CN Tower

The CN Tower at 290 Bremner Boulevard is the defining landmark of the Toronto skyline in Ontario, Canada. Completed in 1976 as a communications tower, it rises 553 metres above the Entertainment District and the Harbourfront, and it remains the most recognisable structure in the city. Visitors ride glass-fronted elevators to the main observation level at roughly 346 metres, where floor-to-ceiling windows give views across Lake Ontario, the Toronto Islands, the downtown towers and, on clear days, as far as the Niagara region. A section of glass floor lets visitors look straight down the concrete shaft, and a higher SkyPod level adds further altitude for an additional fee. The 360 Restaurant revolves slowly above the city and takes about 72 minutes to complete one rotation. Thrill-seekers can book the EdgeWalk, a hands-free walk around the outside of the main pod circling the roof, which is run in small harnessed groups and sells out in summer. Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours, including the queue for the elevators and time at the base, where Roundhouse Park, Steam Whistle Brewing and Ripley's Aquarium of Canada are within a short walk. Clear weekday mornings and the hour around sunset offer the best light and visibility; fog, rain and low cloud can close the views entirely, so checking the weather before buying a ticket is sensible. The tower is busiest on summer weekends, holidays and mid-afternoon, when timed-entry slots fill and lines for the elevators lengthen. The best photo angles of the tower itself come from Rees Street Park, Harbourfront, the Toronto Islands ferry and Front Street West near the Rogers Centre, while the SkyWalk from Union Station provides a weather-protected approach. Timed general admission and package tickets are sold through the official website, and booking online generally avoids the longest ticket-office queues.