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Explore CN Tower: A Local Guide for Toronto’s Iconic Landmark [+ Pro Tips!]
- Where is the CN Tower?
- What is CN Tower?
- How to Get to CN Tower
- Things to Know about the CN Tower
- What to Do and See in CN Tower
- Visit CN Tower’s Observation Decks
- Brave the EdgeWalk
- Dine at 360 Restaurant
- Buy souvenirs at the shop
- Witness the CN Tower light shows
- Bring the little ones to KidZone
- What Attractions Are near CN Tower
- Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
- Toronto Railway Museum
- St. Lawrence Market
- How to Plan Your Visit
One of the most photographed, if not the most photographed, sites in Toronto is the CN Tower. It’s that really tall and skinny building you see in the Toronto skyline—and we never get tired of looking at it!
If you want to go high up in the sky, this is the ultimate destination! And its location downtown makes it a very accessible tourist destination—basically, it’s situated where cool things happen!
You can spend a couple of hours at the CN Tower, which we’re showing you how! Check out our guide for practical tips, activities, dining places, and attractions nearby to make your trip worthwhile!
Where is the CN Tower?
The CN Tower is located on Bremner Boulevard in downtown Toronto, just south of Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada.
What is CN Tower?
Media credit: cntower
The CN Tower is an observation and communications tower that stands at 553 m (1815 ft) high. This engineering marvel serves as a broadcast transmission spot for TV and FM radio stations in Canada.
Construction was finished on April 2, 1975. From that year until 2007, it was the world’s tallest freestanding structure until it was surpassed by Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
It still holds the record for the highest cellar in the world, which can be found 351 m (1151 ft) up in the sky at 360 Restaurant. It also received the Guinness World Record for the World’s Highest External Walk on a Building because of Edge Walk.
How to Get to CN Tower
Closest station: If you’re taking public transit, ride the TTC, GO Transit, or UP Express and alight at Union Station. From there, walk for 10 minutes until you reach the Bremner Boulevard entrance of CN Tower (this is the only entrance, by the way).
Closest parking areas: If you’re driving, the closest (paid) parking areas are the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and the Impark lot on Navy Wharf Court. You can find other facilities around CN Tower.
There are a limited number of accessible parking spots at Rogers Centre. You can also find parking for both motor vehicles and bikes.
Things to Know about the CN Tower
Location: 290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON
Contact:
- General Inquiries: (416) 868-6937
- EdgeWalk: (416) 601-3833
- 360 Restaurant: (416) 362-5411
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 9:30 pm
What to Do and See in CN Tower
Visit CN Tower’s Observation Decks
Media credit: cntower
When visiting the CN Tower, the only way to go is up…literally. General admission will take you to the top of the city, which includes access to the Lower and Upper Observation Levels for a bird’s eye view of the Toronto skyline.
The Main Observation Level, which is 114 storeys high, is basically a cool way to see the city. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to view the city and Lake Ontario—and really far-away areas in Toronto!
Just one storey down is the Lower Observation Level, which will take you on a knees-shaking trip to the glass floors (you can literally see Toronto looking down!). Observe the city from the Outdoor Terrace while feeling the winds in your skin!
The new immersive attraction, Artmosphere, is also on the lower deck. The walls are covered with visual animation by Indigenous and Canadian artists.
Pro Tip:
You can visit any time of the day, but avoid weekends for a less crowded experience. Check the weather app and try to avoid cloudy days to see Toronto’s skylines clearly.
Brave the EdgeWalk
Media credit: cntower
Conditions (click here for the complete list):
- Must weigh over 75 lbs and less than 310 lbs
- Must be 13 years old and over
- Must be in good physical health
Is your inner thrillseeker ready to walk the edge of the CN Tower? If you are, try EdgeWalk and get that adrenaline rush!
Walk along the edge of the CN Tower, and this time, you’re right outside 116 storeys high! You’ll be securely harnessed and you can enjoy the views, winds, and the exhilaration you’ll feel while walking completely hands-free!
Wheelchair users can join in, too! You do need to contact the staff so they can assess if you can participate.
Your thrilling time on the EdgeWalk takes 30 minutes (90 minutes in total if preparations are included). With your ticket, you get two photos and a video to remember your experience!
Pro Tip:
Wear pants and comfortable shoes because it’s cold and windy up there. Try to go when the weather’s warmer.
Dine at 360 Restaurant
Media credit: cntower
Time to literally elevate your dining experience at CN Tower’s 360 Restaurant. And yes, you’re dining with a view while rotating 360° in the tower—and you won’t get dizzy because it’s slow, completing a full rotation in 72 minutes.
It offers Canadian dishes using fresh and sustainable ingredients. They’re all about steaks, seafood, and cocktails—perfect for romantic dates, celebration dinners, and just because!
There’s a minimum of $75 of food per person, while kids aged 4 to 12 must spend at least $40. Guests of the restaurant get a complimentary visit to the Main Observation Level.
You can order from the ala carte menu, which costs around $50 to $70 per meal. There are 2 and 3-course meals as well, priced at $75 and $90, respectively.
Pro Tips:
Book a reservation time just before sunset so you can enjoy stunning views of the city. It adds a romantic touch to your dining experience.
Check the website for special deals. You can save money with the discounts, which can reach up to 50% for the kid’s menu.
Buy souvenirs at the shop
Media credit: cntower
If you’re a tourist, there’s no reason not to check out the gift shop at the base of CN Tower—you can commemorate your visit if you’re a local, too! It’s where you can purchase souvenirs, like clothing, mugs, plushies, and various trinkets.
But be warned, the prices are not the most affordable. You can stick to the usual souvenirs, like fridge magnets and keychains, if you want to buy something a little more inexpensive.
Pro Tip:
If you want to save money on souvenirs, check out shops in Chinatown on Spadina Avenue. There are more affordable options there.
Witness the CN Tower light shows
Media credit: cntower
At sunset, the CN Tower is illuminated to honour celebrations, causes, and special moments. This is a nightly spectacle that will totally grab your (and anyone’s) attention.
If you’re worried about sustainability, the tower is equipped with a special LED illumination system that’s actually cost and energy-efficient. It will light up in various colours, depending on the cause or celebration, like red for Canada Day!
You should know that it doesn’t light up immediately at sunset. It usually becomes visible after 30 minutes, depending on how dark the sky is.
Pro Tip:
If you want to photograph the CN Tower light show, the best vantage point isn’t at the base. Go to HTO Park, Roadhouse Park, or even from Toronto Islands.
Bring the little ones to KidZone
Media credit: busymamaco
CN Tower is a family-friendly destination, and you don’t have to pay for a ticket this time! You can bring your kids to the KidZone for free to release their energy—the recommended ages are from 3 to 8.
It’s pretty spacious for kids, with enough area to run around. There’s an interactive play structure that they can climb on and slide from, which children can enjoy for an hour or so.
Pro Tip:
Head over to Le Cafe, which is also located at the base of CN Tower, for after-play snacks and drinks.
What Attractions Are near CN Tower
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Media credit: ripleysaquaca
Location: 288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto
Contact: (647) 351-3474, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Saturday – Thursday: 9 am – 9 pm
- Thursday – Friday: 9 am – 11 pm
Admission:
- Adult: $46
- Senior (65+): $30
- Youth (6 – 13): $30
- Child (3 – 5): $13.50
You only need two hours at CN Tower, so there’s plenty of time to visit nearby attractions during the day. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is literally right beside it, so there’s no need to drive!
This family-friendly destination is fun and educational and gives you a chance to get up close and personal with marine animals. Explore the beautiful exhibits, like the Dangerous Lagoon, to see sharks and stingrays.
Ripley’s Canada hosts various kid-friendly events, like the Stingray Experience, which literally puts you in the water to meet stingrays! If you want to spend the night, you totally can—have a sleepover under the Dangerous Lagoon tunnel!
Pro Tip:
Avoid peak hour visits. Come as soon as it opens and avoid weekends.
Toronto Railway Museum
Media credit: torailwaymuseum
Location: 255 Bremner Blvd, Toronto
Contact: (416) 214-9229, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday – Sunday: 12 pm – 5 pm
Admission:
- Adult (17 – 64): $14
- Senior (65+):$10
- Student (17+): $8
- Youth (4 – 16): $5
- Under 4 (0 – 3): Free
Another attraction that’s super close is the Toronto Railway Museum, which is right across from the CN Tower’s main entrance at Bremner Boulevard. It’s a cool way to learn about Toronto’s railway history.
Join the guided tour of Roundhouse Park and uncover how Toronto’s railway system impacted modernization! Then, go to the Train Simulator for a behind-the-controls experience!
Kids will love the Mini Train Ride, which will take you on the track to see Roundhouse Park. Do note that this one’s open from May to October only.
Pro Tip:
Bring a hat and sunglasses and wear comfortable shoes. This is an outdoor attraction, so be ready for the sun.
St. Lawrence Market
Media credit: stlawrencemarket
Location: St. Lawrence Market, Toronto
Contact: (416) 392-7219, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Friday: 9 am – 7 pm
- Saturday: 7 am – 5 pm
- Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
Just a 5-minute drive from CN Tower, St. Lawrence Market is a must-visit when you’re in Toronto. This is a farmer’s market that sells fruits, vegetables, baked goods, artisan products, produce, flowers, and speciality items—perfect for dining and shopping!
After a visit to CN Tower, head straight here if you want to taste the best of Toronto. Support local farmers and vendors, try their homemade products, and take home delicious goodies!
If you found the CN Tower Gift Shop a bit pricey, you can purchase souvenirs and gifts here instead. Aside from food, there are also bags, clothing, and Canadian souvenirs!
Pro Tip:
Bring cash because not all vendors accept card payments, but most do. There are ATMs on-site if you forget to bring money.
How to Plan Your Visit
Media credit: cntower
CN Tower, as you can guess, is not free. You need to purchase your tickets online or at the door to ride the high-speed elevator and enter the observation decks.
Here’s a table of the ticket prices:
| Category | Timed General Admission | Sea the Sky (Entry to CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada) |
| Adult (14 – 64) | $45 – $47 | $77 |
| Senior (65+) | $32 – $34 | $52.50 |
| Youth (6 – 13) | $32 – $34 | $52.50 |
| Child (3 – 5) | $16 – $18 | $25 |
The VIP ticket costs $95 per person. This includes skipping the queue, exclusive elevator on the way up, priority turn to go down the elevator, and a 15% discount on all purchases at the gift shop.
Pro Tip:
Avoid weekends and check the discounts page to save money.
