Standing 1,815 feet tall, the CN Tower commands Toronto's skyline. This architectural marvel delivers breathtaking views, heart-pounding adventures, and memorable dining experiences all under one roof. Whether you're seeking panoramic vistas or adrenaline-pumping thrills, the tower's multiple levels provide entertainment for every type of visitor. Here's our list of the top things to do when you visit the CN Tower.
Ride to the Top: High-Speed Elevator Adventure
Your CN Tower experience begins the moment you step into one of the tower's glass-paneled elevators. These high-speed lifts rocket you 1,136 feet skyward in just 58 seconds, traveling at speeds up to 15 miles per hour. The glass panels offer glimpses of the tower's impressive concrete structure as you ascend, providing a preview of the engineering marvel you're exploring.
When the elevator doors open on the main observation deck, you'll step into a world where Toronto spreads out beneath your feet like a living map. The tower's construction, completed in 1976, required innovative engineering techniques to create this stable platform that can withstand winds up to 200 miles per hour. The elevator ride itself becomes part of the adventure, building anticipation for the spectacular views awaiting above.
Main Observation Level and Glass Floor
The main observation level sits 1,136 feet above Toronto and delivers 360-degree views that stretch across Lake Ontario and downtown Toronto's impressive skyline. On clear days, you can spot landmarks up to 100 miles away, including Niagara Falls on exceptionally clear days. The indoor observation areas feature floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the city like a massive picture window.
The Glass Floor is one of the CN Tower's most famous features. This transparent marvel can support the weight of 14 large hippos, and standing on it sends thrills through most visitors. Looking down through the glass provides a bird's-eye view of the streets more than 1,000 feet below, where cars appear as tiny moving dots. The Outdoor Terrace extends your viewing experience into the fresh air, offering unobstructed photo opportunities and the chance to feel Toronto's wind at this incredible height.
Many visitors wonder about the glass floor's safety and durability. The tempered glass undergoes regular testing and can withstand five times the weight it will ever need to support, making it completely safe for all guests to enjoy this unique perspective.
SkyPod and EdgeWalk
The SkyPod takes your CN Tower experience even higher, rising 1,465 feet above the city for the ultimate panoramic experience. This premium observation level requires an additional ticket but provides unparalleled views from the tower's highest publicly accessible point. The SkyPod's enclosed viewing area offers protection from the elements while delivering views that extend across multiple provinces on clear days.
EdgeWalk presents the tower's most extreme adventure for thrill-seekers. This outdoor walking experience takes place on a 5-foot-wide ledge that circles the tower's main pod at 1,168 feet above ground. Participants wear safety harnesses and are tethered to an overhead rail system throughout the 30-minute experience. EdgeWalk operates seasonally from May through October and requires reservations due to its popularity and safety requirements.
This adrenaline-pumping activity represents an optional paid add-on separate from standard admission. EdgeWalk participants must meet specific age, weight, and health requirements, and the experience may be cancelled due to weather conditions. The memories and photos from this once-in-a-lifetime adventure make it a bucket-list experience for many visitors seeking activities at CN Tower.
Dining in the Clouds
360 Restaurant elevates dining to new heights with its slowly revolving floor that completes one full rotation every 72 minutes. This award-winning restaurant serves contemporary Canadian cuisine while providing constantly changing views of Toronto's landscape. The restaurant requires reservations and maintains a minimum spend per person, but the combination of exceptional food and unbeatable views creates an unforgettable dining experience.
The revolving mechanism operates so smoothly that diners barely notice the movement, allowing you to enjoy multiple perspectives of the city during your meal. The restaurant's wine list features selections from Ontario's renowned wine regions, perfectly complementing the chef's seasonal menu offerings.
For visitors seeking quicker dining options, VUE Bistro offers casual fare with equally impressive views. The bistro serves sandwiches, salads, and light meals that you can enjoy while taking in the scenery. A coffee bar provides beverages and snacks for those wanting to extend their visit without committing to a full restaurant experience. These faster options are ideal for families or visitors looking to make the most of their time exploring other activities at the CN Tower.
Planning Your Visit to the CN Tower
Early morning visits often provide the clearest views and smallest crowds, making them ideal for photography enthusiasts. Sunset visits offer spectacular lighting as the city transforms from daylight to evening illumination. The tower stays open until 11 p.m. most days, allowing you to experience both daylight and nighttime views during a single visit.
The CN Tower provides full accessibility with wheelchair-accessible elevators and observation areas. Family washrooms, gift shops, and storage lockers ensure comfortable visits for all guests. Check current schedules before your trip for seasonal hours and special events.
Planning activities near the CN Tower becomes easy with the tower's central location in Toronto's entertainment district. The nearby Harbourfront, Rogers Centre, and Ripley's Aquarium of Canada all sit within walking distance, making it simple to create a full day of exploration. Your CityPASS® tickets provide access to multiple attractions, allowing you to experience the best of Toronto while maximizing your savings.