CN Tower — Attraction in Toronto

The CN Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Toronto and a symbol of Canadian engineering excellence. Standing at 553.3 meters (1,815 feet), it was the tallest free-standing structure in the world from its completion in 1976 until 2007. Today, it remains one of the tallest structures globally and a major tourist attraction. The idea for the CN Tower arose in the 1960s when Canadian National (CN), the railway company, wanted to build a communications tower that could effectively serve the growing television and radio industry in Toronto. At the time, skyscrapers in the city were interfering with broadcast signals, and a taller structure was needed to transmit clear signals across the region. Construction began in 1973 and was completed in 1976. At the time of its completion, it was the tallest man-made structure, a title it held for over 30 years. The tower was also a testament to Canada’s ambition to showcase its engineering prowess. The name "CN" originally stood for Canadian National, but after the railway company sold the tower in 1995, it now simply refers to the "CN Tower." The CN Tower’s design is a marvel of modern engineering. It consists of a hollow concrete core with a hexagonal base and tapers as it rises. The tower is supported by a massive concrete foundation buried deeply into the bedrock to ensure stability against high winds and even earthquakes. The tower’s antenna is its highest point and serves as a transmission hub for multiple television and radio stations across the Greater Toronto Area. The CN Tower has several observation areas that offer breathtaking views of Toronto and beyond. Located 346 meters (1,136 feet) above the ground, the LookOut Level provides panoramic views of Toronto and the surrounding area. One of the highest observation decks in the world, the SkyPod is located at 447 meters (1,465 feet) and provides an even more elevated view Glass Floor: Installed in 1994, the Glass Floor is 342 meters (1,122 feet) above the ground, allowing visitors to look directly down to the street below through transparent panels. There is revolving Restaurant called : The 360 Restaurant, located 351 meters (1,151 feet) above the ground. It offers fine dining with a revolving view of the city. The floor completes a full rotation every 72 minutes, allowing diners to enjoy a constantly changing panorama as they eat. The CN Tower is equipped with LED lights that illuminate the tower in various colors during the night. The lighting system is often used to celebrate holidays, sports victories, or raise awareness for social causes. It is a dynamic feature that enhances the Toronto skyline after dark. The CN Tower is a symbol of Toronto’s identity and a point of pride for Canada as a whole. It attracts nearly two million visitors annually, including tourists from around the world ( incidentally we also became statistics ) . The tower has also been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials, solidifying its place as a global icon. The construction of the CN Tower was an incredible engineering accomplishment, especially given the technology available in the 1970s. Its durability and ability to withstand harsh weather, including strong winds and lightning strikes, showcase the innovative design techniques used during its construction. It no longer holds the title of the world’s tallest structure (surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in 2010). It was an unforgettable experience, starting with the high speed lift to...

CN Tower – Toronto’s Iconic Skyline Champion 🏙️

📏 Quick Stats

Height: 553.3 m (1,815 ft) – was the world’s tallest free-standing structure (1975–2007); still holds the title of tallest tower by CTBUH standards .

Constructed: Feb 1973 – Apr 1975; opened to the public on June 26, 1976; cost approx. CAD 63M .

Originally built by: Canadian National Railway; transferred to Canada Lands Company in 1995 and rebranded as “Canada’s National Tower” .

Design: Hexagonal slipform tower with three supporting wings; features a pod with multiple decks .

🏞️ Highlights & Experiences

🔭 Observation & Thrills

Main Observation Level (342 m): Floor-to-ceiling windows, glass floor panels (can support 35 moose or 5 hippos!), and a SkyTerrace .

SkyPod (447 m): Highest public observation deck in Western Hemisphere; offers breathtaking views, seen up to Niagara Falls on clear days .

EdgeWalk: The world’s highest full-circle walk—1.5 m-wide ledge at 356 m; opened August 1, 2011 .

🍽️ Dining & Wine

360 Restaurant: Revolving venue at 351 m, completes a full rotation every 72 minutes; Canadian-sourced menu .

Wine Cellar in the Sky: Holds Guinness record as the highest wine cellar (~9,000 bottles at 351 m) .

⚡ Fun Facts

Lightning magnet: Struck 75–80 times annually; designed with copper grounding to safely handle strikes .

Sky-high stairs: 1,776 steps leading up; accessible twice yearly during charity climb events .

Time capsule: Placed at the LookOut level at opening—contents include newspapers, coins, letters; slated to be opened in 2076 .

LED lightshow: Over 1,330 LED fixtures with millions of color combos; lighting changes mark holidays, causes, and special events .

🧭 Visiting Info

• Tickets: Vary by experience—observation decks, glass floor, Skypod, EdgeWalk, dining packages/carousel deals .

• Accessibility: Elevators to main deck at 346 m; glass-floor elevator holds Guinness record .

• Best time to visit: For fewer crowds—go early morning or during low tourism seasons. Evening visits offer city lights and the LED display.

• Special programs: – Low Sensory Mornings for visitors with sensitivities – Charity stair climbs, seasonal events, and dining specials – Combo tickets including Ripley’s Aquarium entry

📸 Insider Tips

Take the EdgeWalk early to avoid wind delays and evening closures.

Book 360 Restaurant in advance, especially sunset slots.

Try to time your visit with a color theme—e.g., pink for Mother’s Day or red/blue for sports celebrations.

On ultra-clear days, you might see Niagara Falls—bring binoculars!

🌟 Why it’s iconic

A marvel of Canadian engineering, the CN Tower combines utility (telecom infrastructure) with thrill-seeking (EdgeWalk), luxe dining, and world-class views. As one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World, it draws over 1.5–2 million...

A Breathtaking First Visit to CN Tower, Toronto – September 28, 2022

Visiting the CN Tower for the first time was truly a magical experience! On September 28, 2022, we finally got the chance to witness this iconic landmark in Toronto, and it exceeded all our expectations.

The Tower and Its Grandeur The CN Tower is an architectural marvel that dominates Toronto’s skyline. Standing at an impressive height of over 553 meters, it is one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world. The sight of the tower from a distance is awe-inspiring, but nothing compares to the feeling of standing right beneath it, craning your neck to take in its enormity.

The Observation Deck Experience We took the high-speed elevator to the observation deck, and the journey itself was thrilling. The glass-fronted elevator offered glimpses of the city as we ascended rapidly, adding to the excitement.

Once on the observation deck, the views were absolutely breathtaking. Toronto stretched out below us like a living map, with Lake Ontario sparkling in the sunlight. The 360-degree panoramic view allowed us to see the bustling city, the serene waterfront, and even the distant horizon. It was an unforgettable sight!

Glass Floor Thrill One of the highlights of our visit was stepping onto the famous glass floor. It was both thrilling and nerve-wracking to look straight down and see the ground hundreds of meters below. The feeling of walking on air made for a unique and memorable experience.

SkyPod – Reaching New Heights We also visited the SkyPod, the highest observation point in the tower. At this incredible height, the views became even more surreal, with the city looking like a miniature model. The serenity and sense of wonder at this level were unmatched.

Dining at 360 Restaurant Although we didn’t dine at the 360 Restaurant, we couldn’t help but admire its rotating dining area and the chance it offers to enjoy a meal with spectacular views. It’s definitely something we’d love to try on a future visit!

Impressions and Memories The CN Tower isn’t just about the views; it’s about the experience. From the moment we entered to the time we left, everything was well-organized and smoothly managed. The staff was welcoming and knowledgeable, adding to the enjoyment of our visit.

Final Thoughts Our first visit to the CN Tower was unforgettable. It’s a place where architecture meets adventure, offering something for everyone – from adrenaline seekers to those looking for peaceful views. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the CN Tower is a must-visit destination that showcases the beauty and vibrancy of Toronto like no other.

We left with hearts full of joy and minds filled with awe, already looking forward to our next visit to this...