The CN Tower is Toronto's tallest and most defining landmark. Photos of Toronto are often defined by the building stretching more than 550 metres into the sky.
The CN Tower was originally built to solve communications problems caused by the skyscrapers dotting Toronto's landscape in the '70s. The new buildings towered over past transmission towers and caused poor reception for televisions and radios in the city. So work began on a tower to stand above all of Toronto's skyscrapers and serve as the centre of telecommunications in this ever growing city. In June of 1976, after 40 months of construction the CN Tower was complete.
Today, aside from serving as a hub for telecommunications across the city the CN Tower has become a major tourist destination. Visitors can test their courage by walking across the glass floor 113 stories above the ground. The first of its kind in the world, the glass floor give you that dare to walk on air experience, with only 2 ½ inches of glass holding you 342m in the air. The glass floor is actually stronger than most commercial floors and has the strength to hold 38,556 kg (85,000 lbs) or 14 hippos! Or if you dare, travel higher up the tower to the Sky Pod another 33 storeys above ground.
The tower's revolving 360 Restaurant offers an award winning wine list and spectacular view for any romantic evening. If you're not wild about heights, at the base of the tower, a fully licensed fresh market café that serves an array of international foods and there is plenty to shop for in the 10 000 sq. foot Marketplace.
If the glass floor isn't enough excitement for you there's the HIMALAMAZOM motion theatre ride (must be 107cm (42 inches) tall to ride). The Maple Leaf Cinema also plays a 15 minute film on the construction of the tower 30 years ago.
New in 2010, the CN Tower presents The Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D, the first-ever surf film created in 3D. The movie stars American surf champ Kelly Slater and Tahitian legend Raimana Van Bastolaer as they explore the waters just off the shores of Tahiti and other French Polynesian islands. With breathtaking visuals and eye-popping 3D effects, The Ultimate Wave displays the rich culture and nature of the islands, as well as giving insight into the origins of surfing. The renovated Maple Leaf Cinema is now equipped with a highly-advanced projection system, providing one of the the best 3D theatre experiences in the country.
Admission:
There are several packages that visitors can purchase. The Total Tower Experience package includes the Look Out, Glass Floor, Sky Pod, a film, and the motion theatre ride for $32.99 per person.
Observation Sky Pod Experience package includes the Look Out, Glass Floor and Skypod for $26.99 (Adult 13-64), $24.99 (Senior 65+), and $20.99 for children (4-12).
Observation Experience package includes the Look Out and Glass Floor package goes for $22.99 (adults), $20.99 (seniors) and $14.99 (children).
The Attractions Experience package includes the Look Out, Glass Floor and either movie or motion theatre ride goes for $26.99 (Adult), $24.99 (Seniors 65+), $20.99 (Child 4-12).
For other information and packages check out the CN Tower website at http://www.cntower.ca .
Getting There:
By Car:
From the South or West: Follow the QEW into Toronto , where it turns into the Gardiner Expressway. Exit onto Spadina Avenue North and turn right onto Bremner Blvd.
From the East: Take Highway 401 into Toronto and exit onto the Don Valley Parkway Southbound. As you approach Downtown, this will turn into the Gardiner Expressway. Exit at Spadina Ave. North and turn right onto Bremner Blvd.
From the North: Take Highway 400 into Toronto , exiting onto Highway 401 West. Continue until you reach Highway 427 southbound. Follow Highway 427 to downtown via the QEW/Gardiner Expressway. Exit onto Spadina Ave. North and turn right onto Bremner Blvd.
By Transit:
Your ultimate destination is Union Station. From there, the Tower is a short walk west along Front Street, or a 5 minute covered stroll along the SkyWalk
To commemorate the late Elizabeth Samuel, Liza's Garden is a contemporary secret garden of greenness and sustainability, installed on the south portion of the Philosopher’s Walk wing. Created by PLANT Architect Inc, the 10, 000 square foot area offers a dynamic haven of greenery. Aside from aesthetic appeal, the garden is a practical landscape that reduces the heat island effect and provides shelter for birds and other small creatures. The garden can be viewed from c5 Restaurant Lounge, located at the pinnacle of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal.
