Toronto is a great big city, with over 2.93 million residents, so there’s no wonder that even locals haven’t seen all the city has to offer. Whether you’re a tourist, have family or friends in town, or are enjoying a family staycation and want to save some money a little research goes a long way. Today we’re sharing some money saving tips to help you enjoy the 416 for less!
Toronto CityPASS
The Toronto CityPASS is a great way to plan out a Toronto adventure for less. Their motto of, ‘spend less. Experience more' certainly applies here. The CityPASS will save you 36 percent on admission to Toronto’s Top Five Attractions compared to purchasing at the door. The pass is valid for nine consecutive days from the first day you use it. The pass will also provide you with line-skipping privileges at some attractions.
A review from Monofitzy shared just how worthwhile this pass is saying,
We purchased CityPASS for Toronto. We saved approximately $200 on admission prices for the three of us. The lines for each attraction were long and CityPASS allowed us to skip the line and have more time seeing the sights. We would absolutely purchase again.
The pass can be used for admission to the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Casa Loma, the Royal Ontario Museum and a choice of either the Toronto Zoo or Ontario Science Centre and costs 72.96 USD for adults and 49.96 USD for children.
The pass can be used immediately through its mobile and printable options. Reviewer Richard says he, “purchased the CityPASS (that) very morning and within 30 mins I was already enjoying the spectacular views of the CN tower and Ripley's aquarium!”
To make the best use possible of your time, below are the posted hours for each attraction featured in the Toronto CityPASS:
Casa Loma
Open daily from 9:30 am to 5:00pm, closes at 4pm on Christmas eve and is closed on Christmas day. Here is a calendar of Casa Loma events including brunches, teas, and escape room adventures/games.
CN Tower
The CN Tower is open daily from 9 am to 10:30pm. To book an EdgeWalk Experience book online for pricing starting at $195.00.
Ontario Science Centre
Ontario Science Centre is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday 10 am to 7 pm, and Sundays and Holidays from 10 am to 5 pm. The Ontario Science Centre is closed on Christmas. Please see their website for information on holiday hours.
Ripley's Aquarium
Ripley’s Aquarium is open from 9am to 11pm with occasional early closures. Visit their event calendar to check hours and view other special (separately ticketed) events.
ROM
Royal Ontario Museum: Tuesday to Sunday 10 am-5:30 pm. December Holidays - Monday to Sunday: 10 am to 5:30 pm (Closed December 25). Summer Hours (July 1 to Labour Day) Monday to Sunday: 10 am to 5:30 pm. Holiday Mondays: Open on Ontario Family Day, Ontario March Break, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Thanksgiving Monday: 10 am to 5:30 pm.
Special Events not included in the CityPASS Note:
During several Fridays The Royal Ontario Museum offers Friday Night Live (separate from the pass) for people; “Art. Culture. Nature. Remixed. Dance, drink, and discover the ROM like never before, at Toronto’s most iconic Friday night event. Satisfy your food cravings, while dancing the night away with sets from top DJ's and local artists. You don't want to miss the hottest bash in the city!” Visit the ROM online for further details on upcoming Friday Night Live Events.
The Toronto Zoo
At the time of posting the Toronto Zoo is open 364 days a year (excluding Christmas) from 9:30am to 4:30 pm. For a full schedule of upcoming events visit their online calendar (http://www.torontozoo.com/events).
Toronto Public Library Museum and Art Pass (MAP)
Sponsored by The Bennett Family Foundation, The Toronto Public library offers a program where you may sign out a MAP pass using a valid adult library card for several Toronto museums and cultural attractions. Passes are available in limited quantities at a number of local library branches for attractions including the Aga Khan Museum, AGO, The Bata Shoe Museum, Black Creek Pioneer Village, Gardiner Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Ontario Science Centre, ROM, Textile Museum of Canada, Toronto History Museum, and Toronto Zoo. There is also a MAP Performing Arts Pass which allows people to see music, theatre, film, and more for free, that is available at 10 select library branches. Note that availability is limited, as are the number of passes available for one adult borrower at any specific time. It may be more difficult to get access to passes during peak times, like March break. Visit your local library branch to find out more.
Knowing When Key Attractions Offer Free Admission
Some Toronto attractions offer limited events with free admission.
The Royal Ontario Museum currently runs a free admission evening the third Tuesday night of each month during extended hours from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Check their website to confirm the next free Tuesday night event.
The AGO offers ‘Under 25 Free Admission Passes’ where visitors under 25 can visit the AGO and any special exhibition for free, whenever the gallery is open. Those 14 years and older must sign up for - an annual AGO pass.
TTC Day Pass
Travelling on the TTC is a part of the Toronto experience. With many popular attractions located directly on the subway line it just makes sense. If there is a specific day where you know you’ll be requiring the services of public transit a lot, a day pass is sure to save money. A Presto Unlimited Day Pass costs $13.00 and provides unlimited access to subways, buses, and streetcars for a full day. To purchase a Presto pass for single, multiple fare, or day pass you can visit a Fare Vending Machine at subway stations, various Shoppers Drug Mart Locations, or The TTC’s Customer Service Centre above Davisville Station.
Are there any other passes we should add to the list? Let us know in the comments below!