Downtown Toronto, Ontario is home to one of Canada’s most iconic landmarks: the CN Tower. The Canadian National Tower was built by the Canadian National Railway as a way to display the strength of Canada’s industry and has long been used to improve telecommunications in the Toronto area. As a popular Canadian tourist destination, here’s your ultimate visitor guide to the CN Tower.
A Tower Built to Impress
The CN Tower held the title of the world’s tallest freestanding structure for more than three decades. In the 1970s, Toronto’s skyline was rapidly growing and the tower was built to solve broadcasting problems for the city. With construction completed in 1976, the site was swiftly embraced as one of Canada’s most recognizable skyline features. The CN Tower is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and a prime example of Canadian ingenuity.
Sky-High Views: What You’ll See from the Top
The CN Tower stands 553 meters (roughly 1814 feet) above the bustling streets of Toronto. Multiple observation levels boast breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding lakefront. With clear skies, visitors can see Lake Ontario, Niagara Falls, and even parts of New York State. The Lower Observation Level stands at 342 meters (1122 feet) and features the Glass Floor with views straight down below. An outdoor terrace offers a spot for feeling the high-altitude breeze. Be sure to catch the Canadian art exhibit at Artmosphere while on this level.
Up and Up and the CN Tower’s Most Daring Experience
The Main Observation Level is at 346 meters (1135 feet) while the SkyPod is the highest public observation deck in the Western Hemisphere, at an impressive 447 meters (1465 feet).
THN Traveler Tip: Planning ahead can go a long way for photo ops. Make sure to time your visit before sunset for some of the most colorful golden hour pics!
Easily the CN Tower’s most daring experience, the EdgeWalk is the world’s highest full-circle walk on a building. The hands free walk is not for the faint of heart, as visitors find themselves harnessed 116 stories above the ground!
Dinner with a View
At the 360 Restaurant, diners enjoy contemporary Canadian cuisine with local, sustainably sourced Canadian ingredients paired with Canadian wine. Up on the menu: maple-glazed salmon and bison short ribs, and many other dishes boasting textures and flavors from coast to coast. The restaurant completely revolves every 72 minutes so diners enjoy views from every angle throughout each course. Guests enjoy free access to the Main Observation Deck and Glass Floor levels without paying for additional tickets.
Essential Tips for Visiting the CN Tower
The late spring and summer months are busy seasons for visiting the CN Tower, so book ahead if that’s your travel plan. Early mornings and weekdays provide the calmest times for touring the site, whereas weekends and sunset hours tend to get crowded. The tower is lit up for special occasions, holidays, and sports celebrations, so check the schedule in advance to plan for some pretty spectacular photo ops.
