What the Toronto City Pass Is and How It Works
The Toronto City Pass is a bundled attraction ticket that gives entry to five of the cityโs biggest attractions for a reduced combined price. Instead of buying individual tickets at each attraction, you purchase one pass and then visit the included attractions over several days. For most visitors, this simplifies planning and can reduce overall sightseeing costs significantly.
The pass includes five attractions in total, with two fixed attractions and three additional attractions chosen from a list. The fixed attractions are the CN Tower and Ripleyโs Aquarium of Canada, which are two of the most popular things to do in Toronto. You then choose three more attractions from options such as the Royal Ontario Museum, Casa Loma, Toronto Zoo, Art Gallery of Ontario, or a Toronto Harbour Cruise.
One of the biggest advantages of the pass is flexibility. The Toronto CityPASS is valid for nine consecutive days from the first time you use it, which means you donโt have to rush around trying to see everything in one or two days. This is particularly useful if you are visiting Toronto for a long weekend or a full week.
Tickets are delivered digitally and can be scanned directly from your phone at each attraction. Some attractions may require reservations in advance, and these can be managed through the CityPASS app or website. Overall, the pass is designed to make sightseeing easier, cheaper, and more organised for visitors to Toronto.
Attractions Included in the Toronto CityPASS
The Toronto City Pass includes entry to five attractions, combining Torontoโs most famous landmarks, museums, and sightseeing experiences. Two attractions are always included, and you then choose three more from a list depending on your interests.
The two included attractions are:
- CN Tower
- Ripleyโs Aquarium of Canada
You then choose three from the following:
- Royal Ontario Museum
- Casa Loma
- Toronto Zoo
- Art Gallery of Ontario
- City Cruises Toronto Harbour Tour
This structure makes the pass flexible because you can tailor the attractions to suit your trip. For example, families often choose the zoo and aquarium, while couples or city-break visitors often choose Casa Loma, the harbour cruise, and the Royal Ontario Museum.
Another important thing to know is that each attraction can be visited once, and you do not need to select your attractions when you purchase the pass. Instead, you simply show up at the attraction and scan your pass for entry, which makes the Toronto City Pass very easy to use.
The attractions included are some of the most expensive individual tickets in Toronto, which is why the pass can offer significant savings compared to buying each ticket separately.
CN Tower
The CN Tower is Torontoโs most famous landmark and one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world. Visiting the tower is included in the Toronto City Pass and usually forms the highlight of most trips to the city.
The main attraction is the observation deck, which offers panoramic views across Toronto, Lake Ontario, and on clear days, even parts of the United States. The experience includes access to both the main observation level and the lower observation level, where you can also find the famous glass floor, allowing you to stand and look straight down to the ground far below.
Many visitors choose to visit the CN Tower around sunset, when you can see the city in daylight, sunset colours, and then illuminated at night. This is usually the busiest time, but also the most impressive time to visit.
If you were buying tickets separately, general admission typically costs around CAD $43โ$47 for adults, which makes it one of the most expensive single attractions in Toronto. Because of this, the CN Tower alone already covers a large portion of the Toronto City Pass cost, which is why the pass can offer good value if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
The tower is located in downtown Toronto near the waterfront, Ripleyโs Aquarium, Rogers Centre, and the harbourfront area, so it is easy to combine with other attractions on the same day.
Ripleyโs Aquarium of Canada
Ripleyโs Aquarium of Canada is located next to the CN Tower and is one of the most popular attractions in the city, especially for families and first-time visitors. Entry to the aquarium is included in the Toronto City Pass, making it one of the key attractions covered by the pass.
The aquarium features multiple themed galleries, including freshwater habitats, tropical fish exhibits, jellyfish displays, and one of the most impressive underwater tunnel conveyor belts in North America. The moving walkway takes you through a glass tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and large fish swimming above and around you.
There are also regular feeding demonstrations, dive shows, and educational talks throughout the day, which are included in the entry ticket. The aquarium is indoors, which makes it a very good attraction to visit during bad weather or winter months.
Individual tickets usually cost around CAD $44 for adults, which again makes it one of the more expensive attractions in Toronto. When combined with the CN Tower ticket price, the Toronto City Pass can quickly start to represent good value if you plan to visit at least two or three additional attractions.
The aquarium can be very busy, particularly during weekends and school holidays, so visiting early in the morning or later in the evening is usually the best way to avoid the biggest crowds.
Royal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum, often called the ROM, is one of the largest museums in North America and one of the most interesting attractions included in the Toronto City Pass. If you enjoy history, natural history, dinosaurs, ancient cultures, or world artefacts, this is one of the best museums in Canada.
The museum is known for its dramatic modern crystal-shaped entrance, which contrasts with the historic original building. Inside, the museum is enormous, with galleries covering dinosaurs, ancient Egypt, ancient China, Indigenous Canadian history, minerals and gemstones, wildlife, and world cultures. You could easily spend half a day here without seeing everything.
One of the most popular sections is the dinosaur gallery, which includes full skeleton displays and interactive exhibits. The Egyptian gallery is also very impressive, with mummies and artefacts thousands of years old. The museum is well laid out and easy to explore even if you only have a few hours.
Individual tickets usually cost around CAD $26โ$30 for adults, so including the museum as one of your attractions in the Toronto City Pass helps increase the overall value of the pass. The museum is located near Yorkville and the University of Toronto, so it is easy to combine with shopping, cafรฉs, or other nearby attractions on the same day.
Casa Loma
Casa Loma is one of Torontoโs most unusual attractions. It is a historic mansion built in the early 1900s that looks like a European castle sitting on a hill overlooking the city. Visiting Casa Loma feels very different from the modern downtown area and gives a glimpse into Torontoโs early wealthy history.
Inside the castle, you can explore grand rooms, secret passages, towers, tunnels, gardens, and historic exhibits. The self-guided audio tour included with entry explains the story of Sir Henry Pellatt, the wealthy businessman who built the castle, and how the building eventually became a museum and tourist attraction.
One of the highlights is climbing the towers, where you get great views across Toronto. The underground tunnel leading to the stables and car collection is also very interesting and something many visitors donโt expect. The gardens are particularly nice in spring and summer.
Tickets normally cost around CAD $40 for adults, which makes Casa Loma one of the more expensive attractions in Toronto. Because of this, choosing Casa Loma as one of your attractions in the Toronto City Pass can significantly increase the savings you get from the pass.
Casa Loma is located slightly north of downtown Toronto, so you may need public transport or a taxi to get there, but it is definitely worth the visit if you are interested in history, architecture, or photography.
Toronto Zoo, Art Gallery of Ontario, and City Cruises Harbour Tour
The Toronto City Pass allows you to choose additional attractions depending on your interests, and these final options give the pass flexibility for different types of travellers.
The Toronto Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the world and is particularly popular with families. The zoo is divided into geographic regions such as Africa, Asia, and the Americas, and includes animals such as lions, giraffes, gorillas, polar bears, and pandas (depending on the year and conservation programmes). The zoo is located outside the city centre, so visiting usually takes most of a day. Tickets normally cost around CAD $30โ$35, making it a good option if you are travelling with children or staying in Toronto for several days.
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is one of the most important art museums in Canada and features Canadian art, European masterpieces, modern art, and rotating exhibitions. The gallery building itself is also famous for its architecture and sweeping wooden staircase. Tickets are usually around CAD $25, and this is a good choice if you prefer art galleries over museums or zoos.
The City Cruises Toronto Harbour Tour is a sightseeing boat cruise that runs from the waterfront and gives views of the Toronto skyline from Lake Ontario. The cruise usually lasts around one hour and includes commentary about the city and harbourfront. This attraction is seasonal and typically runs from spring through autumn. Tickets usually cost around CAD $30โ$35, and this is a great option if you want skyline photos and a relaxing sightseeing experience.
Choosing the more expensive attractions when using the Toronto City Pass will maximise the savings you get from the pass.
Toronto City Pass Price and Savings Compared to Individual Tickets
To understand whether the Toronto City Pass is worth buying, it helps to compare the cost of buying individual attraction tickets versus the cost of the pass.
Below is a typical price comparison using approximate adult ticket prices:
| Attraction | Individual Ticket Price (CAD) |
|---|---|
| CN Tower | $45 |
| Ripleyโs Aquarium | $44 |
| Casa Loma | $40 |
| Royal Ontario Museum | $28 |
| Harbour Cruise | $32 |
| Toronto Zoo | $32 |
| Art Gallery of Ontario | $25 |
If you visited the CN Tower, Aquarium, Casa Loma, Royal Ontario Museum, and Harbour Cruise separately, the total would be roughly $189 CAD.
The Toronto City Pass typically costs around $99โ$110 CAD, depending on the season and exchange rates.
This means the typical saving is around $70โ$90 CAD per person, which is roughly the advertised 30โ38% saving.
The pass offers the best value if:
- You plan to visit the CN Tower and Aquarium anyway
- You visit at least three additional attractions
- You choose the more expensive attractions like Casa Loma and the Harbour Cruise
If you only plan to visit one or two attractions, then the Toronto City Pass is usually not worth buying, but if you plan to see most of the main attractions, it can save a significant amount of money.
Where to Buy the Toronto City Pass
If you decide the Toronto City Pass is worth it for your trip, the easiest option is to buy the pass online and receive mobile tickets instantly. Buying in advance means you can start using the pass as soon as you arrive in the city without queuing at ticket offices.
There are several official and authorised sellers where you can purchase the Toronto CityPASS. Prices are usually similar, but some platforms offer flexible cancellation, bundled tours, or loyalty points depending on where you book.
Most travellers buy the Toronto City Pass through one of the following platforms:
- Official CityPASS website
- GetYourGuide
- Tiqets
- Viator
Always compare prices and cancellation policies before purchasing, especially if your travel dates are not fully confirmed yet.
Buying online also allows you to store the pass on your phone, make reservations where required, and skip some ticket queues at attractions. For most visitors, purchasing online in advance is the easiest and most convenient option.
Is the Toronto City Pass Worth It
Whether the Toronto City Pass is worth buying really depends on how many attractions you plan to visit and how long you are staying in the city. For most first-time visitors, the pass usually represents good value because the included attractions are some of the most expensive and most popular things to do in Toronto.
The biggest factor is that the pass already includes CN Tower and Ripleyโs Aquarium, which together normally cost close to the price of the pass on their own. Once you add Casa Loma, the Royal Ontario Museum, or the Harbour Cruise, the savings become quite significant. If you visit four or five attractions, the pass almost always saves money.
Another advantage is convenience. You donโt need to buy separate tickets at each attraction, and you donโt have to decide your exact schedule in advance. The nine-day validity period also means you can spread attractions across several days instead of rushing.
However, the pass is not for everyone. If you are only in Toronto for a very short time, or you only want to visit one or two attractions, then buying individual tickets is usually cheaper. The pass works best for visitors staying three to five days who want to see most of the major attractions.
In simple terms, the Toronto City Pass is usually worth it if you want to see the main sights and prefer a simple, flexible sightseeing plan rather than buying tickets individually.
Who Should Buy the Toronto City Pass
The Toronto City Pass is best suited to certain types of travellers, and understanding this can help you decide quickly whether it makes sense for your trip.
The pass is ideal for first-time visitors to Toronto who want to see the major attractions without spending time researching and buying separate tickets. Because the pass includes the CN Tower, aquarium, museum options, and sightseeing experiences, it covers most of the major tourist attractions in the city.
It is also a very good option for families, especially because attractions like the aquarium and zoo are usually expensive when buying individual tickets. The pass can reduce the total cost of sightseeing significantly if multiple family members are visiting several attractions.
Couples and city-break travellers also benefit from the pass, particularly if they plan to visit Casa Loma, the harbour cruise, and the Royal Ontario Museum, which are all relatively expensive individual tickets.
The pass is usually not worth it for business travellers, people visiting friends, or visitors who are mainly interested in shopping, restaurants, or neighbourhoods rather than attractions. In those cases, you may only visit one attraction, and the pass would not save money.
In general, the Toronto City Pass works best for:
โข First-time visitors
โข Families
โข Visitors staying 3โ5 days
โข People planning to visit multiple attractions
โข Travellers who like organised sightseeing
Tips for Using the Toronto City Pass
If you decide to buy the Toronto City Pass, there are a few simple tips that can help you get the maximum value from it and avoid common mistakes.
The most important tip is to start using the pass early in your trip, because the nine-day validity begins from the first attraction you visit, not the purchase date. Starting early gives you more flexibility and avoids running out of time to use all the attractions.
Another useful strategy is to group attractions by location. The CN Tower and Ripleyโs Aquarium are next to each other, so they are easy to visit on the same day. The Royal Ontario Museum and Yorkville area can also be combined into one day, while Casa Loma is best combined with a northern part of the city visit.
If you want to maximise savings, choose the more expensive attractions such as Casa Loma, the Harbour Cruise, and the Royal Ontario Museum, rather than the cheaper options.
It is also important to check whether reservations are required, particularly for the harbour cruise or during busy seasons. Reservations can usually be made through the CityPASS app.
Finally, try to visit the CN Tower early morning or late evening, as this attraction often has the longest queues.
Rupertโs Handy Travel Tips
If youโre planning to use the Toronto City Pass, here are a few tips to help you get the most value from it:
- Start early: Activate your pass on your first full day in Toronto so you have the full nine days to use it.
- Visit CN Tower early: The queues are much shorter in the morning or later in the evening.
- Group attractions: CN Tower and Ripleyโs Aquarium are next to each other, so visit them on the same day.
- Choose expensive attractions: Casa Loma and the Harbour Cruise usually give the biggest savings.
- Check cruise season: The harbour cruise does not run in winter, so choose another attraction if visiting between December and March.
Want to meet the reindeer behind our travel tips? Find out more in our page Who is Rupert?.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Toronto City Pass
Is the Toronto City Pass cheaper than buying tickets separately?
In most cases, yes. If you visit the CN Tower, Ripleyโs Aquarium, and at least two or three additional attractions, the Toronto City Pass usually saves money compared to buying individual tickets. The biggest savings come when you choose the more expensive attractions like Casa Loma and the Harbour Cruise.
How long is the Toronto City Pass valid for?
The pass is valid for nine consecutive days from the first attraction visit, not from the date you purchase it. You can buy the pass in advance and activate it when you visit your first attraction.
Do I need to book attractions in advance?
Some attractions may require reservations, particularly during busy seasons or for the harbour cruise. Reservations can usually be made through the CityPASS app or website after purchasing the pass.
Can I visit attractions more than once?
No. Each attraction included in the Toronto City Pass allows one entry per attraction.
Is the Toronto City Pass worth it for short trips?
If you are only in Toronto for one or two days and only plan to visit one or two attractions, the pass is usually not worth it. It works best for visitors staying three to five days who want to see several attractions.
Can I use the Toronto City Pass on my phone?
Yes. Tickets are delivered digitally and can be scanned directly from your phone at each attraction, so you usually do not need to print anything.
Further Reading & Related Toronto Guides
Planning a trip to Toronto or exploring more of Canada? These guides cover transport, attractions, sightseeing, rail travel, airport transfers, and one of the countryโs biggest airlines to help you build a smoother trip.
Getting Around Toronto
Learn how regional rail works for day trips and beyond โ GO Trains Toronto Guide: Routes, Tickets, Prices & How to Use (2026)
Compare the best ways to get into the city after landing โ Toronto Airport to Downtown: Train, Bus, Taxi & Uber Guide (2026)
Travel from the city to one of Canadaโs top natural sights โ Toronto to Niagara Falls: Train, Bus & Travel Guide (2026)
Toronto Attractions & Sightseeing
See the cityโs main landmarks from an open-top bus โ Toronto Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours: Routes, Stops & Tickets (2026)
Plan your full city stay with transport, attractions, and local tips โ Ultimate Toronto Travel Guide (2025): Attractions, Transit & Local Tips
Explore Beyond the City
Find the best escapes for waterfalls, wine country, small towns, and scenic Ontario โ Best Day Trips from Toronto: Top Destinations for 2026
Flights & Airline Planning
Learn more about Canadaโs flag carrier, route network, and loyalty scheme โ Air Canada Travel Guide 2026: Routes, Star Alliance & Aeroplan Explained
Last Updated
This guide to the Toronto City Pass was last updated in March 2026. Attraction prices, opening hours, and included attractions may change, so always check official attraction websites before purchasing tickets.
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