Best of · OPEN-TOP BUS TOURS IN CANADA
The 10 best open-top bus tours in Canada you can book today, with the fare, how long each one runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Use a two-day Gray Line Montreal pass to circle the city by double-decker bus, hopping off at Notre-Dame Basilica, Old Montreal, Chinatown, Mount Royal, museums, and more. Live French and English guides share history, humor, and local details. Some bookings include a two-hour night tour.
“Flexibility. The bus didn’t stick to the schedule. We waiting 45 min for a bus that was supposed to come every 15 min.”
Use a one-day hop-on hop-off pass to see Québec City from an open-top double-decker bus. Ride the full two-hour loop first, then return to places such as Place Royale, the Plains of Abraham, or the Citadelle. Audio is offered in 10 languages, and some drivers add live commentary.
“I enjoyed seeing most of the city in under 2 hours, then I could go back and dig deeper into the things I wanted to spend more time on. you can also get off wherever on the journey and grab the next bus, but I chose to do it all at once.”
Hold on for a 45-minute open-top jet-boat ride through the Niagara Whirlpool rapids. Guides such as Isabella, Vinnie, Grace, and Jackie have led recent trips, while captains Charlie and John handle the boat. You will get completely soaked, but ponchos, safety gear, and free lockers are provided.
“You definitely get wet! If you are in the middle of the boat, you can't see anything, you just have to go by the voice of the guide telling you what is about to happen.”
Take a one-hour double-decker bus tour through Quebec City, passing Old Quebec’s main sights, parks, statues, and notable buildings. Your guide explains the city in English or French, with upper-deck seats for photos. Guides such as Patrick, Raymond, Daniel, and Daniele are praised for clear narration and humor.
“Gave highlights overview of city & general history. Delay in tour put us in rush hour traffic. Way finding for on off could be somewhat better. 1 of our group volume control did not work. Overall was good tour & would recommend it!”
Explore Vancouver by hop-on hop-off trolley on a 1 or 2-day pass. Guides such as Tim, Sherry, Brandon, and Lynn share local stories as you ride through Stanley Park, Granville Island, Coal Harbour, downtown, and Gastown. Check the timetable closely, since waits and late-day routing can vary.
“It was awesome. Drivers were very knowledgeable and accommodating. We traveled through Stanley Park and China town without having to get off. They answered any question you asked them and were at the pick up sights on time.”
Meet at Yonge-Dundas Square for a 90-minute evening ride past the CN Tower area, Old Toronto, Chinatown, Nathan Phillips Square, and the Financial District. Your English-speaking guide, including guides such as Marilyn, Mohammed, and Grace, provides live commentary from the upper deck.
“Seeing the buildings at night - the lights - it was dramatic and beautiful. The architecture of the buildings in downtown Toronto is incredible. No other way to see the city.”
Ride a colorful vintage London double-decker around Halifax with a live English-speaking guide. Hop off at the waterfront, Citadel, Public Gardens, Titanic graves, and other central stops, then track the next bus on a live map. The route takes about 60 minutes without stops.
“Cost was much higher than the advertised "from" price. Very good having a live commentary.”
Ride a non-stop open-top double-decker loop from Yonge-Dundas Square past the CN Tower, Casa Loma, Yorkville, Chinatown, Harbourfront, St. Lawrence Market, and the Distillery District. Choose live English commentary or audio in six other languages.
“Hop on hop off service would have been better”
See Kingston from a historic red trolley with a live English-speaking guide. The 75-minute figure-eight route links 10 stops, including Fort Henry, the Penitentiary Museum, Queen’s University, and Market Square. Hop off for lunch, museums, or a cruise, then continue when the next trolley arrives.
“Excellent way to learn about the city's history. Our driver was informative and friendly.”
You ride through Banff in a custom 1930s-style car with an open roof, cozy seats, USB charging, and photo stops. Guides such as Lucas and Sophie share stories about alpine guides, visiting royals, and famous faces. A glass or canvas roof is used if weather turns poor.
“The tour was amazing, and being able to stand up through the roof made for great pictures.”
A loop, an open deck, a night run or a whole day on the coach.
