | | world’s largest underground sidewalk sale. |
| and sidewalks of the city, by locating shops | | | | Virtually every one of the 1200 service and retail |
| underground. The idea was approved by the city | | | | shops that call PATH home participate in this sale. |
| council at that time, although newly elected | | | | In addition to the support of the local storeowners, |
| government officials later halted its development. | | | | the city of Toronto has undertaken to expand and |
| They thought busy and crowded streets were signs | | | | upkeep several facets of the PATH project. Of |
| of a bustling city (obviously there was no thought | | | | particular note is the signage by which PATH users |
| paid as to what the people crowded into these | | | | can navigate; this system has been overhauled |
| streets might think of the situation!). | | | | several times and the city is constantly ensuring that |
| Today, PATH has been noted internationally, | | | | needs of the users in regards to the navigator sign |
| recorded in the Guiness Book of World Records as | | | | systems are being fulfilled. |
| the largest underground shopping network in the | | | | If you want to be a part of a truly unique shopping |
| world. Indeed, the PATH tunnels extend an amazing | | | | experience, why not see what PATH in Toronto has |
| 27 kilometres in total, and there are plans to extend | | | | to offer? It is a fun, unique, and safe way to spend |
| the network another 40 or so kilometres. | | | | some time in the city! |