In the Spotlight: CN Tower

Defining the Toronto skyline, the CN Tower is Canada's most recognizable and celebrated icon.

Standing at 553 m (1,815 ft), the CN Tower (290 Bremner Blvd.) is the tallest free-standing structure in the western hemisphere and one of Toronto’s most popular attractions for tourists and locals of all ages alike. Whether you're looking for tickets, fun facts, places to eat or want to brave the CN Tower Edgewalk, here is all you need to know about visiting Toronto's iconic CN Tower.

Brave the CN Tower Edgewalk

In 2011, the CN Tower opened EdgeWalk—the first attraction of its kind in North America. If you've ever wondered what it's like to feel the open air 356 m (1,168 ft) above Toronto, the CN Tower EdgeWalk is for you. The world's highest full-circle hands-free walk takes place on a 1.5 m (5 ft) ledge encircling the top of the CN Tower's main pod. Visitors walk around the pod while attached to an overhead rail by a secure harness.

CN Tower EdgeWalk is the first attraction of its kind in North America

Get tickets to the CN Tower

Timed General Admission CN Tower tickets are available online or in person at the CN Tower (290 Bremner Blvd.)

Options are available to purchase CN Tower tickets for the Main Observation Level or the Main Observation Level and Sykpod, which is the highest observation platform in the Western Hemisphere.

If you're feeling brave, then take your adrenaline to new heights and book the exhilarating CN Tower EdgeWalk experience.

A trained EdgeWalk guide leads the tour, which runs for approximately 1.5 hours (the outside portion lasts approximately half an hour). During the walk, you will have the opportunity to lean back over the city with nothing but open air between you and the ground—an unforgettable photo op to share with your friends once you get back to Earth!

Tickets for EdgeWalk include a keepsake video, printed photos and a certificate of achievement. Ticketholders also get access to LookOut, Glass Floor and SkyPod. All this, plus lifelong bragging rights and a truly unforgettable experience!

360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower Interior

It's in the name—enjoy 360-degree views from 360 Restaurant at the top of the CN Tower

Discover CN Tower restaurants

Whether you crave a fancy dinner or something quick on the go, there is no shortage of food around the CN Tower. Here are a few options that will help enhance your experience.

360 Restaurant

Looking for a memorable dining experience? The CN Tower’s 360 Restaurant is the place to be. Featuring spectacular 360-degree views of the city from atop the Tower and an inventive, Canadian-sourced seasonal menu, 360 is an inspiring gastronomic experience in an unsurpassed setting. The restaurant boasts an extensive array of wines from Canada and around the world with its innovative “cellar in the sky,” the world's highest wine cellar.

The award-winning CN Tower restaurant food welcomes groups, parties, and associations and is the perfect place to celebrate any occasion. 360 Restaurant offers a prix fixe two-course menu for $75 or a three-course menu for $90. Reservations are recommended and can be made online or by calling 416-362-541.

Le Café

Located at the base of the CN Tower, Le Café caters to a wide array of tastes, providing a delicious range of reasonably priced fresh market fare and beverages ideal for visitors and those on the go. Selections include pizza, salads and sandwiches, freshly brewed coffee, gourmet teas and a tempting variety of baked goods.

Vue Bistros

While taking in the 360-degree panoramic views of the city, there are three bistros where visitors can snack on Canadian food and beverages. The observation level can also be used for events and host up to 700 guests.

Hunters Landing

This local gem is beloved by locals and tourists alike. With a lovely patio, and cozy atmosphere and delicious menu options at an affordable price, you can’t go wrong here. The Korean cauliflower is divine. 82 Fort York Blvd.

Aria

With an airy interior and extensive wine list, this elevated Italian gem is the perfect spot to catch a view of Maple Leaf Square. The menu focuses on local and sustainable options. 25 York St.

CN Tower Gift Shop

A selection of the most popular items is available for purchase online. If you’re visiting in person, don’t forget to drop by the 8,000 sq ft gift shop on your way out. Memorabilia such as First Nations arts and crafts, Canadiana and miniature CN Tower replicas are perfect souvenirs to remember your trip by.

CN Tower facts

The CN Tower was classified as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1995
The Tower took 40 months to build and cost $63 million
The 360 Restaurant takes 72 minutes to complete one full revolution
The Tower weighs 117,910 metric tonnes or the equivalent of 16,844 large male elephants
The Tower’s intelligent LED light system changes colour depending on occasion or season
At 553 m, the CN Tower is the tallest free-standing structure in the western hemisphere
On average, the CN Tower is struck by lightning 75 times per year

Parking at the CN Tower

Parking: South lot of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and the Impark lot on Navy Wharf.

By Car from the South or West: Follow the QEW into Toronto, where it turns into the Gardiner Expressway. Exit onto Spadina Avenue North and turn right onto Bremner Boulevard.

By Car from the East: Take Highway 401 into Toronto and exit onto the Don Valley Parkway Southbound. As you approach Downtown, this will turn into the Gardiner Expressway. Exit at Spadina Avenue North and turn right onto Bremner Boulevard.

By the Car from the North: Take Highway 400 into Toronto, exiting onto Highway 401 West. Continue until you reach Highway 427 southbound. Follow Highway 427 to downtown via the QEW/Gardiner Expressway. Exit onto Spadina Avenue North and turn right onto Bremner Boulevard.

By Rideshare: Drop off along Bremner Boulevard.

By TTC: From Union Station walk west along Front Street.

By Union Pearson Express (UP): From Union Station walk west along Front Street.

By GO Transit: From Union Station walk west along Front.

Why is the CN Tower so famous?

One of the most recognizable pieces of architecture in the Toronto Skyline, the CN Tower is an engineering marvel that for decades reigned supreme as the tallest tower in the world, and is still the tallest freestanding structure in the western hemisphere. There’s the 360 Restaurant at the top that rotates 351 m in the sky. There are also several other attractions where you can test your fear of heights.

Open since 1976, the CN Tower boasts several levels from which you can take in the 6ix. The Lookout Level sits at 346 m high with panoramic views of the surrounding city, and a glass floor looking down on the two stories below.

The 447-metre-high SkyPod gets you even closer to the top of the CN Tower’s spire, with views far beyond Toronto—on a clear day, you might be able to see as far as Buffalo and Rochester, New York!

For real thrill-seekers, the CN Tower also boasts EdgeWalk , an attraction between the Lookout Level and the SkyPod in which visitors can strap into safety harnesses and walk without railings on an outdoor platform 356 m above the earth.

Is the CN Tower worth visiting?

The CN Tower in Toronto is absolutely worth visiting. This iconic Canadian landmark stands at a staggering 553 meters and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surroundings from its observation decks. Whether you're a tourist or a local, the CN Tower provides a unique perspective of Toronto, making it a must-see attraction. It also boasts a range of attractions, including a glass floor for those seeking an adrenaline rush and an excellent restaurant where you can dine while enjoying the spectacular views. Whether you're interested in the architecture, the views or the experience, visiting the CN Tower is an unforgettable Toronto experience.

Is CN Tower the tallest building in the world?

The CN Tower is currently the ninth largest freestanding building in the world. When the CN Tower construction was completed in 1976, this icon of Canadian engineering and construction was the tallest freestanding structure on Earth, a record it held until 2007.

How much does it cost to do the CN Tower walk?

Ticket prices for the CN Tower Edgewalk start at $195.00 CAD per person and can be purchased on the CN Tower website.

How long does it take to visit the CN Tower?

The amount of time it takes to visit the CN Tower can vary depending on your itinerary and the time of day. On average, a typical visit, including taking the elevator to the observation deck and enjoying the views can take around two hours. However, if you plan to have a meal at the tower's restaurant or experience other attractions nearby, such as Ripley's Aquarium, it's advisable to allocate more time. Additionally, waiting times for the elevator during peak hours can extend your visit.

When is the best time to visit the CN Tower?

The best time to visit the CN Tower in Toronto largely depends on your preferences. Many visitors prefer to go in the late afternoon to enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the city both in daylight and as it transitions into the evening, allowing them to see the city both in daylight and as it lights up at night. Additionally, weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends, making for a more peaceful and enjoyable experience.