City Sightseeing Toronto

City Sightseeing Toronto operates open-top double-decker bus tours on a hop-on, hop-off loop through the city's major attractions. The route typically covers landmarks like the CN Tower, Harbourfront, Distillery District, St. Lawrence Market, the ROM, and Casa Loma, with audio commentary available in multiple languages.

For families, the hop-on hop-off format is the biggest advantage. You can ride the full loop once to get oriented (about 2 hours without stopping), then hop off at whichever stops interest your kids most. If someone needs a break, a snack, or a bathroom, you just get off and catch the next bus. This flexibility makes it one of the more forgiving tourist activities for families with young kids.

The top deck is the draw — open air with unobstructed views. Kids love sitting up high and watching the city go by. The lower deck is enclosed with air conditioning, which is a good fallback on very hot days or if it starts to rain. Strollers need to be folded for boarding and stored on the lower level, which can be a hassle.

The audio commentary is geared more toward adult tourists, so kids may lose interest in the narration. Bring headphones with something else for them to listen to, or just let the visual experience carry the ride. The best strategy for families is to do the full loop in the morning and then spend the afternoon at one or two stops that caught the kids' attention.

Tickets are valid for 24 or 48 hours, depending on the pass type. Starting early in the day maximizes your value. The main boarding point is at 1 Dundas Street East, near the Eaton Centre.

The buses run seasonally, with the most frequent service from May through October. Winter service may be reduced or suspended. Check the website for current schedules.