Toronto: CN Tower, Harbour Cruise & St. Lawrence Market Tour

Summary

City views from the glass floor, market snacks and laughter on the harbour

You’ll stand high above Toronto on the CN Tower’s glass floor, taste your way through St. Lawrence Market or wander cobbled lanes in the Distillery District, snap photos at Nathan Phillips Square, then relax on a gentle harbour cruise—all with pickup included and stories from your local guide to tie it together.

What’s the experience like?

The elevator in the CN Tower makes this weird humming sound as it shoots up—my stomach dropped a little, but our guide just grinned and said it happens every time. The city looked like a puzzle from up there, all blue glass and little yellow taxis. I pressed my hand against the glass floor (yes, I was that person), and honestly? My knees felt wobbly. There were kids daring each other to jump on it while their parents pretended not to be nervous. The wind outside was sharp but clean—sort of metallic in that way big cities have.

We piled back into the van, and through the windows Toronto blurred by: Queen’s Park with its old stone buildings, Nathan Phillips Square where people were snapping selfies at the giant “Toronto” sign. Our guide, Raj, pointed out where the PATH tunnels run under our feet—he told us about how you can walk for miles underground in winter. I tried to imagine it but kept getting distracted by streetcars rattling past and someone’s dog barking at pigeons near Dundas Square.

St. Lawrence Market smelled like fresh bread and something sweet—maybe maple pastries? I lost track of time just wandering between stalls. Picked up a peameal bacon sandwich (messy but worth it) and watched an older couple haggle over cheese with a vendor who switched between English and Italian without missing a beat. Raj gave us tips on what to try, then let us roam until we met back by the main doors. If you come on a Sunday or Monday, they swap this stop for the Distillery District instead—apparently it’s full of art studios and brick alleys.

The harbour cruise was slower than I expected—in a good way. We drifted past little islands while gulls circled overhead, and everyone got quiet when we turned back toward the skyline. The water smelled faintly of engine oil mixed with lake air; not exactly poetic but honest, you know? Someone pointed out Casa Loma on a hill in the distance (they do that instead of the boat ride in winter). I still think about that view—the city all lit up behind us—and how small we felt floating out there together.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Toronto city tour with key attractions

• Visit CN Tower observation deck
• Walk on CN Tower glass floor
• Enjoy panoramic city views
• Take narrated driving tour
• Pass Dundas Square and Queen’s Park
• Stop at Nathan Phillips Square
• Take photo with Toronto sign
• Learn about PATH underground
• Free time at St. Lawrence Market
• Take Toronto Harbour Cruise boat tour

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Toronto tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included anywhere in downtown Toronto.

What happens if St. Lawrence Market is closed?

If St. Lawrence Market is closed (Sunday & Monday), you'll visit the Distillery District instead.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

Yes, as long as guests can transfer themselves (with help if needed) into the vehicle; wheelchairs can be folded up and stored.

What is included during off-season months?

From October to May, Casa Loma replaces the harbour cruise due to seasonal changes.

How long do we spend at each stop?

The tour allows enough time at each stop to explore highlights—timing may vary slightly based on group pace.

Are food or drinks included at St. Lawrence Market?

No food or drinks are included; you’ll have free time to buy what you like at your own pace inside the market.

Can infants join this Toronto day trip?

Yes, infants are welcome; they must sit on an adult's lap or use their own pram or stroller.

Is public transportation nearby if I don’t want hotel pickup?

Yes, public transit options are available nearby; contact ahead to arrange a meeting point if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes convenient downtown pickup and drop-off, entry tickets for both CN Tower and either Toronto Harbour Cruise or Casa Loma (depending on season), guided walks through markets or historic districts when open, plus narrated driving between landmarks—all led by a friendly local guide who keeps things moving but never rushed.