What is the CN Tower?
The CN Tower is a 553-metre (1,815-feet) high communication and observation tower that stands as the 10th tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere. In the 1960s, Toronto experienced a construction boom that blocked TV and radio broadcast transmission towers, so the CN Tower was built to act as a radio tower to help solve this communication issue. Its name refers to Canadian National, the railway company that built the tower, which first opened in 1976. The CN Tower was the tallest freestanding structure in the world until it was surpassed by Dubai’s Burj Khalifa in 2009.
Is the CN Tower worth visiting?
More than 2 million people visit the CN Tower annually to take in panoramic views of the city, making it one of Toronto’s most popular tourist spots. It’s worth visiting to get a full perspective of the city, with an ability to overlook up to 100 miles. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Niagara Falls and New York. If you’re about doing it for the ‘Gram, this spot will provide some of the best cityscape shots.
What's the best way to see the CN Tower?
Timed general admission CN Tower tickets are available online or in person at 290 Bremner Blvd. You can purchase CN Tower tickets for the main observation level (a circular floor that provides a 360-degree view of the greater Toronto area), or the main observation level plus Sykpod, the latter of which is the highest observation platform in the Western Hemisphere. Skypod is 33 stories higher than the main observation level and 447 meters (1,465 feet) above the ground. The elevator has multiple glass floors on your way up and on the main observation deck.
If you're feeling adventurous, take your adrenaline to new heights and book the CN Tower EdgeWalk experience, which sees you walking around the tower's perimeter, 116 stories above Toronto, with nothing but a harness securing you. EdgeWalk is the world’s highest full-circle hands-free walk and the first of its kind in North America. Tickets for EdgeWalk include a keepsake video, printed photos and a certificate of achievement. Ticket-holders also get access to LookOut, Glass Floor and SkyPod. Plus, bragging rights and a 1.5-hour experience that'll have you on the edge of excitement!
What's good to eat at the CN Tower?
For a full CN Tower/Canadiana experience, dine at the 360 Restaurant. From atop the tower, you can see the city in dazzling panoramic fashion while enjoying a meal of ingredients sourced from across the country. The award-winning CN Tower restaurant features seasonal menu items filled with sustainable ingredients from around Canada, including wines from its “cellar in the sky,” the world's highest wine cellar.
360 Restaurant offers a prix fixe two-course menu for $75 or a three-course menu for $90, which includes access to the main observation level. Reservations are recommended and can be made online or by calling 416-362-541.
Le Café
If sky-high dining isn’t your thing, Le Café is located at the tower's base. Serving everything from pizza to salads, and freshly brewed coffee, it’s a good alternative for a bite before or after taking in the sweeping city views.
Vue Bistros
On the observation level, VUE Bistros stocks classic Canadian food and beverages, including poutine and local craft beer.