Making My Way
Upon arriving in Toronto, my first excursion after checking into the hotel and enjoying an early dinner at Shoeless Joe’s (complete with poutine, of course) was the CN Tower.
I chose this as my initial outing, knowing I would be exhausted after the lengthy drive to Toronto and, as it turned out, a background check and truck search at the border. Apparently, entering at another border crossing seven years earlier for a hockey game, represented a “pattern.” Either way the idea of trudging around on foot was the least appealing, especially since I had already parked the truck for the entirety of my stay.
On my way up (though I'm uncertain if it was the East Side)
I was advised to arrive half an hour early for my scheduled 7:30 PM appointment due to the typically long line, so I did. However, I found myself 15 minutes ahead of schedule and, after clearing the security checkpoint, I had to wait aside until the clock on the wall indicated it was my time.
As you would expect, you crowd into an elevator with other anxious tourists and ride to the viewing level. The journey upward takes about a minute, during which time you can watch through a window as you rise to the top. (Ascension Video)
The Views
I intentionally planned my visit for the evening (closing time is 9:30 PM) because I believed it would offer a better viewing experience. Although I was worried that the overcast day might obstruct the view, it turned out to be fine, and my photographs are proof of that.
As you wander around, the scramble for the prime spot to snap photos or film videos is just as one would expect, with everyone vying for the perfect Instagram moment. As with taking photos through glass, shadows can be difficult.
A particular highlight was the Rogers Center, home of the Toronto Blue Jays, situated right beside the Tower, was hosting a game against the Houston Astros, which offered a unique view you don’t normally get to see.
Additional Photo Galleries
Below are some photos from the Main Observation Deck, at a height of 346 meters (1,136 feet). In addition to the Main Observation Deck, there is an additional level called the Skypod, 33 stories higher toward the tip of the Tower. For this, you take a small, very slow elevator to this area and the cost is $10 extra.
Photos from the Observation Deck
Photos from the Skypod
In 1994, the CN Tower introduced the SkyPod, an even higher observation deck located at a staggering height of 447 meters (1,465 feet).
In Conclusion
In total, it took me approximately one and a half hours to view everything and take all the desired pictures I wanted to. I’m glad I took the ride and when in Toronto I recommend you check it out.
Related Questions
Canada’s National Tower is not only the tallest building in Canada, but also the entire Western Hemisphere! It measures more than half a kilometre (one-third of a mile) tall from its base to the top of the antenna—553.33 metres, or 1815.5 feet.
From the top of the CN Tower, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Toronto and its surroundings. Here’s what you can typically see:
Toronto skyline: A stunning view of the city’s skyscrapers and architectural landmarks.
Lake Ontario: The vast expanse of the lake stretching to the horizon.
Toronto Islands: A chain of small islands just offshore from downtown Toronto.
Surrounding neighborhoods: Various districts of Toronto spread out below.
On clear days, you might see:
The mist from Niagara Falls (about 60 km away)
The shoreline of New York State across Lake Ontario
The Niagara Escarpment to the west
Aircraft: Planes taking off and landing at nearby Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport.
Major roads and highways: The network of transportation arteries crisscrossing the city.
Parks and green spaces: Including large areas like High Park.
The view changes with the time of day, weather conditions, and seasons, offering a unique perspective on the city and its surroundings.
The cost of visiting the CN Tower varies depending on the type of experience you choose and your age category. As of my last update, here’s a general overview of the admission prices:
General Admission (Main Observation Level):
Adult (14-64): Approximately CAD $40-45
Senior (65+): About CAD $35-40
Child (4-13): Around CAD $30-35
Infant (0-3): Usually free
CN Tower Experience (includes access to Glass Floor, SkyPod):
Adult: Approximately CAD $55-60
Senior: About CAD $50-55
Child: Around CAD $40-45
EdgeWalk (extreme hands-free walk on exterior):
All ages (must meet height/weight requirements): Around CAD $200-250
Please note:
Prices can change and may vary based on the season or special promotions.
Booking online in advance often provides a discount.
There may be additional costs for special experiences or dining.
For the most current and accurate pricing, it’s best to check the official CN Tower website or contact them directly.
The time it takes to go up the CN Tower can vary depending on a few factors, but here’s a general breakdown:
Elevator ride:
The main elevator ride to the LookOut Level (346 meters/1,136 feet) takes approximately 58 seconds.
If you’re going to the SkyPod (447 meters/1,465 feet), it’s an additional 60-second elevator ride.
Waiting time:
This can vary significantly based on how busy it is. During peak times, you might wait anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes for the elevator.
In off-peak periods, the wait could be much shorter, possibly just a few minutes.
Security check:
There’s a security screening process before entering the elevator, which usually takes a few minutes.
Ticket purchase (if not bought in advance):
If you need to buy tickets on-site, this could add extra time, potentially 10-20 minutes during busy periods.
In total, from entering the building to reaching the observation deck, you should expect it to take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy it is and whether you’ve purchased tickets in advance.
To minimize wait times, it’s recommended to buy tickets online in advance and visit during off-peak hours if possible.
The CN Tower is open year-round. While the busiest months are in the summer, the changing weather conditions of the seasons can create a dramatically different experience, whether it’s the tops of Toronto’s skyscrapers poking through the clouds on a foggy day in the spring or the perfect crispness of a winter afternoon.
The time of day matters, too. Sunset and evening visits can make it feel like the city has lit up just for you, while mornings and afternoons can show off the full breadth and beauty of Toronto and Lake Ontario. No matter when you choose to visit, though, we always recommend that you buy your tickets ahead of time.
The CN Tower features a revolving restaurant called 360 Restaurant, located at an elevation of 351 meters (1,151 feet). It offers fine dining with a spectacular panoramic view of the city as it slowly rotates, making a complete revolution every 72 minutes.
In addition to 360 Restaurant, there’s also a more casual dining option called the CN Tower Café, located on the LookOut Level.
The ideal time to book CN Tower tickets depends on several factors, but here are some general guidelines:
Peak season: During summer months (June-August) and holidays, it’s advisable to book at least a week in advance, if not more.
Off-peak season: In less busy periods, booking a few days ahead is usually sufficient.
Special events: If you’re visiting during a major event in Toronto, book as early as possible.
Time of day: Sunset hours are particularly popular, so book these well in advance.
Group visits: For large groups, booking 2-4 weeks ahead is recommended.
Restaurant reservations: If you want to dine at 360 Restaurant, book 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for dinner.
Last-minute bookings: While possible, they’re riskier during busy periods and you might not get your preferred time slot.
Flexibility: If your schedule is flexible, you might be able to book closer to your visit date.
Remember, booking in advance often comes with benefits like online discounts and guaranteed entry times, which can help you avoid long queues. If you have a specific date or time in mind, earlier booking is always safer.
Yes, there are several types of discounts available for CN Tower admission. Here are some common ones:
Online discounts: Purchasing tickets online in advance often offers savings compared to buying at the door.
Combo packages: Bundling CN Tower admission with other Toronto attractions can provide savings.
CityPASS: If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions in Toronto, this pass can offer significant savings.
Group rates: Discounts are usually available for groups of 15 or more.
Student and senior discounts: With valid ID, students and seniors often qualify for reduced admission.
Child rates: Children typically have lower admission prices, with specific age ranges varying.
Family packages: These often provide savings for families visiting together.
Local resident discounts: Sometimes offered during off-peak seasons.
Special promotions: The CN Tower occasionally runs time-limited promotions, especially during slower periods.
Annual pass: For frequent visitors, this can provide good value.
It’s always best to check the official CN Tower website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on current discounts and promotions, as these can change over time.