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The CN Tower, built in 1976, stands 553m high. It was the tallest free-standing structure in the world until 2010. It’s the crown jewel in Toronto’s skyline and an icon of Canada.
Visiting
The tower features two observation decks and a restaurant. Timed general admission to the main observation level, Outdoor SkyTerrace, and glass floor starts at CAD$43. Timed general admission tickets plus the SkyPod are CAD$53. Those who are more daring can try the EdgeWalk, walking around the edge of the roof secured only by a lanyard, starting at CAD$199. Admissions are current as of April 2024. The tower is open daily from 9:30am to 9pm and tickets can be purchased in advance. (Note: the Outdoor SkyTerrace and glass floor are partially open while renovations finish up (as of April 2024).)
Waiting…
I bought my tickets online to save time and for the small discount, but it didn’t matter. I don’t mind waiting in line, but 90 minutes just to get to the elevators and another 20 minutes from there really tested my patience. At least I got to take a look at every item in the gift shop while standing in line.
Main Observation Level
We finally got to the elevator, which launched us up to the main observation level in just 58 seconds. At 113 stories, the view was incredible and the wait didn’t seem so agonizing, although it was a little crowded.
SkyTerrace
Down one level is the Outdoor SkyTerrace. Even though Canada’s largest city was several stories below my feet, I could only hear and feel the wind up there.
The Outdoor SkyTerrace also features a glass floor, where you can stand and look at the street literally below your feet. The panels are 2 ½” thick and are replaced annually.
SkyPod
The LookOut and Outdoor SkyTerrace were great, but the SkyPod was even better. We had to take another elevator up to 147 stories. I can’t describe what it felt to be in a man-made structure that high off the ground. I also enjoyed the fact that it was less crowded than the regular observation deck.
On a clear day, it’s said that a visitor can see 160km (100 miles) in any direction. That’s all the way to Niagara Falls! It wasn’t very clear for my visit, but it didn’t matter.
Rogers Centre
The Rogers Centre is just below the CN Tower. It’s a huge stadium with a retractable roof and was formerly known as the SkyDome. It hosts the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team and the Toronto Argonauts Canadian football team. The Rogers Centre, which opened in 1989, can seat around 50,000 depending on the event.
