Double Decker Night Tour

Imagine cruising through Toronto’s shimmering skyline on an open-air double-decker bus, soaking in the city’s glowing landmarks. That’s exactly what this Double Decker Night Tour promises — a chance to see Toronto’s famous sights bathed in the warm glow of evening lights. While some travelers find the experience enchanting, others have noted it may fall short in duration and commentary quality.

What we like about this tour is the guaranteed upper deck seating, giving you excellent panoramic views without having to fight for a vantage point. Plus, the live commentary adds a layer of storytelling that can make the sights more meaningful — or so we hope. On the flip side, a notable criticism is that the tour tends to last about 60 minutes instead of the advertised 75-90 minutes, which might leave you wanting more. This tour seems best suited for those seeking a quick, scenic overview of Toronto’s nighttime sparkle, particularly if you’re after iconic views and lively city energy.

Key Points

• Stunning Nighttime Views: The open-top bus allows for unobstructed, panoramic vistas of Toronto’s illuminated skyline.
• Landmark Focus: Key sights like the CN Tower, City Hall, and the Flatiron Building are highlighted, giving a curated city experience.
• Shorter Duration: The actual experience may be shorter than advertised, clocking in around 60 minutes.
• Limited Commentary: The explanations are in English and may sometimes be less detailed or full of filler, according to some reviews.
• Affordable Price: At around $37 per person, it offers a budget-friendly way to see the city at night.
• Optimal for Photo Enthusiasts: The open-air top deck is perfect for capturing stunning night shots of Toronto’s skyline and landmarks.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Duration

The tour begins at Sankofa Square, 1 Dundas St E, a central location near public transit, making it accessible for most travelers. The advertised length is about 75-90 minutes, but some reviews, including one from Joaquim, mention that it often lasts only around 60 minutes. This discrepancy might be a result of traffic or operational constraints, so if you’re hoping for a long, leisurely ride, this may be a consideration.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See

The tour covers a series of notable Toronto spots, each illuminated and lively at night:

• Vibrant Districts: The tour kicks off in Toronto’s most colorful neighborhood, where nightlife and community pride converge. Expect lively streets filled with bars, restaurants, and local buzz.
• Ontario’s Grand Legislature: The green space here is historic and political, offering a peaceful contrast to the bustling city. Nighttime lighting makes the building and grounds especially photogenic.
• Cultural Hubs: The tour stops at areas glowing with lanterns, authentic eateries, and cultural flavor—great for those interested in Toronto’s diverse heritage.
• Frank Gehry’s Architecture: The iconic Distillery District features Gehry’s architectural designs, which are said to look stunning when lit at night, adding a modern artistic touch to the landscape.
• City Hall & Toronto Sign: Toronto’s city centerpiece is illuminated, with the Toronto Sign lighting up the night sky — a favorite for photos.
• Entertainment District: Here, the streets pulse with nightlife, theaters, and music venues, giving a sense of the city’s vibrant evening scene.
• Business and Heritage: The skyline with shining skyscrapers and historic buildings in Toronto’s heart highlight the city’s blend of old and new.
• Market & Landmark: The famous St. Lawrence Market and the wedge-shaped Flatiron Building are visual highlights, especially with the night lighting.
• Long Street: Yonge Street, Canada’s longest thoroughfare, buzzes with neon, shopping, and endless energy, making it a lively end to your ride.

The Experience: What’s Included and What’s Not

Passengers are guaranteed seating on the upper deck, which is the highlight—offering the best views and experience. The live commentary, although somewhat criticized for being “full of nonsense” at times, adds context to each landmark. The tour is strictly in English, so non-English speakers might find this restrictive.

While gratuities are optional, the main value lies in the scenic views and the chance to see Toronto’s landmarks beautifully illuminated. The tour is designed for a max of 55 travelers, so it’s reasonably intimate — but still crowded enough to warrant arriving early for the best seats.

The Review: What Travelers Are Saying

The only review on record is quite mixed. Joaquim comments that the tour “does not last 90 minutes as stated in the ad, it only lasted 60 minutes,” and found the commentary lacking substance. While this indicates the tour may be shorter and less detailed than expected, others might find the quick overview still worth the price for the views alone.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Timing: Book in the early evening so you can maximize your time in Toronto after the tour.
• Seating: Arrive early to secure a good spot on the upper deck.
• Photography: Bring your camera or smartphone, as the open-air deck offers excellent photo opportunities.
• Weather: Dress warmly, especially if it’s a chilly night, since you’ll be outdoors and exposed.
• Expectations: Don’t count on lengthy explanations; the focus is on sight-seeing and views, not detailed history.

Is This Tour Worth It? Our Take

This Double Decker Night Tour offers a reasonably priced, lively way to see Toronto’s most iconic sights lit up after dark. The open-top bus provides a unique vantage point, perfect for capturing stunning photos of the skyline and landmarks. However, the shorter duration and sometimes superficial commentary might leave those craving in-depth historical insights a bit disappointed.

For travelers who prioritize visual impressions over detailed narratives, this tour can feel quite rewarding. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors eager to get a quick, panoramic overview of Toronto’s nighttime glow. It’s also a good option for those with limited time, wanting a fun, light introduction to the city’s key sights.

If you’re a night photography enthusiast, the open-air top deck is a true highlight. Conversely, if you prefer longer, more detailed guided experiences, you might want to consider other options or add this to a broader evening plan.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is a great pick for budget-conscious travelers looking for an easy way to see Toronto’s illuminated landmarks. It’s ideal for those who enjoy vivid cityscapes, urban scenery, and quick sightseeing rather than lengthy explanations or in-depth history. Groups wanting a lively, social atmosphere on a bus with guaranteed upper deck seating will find it enjoyable.

However, if you’re seeking a more comprehensive or leisurely experience, or expect the tour to last close to the advertised time, you might find it somewhat underwhelming. Also, travelers with limited mobility might find the bus easier to navigate than walking around the city at night.

This night tour offers a snapshot of Toronto’s vibrant nightlife and skyline — a quick, scenic, and fun way to see the city that’s especially suited for avid photo-takers, first-time visitors, and those craving a taste of the city’s illuminated landmarks.

FAQ

How long does the tour actually last?
While advertised as 75-90 minutes, some travelers report it lasting around 60 minutes, so be prepared for a shorter ride.

Is the commentary in multiple languages?
No, the commentary is only in English, which may limit accessibility for non-English speakers.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Sankofa Square, 1 Dundas St E, Toronto, and returns to the same location at the end.

Is seating on the upper deck guaranteed?
Yes, your ticket guarantees a seat on the open-air upper level, which is perfect for sightseeing and taking photos.

What landmarks will I see?
Expect to see the CN Tower, City Hall, the Toronto Sign, the Flatiron Building, and various districts like the Entertainment and Historic areas, all beautifully lit at night.

Is the tour suitable for all weather?
Since it’s an outdoor open-top bus, dress warmly in cooler weather. Check the forecast and be prepared for possible rain or wind.

This tour isn’t for everyone, but if your goal is quick, scenic glimpses of Toronto’s nighttime skyline, it could be your favorite little adventure. For those who crave a longer, more detailed exploration, consider supplementing with other experiences like a harbor cruise or a hop-on-hop-off tour.