CN Tower

The basics

At 1,815 feet (553 meters), the CN Tower in Toronto is hard to miss, and almost every sightseeing tour of Toronto includes at least a look at this iconic structure. To get a real sense of its soaring height, it’s best to go inside. Regular CN Tower tickets, which you can combine with a guided city walking tour or harbor cruise, give you access to the vertigo-triggering Glass Floor at 1,122 feet (342 meters) and the 1,136-foot (436-meter) LookOut Level deck via high-speed, glass-walled elevators.

You can go to the even higher SkyPod platform at 1,465 feet (447 meters), though this platform is not included in general admission so you need to purchase a separate ticket. For the ultimate thrill, try the EdgeWalk, the highest full-circle hands-free walk around the ledge of the tower’s main pod. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is located on the ground floor. For a novel perspective of the tower, take a helicopter tour over Toronto’s skyline.

Things to know before you go

• Wear a jacket or outer layer as it can be cold on the Outdoor SkyTerrace, the outdoor observation deck located on the same level as the Glass Floor.

• Access to the observation level is free to those who dine in the tower’s revolving restaurant.

• The Glass Floor, LookOut Level, and the first level of the SkyPod are all accessible to wheelchair users.

• There is a gift shop inside the tower, as well as restrooms.

How to get there

CN Tower is located beside the Rogers Centre in downtown Toronto. The visitors’ entrance is on Bremner Boulevard. Take the subway (line 1 Yonge-University) to Union Station and walk west along Front Street. It’s a five- to 10-minute walk from the station.

When to get there

Summer weekends are peak visiting days. Most people come between 11am and 5pm—go in early morning or late evening to avoid the crowds. After sunset, you can witness the tower’s eight-minute light show, which takes place on the hour.

What the CN Tower actually does

More than just a show-stopping architectural icon and tourist attraction, the CN Tower serves a practical purpose as a telecommunications tower. Prior to its construction, the increasingly tall Toronto skyline was making it difficult to transmit radio and television signals. Though the tower may appear spindly, it is in fact very sturdy. It is covered with thick reinforced concrete, weighs 130,000 tons (117,910 metric tonnes), and is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.

Is it worth going to the top of CN Tower?

Yes, it’s worth going to the viewing platform of the CN Tower if you enjoy panoramic views of Toronto and Lake Ontario from high up. A CN Tower tour is great way to get your bearings in Toronto and to appreciate the city’s size and geography.

What is the best time to visit CN Tower?

Both day and night are good times to visit the CN Tower as you can appreciate different views throughout the day. Early mornings before about 11am are the quietest time to visit, and anytime at the weekend is busiest.

How long does it take to climb the stairs of the CN Tower?

It takes around 30–40 minutes to climb the 1,776 steps of the CN Tower. This is only possible for the public once a year, during the Annual WWF-CN Tower Climb for Nature event.

How long is the elevator ride to the top of the CN Tower?

The elevator ride from the ground floor to the Main Observation Level of the CN Tower takes 58 seconds. The elevator travels at 15 miles (22 kilometers) per hour. It's a thrilling experience and provides passengers with stunning panoramic views of the city as they reach the observation deck.

Can you bring a backpack to the CN Tower?

Small backpacks are allowed in the CN Tower, measuring up to 20x9x15 inches (53x23x38 centimeters). Larger packs aren’t permitted, and there are no lockers to store these in. Further, all bags will be inspected before you’re allowed in, so leave the backpack behind to speed up your entry.

Is it better to go to the CN Tower during the day or night?

There are benefits to going to the CN Tower during the day or at night. You’ll be able to see further during the day, but the sunset from the tower and the sight of Toronto’s twinkling night lights are also impressive.

Ways to explore

The CN Tower is one of Toronto’s most popular attractions, and for good reason. With multiple observation decks, a glass floor, a thrilling climbing experience, and a rotating restaurant that highlights Canadian ingredients and recipes, there are plenty of ways to explore. Along with guided tours that feature the Tower as a stop, several ticket options are available; make sure to book in advance to reserve your entrance time.

Accessibility

Accessible parking is available with advance request, and wheelchairs are available to borrow. Low sensory mornings are scheduled throughout the year. At the restaurant, menus are available in braille.

Age limits

There are no age limits for visiting the Tower, but children must be 13 or older for the EdgeWalk experience.

What to pack

Water, snacks, credit card, cash

What to wear

Choose depending on your destination: For the EdgeWalk you’ll need closed-toe shoes, and clothing you can wear coveralls over. The 360 restaurant is upscale, so a smart outfit is encouraged.

Not allowed

Smoking, alcoholic beverages, drones

Amenities

Bathrooms, café, gift shop

Address 

Parking in downtown Toronto can be hard to find, so when possible, walk, use public transit, take a cab, or book a tour that includes transportation. If you do end up driving, try to book parking in advance to make sure there’s a spot for your car.

Driving

Parking is available at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, right in front of the Tower. Drive west on Front Street, and the entrance to the lot will be on the left, right after Lower Simcoe Street.

Public transportation

The CN Tower is a 10-minute walk away from Union Station, where multiple buses, trains, and trams stop. Exit onto Front Street, then walk west until you can turn left onto Lower Simcoe Street. Continue under the underpass, and the Tower will be on your right.

Best times to visit

Sunset and late afternoon, when the light is softer, are ideal times to visit.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are always quieter.

Best months to visit

Toronto is lovely during the spring and fall, when the trees are either beginning to bloom or the leaves are starting to change color. April and September are both good choices.

Special events

The Tower itself doesn’t host any particular events, but it’s located on Canada Lands Square, which holds different markets and celebrations throughout the year—upcoming events can be found on its calendar.