The CN Tower in Toronto Canada

Posted by Rachel in Toronto on 08 18th, 2010 | No comments yet - be the first one!

There are lots of great attractions in Toronto, Canada, but if you’re into architecture and amazing structures, then a visit to the CN Tower is essential. You can’t help but miss the sight of the CN Tower, as it stands high against the skyline in Toronto. In fact, it’s one of the tallest towers in the world, at over 1500 feet tall.

The CN Tower was completed in 1975 and was originally named after the railway company which built the tower, Canadian National. However, now that it is owned by the government and the name has been changed slight to stand for Canada’s National (Tower).

The tower serves a practical purpose of broadcasting over 30 Toronto TV and radio signals in the area, plus wireless and mobile phone signals, but it’s also a popular tourist destination.

If you’re not averse to heights, then the CN Tower is well worth including in your Toronto itinerary. The tower is open 364 days a year, although opening hours may vary depending on the time of year, and a lift is available to whoosh you to the top.

There are various different observation levels to explore, where you’re guaranteed a panoramic view of the city of Toronto, even on a gloomy day. To make the most of your visit, there are also several restaurants and coffee areas, where you can stop and relax and take in the breathtaking views, before heading back down to solid ground.

At 342m above the ground, there’s the chance to test your nerve and stand on the glass floor – which offers a vertical view down to the ground below. Not for the faint hearted, the floor is made from a super solid glass that could apparently withstand the weight of 14 hippos, so you can stand on it, jump on it or crawl over it, if you so desire.

Various ticket options are available for the CN Tower, many of which can be booked online in advance. If you want to go right to the top, to the Sky Pod, then a separate ticket is needed. The Sky Pod is reached by a special elevator, accessed from the main observation area, and takes you up to an incredible 447m. The 360 degree view offers visibility of over 100 miles. On a clear day, it’s possible to see as far as Niagara Falls.

The CN Tower