CN Tower: More Than Just a View

The Tower's Fascinating History

Before diving into what you can experience today, understanding the tower's origins adds meaningful context to your visit. The Canadian National Railway built the CN Tower in response to practical challenges in a growing city. As Toronto's skyline expanded upward in the 1960s, telecommunications signals were increasingly blocked by tall buildings.

Construction began in 1973, with concrete poured continuously for 1,156 days to form the main support column. At the time of its completion in 1976, the CN Tower claimed the title of world's tallest free-standing structure—a distinction it held for 34 years until being surpassed by Dubai's Burj Khalifa in 2010.

Despite its original telecommunications purpose (CN stands for "Canadian National"), the tower quickly became a major tourist attraction. Today, it welcomes approximately 1.5 million visitors annually and stands as both a practical communications hub and an internationally recognized symbol of Toronto.

Observation Experiences

LookOut Level

At 346 meters (1,136 feet), the main observation level provides 360-degree views through floor-to-ceiling windows. On clear days, visibility extends up to 160 kilometers (100 miles)—allowing you to see across Lake Ontario to Niagara Falls and New York State. Digital information displays help identify landmarks and neighborhoods across the city.

Glass Floor

Test your courage by stepping onto the 23.8-square-meter (256-square-foot) glass floor, also located at the 346-meter level. The unique perspective allows you to look straight down to the ground—a heart-pounding experience that many visitors dare each other to try. Rest assured, the glass is incredibly strong, capable of holding the weight of 14 hippos!

SkyPod

For the ultimate observation experience, ascend to the SkyPod level at 447 meters (1,465 feet)—one of the highest public observation platforms in the world. This smaller, more exclusive viewing area offers breathtaking vistas from a height equivalent to a 147-story building. The additional elevation makes a remarkable difference in the viewing experience, with visibility extending up to 220 kilometers (136 miles) on exceptionally clear days.

EdgeWalk: The Ultimate Thrill

For adventure seekers, EdgeWalk delivers an experience unlike any other in North America—a hands-free walk on a 1.5-meter (5-foot) wide ledge encircling the tower's main pod at 356 meters (1,168 feet) above the ground. Secured by a harness and safety system, participants lean back over Toronto with nothing but air beneath them.

This 30-minute outdoor walk (90 minutes total experience including training) provides incomparable views and the undisputed bragging rights of having literally walked around the outside of one of the world's tallest structures. Each EdgeWalk is led by specially trained guides who not only ensure safety but also share fascinating information about the tower and city while encouraging participants to push their personal boundaries with various leaning positions.

Weather permitting, EdgeWalk operates seasonally from spring through fall. Advance reservations are strongly recommended as this bucket-list experience frequently sells out, especially during summer months and weekends.

Dining at Altitude: 360 Restaurant

Fine dining reaches new heights at 360 Restaurant, located 351 meters (1,151 feet) above the city. This upscale revolving restaurant completes a full rotation approximately every 72 minutes, offering ever-changing panoramic views while you dine.

Under the direction of an award-winning culinary team, the restaurant serves contemporary Canadian cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients from across the country. The extensive wine cellar (the world's highest) has earned Wine Spectator's "Best of Award of Excellence" with over 550 international and Canadian selections.

Beyond the exceptional food and views, dining at 360 provides excellent value as general admission to the LookOut and Glass Floor observation levels is included with your meal purchase (minimum per-person purchase required). This makes a lunch or dinner reservation not only a memorable culinary experience but also a smart way to enjoy the tower's views.

Special Experiences

Unique Seasonal Events

Throughout the year, the CN Tower hosts special events that transform the standard visit into something extraordinary:

• Yoga in the Sky - Join morning yoga sessions on the Glass Floor for a truly elevated practice with incredible views.
• EdgeWalk at Sunset/Night - Special seasonal EdgeWalk experiences during sunset or after dark.
• Celebration Events - The tower hosts special observation experiences for major holidays like New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day, and Canada Day.

Light Shows

The CN Tower's LED exterior lighting system illuminates the structure in various colors and patterns each night, often coordinated with special events, awareness campaigns, or celebrations. The top 553-meter section features a light show that runs for 8 minutes at the top of each hour from dusk until midnight.

Practical Visitor Information

Getting There

The CN Tower is centrally located in downtown Toronto at 290 Bremner Boulevard, adjacent to Rogers Centre and within the larger Ripley's Aquarium/Roundhouse Park area. We recommend these transit options:

• Public Transit: Union Station (the main transit hub) is just a 7-minute walk away, served by subway, GO trains, and VIA Rail.
• Walking: From the Harbourfront, it's a pleasant 10-15 minute walk.
• Driving: Paid parking is available at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (North and South buildings).

Best Times to Visit

To optimize your experience and minimize wait times:

• Least crowded: Weekday mornings before 11am or evenings after 8pm
• Most crowded: Weekends between 12pm-5pm, summer holidays, and whenever cruise ships dock at Toronto Harbour
• For photography: Early morning for crisp, clear views or dusk for dramatic lighting
• Weather consideration: Check the forecast—clear days offer the best visibility

Accessibility

The CN Tower is wheelchair accessible, with elevators servicing all public levels. Service animals are permitted, and reduced admission rates are available for visitors with disabilities. The 360 Restaurant can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice.