Best of Toronto: Bus Tour, Tasting & Cruise
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Best of Toronto: Bus Tour, Tasting & Cruise worth booking?
Best of Toronto: Bus Tour, Tasting & Cruise is a 4.5-hour experience in Toronto, Canada, from $94 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (9)
- Duration
- 4.5 hours
- From
- $94 per person
Explore downtown Toronto on this slow paced and extended city tour. Settle into a modern mini coach while your expert local guide brings the city to life with stories of culture, history, and movie magic. Glide past the CN Tower and the cluster of downtown sports stadiums, then trace Old Toronto's heritage through St. Lawrence Market and the surrounding cobblestone streets. Continue to bustling Chinatown for a window into the city's global flavors, and roll up Avenue Road to Yorkville's "Mink Mile", renowned for luxury boutiques and celebrity sightings. Cap it all off with a photo stop at City Hall's iconic Toronto sign. Head down to the Distillery District for lunch, boutique shopping, and cobblestone strolls. Upgrade your day with a Spirit of York guided tasting. Finish along the waterfront with views toward the Toronto Islands and end at Queen’s Quay for a stunning CN Tower skyline moment—then add an optional 1-hour harbor cruise to keep the magic going.
What you get
About this experience
Explore downtown Toronto on this slow paced and extended city tour. Settle into a modern mini coach while your expert local guide brings the city to life with stories of culture, history, and movie magic. Glide past the CN Tower and the cluster of downtown sports stadiums, then trace Old Toronto's heritage through St. Lawrence Market and the surrounding cobblestone streets. Continue to bustling Chinatown for a window into the city's global flavors, and roll up Avenue Road to Yorkville's "Mink Mile", renowned for luxury boutiques and celebrity sightings. Cap it all off with a photo stop at City Hall's iconic Toronto sign. Head down to the Distillery District for lunch, boutique shopping, and cobblestone strolls. Upgrade your day with a Spirit of York guided tasting. Finish along the waterfront with views toward the Toronto Islands and end at Queen’s Quay for a stunning CN Tower skyline moment—then add an optional 1-hour harbor cruise to keep the magic going.
What's included
Included
- Optional Spirit of York guided tour & tasting flight
- Climate-controlled vehicle
- Harbor Cruise add on available
- Free time in the Distillery District
- Local Tour Guide
- Photo stop at Toronto City Hall for the famous Toronto sign
Not included
- Gratuities (optional)
- Food and drinks
What you'll see and do
Toronto Union
As one of Canada’s most important transportation hubs, Union Station is not just a major railway terminal but a historic landmark that connects the city with the rest of the country and beyond. Opened in 1927, this grand Beaux-Arts building is a symbol of Toronto’s past and future, combining architectural splendor with modern functionality. As we walk through the station, take note of its stunning architecture—from the towering granite façade and elegant vaulted ceilings to the ornate marble floors and chandeliers that still reflect its early 20th-century charm. The Great Hall is a breathtaking highlight, with its expansive, open space and Canadian heritage art adorning the walls. Union Station is truly a living testament to the city’s growth and development.
Pass by without stopping
Hockey Hall of Fame
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, the Hockey Hall of Fame is a shrine to Canada’s national sport and a dream destination for hockey enthusiasts. Explore over 65,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, legendary memorabilia, and multimedia displays that celebrate the greatest players, moments, and teams in hockey history. Get up close to the iconic Stanley Cup, test your skills in the NHLPA Game Time Zone, call the play in a real broadcast booth, and step inside a replica of an NHL dressing room. With something for fans of all ages, the Hall offers both nostalgic charm and high-energy fun, making it an essential stop for visitors looking to experience a slice of Canadian culture.
Pass by without stopping
St. Lawrence Market
St. Lawrence Market, situated in the heart of Toronto, is a bustling culinary destination where locals and visitors alike can savor the flavors of diverse cuisines, shop for fresh produce, and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of one of North America’s oldest public markets.
Pass by without stopping
Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square)
Yonge and Dundas Square, often referred to as Toronto’s Times Square, is a bustling urban plaza at the heart of downtown where locals and tourists gather amidst vibrant billboards, street performances, and cultural events, creating a lively focal point in the city’s core.
Pass by without stopping
Queen's Park
Queen’s Park, a verdant oasis in the heart of downtown Toronto, is not only the site of Ontario’s Legislative Building but also a beloved green space where locals and visitors alike can relax, stroll, and enjoy the beauty of its landscaped gardens and historic monuments.
Pass by without stopping
Yorkville Village
As we drive along the charming streets of Yorkville and Bloor Street, get ready to be immersed in Toronto’s high-end shopping and cultural scene. Known for its boutique shops, designer stores, and art galleries, Yorkville is a vibrant neighborhood that blends luxury with a bohemian flair. Stroll past iconic buildings, outdoor cafés, and chic storefronts as you admire everything from international fashion brands to local artisanal boutiques. Bloor Street, often referred to as "The Mink Mile," is another famous stretch that showcases world-class shopping, with upscale fashion houses, jewelry shops, and flagship stores of top designers. The beautiful tree-lined avenues and elegant storefronts create a perfect backdrop for window shopping and exploring Toronto’s best retail offerings.
Pass by without stopping
Royal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is a world-renowned institution in Toronto, showcasing a vast array of artifacts and exhibits that span cultures, time periods, and disciplines, offering visitors a fascinating journey through history and natural sciences.
Pass by without stopping
Chinatown
Toronto is home to one of the largest and most diverse Chinatowns in North America, and as we drive through, you’ll experience a unique cultural journey. This bustling neighborhood is a vibrant mix of traditional Chinese culture and modern influences, where the streets are lined with aromatic markets, temples, and authentic restaurants. Wander past vibrant storefronts selling everything from herbal medicines to exotic spices. Discover local artisans and handcrafted goods that showcase the rich heritage of the Chinese community. Toronto’s Chinatown is also famous for its diverse culinary scene—sample flavors from dim sum delicacies, sizzling Peking duck, to bubble tea and regional specialties.
Pass by without stopping
Kensington Market
Cruise by Kensington Market for a window-seat look at mural-splashed streets, vintage storefronts, and global eats buzzing with bohemian energy.
Pass by without stopping
Toronto City Hall
We will stop here where all of our guests have the chance to exit the bus and take photos with the famouse Toronto sign.
15 minutes here
Campbell House Museum
Learn about the Campbell family and their legacy here in Toronto, along with Osgoode Hall.
Pass by without stopping
Entertainment District
The Toronto Entertainment District, pulsating with energy and excitement, is a vibrant cultural hotspot where theaters, restaurants, bars, and nightlife converge to offer a dynamic blend of entertainment options for residents and visitors alike.
Pass by without stopping
Mirvish Village
Drive along King St to see the iconic buildings and broadway shows.
Pass by without stopping
CN Tower
The CN Tower is not just Toronto’s most recognizable landmark—it’s one of the tallest freestanding structures in the Western Hemisphere, soaring 553 metres (1,815 feet) above the city. This engineering marvel dominates the skyline and offers visitors a truly unforgettable experience. Take the high-speed glass elevators up to the LookOut Level for panoramic views stretching as far as 160 kilometers on a clear day, including Lake Ontario and even the mist from Niagara Falls. Dare to walk across the Glass Floor, gaze out from the SkyTerrace, or for the thrill-seekers, try the EdgeWalk—a hands-free walk along the outside ledge of the tower’s main pod, 116 storeys high! Home to the 360 Restaurant, which rotates once every 72 minutes, the CN Tower is the perfect place to dine with a view. Whether you're visiting during the day or seeing it lit up at night, the CN Tower offers a defining Toronto experience that’s equal parts exhilarating and iconic.
Pass by without stopping
Distillery Historic District
Step back in time and explore the Distillery Historic District, one of Toronto’s most iconic and vibrant neighborhoods. Once home to the largest distillery in the British Empire, this pedestrian-only village is now a National Historic Site filled with beautifully preserved Victorian industrial architecture. Lunch option available. Optional Spirit of York tasting upgrade.
90 minutes here
Harbourfront Centre
Harbourfront Centre, located along Toronto’s picturesque waterfront, is a dynamic cultural hub where art, music, food, and community converge, offering an array of events, performances, and activities that celebrate creativity and diversity. Optional cruise add on
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Toronto
Main departure point for the tour. Kindly arrive 10-15 minutes prior to departure time.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
City Tour + Spirit Tasting
Spirit of York: Spirit of York guided tasting
City Tour + Tasting + Cruise
City Cruise: 1-hour harbor cruise Spirit of York : Spirit of York guided tasting
City Tour + Harbor Cruise
City Cruises : 1-hour harbor cruise
City Tour (no add on)
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Fri
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- VIP Ontario Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Seat Requirement: All infants and toddlers traveling on our vehicles are required to occupy their own seat. For safety purposes, they must be secured in a government-approved car seat or booster seat appropriate for their age, height, and weight.
- Vehicle is dependant on number of passengers and can range from Large SUV to highway coach
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
9 verified traveler reviews for Best of Toronto: Bus Tour, Tasting & Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Scales family
It was very informative and interesting. Our guide was funny and accommodating too. We all enjoyed it! Thank you
Response from the operator: Dear valued guest, Thank you for your kind feedback. We’re delighted to hear you found the tour both informative and interesting, and that your guide’s humor and accommodating nature made it even more enjoyable. We’re so glad everyone had a great time. Kind regards,
via Viator
Toronto Day Tour
Michael was courteous, knowledgeable, funny, professional & a great driver and guide. Showed us important & interesting things around the City. I will say that if you're trying to take pictures or videos of buildings this isn't the tour for you since it's hard to do so from inside the van.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind words about Michael! He’ll be pleased to know his knowledge and sense of humor made a positive impression. We appreciate your honest note about photography from the van. While our city tours aim to give a well-rounded overview with comfort and efficiency, we understand it may not be ideal for detailed photo-taking. We’ll keep that in mind as we continue to refine our guest experience. Thank you again for touring with us!
via Viator
Disappointed
Prior to booking, I read the promising reviews. Sadly the tour didn’t meet our expectations. Although the driver was very good by taking us through the busy downtown areas, little information, if any, was shared about the evolution of Toronto, current building projects or sites to check out while visiting.
Response from the operator: Dear Karen, Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. We're sorry to hear the tour did not meet your expectations, especially after reading positive reviews. While we're glad you felt the driver navigated the downtown area well, we regret that the commentary did not provide the level of insight you were hoping for. Your feedback is important and will be shared with our team to ensure we continue improving the experience for future guests. Kind regards,
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful city tour!
We really loved our tour of the city & the information provided by our guide Michael was just what we were hoping for. We loved learning the history of this beautiful city. It was a great way to see the various neighborhoods & we enjoyed the photo stop of the Toronto sign. We would highly recommend this tour. It is smaller & more personal than other larger tours. Just what we wanted!
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your kind words. We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your city tour and that Michael provided the historical insight you were hoping for. It is wonderful to know that you appreciated the smaller group experience, the neighborhood highlights, and of course, the photo opportunity at the Toronto sign. Creating a more personal and engaging tour is exactly what we strive for. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you on another tour in the future.
via Tripadvisor
Good Tour.
Michael was great. We really learned a lot about Toronto but we didn’t need so much time gawking at rich peoples’ houses.
Response from the operator: Dear valued guest, Thank you for sharing your feedback with us! We're delighted to hear that Michael made your tour enjoyable and informative, and that you learned a lot about Toronto. We appreciate your note about the time spent in certain areas, and we’ll take this into account as we continue to refine our tours to provide the best experience for all our guests. Your input is incredibly valuable, and we hope to welcome you on another tour in the future! Kind regards, Stephanie
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Fri
- Price range
- $94 to $199
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by VIP Ontario Tours, who run 8 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.8.
See everything VIP Ontario Tours runsWhy this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Best of Toronto: Bus Tour, Tasting & Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Toronto.
How much does Best of Toronto: Bus Tour, Tasting & Cruise cost?
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Prices start at $94 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Toronto usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Best of Toronto: Bus Tour, Tasting & Cruise take?
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Plan for about 4.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Toronto is not rushed.
Is Best of Toronto: Bus Tour, Tasting & Cruise worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 9 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Toronto, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Best of Toronto: Bus Tour, Tasting & Cruise?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Best of Toronto: Bus Tour, Tasting & Cruise suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Best of Toronto: Bus Tour, Tasting & Cruise?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Toronto can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Toronto and add a light layer if any part of the 4.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Best of Toronto: Bus Tour, Tasting & Cruise start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Toronto within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Toronto?
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On Outty we rank every Toronto experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Niagara Falls Tour from Toronto: Boat Ride & Journey Behind Falls, Niagara Falls Canada Day Tour From Toronto + Boat Cruise Option, Niagara Falls Day Tour from Toronto. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Toronto?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Toronto?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Best of Toronto: Bus Tour, Tasting & Cruise?
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Included: Optional Spirit of York guided tour & tasting flight; Climate-controlled vehicle; Harbor Cruise add on available; Free time in the Distillery District; and Local Tour Guide. Not included: Gratuities (optional); and Food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Best of Toronto: Bus Tour, Tasting & Cruise?
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Main departure point for the tour. Kindly arrive 10-15 minutes prior to departure time. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Best of Toronto: Bus Tour, Tasting & Cruise offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Best of Toronto: Bus Tour, Tasting & Cruise?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Best of Toronto: Bus Tour, Tasting & Cruise wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Seat Requirement: All infants and toddlers traveling on our vehicles are required to occup. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Best of Toronto: Bus Tour, Tasting & Cruise if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Toronto. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Best of Toronto: Bus Tour, Tasting & Cruise?
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Across 9 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Best of Toronto: Bus Tour, Tasting & Cruise?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including City Tour + Spirit Tasting, City Tour + Tasting + Cruise, City Tour + Harbor Cruise, City Tour (no add on). Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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