CN Tower: Toronto's Sky-High Icon That'll Take Your Breath Away

The CN Tower, a 553-metre communications and observation tower built in 1976, draws over 2 million visitors annually with panoramic views reaching up to 100 miles. Visitors can choose from the main observation level, the higher SkyPod, or the adrenaline-pumping EdgeWalk—the world's highest full-circle hands-free walk.

Hannah Prescott

Desk writer

What Is the CN Tower?

The CN Tower is a 553-metre (1,815-feet) communications and observation tower that stands as the 10th tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere. Back in the 1960s, Toronto's construction boom was blocking TV and radio broadcast signals, so the CN Tower was built to solve this communication headache. Its name refers to Canadian National, the railway company that built it, and it first opened in 1976. The CN Tower held the title of the world's tallest free-standing structure until Dubai's Burj Khalifa surpassed it in 2009.

Is the CN Tower Worth Visiting?

More than 2 million people visit the CN Tower every year to soak in panoramic views of the city, making it one of Toronto's most popular tourist spots. It's absolutely worth visiting to get a full perspective of the city—you can see up to 100 miles away. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Niagara Falls and New York. And if you're about doing it for the 'Gram, this spot delivers some of the best cityscape shots you'll ever capture.

white and brown concrete building under blue sky during daytime

What's the Best Way to See the CN Tower?

Timed general admission tickets are available online or in person at 290 Bremner Blvd. You can purchase tickets for the main observation level—a circular floor providing a 360-degree view of the greater Toronto area—or for the main observation level plus SkyPod, the latter being the highest observation platform in the Western Hemisphere. SkyPod is 33 stories higher than the main observation level and 447 metres (1,465 feet) above the ground. The elevator has multiple glass floors on the way up, and there's also a glass floor on the main observation deck.

If you're feeling adventurous, take your adrenaline to new heights and book the CN Tower EdgeWalk experience, which has 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, you get bragging rights and a 1.5-hour experience that'll have you on the edge of excitement!

high rise building during daytime

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