Is the Toronto CityPASS Worth It? An Honest Review from a Toronto Local
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Planning your first trip to Toronto and thinking about grabbing the Toronto CityPASS to save time and money?
I’ve lived in Toronto my whole life, and I’ve visited every attraction included in the pass – some more times than I can count. While I think each spot has its highlights (especially the CN Tower on a clear day), the CityPASS isn’t always the deal it claims to be.
In this Toronto CityPASS review, I’ll walk you through when the pass actually saves you money, why it may not be worth it for most first-time visitors, and how to make smart decisions about where to spend your time and money while exploring Toronto.
Quick Verdict: Is the Toronto CityPASS Worth it?
Usually? No. For most first-time visitors, the Toronto CityPASS doesn’t offer enough savings or flexibility to justify the price – especially if you’re only in the city for a couple of days or prefer a more relaxed itinerary.
That said, it can be worth it if you’re planning to visit 4 or more included attractions within 9 days and don’t mind making advance reservations.
✔️ Great for organized travellers who want convenience
✔️ Saves money when multiple attractions are visited
❌ Not ideal for short visits, flexible plans, or budget-conscious travellers using discounts
Keep reading for a full breakdown of each attraction, insider tips from a local (that’s me!), and smarter ways to save money in Toronto – with or without the pass.
What Is the Toronto CityPASS?
The Toronto CityPASS is a bundled ticket that gives you one‑time entry to five top Toronto attractions over a 9‑day period (starting from your first visit).
You can visit:
- CN Tower
- and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
And then choose three of the following:
- Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
- City Cruises Toronto (seasonal – April to November)
- Casa Loma
- Toronto Zoo
Important details:
- You have one year from purchase to start using the pass.
- You have 9 days to use the pass starting with your first visit.
- Reservations (booked through the app) are required for the CN Tower, ROM and City Cruises.
Considering Buying the Toronto CityPASS?
If you’re planning to visit at least 3 attractions from the list (although 4 is the sweet spot) and want the convenience of booking everything at once, the CityPASS might still be a good fit, especially if you’re visiting in the summer when the boat cruise is available.
☞ Check current CityPASS prices here.
But if you’re only planning to do 1–2 attractions or prefer flexibility, you’ll likely save more by buying individual tickets. Let me break it all down below for you.
What’s Included in the Toronto CityPASS?
I’ve been to every place on this list – so here’s my honest take on each one:
CN Tower – The Iconic Must-See (But Be Strategic!)
If you only visit one attraction in Toronto, make it the CN Tower. It’s the city’s most iconic landmark – and in my opinion, the only CityPASS attraction that’s truly unmissable for first-time visitors.
As someone who’s lived in Toronto all my life, I’ve been up the CN Tower many times. And every time I go, I’m reminded how stunning that 360° view over the city and Lake Ontario really is – when the weather cooperates.
Here’s where my local experience comes in handy:
- If it’s foggy or overcast, you won’t see much – and that’s a real risk if you book your CN Tower visit through the CityPASS, which requires a reservation.
- There’s no skip-the-line benefit with the CityPASS – you’ll still wait with everyone else, and in summer, that can mean an hour just to get through security.
- One other note: The SkyPod (the higher observation deck) is not included with the CityPASS. It’s an extra ticket – and in my opinion, worth the splurge if visibility is excellent.
I once went up the CN Tower for a special photography shoot but it was such a foggy day, we didn’t see anything! I have learned you need to have some flexibility to visit the CN Tower as it won’t be worth the cost if all you can see are white clouds!
Time needed: 1–2 hours
Best time to visit: Clear morning or just before sunset on a weekday.
☞ Want to learn more about this iconic attraction? My guide to visiting the CN Tower explains why it’s worth adding this stop to your Toronto itinerary.
Ripley’s Aquarium – A Hit with Families
Located right beside the CN Tower, this aquarium is one of the largest in Canada. It’s especially great if you’re traveling with kids – the underwater tunnel with sharks, rays, and fish is a real highlight.
I visited Ripley’s with my niece last winter, and she practically sprinted through the shark tunnel three times in a row. It’s one of the few spots in Toronto that really impresses kids and adults. This spot does get busy, so try to get their early.
How long you need: 2–3 hours
Who it’s for: Families, animal lovers, and aquarium fans.
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) – Worth It If You Love History
Canada’s largest museum with millions of artifacts. I enjoy the dinosaurs and gems, but personally it’s not my favourite – I prefer the Art Gallery of Ontario for art lovers.
I’ve been to the ROM more times than I can count – school trips, rainy weekends, even during their free admission hours. Personally, I always head straight to the gemstones and dinosaurs. But I’ll be honest: unless you’re really into history or natural science, you might feel a bit overwhelmed or underwhelmed depending on the exhibit rotation.
Inside the ROM you’ll find:
- History galleries
- Cultural exhibits
- Special exhibitions (ticketed separately)
Time needed: 2–3 hours
If you don’t like museums – this might not be worth prioritizing.
☞ Read my visitor’s guide to the ROM for more details about Canada’s largest museum and whether it’s worth a visit for you.
City Cruises – Great Views, But Seasonal (April – November Only)
A narrated 60‑minute boat tour offers a unique perspective of Toronto’s skyline from the water.
You’ll see:
✓ the CN Tower
✓ Rogers Centre
✓ Inner harbour and Toronto Islands
Time: ~1.5 hours
I find boat cruises to be hit or miss. On a beautiful sunny day, you can truly enjoy the views, the narration, and experience Toronto from a different perspective. But on cloudy, rainy days – or even really hot days – it can feel a little like you are just circling the harbour without any true direction.
Alternative: Take the Toronto Islands ferry or a water taxi for equally as impressive views of the skyline and a day filled with outdoor activities at Centre Island.
Casa Loma – Toronto’s Quirky Castle
A real castle in the middle of the city. It’s quirky, historic, and beautiful – a mix of mansion, museum, and film backdrop.
I always take my nieces and nephews to visit Casa Loma during the holiday season. The castle is beautifully decorated for Christmas. The hidden tunnel to the stables transitions into a path to Santa’s workshop with interactive displays and free photos with Santa at the end. Plus, the holiday lights are stunning.
Highlights:
- Hidden passageways
- Beautiful gardens
- Skyline views from the towers
Best time to visit: Early in the day / quieter hours
Time needed: 2–3 hours
☞ Still wondering if the castle is worth visiting? Read my visitor guide to Casa Loma for all the details – what to see, what to do, and tips for visiting.
Toronto Zoo – Great for Kids, But Far
World‑class animal exhibits with over 3,000 animals – but the zoo is far from downtown. By public transit it’s about an hour, and it requires a lot of walking once you’re there.
My last trip to the Zoo was with my adult children who insisted we “see everything.” We logged 10,000 steps and still missed the polar bears. It’s genuinely a great zoo, but it’s a commitment. Not something I’d recommend squeezing in between downtown sightseeing.
Time needed: 3+ hours
Who it’s best for: Animal lovers and families with at least a full half‑day to spare.
Do You Actually Save 38% with the Toronto CityPASS?
The CityPASS advertises savings of up to 38% – but here’s the caveat:
That number is based on the highest possible admission prices and does not include:
- Senior, youth, or other discounted rates
- Dynamic pricing at some attractions
- Promotional or online deals
In reality, your savings may be much less, especially if you book individual attractions at discounted times or rates.
When the Toronto CityPASS Does Make Sense
The CityPASS makes sense if:
✔️ You plan to visit 3 attractions or more.
✔️ You have 9 days of flexible sightseeing.
✔️ You want to book online and avoid buying individual tickets.
It’s convenient – but not magically cheaper unless you use it fully.
When the Toronto CityPASS Isn’t Worth It
The CityPASS might not make sense for you if:
❌ You only have 2–3 days in Toronto – you won’t see enough attractions to justify the pass.
❌ You want flexibility instead of rigid reservations.
❌ You don’t like zoos, museums, or aquariums.
❌ You qualify for senior/youth discounts (individual tickets often cost less).
❌ You’re traveling off‑season (City Cruises aren’t available).
And a CityPASS is not a skip‑the‑line ticket – you may still have to wait in line to enter.
Must-Know Fine Print Before You Buy
- You have 9 days from your first visit to use all attractions.
- Reservations can sell out (especially cruises in summer).
- Prices change and dynamic pricing means your actual savings can vary.
- Refunds for partially‑used passes are not offered.
One friend booked the CN Tower at sunset – only to spend so long in line that they missed the sunset entirely. That’s the kind of planning frustration the CityPASS doesn’t solve.
A Stress-Free Toronto Weekend Without the CityPASS
Not sold on the CityPASS? Here’s how I’d plan a perfect 2-day trip to Toronto without it.
Day 1
✓ Breakfast at St. Lawrence Market
✓ Take the Hop‑On Hop‑Off Bus tour (with harbour cruise)
✓ Visit Casa Loma, the Royal Ontario Museum, or the Art Gallery of Ontario
✓ Walk through Kensington Market and Queen Street West (check out Graffiti Alley too)
✓ Visit the CN Tower at sunset
☞ Interested in the sightseeing bus? Read my honest review of Toronto’s Hop-on Hop-off Bus to learn about this great way to explore the city!
Day 2
✓ Walk Toronto’s waterfront (check out our 2 urban beaches)
✓ Head over to the Toronto Islands (in winter, shorten your trip to include the ferry ride and a short walk)
✓ Visit Little Canada – a surprising gem of an attraction with Canada displayed in miniature form (this is not just for kids!)
✓ Check out Nathan Phillips Square and take photos with the Toronto Sign
✓ Head to the Distillery District for dinner (and the Christmas Market in winter)
Also spend time exploring neighbourhoods like Kensington, Leslieville, the Beaches, Distillery District, and the Islands – these are the experiences that make Toronto unique.
☞ Wondering what Little Canada is all about? Read my review of one of Toronto’s newest (and most unique) attractions – Little Canada.
Other Ways to Save on Toronto Attractions
You don’t need CityPASS to save. Here are some other ways to save on Toronto attractions.
- Presto Perks – Presto card discounts at many attractions (just download the free app)
- Dynamic pricing if you’re flexible with time
- Family passes or bundled tickets at CN Tower & Aquarium
- Coupons from Attractions Ontario
- Research free admission dates/times for many Toronto museums
Final Verdict: Is the CityPASS Worth It for Your Trip to Toronto?
Honestly? For most visitors – no.
- Savings are lower than advertised.
- You need at least 4 attractions and flexibility to make it worth your while.
- Some attractions are time‑heavy (like the Zoo) and far from downtown.
- Individual discounts and dynamic pricing often beat the bundled price.
If you’re set on convenience and already know you’ll do at least 3 of the top attractions – it can be a decent option. Just know its value isn’t as clear‑cut as the marketing suggests.
Still considering it?
If you’re planning to visit 3 or more attractions and don’t mind setting reservations in advance, the CityPASS can still be a convenient option especially during the peak summer season.
☞ Check current CityPASS prices here to see if it fits your travel plans.
Not sure yet? I’ve put together a complete first-timer’s guide to Toronto that includes must-see spots, local tips, and how to get around – with or without the pass. Start planning your Toronto trip here with my full first-timer’s guide to Toronto.
Before You Go: More Toronto Information
Still planning your visit to Toronto? Here are a few more Toronto guides to help with your planning.
- Things to do in Toronto for First Time Visitors
- Best Hotels In Toronto with a Pool
- Perfect 4 Day Toronto and Niagara Travel Itinerary
- Things to do in Toronto with Kids
☞ 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.
