Ian CheesemanI know what you’re thinking…double-decker bus tours can be a bit hokey. Well, not City Sightseeing’s—I rode one of their hop-on, hop-off tours once and had a total blast!
Who knew exploring your own city could feel this fresh and fun?
With 13+ great stops along the way, you can hop on and off wherever you like. Plus, live or multilingual audio guides add just the right touch of info without being overwhelming.
So, to help you roam around Toronto in a fun and hassle-free way, here’s the inside scoop on City Sightseeing’s hop-on, hop-off tours.
What is City Sightseeing’s hop-on hop-off tour?
City Sightseeing’s hop-on hop-off tours explore Toronto’s top landmarks from an open-top double-decker bus, with 13 stops along the route. The full loop takes about 135 minutes, and you’ll get live commentary or multilingual audio guides.
Best Time to Go on a Hop-on Hop-off Tour
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The best time to join City Sightseeing’s hop-on hop-off tours in Toronto is during warmer months, from late spring to early fall. With buses leaving every half hour from Yonge-Dundas Square, you can explore each stop at your own pace.
Things to Know about Toronto’s Hop-on Hop-off Tour
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Ticket Options and Pricing
City Sightseeing offers two types of hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tours. They have the same inclusions—only the validity of the ticket is different.
Getting any of these tickets will get you the following inclusions:
- 24-hour/48-hour tour ticket
- 25 to 30-minute bus frequency
- 13 great stops
- Discounted attraction tickets
- Multilingual commentary
- Live guides
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours
Tour Narration
Every City Sightseeing hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour comes with narration—either through a live English-speaking guide or a multilingual audio system. Plus, the friendly onboard team is always happy to share tips and suggestions.
If you want to know which type of narration will be on your bus, just swing by the info booth at Yonge-Dundas Square or call them. Audio is available in nine languages, and you can bring your own headphones or grab a free pair when you hop on.
Charter/Bus Rentals
Private Tours
If you’re planning a special outing or group event, City Sightseeing’s double-decker buses offer seating for up to 85 passengers. Your group will enjoy a personalized tour led by a knowledgeable guide who’ll share stories, city highlights, and hidden gems.
Corporate Rentals
City Sightseeing’s double-decker buses are also the perfect setting for team-building events, corporate retreats, or even city tours for visiting clients. It’s a fun way to explore Toronto while creating a bond with your colleagues or clients.
Tour Routes
The full hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus tour takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes if you stay on the bus the whole time. While the official starting point is Stop # 1 at Yonge-Dundas Square, you can hop on at any active stop along the route.
Below is the hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus tour route:
1. Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square)
2. Yonge & Wellesley
3. Yorkville
4. The Royal Ontario Museum/Park Hyatt
5. Casa Loma
6. Spadina & Bloor
7. Art Gallery of Ontario
8. CN Tower North
9. Ripley’s Aquarium/CN Tower
10. Radisson Blu/Harbourfront Centre
11. Meridian Hall/Hockey Hall of Fame
12. St. Lawrence Market
13. Distillery District
Hop-on Hop-off Tour’s Major Stops
Yorkville
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Yorkville is one of Toronto’s chicest neighborhoods, packed with fine dining and the Mink Mile along Bloor Street—one of the most upscale shopping stretches in North America. It’s also home to high-end hostels and galleries.
This stop gives you a glimpse of the city’s posh side while still being totally walkable. If you’re on the hunt for designer labels or just want to sip espresso on a patio, make sure to stop at Yorkville for a while.
The Royal Ontario Museum/Park Hyatt
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This stop drops you right by the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), which is one of the largest and most impressive museums in North America! Make sure to capture its crystal-like architecture, as well as a massive collection of art and culture.
Just across the street lies the Park Hyatt, a classic Toronto luxury hotel. Even if you’re not staying there, its rooftop lounge offers one of the best views in the city—why not enjoy a cocktail before moving on to the next stop?
Casa Loma
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Casa Loma is a full-blown castle, complete with towers, tunnels, and grand staircases, built in 1914 by financier Sir Henry Pellatt. It’s also one of Toronto’s most iconic castles, with panoramic views from the gardens.
If you want to update your Instafeed with gorgeous castle and garden shots, make sure to hop off here. The grounds are so stunning that actual movies were filmed here, such as X-Men and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.
Art Gallery of Ontario
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The Art Gallery of Ontario houses over 90,000 pieces. It includes amazing works by the Group of Seven, Canadian Indigenous artists, and big-name international icons like Picasso and Van Gogh.
Toronto-born architect Frank Gehry redesigned the building, which is a work of art in itself. As a bonus, admission is free here if you visit on the first Wednesday of every month, from 6 PM to 9 PM.
Ripley’s Aquarium/CN Tower
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This stop puts you right at the base of two huge Toronto attractions. First is Ripley’s Aquarium, which features a moving walkway through an underwater tunnel full of sharks, stingrays, and glowing jellyfish.
Next, the CN Tower is Toronto’s most iconic landmark with amazing views from its glass colored observation deck. It’s also home to the EdgeWalk, where harnessed thrill-seekers can walk around the outside ledge.
St. Lawrence Market
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St. Lawrence Market is a 200-year-old market packed with vendors selling everything, from fresh seafood and gourmet cheese to famous peameal bacon sandwiches. It’s actually been named one of the best food markets in the world by National Geographic!
It’s the ideal place to hop off if you’re hungry or just want to sample local flavor—literally. If you want to grab a delicious snack, chat with local vendors, or shop for souvenirs, this stop is for you.
Distillery District
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Once the location of the largest distillery in the British Empire, this cobblestone district is now a pedestrian-only zone filled with indie shops, galleries, and cool restaurants. And the red-brick Victorian buildings are the perfect backdrop for your next selfie.
For those who want to browse handmade goods or enjoy a patio drink, make sure to hop off here. In fact, you can book whiskey or craft beer flights in one of the bars here—a cool addition to your itinerary.
Tips for Maximizing Your Experience
1. Plan your stops ahead of time
Take a few minutes to check out the route map and decide which attractions you’re most excited to see.
2. Start early in the day
The earlier you begin, the more time you’ll have to explore each stop. You’ll also beat some of the crowds at popular attractions like Casa Loma and the CN Tower.
3. Dress for the weather
These buses have open tops, so bring sunscreen, a hat, or a light jacket, depending on the forecast. A small umbrella or poncho can be a lifesaver on rainy days.
4. Buy tickets online
Skip the line and lock in your seat by buying tickets online ahead of time. Online booking often comes with discounts or bundle deals, so it’s a win-win!
5. Bring water and snacks
Staying hydrated and having a quick snack on hand can keep your energy up between stops. While many stops have great food options, a granola bar in your bag never hurts.
