Toronto’s skyline finds its crown in the CN Tower, a half-kilometer marvel transforming how you see the city. Standing tall since 1976, this engineering wonder offers something most buildings can’t: a view that stretches up to 100 miles in all directions. More than just a tall structure, the CN Tower represents Toronto’s bold spirit – it was the world’s tallest freestanding structure for over three decades, a record that speaks volumes about the city’s ambition.
Ride the high-speed elevator to the Main Observation Level, and you’ll understand why over 1.8 million travelers visit annually. At 346 meters up (1,135 ft), the floor-to-ceiling windows reveal Toronto in stunning detail. Photographers and sightseers will love the 360-degree views of the city and Lake Ontario. Every angle offers a fresh perspective on Toronto’s landscape, making the tower a must-stop for travelers wanting to see the city from above.
Just as the Empire State Building defines New York City’s skyline, the CN Tower defines Toronto‘s. Its looming presence can be seen from virtually every corner of the city. Not only is the CN the city’s icon, but we’d go as far as saying it is the whole country’s, too.
Pro Tip
Toronto is situated on the north shore of Lake Ontario. Located near the waterfront, the CN Tower serves as a central point of the city and provides a general reference point for those needing help with their orientation while visiting. As soon as you arrive at your accommodation, locate where you are in relation to the tower to make getting around Toronto much easier.
Discovering the CN Tower: Facts and Trivia
The “CN” in CN Tower stands for “Canadian National.” The tower was originally built by Canadian National Railways, a Crown corporation at the time, and was known as the Canadian National Tower. Over time, the name was shortened to CN. Canadian National Railways was privatized in 1995, and though the structure is now owned by a different company, the Canada Lands Company, the name stuck, and it’s still known as the CN Tower.
The CN Tower’s story is as impressive as its height. Constructed for approximately 63 million Canadian dollars (equivalent to 278 million in today’s currency), this architectural marvel was a collaborative effort by renowned architects, including John Hamilton Andrews, Webb Zerafa, Menkes Housden, and E.R. Baldwin from WZMH Architects. While it reigned as the world’s tallest structure for 32 years before being surpassed by Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the tower remains the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere. Today, it attracts over 2 million visitors annually, offering breathtaking views that extend far beyond Toronto. On crystal-clear days, visitors can see Niagara Falls and even parts of New York state.
But the tower is more than just a pretty skyline feature—it’s an engineering marvel. Designed to withstand extreme conditions, it can endure winds up to 418 km/h (260 mph) and is built to survive an 8.5-magnitude earthquake. Nature’s own light show is a regular occurrence, with the tower experiencing an average of 75 lightning strikes per year, safely conducted to the ground by long copper strips running down its structure.
At the time of its construction and after some of its renovations, the CN Tower broke several architectural and engineering world records, including:
- World’s tallest free-standing structure (553.33 meters/1,815 ft) from 1975 to 2007, when it was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa.
- World’s tallest telecommunications tower (553.33 meters/1,815 ft) from 1975 to 2009. Surpassed by the Canton Tower.
- The Skypod is the highest public observation platform in the world (447 meters/1,467 ft).
- World’s tallest glass-paneled elevator (346 meters/1,152 ft), since 2008.
- World’s longest metal staircase (2,579 steps)
- Highest glass floor in the world (342 meters/1,122 ft), between 2008 and 2009, surpassed by the Willis Tower.
- World’s tallest and largest revolving restaurant (360 Restaurant, 351 meters/1,151 ft)
- World’s highest bar Horizons Restaurant (346 meters/1,152 ft)
- Highest wine cellar in the world (360 Restaurant, 351 meters/1,151 ft)
The tower even has a Hollywood connection. In 1979 and 1980, stuntman Dar Robinson captured global media attention by jumping from its top – first for a movie scene in “Highpoint” and then for a personal documentary. In 1995, the American Society of Civil Engineers recognized its significance by designating the CN Tower a Modern World Wonder.
Visiting the CN Tower: A Journey to the Sky
As you might expect, the attraction’s main ticket booths are at its base, in a large plaza next to other attractions, including Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada and the Toronto Railway Museum.
Pro Tip
Admission to the CN Tower is included with the Toronto CityPASS, which provides access to five different attractions (including the CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium, Casa Loma, or the Zoo) at a savings of up to 40%.
Reaching the top of the tower is quite an experience. The glass elevators reach a speed of 22 kilometers per hour and reach the platform in just under a minute.
Once the dizzying elevator ride is over, visitors reach the main platform at 346 meters above sea level. This area, called the Indoor Lookout Level, contains a couple of cafes, souvenir stores, and seating areas, and it offers an overview of the attraction. The tower’s famous glass floors are also located here.
While the views from the Indoor Lookout are spectacular by themselves, it should be noted that they are protected by glass, so reflections can be a problem. For glass-free views, the CN Tower has an open-air observation deck.
The glass floor challenges your courage. Step out, and the city appears to drop away beneath your feet. Lake Ontario stretches in the distance, buildings shrink to toy-like proportions, and suddenly, your perspective shifts completely. This isn’t a tourist trap. This is Toronto laid bare.
For those craving an extra rush, the SkyPod takes you even higher. At 1,467 ft (447 meters), you’re perched at the highest observation platform in the Western Hemisphere. On clear days, the horizon expands dramatically – Niagara Falls might peek into view, blurring the lines between city and landscape.
The CN Tower does not disappoint in its promise to offer unparalleled views of Toronto’s skyscrapers, Toronto Billy Bishop Airport, Toronto Island, and Lake Ontario.
Views From the Observation Deck
How to Climb the CN Tower: Prices, Opening Hours and Tickets
CN Tower Opening Hours
You can visit and climb the tower year-round and enjoy Ontario’s scenery during all four seasons.
| Attractions | |
| Observation platforms | 9:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. |
| SkyPod | 9:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. |
| EdgeWalk | 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. |
| Restaurants | |
| 360 Restaurant | Almuerzo: 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner: 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. |
| VUE Bistros | Monday to Friday: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. |
| Le Café | 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
| The Kiosk | 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
| Ticketing and Information | |
| Ticketing | 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. |
| Souvenir shop | 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. |
CN Tower: Ticket Prices
Tickets can be purchased up to 10 days in advance.
| Adults (14 – 64) | (+65) | (6 to 13) | Children (3 to 5) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Ticket | $43 CAD | $30 | $30 | $14 |
| SkyPod + General Ticket | $50.50 | $37.50 | $37.50 | $21.50 |
The best way to visit the CN Tower at a discount is through the Toronto CityPASS, which allows access to five different attractions (including the CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium, Casa Loma, or the Zoo) at a savings of up to 40%.
It is recommended to book tickets in advance to climb the CN Tower. This will save you time and allow you to visit the tower more relaxed.
You can book your ticket online, choosing your options and date of visit. You can book your tickets here.
Another option is to hire a tour including CN Tower tickets.
Finding the Tower: Location and How to Get There
Address
The main entrance to the CN Tower is located at 290 Bremner Blvd. in the heart of downtown Toronto and between the Rogers Centre and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada.
Public transportation
Regardless of which public transit service you choose (TTC, GO Transit, or UP Express), you should invariably arrive at Union Station. From there, the tower is a short walk west along Bremner Boulevard. Signage inside the station will point you in the direction.
Parking
You will find plenty of parking for vehicles and bicycles around the tower. The closest parking garages are the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (enter from Lower Simcoe Street from Bremner Boulevard or Lake Shore Boulevard) and Navy Wharf Court (on the west side of the Rogers Centre just north of Bremner Boulevard). Please note that these are paid parking lots.
Cabs and Ridesharing Applications
Toronto cab and app drivers know how to get to the CN Tower. If they ask for a specific address, you can say 290 Bremner Blvd.
Accommodation Near the CN Tower
Being in downtown Toronto, you can visit the CN Tower from some of the best hotels in the city. Some of the best-rated accommodations near the tower are:
- Fairmont Royal York Hotel
- Toronto Marriott City Centre Hotel
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto
- InterContinental Toronto Centre, an IHG Hotel
- Sonder The Slate