In the Spotlight: CN Tower
Defining the Toronto skyline, the CN Tower is Canada's most recognizable and celebrated icon.
Visit the CN Tower to capture a lifetime experience. This engineering marvel offers an unrestricted, thrilling 360° view of the Toronto skyline, while the glass floor provides a unique perspective of the city below. Plan your visit with the following guide.
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Tickets & admission
CN Tower tickets for adult, senior, youth and child admissions can be purchased online. Adult tickets range between $45 and $199 CAD. The lowest cost is a timed admission, and the top value includes access to EdgeWalk. The Tower is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Sea the Sky option lets guests see two adjacent attractions, the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium.
The CityPASS® offers visitors the best value for those looking to explore more parts of Toronto outside of the CN Tower, including the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, the Royal Ontario Museum, City Cruises Toronto (Reopening April 1), Casa Loma, and the Toronto Zoo within a nine-day window. Tickets can be purchased up to 30 days in advance.
CN Tower EdgeWalk is the first attraction of its kind in North America
Things to do
Main Observation
General admission lets guests view from the Main Observation Level and the Lower Observation Level for a peak view of 114 storeys high. Here, you can walk on the CN Tower Glass Floor, hear the city from the outdoor terrace, or lean out in OverView, a unique way to feel the full 114 storeys above Toronto. You’ll also gain access to Artmosphere, an immersive interactive art showcase and the gift shop, where you can stock up on all your CN Tower memorabilia.
It's in the name—enjoy 360-degree views from 360 Restaurant at the top of the CN Tower
Restaurants
What is a visit to the CN Tower without enjoying some delicious CN Tower restaurant food? Here are your options:
Le Café
Le Café, located on the ground floor, is the perfect spot to enjoy a small meal or grab a hot caffeinated beverage.
Vue Bistros
Vue Bistros invites you to catch the surrounding views while enjoying classic Canadian cuisine and local craft beer.
CN Tower 360 Restaurant
360 Restaurant is the ultimate dining affair that gives you a full rotation of the city while you enjoy a delicious locally sourced, seasonal and sustainable meal. Pair your dish with wine from its on-site Guiness-World-Record-holding wine cellar.
CN Tower facts
- The CN Tower was classified as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1995
- The Tower took 40 months to build and cost $63 million
- The 360 Restaurant takes 72 minutes to complete one full revolution
- The Tower weighs 117,910 metric tonnes or the equivalent of 16,844 large male elephants
- The Tower’s intelligent LED light system changes colour depending on occasion or season
- At 553.33 metres (1,815.5 feet) high, the CN Tower is the tallest free-standing structure in the western hemisphere
- On average, the CN Tower is struck by lightning 75 times per year
Parking at the CN Tower
Parking: South lot of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and the Impark lot on Navy Wharf.
By Car from the South or West: Follow the QEW into Toronto, where it turns into the Gardiner Expressway. Exit onto Spadina Avenue North and turn right onto Bremner Boulevard.
By Car from the East: Take Highway 401 into Toronto and exit onto the Don Valley Parkway Southbound. As you approach Downtown, this will turn into the Gardiner Expressway. Exit at Spadina Avenue North and turn right onto Bremner Boulevard.
By the Car from the North: Take Highway 400 into Toronto, exiting onto Highway 401 West. Continue until you reach Highway 427 southbound. Follow Highway 427 to downtown via the QEW/Gardiner Expressway. Exit onto Spadina Avenue North and turn right onto Bremner Boulevard.
By Rideshare: Drop off along Bremner Boulevard.
By TTC: From Union Station walk west along Front Street.
By Union Pearson Express (UP): From Union Station walk west along Front Street.
By GO Transit: From Union Station walk west along Front.
The CN Tower is the signature of Toronto. From captivating scenic views of the city to adrenaline-pumping activities like OverView and EdgeWalk; you cannot come to Toronto and not visit this iconic city landmark. Book your tickets and get ready for an adventure that never fails to excite.
Why is the CN Tower so famous?
One of the most recognizable pieces of architecture in the Toronto Skyline, the CN Tower is an engineering marvel that for decades reigned supreme as the tallest tower in the world and is still the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere. At the top, there’s the 360 Restaurant, which rotates 351 metres in the sky. There are also several other attractions where you can test your fear of heights.
Open since 1976, the CN Tower boasts several levels from which you can take in the 6ix. The Lookout Level is 346 m high and offers panoramic views of the surrounding city and a glass floor looking down on the two stories below.
The 447-metre-high SkyPod gets you even closer to the top of the CN Tower’s spire, with views far beyond Toronto—on a clear day, you might be able to see as far as Buffalo and Rochester, New York!
For real thrill-seekers, the CN Tower also boasts EdgeWalk, an attraction between the Lookout Level and the SkyPod in which visitors can strap into safety harnesses and walk without railings on an outdoor platform 356 m above the earth.
Is the CN Tower worth visiting?
The CN Tower in Toronto is absolutely worth visiting. This iconic Canadian landmark stands at a staggering 553 meters and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surroundings from its observation decks. Whether you're a tourist or a local, the CN Tower provides a unique perspective of Toronto, making it a must-see attraction. It also boasts a range of attractions, including a glass floor for those seeking an adrenaline rush and an excellent restaurant where you can dine while enjoying the spectacular views. Whether you're interested in the architecture, the views or the experience, visiting the CN Tower is an unforgettable Toronto experience.
Is CN Tower the tallest building in the world?
The CN Tower is currently the ninth largest freestanding building in the world. When the CN Tower construction was completed in 1976, this icon of Canadian engineering and construction was the tallest freestanding structure on Earth, a record it held until 2007.
How much does it cost to do the CN Tower walk?
Ticket prices for the CN Tower Edgewalk start at $195.00 CAD per person and can be purchased on the CN Tower website.
How long does it take to visit the CN Tower?
The amount of time it takes to visit the CN Tower can vary depending on your itinerary and the time of day. On average, a typical visit, including taking the elevator to the observation deck and enjoying the views can take around two hours. However, if you plan to have a meal at the tower's restaurant or experience other attractions nearby, such as Ripley's Aquarium, it's advisable to allocate more time. Additionally, waiting times for the elevator during peak hours can extend your visit.
When is the best time to visit the CN Tower?
The best time to visit the CN Tower in Toronto largely depends on your preferences. Many visitors prefer to go in the late afternoon to enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the city both in daylight and as it transitions into the evening, allowing them to see the city both in daylight and as it lights up at night. Additionally, weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends, making for a more peaceful and enjoyable experience.
