CityPASS Toronto: Is It a Good Deal? A Complete Breakdown

Planning a trip to Toronto can get expensive fast. You want to see the big sights, but individual ticket prices add up. This brings up a common question for visitors: Is CityPASS Toronto a good deal?

Many tourist passes promise big savings. We are going to look at the numbers for CityPASS Toronto to see if it delivers. This factual analysis will help you decide if the pass is a smart purchase for your visit to the 6ix.

(Note: Prices are approximate for 2025 and in CAD. Always check official websites for current rates before your visit.)

What is CityPASS Toronto?

CityPASS Toronto is a ticket bundle that gives you admission to five of the city’s top attractions. You get access to two fixed attractions and then choose three more from a list of four options. The pass is valid for nine consecutive days, starting from your first attraction visit.

The Core Attractions: What’s Included?

Every CityPASS Toronto includes admission to these two major landmarks:

CN Tower: General Admission to the Main and Lower Observation Levels.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada: General Admission.

These are two of the most popular (and often busiest) spots in the city, located right next to each other.

Your Choice: The Other Three Attractions

After the two main attractions, you get to pick three from the following four:

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
City Cruises Toronto (60-Minute Sightseeing Harbour Tour)
Casa Loma
Toronto Zoo

You do not need to make your choices when you buy the pass. You can decide later.

Let’s Do the Math: The Cost Breakdown

The value of the pass depends entirely on the attractions you choose. Let’s examine the costs based on the provided regular box office prices for a single adult.

CityPASS Adult Price: $98.74 + tax

Now, let’s add up the regular prices.

Fixed Attractions Cost:
- CN Tower: $35.71
- Ripley’s Aquarium: $37.99
- Subtotal for Fixed Attractions: $73.70

This means the two main attractions alone cost almost 75% of the entire CityPASS price. To get your money’s worth, the three optional attractions you choose must have a combined value of more than $25.04 ($98.74 – $73.70).

Optional Attractions – Maximum Savings Scenario: To get the most value, you should pick the three most expensive options.
- Toronto Zoo: $34.29
- Casa Loma: $26.90
- City Cruises Toronto: $25.03
- Subtotal for Max-Value Options: $86.22
Total Cost Without CityPASS (Maximum Value):
- Fixed Attractions: $73.70
- Max-Value Options: $86.22
- Total Regular Price: $159.92

In this scenario, your savings would be $61.18 ($159.92 – $98.74). This works out to a 38% discount, which matches the company’s advertised claim.

When is CityPASS a Great Deal?

The pass offers solid value for specific types of travelers.

First-Time Visitors: If you are new to Toronto and your goal is to see the main tourist highlights, this pass is designed for you. It simplifies planning and provides a clear financial benefit.
Families: Buying a pass for each family member can streamline the process. It’s one purchase instead of five separate ones.
Visitors with a Plan: If you fully intend to visit at least four of the five available attractions, the pass almost always saves you money.

When Might You Skip CityPASS?

The pass is not the right choice for everyone.

If You Only Want to See 1 or 2 Attractions: The math does not work out. Buying tickets individually will be cheaper.
If You Have a Short Trip: Fitting five attractions into a short weekend might feel rushed. The 9-day validity helps, but you still need time.
If You Prefer Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel: If your plan is to explore neighborhoods like Kensington Market, ride the TTC, and eat at local spots, then a pass for major attractions may not fit your travel style.

Important Things to Know Before You Buy

Reservations are Required: You must make advance reservations for the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, and City Cruises. Do this as soon as you get your pass to secure your preferred times.
Validity Period: The 9-day clock starts the first day you use the pass at an attraction. Plan your visits within this window.
Digital Tickets: Your tickets will be sent to your email after purchase. You can print them or show them on your phone.

The Final Verdict

CityPASS Toronto is a legitimate way to save money if your travel plans align with its offerings. The key is to visit at least four of the attractions, with the savings increasing if you select the higher-priced options like the Toronto Zoo and Casa Loma.

Before you purchase, look at the list of attractions. If you see at least four that you genuinely want to visit, the pass is a strong financial choice. If not, you are better off buying individual tickets.

Looking for more things to do around Toronto? Make sure you read our blog Tourist Things To Do In Toronto.

What are your thoughts on tourist passes? Have you used CityPASS in Toronto? Share your experience in the comments below.

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