Soaring 553.33 meters (1,815 feet) into the Toronto skyline, the CN Tower has been Canada's most recognizable architectural icon and a symbol of Toronto since its completion in 1976. Once the tallest freestanding structure in the world—a title it held for an impressive 32 years—this remarkable tower continues to captivate visitors with its engineering marvel, breathtaking views, and unique experiences.
Whether you're planning your first visit to Toronto or you're a local looking to rediscover this iconic landmark, this guide will help you make the most of your CN Tower experience.
CN Tower Quick Facts
- Height: 553.33 meters (1,815 feet)
- Construction Period: 1973-1976
- Purpose: Originally built as a communications tower by Canadian National Railway
- Visitors: Approximately 1.5 million visitors annually
- Fun Fact: The CN Tower can withstand winds of up to 418 km/h (260 mph) and earthquakes up to 8.5 on the Richter scale
The History of the CN Tower
In the early 1970s, Toronto was experiencing a construction boom. With the proliferation of skyscrapers in the downtown core, there was a growing need for a communications tower to help broadcast clear signals across the city without interference from the buildings.
Canadian National Railways (CN) took on the ambitious project, breaking ground in February 1973. The construction was a remarkable feat of engineering, utilizing innovative techniques including a massive concrete slipform that rose at a rate of 6 meters (20 feet) per day as concrete was continuously poured into it.
After 40 months of construction, the CN Tower officially opened to the public on June 26, 1976. Though it began as a practical solution to a communications problem, it quickly became a tourist attraction and a defining feature of Toronto's skyline. While CN sold the tower in 1995, the name remained unchanged, though many now interpret the initials as "Canada's National" Tower.
The CN Tower's structure showing key attractions and observation levels
Attractions and Experiences
The CN Tower offers several distinctive experiences for visitors of all ages and thrill levels:
LookOut Level
Located at 346 meters (1,136 feet), the main observation level provides spectacular 360-degree views of Toronto and Lake Ontario through floor-to-ceiling window walls. On clear days, visitors can see up to 160 kilometers (100 miles) away—all the way to Niagara Falls and across the lake to New York State.
Glass Floor
For those brave enough, the Glass Floor offers a heart-stopping view straight down to the ground 342 meters (1,122 feet) below. The 23.8-square-meter (256-square-foot) glass panel can withstand the weight of 14 large hippos—though the sensation of stepping onto it still tests many visitors' courage!
SkyPod
For an even higher perspective, take a separate elevator from the LookOut Level to the SkyPod at 447 meters (1,465 feet). This second observation level is one of the highest public observation decks in the world, offering breathtaking vistas and interactive exhibits about the tower's construction and Toronto's history.
EdgeWalk
For adventure seekers, the EdgeWalk offers an experience like no other: a hands-free walk on a 1.5-meter (5-foot) wide ledge encircling the top of the main pod, 356 meters (1,168 feet) above the ground. Safely harnessed to an overhead rail system, participants can lean back over the city with nothing but air beneath them. It's the world's highest full-circle hands-free walk and has become a bucket-list item for thrill-seekers visiting Toronto.
"Standing on the Glass Floor of the CN Tower, with Toronto spread out 342 meters below my feet, I experienced both vertigo and awe in equal measure. Few urban experiences can match that feeling of literally walking on air above one of North America's largest cities."
360 Restaurant
For a memorable dining experience, the 360 Restaurant slowly revolves to offer a changing panoramic view of Toronto as you enjoy your meal. Making a complete rotation every 72 minutes, the restaurant lets you see the entire cityscape without leaving your table. The upscale menu features Canadian ingredients and the world's highest wine cellar. Best of all, the price of your meal includes complimentary access to the LookOut and Glass Floor levels.
Enjoy dining with a panoramic view at the 360 Restaurant as it slowly revolves
Planning Your Visit
To make the most of your CN Tower experience, consider these practical tips:
Best Time to Visit
The CN Tower can get extremely busy, particularly during summer months and weekends. For a more relaxed experience, visit on weekdays, especially during shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October). Early mornings (right after opening) and late evenings often see smaller crowds.
For photographers, the changing light throughout the day offers different perspectives:
- Morning: Clear views with soft eastern light
- Midday: Maximum visibility on clear days
- Sunset: Golden hour creates a magical glow over the city
- Evening: Experience Toronto's sparkling skyline and the tower's own LED light show
Tickets and Pricing
Several ticket options are available, from basic admission to the LookOut and Glass Floor to comprehensive packages including the SkyPod. Purchasing tickets online in advance not only saves time but often offers discounts and lets you skip the sometimes lengthy ticket lines.
For the best value:
- Consider the Toronto CityPASS if you plan to visit other major attractions
- Dine at the 360 Restaurant to get complimentary access to observation decks
- Look for combo tickets with nearby attractions like Ripley's Aquarium
Getting There
The CN Tower is centrally located in downtown Toronto and is easily accessible:
- By Public Transit: Take the TTC subway to Union Station, then walk west through the SkyWalk
- By Car: Paid parking is available nearby, though downtown parking can be expensive
- By Foot: The tower is within walking distance of many downtown hotels and attractions
Accessibility
The CN Tower is accessible to visitors with mobility challenges. Elevators serve all public levels, and wheelchairs are available for loan on a first-come, first-served basis. Service animals are permitted, and Braille is available on many information displays.
Around the CN Tower
The CN Tower is surrounded by other top Toronto attractions, making it easy to plan a full day of sightseeing:
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Located at the base of the tower, this world-class aquarium features a stunning underwater tunnel where sharks and rays swim overhead. It's perfect for families and makes an excellent pairing with the CN Tower.
Rogers Centre
Home to the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team, this stadium with a retractable roof hosts games from April through September. On game days, you can often see the action from the CN Tower's observation decks.
Harbourfront
A short walk south takes you to Toronto's revitalized waterfront area, with parks, cultural centers, and boat tours of Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands.
Entertainment District
Just east of the tower lies Toronto's Entertainment District, packed with theaters, restaurants, nightclubs, and the iconic TIFF Bell Lightbox—home of the Toronto International Film Festival.
The CN Tower Experience
Beyond being just a tourist attraction, the CN Tower offers something special: perspective. Standing at such heights, gazing across the vast expanse of Canada's largest city, visitors often report a sense of awe that transcends typical sightseeing.
The tower has been the setting for countless marriage proposals, celebrations, and moments of connection between people from around the world. Its significance goes beyond its architectural achievement—it's a place where memories are made and horizons (both literal and figurative) are expanded.
Whether you're racing your friends across the Glass Floor, feeling the wind in your hair on the EdgeWalk, or simply taking in the sunset with a loved one, the CN Tower offers experiences that remain with visitors long after they've returned to ground level.
As a symbol of Canadian innovation and ambition, the CN Tower stands tall not just in Toronto's skyline but in the nation's cultural identity. For travelers seeking to understand and experience Canada, it remains an essential destination—a place to touch the sky and see the vast beauty of the country stretching to the horizon.