You may use a Presto card when travelling on public transit in Ontario, but did you know the card is also loaded with a lot of cool perks?
The newest perk was added as of February 26 when Ontario's One Fare Program came into effect. Presto card holders can now simply tap their card and get a bunch of free transfer options on trips across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.
Aside from the new transit program, anyone with a Presto card has access to numerous discounts for attractions in Toronto, Hamilton and Niagara.
These discounts range from sporting events like Toronto FC games to tourist attractions like the CN Tower, the Toronto Zoo, the Ontario Science Centre, and several museums. There are also discounts for fitness classes, restaurants and events like the Toronto Comicon.
Here are the perks you have access to with a Presto card.
Where can you buy a Presto Card?
The Presto website lists several ways to buy a physical Presto card.
You can get one at the following locations:
- There are select retail stores where you can buy a Presto card, including certain Loblaws, Superstore, Fortinos and Shoppers Drug Mart locations. Once you buy a card, you load it with money and set your fare type. The minimum load is $0.05.
- Inside all TTC subway stations. The minimum load there is $5.
- Select GO Transit and UP Express stations. The minimum load there is $0.05.
- You can also get one at customer service outlets. The minimum load there is $0.05.
How much is a Presto Card?
A Presto card costs $4, as per the company website.
CN Tower
The Presto card gets you 15% off general admission timed tickets at Toronto's most iconic tourist attraction: the CN Tower.
The offer is valid from February 1, 2024, to June 27, 2024. The discount is subject to "Timed Ticket availability."
Museums
Presto cardholders can get discounts to several museums in Ontario.
The Royal Ontario Museum, which is Canada's largest museum of art, culture and nature is included in the Presto perks package. The card will get you 15% off general admission and special exhibitions as well. If you're buying your tickets online, simply use the promo code PRESTO when paying or show your card when paying in person.
The Aga Khan Museum showcases the contributions of Muslim civilizations to world heritage and you can get 20% off general admission with your Presto card. The card will also get you 10% off at the gift shop.
Presto card holders can also get 15% off general admission at the Textile Museum of Canada, the Canadian Automotive Museum, Ontario Regiment Museum, as well as 20% off at the Gardiner Museum.
Turo
If you're planning a trip and need a vehicle, you can book with Turo and get $25 off your first trip.
Presto cardholders need to use the code 9EERJQEP4* when booking to get the discount.
The discount is applicable for new guests only. The offer ends on March 17, 2024.
Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo is the largest zoo in Canada, with other 10 kilometres of walking trails and over 3,000 animals.
Just show your Presto card at the gate and you'll save 20% off general admission or 10% off an annual membership.
Casa Loma Escape Rooms
If you're a fan of escape rooms then you may want to try out the ones at Casa Loma.
The Toronto castle and museum has five different escape rooms to choose from.
Use the code PRESTOESCAPE when booking to save 15% off tickets.
The offer ends on May 10, 2024.
Royal Botanical Gardens
The Royal Botanical Gardens has over 2,400 acres of gardens and a nature sanctuary that spans both Hamilton and Burlington.
You can save 15% off on your next visit thanks to your Presto card.
Ontario Science Centre
With over 500 interactive experiences and live demonstrations, the Ontario Science Centre has a lot to offer for all age groups.
Show your Presto card at the Box Office to get 20% off general admission. The discount is only valid for on-site sales and does not include IMAX or separately ticketed events.
Hockey Hall of Fame
Hockey fans who have yet to go to the Hockey Hall of Fame may want to plan a trip.
With simulation games, theatres, artifacts and a replica NHL dressing room, there's something for the whole family to enjoy.
A Prestco card will save you 20% off regular admission.
Toronto FC
Soccer lovers can go watch a Toronto FC home match at BMO Field for 20% off, just use the code PRESTOFC at checkout.
The Toronto FC website has its full schedule listed online so you can plan your visit from there.
The offer expires October 5, 2024.
Food discounts
Your Presto card will also get you a discount at certain restaurants in Toronto.
Union Chicken, which serves Southern-style flavours of fried chicken, pulled pork and ribs is offering 20% off all food and non-alcoholic beverages to customers with a Presto card.
If you prefer burgers you can head to Mikey's Smash Burgers where the card will get you 20% off all food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Amano Italian Kitchen is another spot where you can save 20% off on all food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Fitness Classes
If you haven't been to SPINCO before you can get your first class for free with a Presto card, either by showing the card in person or using the code PRESTO online. The offer includes a 50-minute full-body experience led by a highly trained instructor. It's applicable at select Toronto studios, including the Summerhill and Leslieville locations.
You can also go to Power Yoga for some fitness classes if that's what you prefer. You can save 15% off a single drop-in class (with the code PRESTO1), 10 class passes (PRESTO10) or 20 class passes (PRESTO20).
Toronto Comicon
Toronto Comicon is coming back in March at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The three-day event from March 15-17 will offer the ultimate fandom weekend featuring celebs, cosplay, anime, sci-fi and gaming.
You can also meet some of your favourite stars and get a photo and autograph.
The discount is only valid on-site on March 15 and can't be combined with other promotions. On March 15 you can present your Presto card at the box office to get 20% off a single day adult ticket, youth or family pass.
Treetop Trekking
If you enjoy outdoor adventures then you can plan an aerial adventure at one of Treetop Trekking's seven zipline adventure parks.
Use the code PRESTO20 to save 20% off Zipline and Aerial Game Treks, Discovery Kids Courses and Treewalk Village. Reservations are required and the discount can't be combined with other special rates.
Some locations are closed during the winter so make sure you check out the Treetop Trekking website before planning a trip.
Great Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls
Presto cardholders can also save up to 30% off from Monday to Wednesday at Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls.
Use the promo code PRESTO at the time of booking.
These aren't the only deals offered for Presto members. You can check out the Presto website to learn about other discounts, including a Disney Animation Immersive Experience, SIX the Musical and other live sporting events.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
The map of the reenvisioned Ontario Place.
Rendering of upgraded transit vision.
Rendering of Live Nation at Ontario Place.
Rendering of Marina at Ontario Place.