The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham is running August 14 to 16, 2026. The event is expected to draw more than 140,000 attendees over the three-day weekend and generate tens of millions in economic activity through sport tourism, hospitality, and event services. Getting 140,000 people in and out of Downtown Markham across three days requires advance planning that most fans have not yet done.
Michael John Lau, top real estate agent in Markham Ontario, has been tracking the event's transit and access planning since the circuit was announced. Here is the complete guide.
The Circuit Location — Where You Are Actually Going
The temporary course is placed in Markham's eastern downtown precinct, bounded by Kennedy Road, Enterprise Boulevard, the Unionville GO railway, and Highway 407. This is Downtown Markham Centre, the Remington Group's master-planned development along Highway 7 between Warden Avenue and Kennedy Road. The spectator venues, grandstands, and festival areas are distributed along Enterprise Boulevard, YMCA Boulevard, Unionville Gate, and University Boulevard, all within walking distance of each other.
The streets that make up the circuit will be closed to regular traffic for the duration of the event and during the setup and teardown periods before and after. The city has committed to providing detailed road closure maps and alternate route information well in advance. If you live or work in Downtown Markham, check markham.ca and hondaindy.com for the full road closure schedule well before August 14.
Getting There by GO Train — The Best Option for Most Fans
The new location provides excellent access for fans via Highway 407 and other major 400-series highways, as well as the Unionville GO Station and the VIVA Rapid Transit system.
The Unionville GO Station on the Stouffville Line is the most convenient transit hub for IndyCar fans coming from downtown Toronto. Service from Union Station to Unionville GO runs throughout the day on the Stouffville Line, with peak service approximately every 30 minutes. The trip takes approximately 51 minutes. From Unionville GO, the circuit's northern boundary is visible. The walk into the festival area is approximately 5 to 15 minutes depending on your entry gate.
Important Note From the City of Markham
In the weeks leading up to the event, increased delivery and setup of event materials will occur, significantly impacting access to Unionville GO and the station parking lot. GO Train commuters should not plan to park at Unionville GO during race weekend. The station lot will be restricted for event operations. Plan to take the GO Train from a home station rather than driving to Unionville GO and parking.
For fans arriving from points north and east of Markham, including Stouffville, Ajax, and Oshawa, the Stouffville Line provides direct inbound service to Unionville GO. For fans from Scarborough and east Toronto, boarding at Agincourt GO or Kennedy GO provides a short trip to the circuit station.
Neeraj Moolchandani on Downtown Markham Real Estate and the IndyCar Effect
Neeraj Moolchandani, REALTOR® at Kaizen Real Estate, works alongside Markham clients navigating exactly the situation this article describes. His specialty is translating complex market dynamics into a clear plan of action, whether that involves timing, negotiation strategy, or protecting long-term family wealth.
When Neeraj advises clients on Downtown Markham real estate and the IndyCar effect, the conversation always starts with what matters most to the family, not what the market is doing this week. That is the difference between transactional advice and the kind of counsel Markham clients return to for a decade.
Getting There by VIVA Rapid Transit
The VIVA Highway 7 East Bus Rapid Transit service runs along Highway 7 through Downtown Markham, connecting Kennedy Road in the east to the broader VIVA network west toward Richmond Hill, Vaughan, and the Finch West subway station. During the race weekend, VIVA service is expected to operate at enhanced frequency to serve the increased demand from IndyCar fans.
VIVA is particularly useful for fans who are staying at hotels along Highway 7 in the Markham, Richmond Hill, and Thornhill corridor. The Toronto Marriott Markham and hotels along Highway 7 between Warden Avenue and Kennedy Road are all within walking distance or a single VIVA stop of the circuit festival grounds.
Getting There by Highway — and the Parking Reality
For out-of-town visitors, the nearest major airport is Toronto Pearson International (YYZ), approximately 50 km west of Markham Centre via Highways 401/427 and 407.
Highway 407 ETR exits directly adjacent to the circuit's southern boundary at Kennedy Road. For drivers, Highway 407 is the most direct route, but expect significant toll charges on race weekend given the extended drive times. The 407 is a toll highway and surcharges apply during peak traffic periods. Highway 404 via 16th Avenue or Highway 7 provides an alternative approach from the north and south without toll charges, connecting to Kennedy Road and Enterprise Boulevard near the circuit entry.
Highway 407 ETR
Most direct route with exits adjacent to circuit's southern boundary at Kennedy Road. Expect significant toll charges during peak race weekend hours.
Highway 404 + 16th Ave
Alternative approach from north without toll charges. Connects to Kennedy Road via 16th Avenue and Enterprise Boulevard near the circuit.
Highway 7 Corridor
East-west option through Richmond Hill and Vaughan. Slower but toll-free and connects to VIVA stations for parking-and-transit strategy.
Parking reality. Race weekend parking in Downtown Markham will be extremely limited. The Unionville GO Station lot is restricted for event operations. The Remington Lot, named as the primary fan parking area through the Remington Group's founding partnership with IndyCar, is expected to serve as one of the designated spectator parking areas adjacent to the Remington Grandstand at Turn 5. Check hondaindy.com for confirmed parking passes, pricing, and booking before the event.
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The Strong Recommendation
Take GO Train from Union Station or your nearest Stouffville Line station. Arrive early. Morning trains on race day will fill up quickly. Bring a PRESTO card loaded with sufficient funds for multiple trips. Every fan who drives to the circuit on Sunday will spend meaningful time in the post-race departure crush that GO Train fans will avoid.
Hotels and Accommodation Near the Circuit
For visitors who want to stay near the circuit, the Toronto Marriott Markham at 7035 Kennedy Road is the most proximate full-service hotel, within walking distance of the circuit's eastern spectator areas. This property is expected to be at capacity for race weekend. Book immediately if you have not already.
Additional hotels along Highway 7 between Warden Avenue and Kennedy Road, including Homewood Suites, Delta Hotels by Marriott, and Holiday Inn properties in the Markham Centre corridor, provide walking or VIVA-accessible accommodation from within the circuit footprint.
For visitors who could not secure Markham accommodation, the 407 ETR's 15 to 25-minute drive time from Mississauga, Brampton, and East Toronto hotels makes Downtown Markham reasonably accessible from the broader GTA hotel inventory, though expect delays on race day if driving.