No trip to Toronto is complete without a visit to the CN Tower. In addition to the incredible 100-mile views available from the top of the world’s second highest free-standing building, thrill-seekers will love the opportunity to stand on the glass floor and look down – way, way, way down to street level. It’s a heart-stopper for sure!
Although it is one of Canada’s number one tourist attractions, the CN Tower boasts a people management system that makes it relatively quick and convenient to see. Flash your CityPass and skip the ticket queue, then move through the security lineup and onto the glass-fronted elevator for your 58-second ride to the top. There are both glassed-in and open-air viewing areas, but you’ll get better photos at the former. To prevent crazies from leaping, the open-air viewing areas are caged in. If you like, you can go to the Skypod (for an additional $9/person) which will take you to the tip-top of Toronto – 146 stories off the ground.
Tips
- When you line up at the bottom, resist the normal North American urge to move to the right. That’s the photo line and once you’re in it, you’re stuck. The line-up will then take approximately six times longer to get through, since every group will have to pose for a shot in front of the ‘green screen.’ Yes, that photo will later be available for you to purchase, with the CN Tower magically replacing the green but…wait! If you go left and skip the photo on the lower level, you’ll get to the top faster and will find another – and in my opinion, far funkier – photo-op awaiting you. For the same price, Xtreme Images will take a shot of you in a funny position (lying on your stomach, waving your arms in the air etc.) and use a bit of PhotoShop trickery to create a photo that will look as if you’ve actually leapt off the famous Tower and are smiling your way down. Much funnier and a much, much shorter lineup.
- You can eat dinner or lunch at the top of the Tower where the Horizon’s Dining Room offers both ala carté and prix fixe menus that are reasonably priced, or buy sandwiches, salads, pastries and coffees from the kiosk. Either way, you can’t beat the view.
- There are two other entertainment options at the CN Tower in addition to the excitement of getting very, very high – a theatre experience called “The Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D” – the first 3-D surf film ever created; and the Himalamazon motion theatre ride. Kids will love both, as will adults who don’t have motion sickness. If you do, spend your times shopping for surprisingly great, non-tacky souvenirs of Toronto and Canada in the huge gift shop.
For more on discounts to the best attractions in Toronto, visit: www.citypass.com/toronto.
Continue with the Top 5 Sights & Attractions in Toronto: the Metro Toronto Zoo.
Liz Fleming is an award-winning Canadian travel journalist who specializes in adventure, health and wellness and learning travel. For more from Liz, go to: Liz Fleming’s Travel Tales