CN Tower

As the world’s tallest tower when it was built, Toronto’s CN Tower is one of the most iconic must-see tourist attractions in the city. 

The 114 storey, 55 metre tall building and the attached antenna reach high above Toronto’s skyline, broadcasting a multitude of television and radio signals across the southern Ontario region. In addition to providing much-needed cell signal to the area, the CN Tower is a regional tourism highlight, with, quite literally, an unmatched skyline view from the LookOut Level, a romantic fine dining experience at the revolving 360 Restaurant and multiple museum exhibits throughout the tower. Take the high-speed elevator from the LookOut Level up to SkyPod, which offers an enclosed observation platform high above the city. 

Daredevils who have conquered the fear of heights can take a stroll (while safely harnessed, of course) along EdgeWalk, an adrenaline-pumping walk that wraps around the outside of the needle. Anyone who dares to trek around the outside of the building will do so hands-free, giving walkers the experience of strutting above Toronto’s skyline. Families will enjoy the world’s first glass floor, which is a stretch of solid glass that looks down to the street below, designed to accommodate bouncing kids. On the same level, the SkyTerrace offers a 342 metre balcony to take in the city while the wind whips around you. 

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, CN Tower is a great stop to make before you settle in for drinks in the Entertainment District or after checking out the Art Gallery of Ontario nearby. Situated conveniently close to both Chinatown and Kensington Market and the Toronto Islands, the CN Tower is an easy addition to any tourist itinerary. Walk to the CN Tower from any nearby neighborhood or take the subway on Route 1 and get off at Union. 

For up-to-date information and details on CN Tower, we recommend you visit their website. For information about other places of interest to explore nearby, keep scrolling to see what Destination Ontario recommends. 

Toronto skyline at night with CN Tower

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair accessible

Unobstructed path through public  hallways that are wide enough to allow  people using wheelchairs and other  mobility devices to move easily through  the building. 

Universal washroom

Separate, individual washroom with  adequate manoeuvring room for mobility  devices. Includes grab bars, transfer  space, accessible door latch, accessible  sink with knee clearance, easy-to-use  faucets and adult change table. 

Support persons welcome

Support persons are welcome to provide  services or assistance with  communication, mobility, personal care,  medical needs or access to facilities.  Please check with the organization about  entry fees, if applicable.

Service animals welcome

Service animal can be identified by visual  indicators (guide dog or other animal  wearing a vest/harness); or  documentation available from a  regulated health professional to confirm  the animal is required due to a disability. 

Information available in alternative format

Accessible formats (e.g. for menus,  brochures, etc) and communication  supports are provided in a timely manner  upon request at no extra charge in  consultation with the person making the  request.

Elevator access

Elevator access to all public floors with  adequate manoeuvring room to enter  and exit the elevator.

Accessible washroom

An accessible washroom stall has  adequate manoeuvring room for mobility  devices. Includes grab bars, transfer  space, accessible door latch, sink with  knee clearance, and lever handles or  automatic sensor faucets. 

Accessible drop-off location

Passenger drop-off is available by an  accessible entrance. 

Accessible transportation

Accessible public transportation and/or  accessible shuttle buses serve the site. 

Accessible restaurant

Accessible entrance; adequate  manoeuvring room; accessible washroom  nearby. Tables with removable chairs and  adequate knee clearance.  Cafeteria/buffet counters reachable for  mobility device users. 

Accessible entrances/exits

A sufficiently wide, hard surfaced,  unobstructed path, no steps or equipped  with ramp connecting to a public  entrance or exit and identified by signage.  Automatic door openers, adequate  manoeuvring room in front of door.

Wheelchair and/or mobility devices available

Wheelchairs and/or mobility devices are  available, free of charge, or for rent. 

More about CN Tower

Reaching about 300 metres above the rest of Toronto’s skyline, the CN Tower is a historical and cultural icon of the city and the country. Considered one of the great engineering feats of the world, this needle — which doesn’t technically count as a skyscraper because its floors are too small to be occupied — was the tallest structure in the world for over 30 years. 

In 1976, after about three-and-a-half years of construction, the CN Tower resolved one of Toronto’s landmark problems of the 1960s: other skyscrapers. As new materials and engineering emerged and skyscrapers grew taller and taller, Toronto’s communication lines could no longer connect to one another. Enter the CN Tower, which now provides some of the continent’s best reception to the area, as it reaches well beyond the rest of the skyline.  

Although it was erected for function more than form, Canadians grew proud of this architectural feat, and it now draws in more than 1.5 million visitors every year. From the tower, viewers can see as far as Niagara Falls, located all the way across Lake Ontario, on a clear day. The tower is the best place to see the skyline, but it has also become part of the skyline in its own right, lighting up several times a year to commemorate national holidays, local sports wins and special occasions. 

While the view will be the highlight of your trip to CN Tower, the revolving 360 Restaurant is a fine dining experience worth much more than its stunning location. You’ll have to remind yourself to check out the ever-changing view as you taste exquisite Canadian fare and wine from the world’s highest wine cellar. 

The tower boasts dynamic historical exhibits, such as the 1976 time capsule, which will be opened in 2076. CN Tower also prides itself on providing new and different exhibits often, so it’s worth making a trip here on every visit to Toronto. Stop in the gift shop to find quintessential Canadian trinkets and tower-themed souvenirs. 

Note that the SkyPod level and cafes have limited hours on some days of the week. Sections of the SkyPod experience are not accessible to wheelchair users, but the rest of the tower is open to people using wheelchairs or other assistance. 

Last updated: August 18, 2023

Skip photo gallery

Explore more of Ontario

Tag your photos with #DiscoverON to inspire others.

Looking for Ontario travel advice?

Our experts are here to help you plan your perfect trip. Call or book today.