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What to Book in Advance in Toronto

A per-attraction verdict for Toronto: what must be booked in advance and how far ahead, when tickets are released, the quietest time to visit and what it costs. Sorted by how early you need to act.

Verdicts checked 2026-09-29 · 10 verified verdicts

Book these in advance

  1. CN Tower

    Book 2 days ahead

    Booking ahead is recommended

    Popular observation deck with timed entries and queues, so a pre-booked slot is advisable.

    How far ahead:
    A few days in high season, same day possible
    Timed entry:
    Yes
    Quietest time:
    Early morning opening or late evening
    Typical price:
    CAD 38-43
    Skip-the-line ticketsOfficial site

  2. Casa Loma

    Book 2 days ahead

    Booking ahead is recommended

    Popular castle with timed entry and queues, advance booking recommended in high season.

    How far ahead:
    A few days ahead in summer, same day possible
    Timed entry:
    Yes
    Quietest time:
    Weekday early mornings
    Typical price:
    CAD 38-40
    Skip-the-line ticketsOfficial site

  3. Royal Ontario Museum

    Book a day ahead

    Booking ahead is recommended

    Major museum with busy queues, advance timed tickets avoid the line.

    How far ahead:
    A day or two ahead, same day fine off-peak
    Timed entry:
    No
    Quietest time:
    Weekday mornings before 11:00
    Typical price:
    CAD 26
    Skip-the-line ticketsOfficial site

  4. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

    Book a day ahead

    Booking ahead is recommended

    Very popular aquarium with timed entry and long weekend queues.

    How far ahead:
    A day or two ahead, same day possible
    Timed entry:
    Yes
    Quietest time:
    Weekday mornings
    Typical price:
    CAD 49
    Skip-the-line ticketsOfficial site

Walk in, no need to pre-book

  1. Hockey Hall of Fame

    Walk in OK

    Walk-in tickets are fine

    Moderate-sized museum where buying a ticket on arrival is normally fine.

    Not verified yet, check the official site before you go

    Quietest time:
    Weekday mornings
    Typical price:
    CAD 25
    Official site

  2. St. Lawrence Market

    Walk in OK

    Walk-in tickets are fine

    A public market with no admission charge; just walk in during opening hours.

    Quietest time:
    Weekday afternoons
    Official site

Free, no ticket needed

  1. Toronto Islands

    Free entry

    Free, no ticket needed

    Public island parks with no admission charge, just take the ferry.

    Quietest time:
    Weekday mornings
    Typical price:
    Free

  2. Distillery District

    Free entry

    Free, no ticket needed

    Open-air pedestrian district with free entry to the streets and shops.

    Quietest time:
    Weekday mornings
    Typical price:
    Free

  3. Toronto Eaton Centre

    Free entry

    Free, no ticket needed

    Shopping mall with free public entry, no tickets involved.

    Quietest time:
    Weekday early mornings
    Typical price:
    Free

  4. High Park

    Free entry

    Free, no ticket needed

    A free public park open 24 hours with no admission charge.

    Quietest time:
    Weekday early mornings
    Typical price:
    Free

  5. Visit Scarborough Bluffs

    Free entry

    Free, no ticket needed

    A free public park with viewpoints and beach, no admission ticket required.

    Quietest time:
    Weekday early mornings
    Typical price:
    Free

Booking questions about Toronto

What should I book in advance in Toronto?

Book these first: CN Tower (A few days in high season, same day possible), Casa Loma (A few days ahead in summer, same day possible), Royal Ontario Museum (A day or two ahead, same day fine off-peak), Ripley's Aquarium of Canada (A day or two ahead, same day possible). Everything else can be bought on the day or is free.

Do I need to book CN Tower in advance?

It is recommended. Popular observation deck with timed entries and queues, so a pre-booked slot is advisable. How far ahead: A few days in high season, same day possible.

Do I need to book Casa Loma in advance?

It is recommended. Popular castle with timed entry and queues, advance booking recommended in high season. How far ahead: A few days ahead in summer, same day possible.

Do I need to book Royal Ontario Museum in advance?

It is recommended. Major museum with busy queues, advance timed tickets avoid the line. How far ahead: A day or two ahead, same day fine off-peak.

Do I need to book Ripley's Aquarium of Canada in advance?

It is recommended. Very popular aquarium with timed entry and long weekend queues. How far ahead: A day or two ahead, same day possible.

Do I need to book St. Lawrence Market in advance?

No. A public market with no admission charge; just walk in during opening hours.

Do I need to book Toronto Islands in advance?

No, entry is free. Public island parks with no admission charge, just take the ferry.

Do I need to book Distillery District in advance?

No, entry is free. Open-air pedestrian district with free entry to the streets and shops.

Do I need to book Toronto Eaton Centre in advance?

No, entry is free. Shopping mall with free public entry, no tickets involved.

Verdicts are compiled from official ticketing policies and visitor demand and are checked periodically. Always confirm on the official site before you travel.

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