The CN Tower at a glance
As the tallest skyscraper in the capital of Ontario in Canada, the CN Tower stands 553.33 meters tall and commands the financial and entertainment districts of Toronto. Originally built in 1973 as a telecommunications hub by the national railway company, Canadian National, it has since become the city icon, drawing over 1.5 million visitors each year. If you want to catch a sunset over Lake Ontario and the nearby islands, arrive one hour before dusk. During peak tourism season, plan to get there early.
Designed by Australian architect John Andrews, the CN Tower is a prime example of the brutalist movement, known for its heavy reliance on raw concrete and imposing scale. The structure features several levels, including an observation deck, a glass floor, and a main pod. Beyond the expansive views, you will find two restaurants, including Horizons and a higher-end 360-degree rotating dining room, as well as the Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, one of the largest in the Americas. While the primary observation deck is located at 343 meters, the fourth level, known as the Skypod, sits at an altitude of 447 meters. Note that accessing this upper level requires climbing 12 steps and paying an additional fee.
Thrill-seekers will find plenty to do with the world's highest external walk, the Edgewalk. For 200 CAD (about $145), you can walk along a 1.5-meter wide ledge 356 meters above the ground, fully secured by a harness and cable, for about 30 minutes. It is an intense experience.
At night, the CN Tower transforms when illuminated by more than 1,000 LEDs. The color scheme shifts to mark holidays and the changing seasons. The lighting even switches to a more subdued mode during bird migration periods.
Just a stone's throw from the Rogers Centre, the CN Tower offers several lovely views of the city. One of the main attractions is the glass floor, which lets you see the dizzying height of the tower. You can also go even higher by accessing the observation pod, which offers a 360 degree view of the city. During my visit, what I liked most was realizing the diversity of urban spaces for a modern city.