Bus Tour

Why choose CitySightseeing Toronto?

Simply put, we’re the best! We offer Toronto’s most comprehensive tour at the lowest price around. Whether you’re here for a couple of hours or for a week, we have the perfect tour for you. Your CitySightseeing Toronto ticket gets you

• a hop-on hop-off sightseeing ticket that’s valid for up to 7 days
• a FREE boat tour
• free downtown pickup
• 24 great stops to choose from
• a free souvenir map
• the option to purchase discounted attraction tickets on board our buses
• unlimited travel advice and support from our friendly guides

Where does the bus tour start from?

• Stop #1 on our tour is our ticket office at the back of the Radisson Admiral Hotel.
• The Radisson itself is located right along the waterfront at 249 Queen’s Quay West and our office is a street-level storefront at the southeast corner of the hotel. The nearest intersection is Queen’s Quay West and Rees St.

Directions to stop #1 by public transit

• Take the subway into Union Station.
• Transfer to the Harbourfront Streetcar. All of these streetcars head in the same direction so don’t worry about getting onto the wrong one.
• Get off at the 4th stop (Rees St. stop) and you’ve arrived at the Radisson Hotel.
• Walk around to the back of the hotel and you’ll find our Info Centre at the southeast corner of the building.

Directions to stop #1 by car from the North

• Hwy 400 southbound
• to Hwy 401 westbound
• to Hwy 427 southbound
• to Gardiner Expressway eastbound
• to Spadina northbound
• Turn right on Bremner Blvd (the first set of lights)
• Turn right on Rees and take it southbound all the way down to Queen’s Quay W.
• Cross Queen’s Quay W (continuing southbound) and drive around the back of the Radisson hotel.
• You’ll find the entrance to the underground parking garage on the east side of the hotel. Our Info Centre (stop #1) is located at the southeast corner of the hotel, right beside the entrance to the parking.

Directions to stop #1 from the West

• Hwy 401 eastbound
• to Hwy 427 southbound
• to Gardiner Expressway eastbound
• to Spadina northbound
• Turn right on Bremner Blvd (the first set of lights)
• Turn right on Rees and take it southbound all the way down to Queen’s Quay W.
• Cross Queen’s Quay W (continuing southbound) and drive around the back of the Radisson hotel.
• You’ll find the entrance to the underground parking garage on the east side of the hotel. Our Info Centre (stop #1) is located at the southeast corner of the hotel, right beside the entrance to the parking.

Directions to stop #1 from the East

• Hwy 401 eastbound
• to Don Valley Parkway southbound
• to Spadina northbound
• Turn right on Bremner Blvd (the first set of lights)
• Turn right on Rees and take it southbound all the way down to Queen’s Quay W.
• Cross Queen’s Quay W (continuing southbound) and drive around the back of the Radisson hotel.
• You’ll find the entrance to the underground parking garage on the east side of the hotel. Our Info Centre (stop #1) is located at the southeast corner of the hotel, right beside the entrance to the parking.

Do I have to start the tour at stop #1?

We recommend that you start the tour from stop #1 because you could begin with either the bus tour or the boat tour from this point. Another benefit is that this stop is our CitySightseeing Toronto Info Centre where you can pick up your physical tickets and our friendly staff can answer any questions you might have.

That said, if you purchase your tickets over the internet or over the phone, you’ll be given a confirmation number that will allow you to join the bus tour from any of the stops along our route.

How/where else can I join the tour?

We recommend that you start the tour from stop #1 because you could begin with either the bus tour or the boat tour from this point. Another benefit is that this stop is our CitySightseeing Toronto Info Centre where you can pick up your physical tickets and our friendly staff can answer any questions you might have.

We offer a free downtown pickup service. Call us when you first arrive to arrange for our complimentary pickup shuttle to come and get you right at your hotel, residence, or other downtown location.

You can also meet the bus itself at a point along its route that is convenient for you. If you purchase your tickets over the internet or over the phone, you’ll be given a confirmation number that will give you access to the bus at any one of our 24 stops.

Please feel free to contact us at any time for assistance in determining an ideal time and place to join the tour.

When does the first bus depart stop #1 in the morning?

The first bus departs every morning at 9:00.

How long will my bus ticket be valid for?

Although many passengers decide to ride our buses for only a single day or even a single loop, your bus ticket is valid for you to use for up to 7 days if need be. This should give you more than enough time to discover the beauty and wonder of Toronto with us.

Do the buses run 7 days a week?

Yes

Is the bus tour hop-on hop-off?

Yes

How many stops are there?

• 1- Harbourfront Centre/Radisson Hotel(map of stop #1)
• 2- Queen’s Quay Terminal
• 3- Hockey Hall of Fame/Sony Centre
• 4- St. Lawrence Market/Old Town Toronto
• 6- Corktown/Design District
• 7- King Edward Hotel/St. James Cathedral
• 8- Eaton CentreSouth
• 9- Massey Hall
• 10- Dundas Square
• 11- Maple Leaf Gardens
• 12- Yonge & Isabella
• 13- Yonge & Bloor
• 14- Bloor-Yorkville
• 15- Casa Loma
• 16- The Annex/Bloor & Spadina
• 17- Bata Shoe Museum
• 18- ROM/Gardiner Museum
• 19- Queen’s Park/Hospital Alley
• 20- AGO/ChinaTown
• 21- King & John/Theatre District
• 22- CN Tower North/Metro Convention Centre
• 23- Union Station/Fairmont Royal York
• 24- CN Tower South/Rogers Centre

What major sights and attractions do the buses pass?

• CN Tower
• Casa Loma
• Eaton Centre
• Dundas Square
• Harbourfront Centre
• Royal Ontario Museum
• Art Gallery of Ontario
• St. Lawrence Market
• The Distillery
• Hockey Hall of Fame
• City Halls
• Bata Shoe Museum
• Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art
• Theatre District
• Chinatown
• Kensington Market
• Bloor-Yorkville
• Queen’s Park
• Entertainment District
• Club District
• University of Toronto
• Baldwin Village
• John Street Roundhouse

Click Here for a full list of sights and attractions our buses pass

What do your stops look like?

How long is the bus tour if I don’t get off at any of the stops?

The entire tour lasts 2 hours from start to finish.

I’m not looking to hop on and off. Is this OK?

Yes. In fact this is how many of our customers decide to enjoy their tour experience; they join the tour at one of our stops, do a single fun-filled loop through the city, and finish at a point that is convenient for them.

How frequently do the buses run?

Our buses run as often as every 20 minutes during the peak summer months and somewhat less frequently during the slower season. Please feel free to contact us as your travel date nears for the most current schedule information.

Does the bus wait at every stop?

Although we have introduced a few photo and rest pauses at ideal points along our route, our aim is to interrupt the flow of our tour as little as possible. With this in mind, we try to wait at regular stops just long enough to safely exchange any passengers before continuing on.

Is the bus tour narrated?

Yes. Each and every bus has at least one live guide on board. These official CitySightseeing Toronto guides are fun, friendly, and informative. They will tell you all about the sights and attractions along our route and would be more than happy to give you advice on how to make the most of your stay in our city.

In what language(s) is the tour spoken?

Although many of our guides are bilingual or even multilingual, the primary tour is given in English. That said, we have successfully made special arrangements in the past to accommodate the language preferences of travelers from all over the world. Please do not hesitate to contact us to see if such arrangements might be made for your group.

What kind of buses do you use?

During peak season, all of our vehicles are open-top double-deckers buses that afford you the best possible view of Toronto in all its glory.

CitySightseeing Toronto uses only the finest open-top Routemaster double-deckers. Originally introduced by London Transport, these distinctive buses were so well designed that they ended up outlasting later replacement models and remained in regular service until 2005. Only 2,876 of these incredible vehicles were ever built and 1,000 are still in existence today.

Will people of all ages enjoy the bus tour?

Absolutely. Over the years, we have hosted countless retirees, newlyweds, kids, infants and even newborns. There is something for everyone to love about our wonderful city as seen from our classic Routemaster buses.

Can I bring my stroller onto the bus?

Yes

Are the buses wheelchair accessible?

Although we are happy to store collapsible wheelchairs on board the bus during the tour, we are currently unable to offer double-decker bus tours to those who are wheelchair-bound.

What happens if it rains?

We run rain or shine. If it’s raining, you’re welcome to sit on the lower level of the bus where you’ll be warm and toasty. If you’d rather brave the rain and sit on the upper deck, we will gladly provide you with an official CitySightseeing rain poncho at no charge.

What should I bring onto the bus with me?

Be sure to bring your camera if you have one. If you’re joining us on a hot and sunny day, consider bringing a hat and a bottle of water. And of course your sense of adventure!

Will my bus ticket get me into all the attractions?

No. Although some of the city’s top attractions (Eaton Centre, St. Lawrence Market, Distillery, Chinatown etc.) are free to visit, others require that you buy a ticket to get in (CN Tower, Casa Loma, ROM, AGO etc.). You may, however, purchase discounted tickets to many important attractions from the staff on our buses.!

I would like to hop off at some of the attractions along the route. How long should I stay at the CN Tower or other attraction?

How long you stay at a given attraction is entirely up to you. People tend to spend at least an hour at attractions like the CN Tower, Casa Loma and the Distillery. You may need to set aside more time if you’re looking to stop for lunch or if you plan on exploring the extensive collections of the ROM, the AGO, or another of our top museums. Please make sure, however, to wrap things up before the last bus passes by your location. Your tour guide(s) will be more than happy to help you with the details of your visit.

The free boat tour

What is the name of the boat and where does the tour start from?

The boat, called the Harbour Star, docks at the foot of Harbourfront Centre’s West Pier (stop #1).

map to the Harbour Star

Does the boat tour run 7 days a week?

Yes.

How long is the boat tour and how often does it depart?

The Harbour and Islands Cruise lasts 45 minutes (not including boarding and disembarking time) and it departs every hour and fifteen minutes.

The first boat departs at 10:30 during the peak season and 11:45 during the shoulder season. Contact us as your travel date nears for the most current information.

What is the operating season of the boat?

The Harbour Star operates on a 6-month season, roughly from May until the end of October. The exact start and finish dates of the season are determined largely by weather conditions so please feel free to contact us as your travel date nears for the most current information.

Where does the boat tour go and what will I see?

The Harbour Star spends about half the cruise exploring the Toronto Inner Harbour and the rest of the time traveling through the canals and lagoons of the 14 Toronto Islands.

Here are just a few of the sights you can expect to see from the boat:

• Toronto’s amazing skyline
• City Centre Airport
• Hanlan’s Point
• Gibraltar Point Lighthouse
• Wildlife Sanctuary
• Centre Island/Centreville
• Island Yacht Club/Muggs Island
• Toronto Island Marina
• Forestry Island
• Allan A. Lamport Regatta Course
• Ward Island/Algonquin Island
• Royal Canadian Yacht Club
• Queen City Yacht Club
• Polson Pier
• Redpath Sugar Refinery
• Ferry Docks/Westin Harbour Castle
• Pier 6
• Queen’s Quay Terminal
• Harbourfront Centre

Can I bring my stroller on the boat?

Yes.

What happens if it rains?

We run rain or shine. If it’s raining, you’re welcome to sit on the lower deck of the boat where you’ll be warm and toasty. On this level you’ll find a bar and restroom facilities for your convenience. Otherwise, the upper deck is covered by a canopy so you could spend the entire cruise outdoors on a rainy day and still stay dry. If you’re concerned about getting wet, we will gladly provide you with an official CitySightseeing rain poncho at no charge.

Are there lifejackets on board?

As per Transport Canada regulations, we have more than enough life jackets on board for everyone to use in the event of an emergency. The Harbour Star comes complete with a full array of safety equipment that includes everything from fire extinguishers and life rings to an inflatable life raft, large enough to accommodate everyone on the boat. All of our crew is fully certified and trained to use this equipment should the need arise. We take safety very seriously!

Will I be sitting inside or outside on the boat?

It’s up to you. Three distinct seating options are available.

You can sit on the upper deck of the boat. This fully-unobstructed upper deck is the only one of its kind in Toronto, affording passengers a 360-degree view of the skyline and some of the city’s best photo opportunities. There is a canopy on this level that provides protection from the elements if need be.

Another seating option is the wraparound outdoor deck located slightly above water level. Passengers looking for some sunshine usually find a cozy seat here where they can relax and watch the waves lap up against the side of the boat.

The naturally-lit interior of the Harbour Star is laid out in bistro style and features tables and cushioned chairs as well as restroom facilities. Kick back and enjoy a cocktail here and watch the captain navigate through the harbour and into the canals and lagoons of the islands.

Is the boat tour narrated?

Yes. There is a live guide on board the boat who will deliver a fun, friendly, and informative commentary as the boat winds its way through the harbour and islands. This official CitySightseeing Toronto guide would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have and to offer thoughtful advice on how to make the most of your stay.

Will people of all ages enjoy the boat tour?

Absolutely. Over the years, we have hosted countless retirees, newlyweds, kids, infants and even newborns. Everyone will have an amazing time while traveling around on our classic Routemaster buses.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Although we are happy to store collapsible wheelchairs on board during the tour, we are currently unable to offer boat tours to those who are wheelchair-bound.

Will the water be calm during the boat tour?

The Toronto Inner Harbour is a natural harbour protected by the islands so, yes, the water is generally very calm. In addition, we spend about half the duration of the cruise winding our way through the canals and lagoons of the islands, where the water is usually flat calm.

What should I bring onto the boat with me?

If you have a camera, bring it because you’ll get tons of opportunities for postcard-quality photos of our ever-growing skyline as well as the flora and fauna of the 14 islands. Nature lovers and bird watchers might want to bring binoculars as our passengers have glimpsed everything from oxes and deer to cormorants and herons.

Does the boat stop on the any of the islands?

We offer a non-stop islands experience that is uninterrupted by awkward and time-consuming pickups and dropoffs. People typically join our tour and get a feel for the 14 islands in their entirety. If they notice a particular island during the cruise that’s of interest, we can direct them to the appropriate city ferry. The city of Toronto has been offering an efficient and inexpensive ferry service to Ward Island, Centre Island and Hanlan’s Point for years.

The bus tour and the boat tour

Is the Harbour and Islands Cruise really free with my bus ticket?

Yes. It is absolutely free!

What comes first: the bus or the boat?

You may start with either the bus or the boat; it’s entirely up to you and both tours start from stop #1. You could begin with the boat tour and pick up the bus after the cruise, or you could ride the bus tour and be dropped off at the boat when it’s finished. And remember that even if you started with the bus and got dropped off at the boat, your experience doesn’t have to end there; why not catch the bus again and keep hopping on and off!

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the first bus of the day always departs sooner than the first boat of the day. So, if you’re looking to get an early start on your day with us, you might want to begin with the bus tour.

If I do the bus tour first and the boat tour second, can I get back onto the bus after the boat?

Absolutely. You can keep using the bus as much as you like during the validity period of your ticket.

How far is the boat from the stop #1?

The boat is about 2 minutes’ walk from stop #1 so the bus tour and the boat tour essentially begin from the same location.

Do I have to do the boat tour right after the bus tour or vice versa?

Not at all. You can even do your boat ride on a completely different day if you like. In fact, your boat ticket can be redeemed on any one occasion during the season in which you bought your hop-on hop-off ticket.

Tickets and Pricing

How can I buy CitySightseeing Toronto tickets?

The easiest and cheapest way to buy CitySightseeing tickets is on the internet through this website. It’s quick and easy and you’ll get an instant printable receipt. If you don’t have access to a printer, not to worry; you’ll be given a simple confirmation number. Scribble it down on a piece of paper and you’re ready to join the tour at the location of your choice.

Another way of booking discounted tickets is over the phone. Call us anytime between 8am and 8pm EST to buy tickets at from one of our live service agents. As is the case with the online tickets, no printer is required although we would be happy to email you a printable receipt.

If you’re staying at a hotel or other residence downtown, call us for our complimentary hotel pickup. We’ll come over at a time of your choosing and bring you to the start of the tour.

Tickets may also be purchased at the regular price from agents at any of our sales locations. The most prominent of these is our info centre/ticket office on the east side of the Radisson Hotel.

The Radisson itself is located right along the waterfront at 249 Queen’s Quay West and our office is a street-level storefront at the southeast corner of the hotel. The nearest intersection is Queen’s Quay West and Rees St.

map to stop #1

For step-by-step direction on how to get to stop#1, please see Bus Tour FAQ

Why should I buy my tickets online or over the phone?

Buying your tickets online or over the phone is cheaper and it’s also quick and easy. You’ll be given a simple confirmation number. Write it down and use it to access the bus at any one of our 24 stops. We will also email you a printable receipt for your records.

What does my CitySightseeing ticket get me?

Your ticket gets you:

• a hop-on hop-off sightseeing ticket that’s valid for up to 7 days
• a FREE boat tour
• free downtown pickup upon your arrival
• 24 great stops to choose from
• a free souvenir map
• the privilege of purchasing discounted attraction tickets on board our buses
• unlimited travel advice and support from our friendly guides

Do I have to book for a specific time and date when buying tickets online or over the phone?

No, you don’t have to commit to a particular travel time or date when booking online or over the phone. Your booking is open-ended, allowing you the flexibility to use your tickets at a time of your choosing. This is handy for people want to buy the tickets at a discounted price but who aren’t sure what day or time they’d like to come.

Do I need to have access to a printer in order to buy tickets online?

If you don’t have access to a printer, not to worry; you’ll be given a simple confirmation number. Scribble it down on a piece of paper and you’re ready to join the tour at the location of your choice. We will, however, email you a printable receipt for your records.

I’m buying tickets for someone else over the internet or over the phone. How does that work?

No problem. Just relay the confirmation number from your online or phone transaction to the people who are going. This will allow them to join the tour at a location of their choosing. You can also give them a copy of the printable receipt if you like although it isn’t necessary.

Who can I contact if I have questions about my online transaction?

You may call customer support anytime at 416 410 0536 for assistance on any number of topics.