Image of a red City Sightseeing double-decker bus in Toronto, parked near the Rogers Centre. The bus is decorated with vibrant, colorful graphics and the "Hop On Hop Off" logo. Tourists are seated on the top deck, enjoying a sunny day with skyscrapers visible in the background.

Toronto Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Review: Is It Worth It?

ByJulie Millan Updated on

Visiting Toronto for the first time? With so many landmarks spread across the city, figuring out the best way to explore can be overwhelming. You might be wondering – should you hop on the famous Toronto sightseeing bus or save your money for other attractions?

As someone who has explored Toronto extensively, I decided to try the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour myself to see if it truly lives up to the hype. From iconic stops like the CN Tower to hidden gems along the route, I’ll share my honest experience, including what I loved, what I didn’t, and whether it’s worth your time and money.

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This guide is perfect for first-time visitors, solo travellers, or families trying to maximize their visit without the hassle of navigating public transit or driving in Toronto.

I’ll break down everything you need to know, including real pros and cons and how it compares to other ways of exploring the city. Plus, I’ll share a few insider tips to help you make the most of your ride. Let’s dive in!

☞ Ready to see Toronto stress-free? Check ticket options & plan your route here to make the most of your trip!

Why I Think the Toronto Hop-on Hop-off Bus is Worth It

Selfie of a woman wearing sunglasses on an open-top sightseeing bus in downtown Toronto. The bustling cityscape in the background features tall buildings, colorful digital billboards, and a vibrant urban atmosphere under a clear blue sky. The woman is smiling, capturing the excitement of the tour.
Image from the city sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus in downtown Toronto, with passengers viewing large digital billboards and skyscrapers. The vibrant advertisements dominate the scene against a clear blue sky. The busy urban atmosphere is evident with people walking and traffic in the background.

After riding the this guided bus tour myself, I can honestly say it’s one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to see Toronto – especially if it’s your first visit or you want to explore without the hassle of traffic or transit.

I loved being able to relax, take in the views from the open-top deck, and hop off at the spots that interested me most. Seeing the CN Tower from multiple angles was a highlight, and jumping off to wander Kensington Market made the day feel flexible and fun.

Toronto traffic is so BUSY! I was very glad to leave the driving to someone else and simply enjoy the ride. And while the TTC is an option, you definitely miss out on the live commentary and those scenic rooftop views.

If you’re short on time or just want a stress-free way to cover Toronto’s main sights, this tour is absolutely worth considering.

If you enjoy relaxed sightseeing with guided commentary, Toronto’s Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is a great choice, especially for first-time visitors or those who prefer not to navigate the city on their own.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or short on time, you might want to explore other transportation options like the subway, streetcars, or walking tours.

Sightseeing Bus Route and Attractions

Double-decker open top bus passes the Flatiron Building on a summer day in Toronto.
City Sightseeing Bus drives through downtown Toronto

If you’re visiting Toronto for just a day, this is one of the easiest ways to see many of the city’s top sights in a short amount of time. If you choose to stay on the bus for the full loop, the tour takes about 2 hours.

While the tour follows a single route, I really enjoyed how much of downtown Toronto it covered – including many of Toronto’s must-see attractions, such as:

✓ The CN Tower
✓ Casa Loma
✓ St. Lawrence Market
✓ Distillery District
✓ The Royal Ontario Museum
✓ Nathan Phillip’s Square and the Toronto Sign
✓ Art Gallery of Ontario
✓ University of Toronto
✓ The Toronto Waterfront

Seeing so many iconic spots in just a couple of hours gave me a much better sense of the city’s layout (even as a local) and made it easy to decide which places I wanted to go back and explore more on foot later or on another day.

☞ Looking for the best itinerary for your visit? Here’s my ideal one day Toronto itinerary that pairs perfectly with this guided bus tour.

One of my favourite parts of the tour was riding through the University of Toronto campus – it’s such a beautiful, historic part of the city that many visitors overlook.

From the top deck, you get a great perspective of the old stone buildings tucked among leafy streets. I loved hearing the guide share little-known stories about the university – it really brought the area to life.

And the flexibility of the tour made it so easy to hop off and explore more of Toronto’s downtown core at my own pace.

Pros & Cons of the Toronto Sightseeing Bus

Image of tourists seated on an open-top sightseeing bus in Toronto, with a view of the historic Old City Hall and modern skyscrapers in the background. The bright, clear day highlights the architectural contrast between the old stone building and the sleek glass towers.
Driving down Bay Street, beside Nathan Phillip’s Square

I’ve watched the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus roll by dozens of times, packed with tourists – and I’ve always wondered: is it really the best way to see Toronto, or just another touristy gimmick? I finally decided to find out for myself.

Here’s what I discovered – the real pros and cons to help you decide if it’s worth it for your visit.

Pros: Why You Might Love It

✓ Convenient & Stress-Free – No need to navigate public transit, worry about parking in the city, or navigating Toronto traffic. Just hop on and enjoy the ride.

✓ Covers Major Attractions – The route includes top sights like the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Distillery District, Casa Loma and St. Lawrence Market, making it a great way to see a lot in a short time.

✓ Comfortable & Scenic Ride – The open-top double-decker bus offers fantastic city views, perfect for sightseeing and taking great photos.

✓ Live Tour Guide or Audio Commentary – Depending on the season, you’ll either get a knowledgeable live guide or a pre-recorded audio tour, both offering interesting facts about Toronto’s history and landmarks.

✓ Unlimited Hop-On, Hop-Off Access – Flexibility to explore at your own pace and spend as much time as you want at each stop.

✓ Great for First-Time Visitors – If you’re new to Toronto, this tour provides a stress-free overview of the city and helps you get your bearings before exploring further.

✓ Valid for 24 Hours – Your ticket is valid for a full day, so you don’t have to rush through the experience.

✓ Closed Top Bus in Winter – In the winter, the bus is enclosed, making it ideal to ride in even in the colder weather.

☞ Ready to ride? Grab your tickets now to lock in today’s price.

Image of Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto, featuring large digital billboards, fountains, and red patio umbrellas providing shade to visitors. A red City Sightseeing double-decker hop-on hop-off bus is parked nearby, with people walking and relaxing in the vibrant public space under a clear blue sky. The CF Toronto Eaton Centre is visible in the background.
City Sightseeing Bus Stop 1 at Sankofa Square

Cons: What You Should Consider

✓ Can Be Slow During Peak Hours – Toronto traffic can lead to delays, especially during busy times. If you’re on a tight schedule or trying to fit in a lot in one day, this may not be the quickest way to get around.

✓ Limited Frequency of Buses – The buses run every 45 minutes, so you will need to watch the schedule to ensure you maximize your itinerary.

✓ More Expensive Than Public Transit – Riding the TTC is cheaper, but you won’t get the guided commentary, open-top views, or the convenience of a dedicated sightseeing route. Plus, you’ll be commuting alongside locals, and the TTC can get quite crowded, especially during rush hours!

✓ No Air Conditioning – The bus is not air-conditioned, which may be uncomfortable on hot summer days.

✓ Tour route may alter during rush hour or on Blue Jays Baseball game days.

✓ Does Not Cover All Attractions — The route doesn’t include some popular spots like High Park, the Toronto Zoo, Trillium Park, or the Canadian National Exhibition.

☞ Want a relaxed way to see the city? Check ticket options & plan your route here for an easy sightseeing experience!

Live Tour Guide on the Hop-on Hop-off Toronto Bus

Image taken from onboard the city sightseeing Toronto hop-on hop-off bus, showing tourists taking photos with the iconic CN Tower visible in the distance. The scene captures a mix of modern skyscrapers and older brick buildings under a clear blue sky.
Unique views of the CN Tower are visible from the top of the bus

The tour includes a live guide who shares fun facts and historical tidbits about Toronto in English. I really enjoyed the commentary as an introduction to the city, though I’ll admit – as someone who knows Toronto pretty well, I found myself wishing for a bit more depth in some areas. There are so many fascinating Toronto stories that could have been included!

That said, I chatted with a few other tourists on the bus (including a couple visiting from the UK) who thought the narration was fantastic and really helpful for getting oriented. It reminded me of taking a Big Bus tour in New York – it may not cover every hidden detail, but it’s an excellent way for first-time visitors to get a solid overview.

And if English isn’t your first language, no worries – the tour also offers an audio guide in multiple languages, so it’s easy for travellers from around the world to enjoy.

If this sounds like the kind of relaxed sightseeing you’d enjoy, it’s worth booking your tickets ahead of time – it saves time on the day of your visit and lets you hop on at any stop when you’re ready to start exploring.

Looking for a Night Tour Option?

If you’d like to see Toronto all lit up after dark, there’s also a Toronto Night Sightseeing Tour on a Double-Decker Bus – a completely different experience from the daytime hop-on hop-off tour.

This 1.5-hour guided evening tour departs at 7:00 pm from Yonge-Dundas (now Sankofa) Square, and takes you past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks – like the CN Tower and the Art Gallery of Ontario – beautifully illuminated at night.

Unlike the daytime tour, this one is a non-stop ride (no hop-on hop-off), so it’s a relaxing way to take in the city lights without worrying about getting on and off. It’s perfect if you’re short on time or want a fun evening activity after dinner.

☞ Want to experience Toronto by night? Check tickets for the Toronto Night Sightseeing Tour here.

Purchasing Tickets for the Toronto Bus Tour

Image of a red City Sightseeing double-decker bus in Toronto, with tourists boarding and seated on the top deck. A staff member in a red uniform assists passengers. The vibrant bus features "Hop On Hop Off" signage and a QR code for online booking, capturing the lively atmosphere of a busy touristic area.
Boarding the bus at Sankofa Square

Purchasing your City Sightseeing Toronto Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour tickets is simple. Booking online is an easy way to skip the ticket line and start your tour from any stop – no need to plan around a specific start point.

Tour Schedule:

  • First Day Departure: 9:00 a.m. from Stop #1 – Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square)
  • Last Departure: 4:30 p.m.
  • Bus Frequency: Every 45 minutes
  • Seasons: Runs in all seasons

Your ticket is valid for 24 or 48 hours, giving you flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Local Tip: Take the first tours of the day to get the most value out of the tour while allowing lots of time time to hop off and visit each attraction.

Ticket Prices (subject to change):

  • 24-hour pass – $68.49 CAD ($49.14 USD) for adults
  • Children (ages 3-12) – $43.84 CAD ($31.27 USD)
  • Night Tour – $50 CAD
Image of the entrance to the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) in Toronto, with the reflection of a City Sightseeing double-decker bus in the building's glass facade. The colorful AGO logo is prominently displayed at the entrance, while pedestrians walk by on the sidewalk.
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is one of the stops on the bus route

Tips for Taking the Toronto Sightseeing Bus

✓ Book Your Tickets Online – Purchasing tickets in advance lets you start your tour from any stop, saving time and hassle.

✓ Consider the 48-Hour Ticket – If you plan to hop off and explore multiple attractions or are spending a weekend in Toronto, a 48-hour pass gives you more flexibility and lets you spread out your sightseeing.

✓ Dress for the Weather – I am so glad I had a hat during my summer tour as it was hot! So be sure to bring sunscreen and sunglasses in the summer, and a light rain jacket or umbrella just in case. Keep in mind that the buses are not air-conditioned, so dress comfortably.

A red and yellow double-decker hop on hop off City Sightseeing Toronto bus in winter driving along a Toronto street as part of its tour.
The Hop on Hop off Bus runs in winter too with a closed top

So, Is the Toronto Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Really Worth It?

The Toronto Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is a fantastic way to get acquainted with the city while giving you the flexibility to decide which attractions to explore in more depth.

It’s perfect for first-time visitors, families, and solo travellers who want a stress-free and informative way to see the city.

Image of a red City Sightseeing double-decker bus in Toronto, driving through a street lined with modern apartment buildings and trees with autumn foliage. The bus displays "Hop On Hop Off" signage, with colorful graphics, and an advertisement for 24-hour tickets. The sky is partly cloudy, adding a picturesque element to the urban setting.

That said, the bus isn’t as frequent as Big Bus Tours in cities like New York, so if you’re on a tight schedule, you’ll want to plan accordingly. If you’re traveling with family, you might also want to check out my guide to the best things to do in Toronto with kids for more family-friendly attractions along the route.

For those visiting Toronto for the first time, this tour is a great introduction—but it’s not the only way to explore. Be sure to check out my top recommendations for first-time visitors to make the most of your trip.

And if you’re traveling solo, the bus can be a great way to navigate the city with ease. But if you’re looking for even more independent adventures, take a look at my guide to the best things to do alone in Toronto for unique solo-friendly experiences.

If you’re looking for a stress-free, scenic, and flexible way to explore Toronto, this tour is a solid option to consider!

☞ Ready to see the city at your own pace? Check ticket options here and start planning your trip!

Before You Go: More Toronto Posts

Now that you’ve read this post about whether the City Sightseeing Toronto Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is worth it, you might be wondering if Toronto is worth visiting. Here are some additional travel guides to help as you plan your Toronto vacation.

☞ Join my Facebook Group: Toronto, Ontario, and Niagara Falls Canada Travel Tips and Planning to ask your questions and get personalized travel help from a local.

Plan Your Toronto Trip With My Favourite Resources

⭐️ Best Toronto Hotel: Sheraton Centre Downtown Toronto
⭐️ Best Niagara Falls Tour: Niagara Falls Day Tour

Julie is a travel blogger from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She loves to travel and has learned so much from other travel bloggers that she now wants to share her travel knowledge with others.

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