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.

Is the Sightseeing Toronto Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour 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 travelers, 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!

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

Plan Your Toronto Trip With My Favourite Resources

⭐️ Best Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: City Sightseeing Hop On Hop Off Bus
⭐️ Best Toronto Hotel: Sheraton Centre Downtown Toronto
⭐️ Best Niagara Falls Tour: Niagara Falls Day Tour

Double-decker open top bus passes the Flatiron Building on a summer day in Toronto.

Pros & Cons of the Toronto Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

The Toronto Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is a popular way to explore the city, but is it really the best way to see Toronto? Here are some considerations.

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.

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 Yonge-Dundas Square

Cons: What You Should Consider

X Can Be Slow During Peak Hours – Toronto traffic can cause delays, so if you’re on a tight schedule, this may not be the most time-efficient option.

X Limited Frequency of Buses – While buses run regularly, they are not very frequent, so you will want to watch the schedule.

X More Expensive Than Public Transit – Riding the TTC is much cheaper but without the tour commentary, views and convenience.

X No Air Conditioning – The bus is not air conditioned which may be uncomfortable for some riders.

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

X The bus does not go to other popular attractions such as High Park, the Toronto Zoo, Trillium Park, or the Canadian National Exhibition.

Why the Hop-on Hop-off Toronto Bus is Worth Taking

If you enjoy relaxed sightseeing with guided commentary, the 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.

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

To get all the specifics, keep reading for my complete City Sightseeing Toronto review.

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.

Sightseeing Bus Route and Attractions

If you’re in Toronto for just a day, this could be the best way to see it all in a short period of time.

I took the tour in summer and in just over 2 hours, I was able to see all the main downtown Toronto attractions from the bus. I particularly enjoyed seeing the CN Tower from a many different perspectives from the top of the bus.

During my tour I hopped off and walked around Kensington Market and later went up to the top of the CN Tower. It was so easy to get back on the bus and explore these neighbourhoods at attractions.

Additionally, I was shocked at how busy the Toronto traffic was! I was so glad to be on the bus rather than trying to navigate the challenging city traffic myself. And while I could have taken the TTC, I would have missed the information and tours from being on the bus.

Although the tour only has one route, I really enjoyed seeing all the main downtown attractions, including:
✓ 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

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

For me, I found the trip through the University of Toronto campus to be particularly interesting. It’s such a pretty area of the city that many visitors don’t take the time to explore. Plus, the guide shared some fascinating history of this area during their commentary.

I really appreciated the flexibility this tour gave me to explore much of Toronto’s main core.

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 interesting facts and historical insights about Toronto in English. While the commentary provides a great introduction to the city, I personally felt it could have been more detailed—there were so many fascinating Toronto stories that weren’t covered, and I found myself wishing for a bit more depth.

That said, I spoke with several tourists on the bus who loved the narration and found it informative. It reminded me of how a local New Yorker might feel about a Big Bus New York tour—while it may not dive into every hidden detail, it’s still a fantastic way for first-time visitors to get an overview of the city.

For those who prefer other languages, the tour also offers an audio guide in multiple languages, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers.

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

How to Buy Tickets & Tour Schedule

Getting your Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour tickets is simple. You can purchase them online in advance or buy them at various stops across the city, including Sankofa Square and St. Lawrence Market.

Tour Schedule:

  • First 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.

I would recommend taking one of the first tours of the day. This will give you the most use out of the tour while allowing time to hop off and visit particular attractions.

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)
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

Final Thoughts: Is the Toronto Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour 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 travelers 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.

Discover how to make the most of a short trip with my 3-day Toronto itinerary, packed with must-see attractions and hidden gems.

If you’re looking for accommodations with a bit of luxury, check out my guide to the best hotels in Toronto with a pool.

Plan your perfect day trip with my comprehensive guide to the Toronto Islands and don’t miss my insights on whether the CN Tower is worth visiting for breathtaking views and unique experiences.

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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