Visit the CN Tower

Claim to Fame

The CN Tower was the tallest freestanding structure in the world for over 30 years and remains Canada’s most iconic landmark, offering unmatched 360° views from its glass-floored observation decks.

📌 Navigating CN Tower : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Washrooms: Accessible washroom facilities are available on various levels of the tower.
Hours of Operation: The CN Tower's hours of operation vary, typically from 9:00 am to 10:30 pm, but it's recommended to check the official website for current hours.
Important Information: The CN Tower is one of Toronto's most iconic landmarks, offering breathtaking views of the city and beyond. It's a must-visit for those interested in architecture, engineering, and panoramic vistas.
Admission Fee: Admission fees apply for the various attractions within the CN Tower, including the observation decks and the EdgeWalk.
How Long to Visit: The time spent at the tower varies, with most visitors allocating 1-2 hours to enjoy the views and attractions.
Parking: Limited parking is available at the CN Tower itself, with additional nearby public parking lots. Public transportation or walking is recommended due to the tower's central location.
Family Friendly: The tower is family-friendly, offering educational exhibits and views that appeal to all ages. Special family-oriented events are often hosted.
Photography: Photography is encouraged for personal use, especially from the observation decks, but tripods are restricted.
WIFI: Free WIFI is available to visitors throughout the tower.
Picnic Area: No designated picnic areas are available at the CN Tower. However, nearby parks offer green spaces for picnicking.
Handicap Accessible: The CN Tower is accessible to visitors with disabilities, featuring elevators and accessible observation areas, along with wheelchair-accessible restrooms.
Pets: Pets are not allowed inside the CN Tower, except for service animals.
Guided Tours: Guided tours are available, providing insights into the tower's history and architecture, along with access to exclusive areas.
Restaurant or Cafe: Multiple dining options are available, including the 360 Restaurant, which offers fine dining with a revolving view of the city.
Gift Shop: A gift shop is available at the base of the tower, offering a variety of souvenirs, apparel, and specialty items related to the CN Tower and Toronto.

📌Heads up: All times, prices and visitor policies are subject to change without notice. Please check the official website for the most recent information.

Photos of CN Tower

A defining feature of Toronto’s skyline, the CN Tower is both a feat of engineering and a must-see attraction. Soaring 553.3 meters (1,815 feet) into the air, it offers unforgettable views, thrilling experiences, and a front-row seat to the city’s energy from above. Whether you’re dining in the rotating restaurant or daring the EdgeWalk, the tower promises a true high point of any Toronto visit.

What to Expect

Visitors can ascend in high-speed glass elevators to several observation levels. The LookOut Level features panoramic windows, while the Glass Floor offers a vertigo-inducing view straight down. For the adventurous, the SkyPod, one of the world’s highest observation platforms, delivers incredible long-range views — on clear days, all the way to Niagara Falls.

The tower also houses the 360 Restaurant, a revolving fine-dining venue that completes a full rotation every 72 minutes, offering gourmet meals with a side of skyline. And for adrenaline seekers, the EdgeWalk — a hands-free outdoor walk around the tower’s rim — is the ultimate thrill.

Background and Cultural Context

Completed in 1976, the CN Tower was built by Canadian National Railway as a telecommunications hub and quickly became a national symbol. At the time, it was the tallest freestanding structure on Earth, and though since surpassed, it remains among the tallest towers globally.

Designated as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers, the CN Tower is more than an observation point — it’s a testament to Canadian innovation and ambition.

Best Time to Visit

Arrive shortly after opening or just before sunset for the best experience. Midday often brings crowds, especially on weekends. Sunset is particularly popular, offering golden-hour light followed by dazzling city lights.

How to Get There

The CN Tower is located at 290 Bremner Blvd, next to Rogers Centre and Ripley’s Aquarium. It's a short walk from Union Station and easily reached via TTC, GO Transit, or walking through the downtown PATH system.

Photo Opportunities

Iconic exterior shots from Roundhouse Park or the Toronto Islands
Cityscapes from the LookOut Level
Feet on the Glass Floor with skyline below
EdgeWalk participants silhouetted against the sky

Travel Tips

Buy tickets online to skip the long lines at the entrance.
360 Restaurant reservations include tower admission — a good value option.
Check the weather before visiting — cloudy days limit visibility dramatically.
EdgeWalk requires advance booking and has strict clothing/safety rules.

FAQs

Is the CN Tower wheelchair accessible?
Yes — all observation levels and elevators are accessible, and staff are trained to assist.

How long should I plan to visit?
About 1 to 2 hours for the main observation experience, longer if dining or doing EdgeWalk.

Can I re-enter once I leave?
No — admission is for a single entry only.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re seeing the city for the first time or revisiting a Canadian icon, the CN Tower offers a perspective like no other. From thrilling heights to serene views, it's an experience that defines Toronto — bold, ambitious, and unforgettable.

Things To Do near CN Tower

Entertainment District

The Distance from CN Tower to Entertainment District is 0.8 Kilometer(s) / 0.5 Mile(s)

High Park

The Distance from CN Tower to High Park is 0.8 Kilometer(s) / 0.5 Mile(s)

Art Gallery of Ontario

The Distance from CN Tower to Art Gallery of Ontario is 2.1 Kilometer(s) / 1.3 Mile(s)

St. Lawrence Market

The Distance from CN Tower to St. Lawrence Market is 2.3 Kilometer(s) / 1.4 Mile(s)

Toronto Islands

The Distance from CN Tower to Toronto Islands is 2.6 Kilometer(s) / 1.6 Mile(s)

Distillery Historic District

The Distance from CN Tower to Distillery Historic District is 3.9 Kilometer(s) / 2.4 Mile(s)

Royal Ontario Museum

The Distance from CN Tower to Royal Ontario Museum is 4.7 Kilometer(s) / 2.9 Mile(s)

Casa Loma

The Distance from CN Tower to Casa Loma is 6.9 Kilometer(s) / 4.3 Mile(s)

Ontario Science Centre

The Distance from CN Tower to Ontario Science Centre is 14.5 Kilometer(s) / 9 Mile(s)

📘 Toronto Visitors Travel Information

Time Zone: Toronto operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST), which is UTC -5. During Daylight Saving Time, it shifts to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), UTC -4.

Weather: Toronto has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm, humid summers. Winter temperatures often fall below -5°C (23°F), with snowfall common from December to March. Summers can reach 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), with occasional heatwaves.

Population: Toronto has a population of approximately 3 million people, making it the largest city in Canada. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is home to over 6 million residents. It is one of the most multicultural cities in the world.

Size: Toronto covers about 630 square kilometers (243 square miles) and lies along the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. It is part of the Golden Horseshoe, a densely populated region in southern Ontario.

Language: English is the primary language spoken in Toronto. However, over 160 languages are spoken due to the city’s diversity, with significant communities speaking Cantonese, Mandarin, Punjabi, Italian, and Tagalog.

Currency: The official currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and contactless payments are commonly used in shops, restaurants, and public transit.

Safety: Toronto is considered one of the safest large cities in North America. Violent crime rates are low, though petty theft and occasional transit-related incidents may occur. Normal safety precautions are advised.

Tipping: Tipping is customary in Toronto. A 15–20% tip is expected in restaurants. It is also standard to tip taxi drivers, hotel staff, and service workers.

Electricity and Plugs: Canada uses 120V electricity at 60Hz. Plug types A and B are standard. Travelers from countries with different voltage standards should check compatibility and bring appropriate adapters.

Water: Tap water in Toronto is safe to drink and meets high-quality standards. The city’s water is sourced from Lake Ontario and undergoes strict treatment and testing.

Annual Visitors: Toronto receives over 27 million visitors annually. Popular attractions include the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Distillery District, Toronto Islands, and major sports and cultural events.

Visa Requirements: Visitors from the U.S., EU, UK, and many other countries can enter Canada visa-free for short stays, though most require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) when flying in. A valid passport is required.

Health & Vaccinations: No vaccinations are required for entry into Canada. It’s recommended to be up to date on standard vaccines such as measles, flu, and tetanus. Toronto has excellent healthcare facilities.

Transportation: Toronto has an extensive public transit system, including subways, buses, and streetcars operated by the TTC. Taxis, rideshares, and bike-share services are widely available. Traffic can be congested during rush hours.

Food: Toronto’s food scene is diverse and vibrant, offering everything from global street food to high-end dining. Local favorites include peameal bacon sandwiches, butter tarts, and an array of ethnic cuisines from across the world.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms: Toronto is known for its politeness, multiculturalism, and inclusiveness. Queueing is expected, and casual greetings are common. Visitors should be respectful of cultural diversity and personal space.

Telecommunications & Connectivity: Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, public libraries, and transit stations. Mobile coverage is strong, and local SIM cards or eSIM plans are available from Canadian carriers.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is recommended for visitors to Canada. While emergency healthcare is available, costs can be high for non-residents. Insurance can also cover delays, cancellations, and lost baggage.

Did You Know? - Facts About CN Tower

The CN Tower serves as a hub for telecommunications in Toronto, housing antennas that facilitate radio and television broadcasts. Its original purpose was to solve communication issues caused by the then newly constructed skyscrapers in downtown Toronto, which interfered with signal transmission. Today, it continues to play a vital role in broadcasting across the city.

The EdgeWalk is a daring attraction at the CN Tower, where participants can walk on and around the tower's main pod, 356 meters (1,168 feet) above the ground. This hands-free, full-circle walk on a 1.5-meter-wide ledge encircling the top of the tower's main pod offers an adrenaline-pumping experience with unparalleled views of the city and beyond.

Constructed in 1976, the CN Tower was designed as a telecommunications and observation tower, standing at a height of 553.3 meters (1,815 feet). It held the record for the world's tallest freestanding structure for 34 years until the completion of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai in 2010.

The CN Tower boasts a revolving restaurant, 360 The Restaurant, which completes a full rotation every 72 minutes, allowing diners to enjoy a panoramic view of Toronto while they eat. The restaurant is one of Toronto's premier dining venues, offering a menu of fine Canadian cuisine.

The tower features a glass floor and an outdoor observation deck, providing visitors with breathtaking views of the city and Lake Ontario. The glass floor, installed in 1994, offers a unique and thrilling perspective straight down 342 meters (1,122 feet) to the ground below.