This realistic CN Tower Toronto Guide helps you plan your next adventure at this observation deck.

The CN Tower is a 1,815-ft (553-m) high communication tower in Toronto, Ontario. The 1976 tower has four observation decks that attract over two million visitors each year.

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Sights & Places of Interest

Imagine if someone asks you where the highest observation deck in the Western Hemisphere is. Chances are you will name an observation platform in the United States.

It has to be Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower or One World Observatory, right? Maybe you will name the 86th Floor Observatory at the Empire State Building or the Edge at 30 Hudson Yards.

What about 360 Chicago, One Vanderbilt, and Space Needle in Seattle, Washington? With so many skyscrapers, this observation deck is surely in the U.S.

A lot of people think this way. Yet, they are wrong. SkyPod at the CN Tower in Toronto, Ontario claims this title. It beats the Willis Tower by some 112 ft (34 m). A good piece of information for the next trivia game.

The CN Tower has four options for you to choose from. You could tour the Main Observation Level or go to the higher SkyPod. You might choose to head outside at EdgeWalk or eat at the revolving restaurant.

• Main Observation Level: 1,136 ft (346 m).
• 360 Restaurant: 1,151 ft (351 m).
• EdgeWalk: 1,168 ft (356 m)
• SkyPod: 1,465 ft (447 m).

This CN Tower Toronto Guide documents what you could expect from visiting both the Main Observation Level and SkyPod.

1. Main Observation Level

Your visit to the CN Tower starts with a security check. Closer to your admission time, you could board an elevator to the Main Observation Level. Get ready for a rapid 58-second ride.

This level is the lowest of the four observation decks. Not surprisingly, it is also the most budget friendly experience. Yet, as this CN Tower Toronto Guide will show, it might offer the best value.

1.1. Toronto Railway Museum

The Toronto Railway Museum is the first thing you would see from the Main Observation Level of the CN Tower. This museum is in the John Street Roadhouse and is right below the tower.

The museum building has a distinct semicircular shape. It provided a sheltered way to service and store locomotives. The roundhouse dates back to 1931.

You might see a few trains at the Roundhouse from the observation deck. You could visit this museum from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday. A visit costs $14 CAD (~$10 USD) per adult.

1.2. Tall Ship Kajama

Another attraction is just a few blocks from the Toronto Railway Museum. Thanks to the CN Tower observation deck you could travel between them in a blink of an eye.

You would see Kajama, a three-masted cargo schooner, at its mooring. The ship was launched in Germany in 1930. It sailed throughout Europe during the 20th century before making it to Toronto.

Kajama looks a bit similar to Balclutha in San Francisco Maritime. You could board this ship for a 2-hour sunset cruise on Lake Ontario between May and September. An adult ticket costs $38 CAD (~$28 USD).

1.3. Toronto Islands

A southbound look from the Main Observation Level reveals Centre Island. It is the largest of the Toronto Islands. This group of islands consists of 15 islands a few miles (km) from the shoreline.

The islands house an airport, a theme park, a beach, and a boardwalk. You could reach them from the mainland by taking a ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.

A return ferry ride costs $9.11 CAD (~$6.8 USD) per adult. There are discounts for seniors, students, and children. This trip takes 10 to 15 minutes each way.

1.4. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

As you make your way around the Main Observation Level, you will get a better look at the airport. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) will be on full display.

While few airlines use this airport, they fly to destinations all over Eastern Canada. You could even reach Newark, Boston, Chicago, and Washington D.C. from this airport.

This is an impressive network for such a small airport. Most airplanes that fly to Billy Bishop Toronto City are propeller planes. They are similar to the fleet that services remote locations in Ireland from Dublin.

You could use the Main Observation Level for plane spotting. Just open Flightradar24 and wait a few minutes. You should be able to see a plane land or take off right from the CN Tower.

Remember that this observation deck is over 1,100 ft (335 m) above ground. This height allows you to get a good shot of a plane from above. It is hardly ever the case with other plane spotting locations.

If you enjoy plane spotting and propeller planes, you will not regret getting general admission to the CN Tower. The plane spotting alone will give you a solid return on investment.

You are also not limited to the twin-props when visiting the CN Tower. You might spot a helicopter or two flying over Old Toronto.

1.5. Greater Toronto Area

Once you cover about a third of the observation deck, you will understand the enormity of the Greater Toronto Area. The total population of this area exceeds 6 million people.

Much of Toronto consists of single family homes and low rise buildings. As a result, there are blocks of houses for as long as you could see. They span for miles until the horizon.

This makes Toronto similar to Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex in Texas. The population of that metro area is about 7.6 million people. A large part of the DFW area consists of single family homes.

You would see a few skyscrapers every 10 miles (16 km) or so. They mark different cities of the Greater Toronto Area. Etobicoke is the closest. Mississauga is next. Oakville and Burlington are near the horizon.

You could just follow the lakeshore, railway, and Queen Elizabeth Way. They will guide you in finding different high rise buildings and landmarks.

1.6. Casa Loma

The round observation deck brings you to the northwestern and northern views next. There are few landmarks and high rise buildings in this part of the Greater Toronto Area.

You are also unlikely to see Toronto Pearson (YYZ) Airport since it is too far. But do not rush to the next viewpoint. You could see Casa Loma some 3 miles (5 km) north. This house is another symbol of the city.

1.7. Downtown Toronto

Things will get interesting again once you get to the northeast side of the Main Observation Level. You will get a front row seat to enjoy Downtown Toronto.

Take a good look at University Avenue. This observation deck is above First Canadian Place, The St. Regis Toronto, and Scotia Plaza. They are the highest skyscrapers in the city.

An eastbound view is also quite rich in landmarks. Union Station and Scotiabank Arena are on full display. A massive Châteauesque style building is the Fairmont Royal York. This luxury hotel dates back to 1929.

The TD Canada Trust Tower and CIBC Square I are slightly behind the hotel. An area with far fewer high rise buildings includes Leslieville and East York neighborhoods.

1.8. Polson Pier Skyline Viewpoint

You will make a full circle on the Main Observation Level. Before you head to the ground or SkyPod, take a look at an industrial area near the Toronto Islands.

The Port Lands are not the prettiest area of Toronto. But they is home to the Polson Pier Skyline Viewpoint. It is the easiest way to see the CN Tower and Toronto skyline.

You could reach this viewpoint without taking a ferry. This is a massive advantage over the Toronto Skyline viewpoint on Ward’s Island. And there is ample parking at Polson Pier.

But be careful if you visit Polson Pier in the winter. It could be covered in ice after a recent winter storm. In this case, the whole pier turns into a natural skating rink. Take it slow as you enjoy the skyline views.

1.9. Glass Floor

A section of the Main Observation Level has glass panels on the floor. They are strong enough to support a small crowd. This glass floor is just another way to entice emotions during your visit to the CN Tower.

This experience is not much different from the Ledge at the Willis Tower in Chicago, Illinois. But you do not need to wait in line for 15 minutes to get your turn at the CN Tower.

If there happens to be a line on the Main Observation Level, you could just skip the glass floor attraction. An elevator down to the ground from the observation deck will give you a similar experience.

2. SkyPod

The CN Tower lures visitors with its title of the highest observation platform in the Western Hemisphere. SkyPod is that observation deck. This CN Tower Toronto Guide will describe a visit to SkyPod next.

If you purchased a SkyPod ticket, you need to keep track of time. You could only go to the upper observation deck during your scheduled time.

You could try taking an elevator up earlier if you complete your Main Observation Level exploration quickly. But you need to convince a Tower employee to let you in early. This is a nearly impossible task.

2.1. Pendulum

An elevator brings you 329 ft (101 m) up to SkyPod. There is a short briefing once you arrive at the observation deck. You will get some new information from the Tower staff.

You will notice a pendulum hanging from the ceiling. If you look close enough, you will see some movement. But it is an optical illusion. The pendulum remains level at all times. It is the tower that moves.

In fact, the pendulum might be the best part about the SkyPod experience. It is a mind-boggling discovery that you do not expect from an observation deck.

2.2. Observation Deck

You are on your own to explore SkyPod after the briefing. Sadly, the experience goes downhill from there. The setup of the observation deck is to blame.

The entire observation deck has tiny windows with large frames. It is close to impossible to get a good look at the surrounding landscapes.

Once you complete your SkyPod visit, you will board an elevator down to the Main Observation Level. You are welcome to have another look at the skyline. Or you could take another elevator to the ground.

Continue with this CN Tower Toronto Guide. You will learn more about ways to get to the sights, entrance requirements, and places to stay.

Getting to CN Tower Toronto

The CN Tower is in the middle of Old Toronto, Ontario in Canada. The tower is next to other notable places of the city. Scotiabank Arena, Union Station, and Hockey Hall of Fame are all a short walk away.

Public transport is the best way to reach the CN Tower from within Toronto. You could take subway, light rail, or bus to Union station. It is the closest stop to the CN Tower.

A single adult ticket costs $3.3 CAD (~$2.5 USD). A PRESTO day pass ticket is $13.5 CAD (~$10 USD). You could also get a discounted ticket as a youth or a senior.

Union Station connects Toronto with the Greater Toronto Area. Regional trains go from this station in nearly all directions.

Your train fare depends on the distance. A 30-minute train ride from Port Credit GO costs $7.15 CAD (~$5.3 USD) per adult.

Most out-of-province visitors fly to Toronto Pearson (YYZ). The busiest airport in Canada has a lot of direct connections. A trip from YYZ takes 60 minutes and costs $12.25 CAD (~$9 USD) per adult.

You should also consider Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ). You could rarely see an airport so close to an attraction. But you could spot YTZ bound planes in case of the CN Tower.

It is an unbeatable deal if there is a flight to YTZ that works for you. You could walk to the tower observation deck right from the airport. It should take you about 30 minutes.

You could also drive to the CN Tower if you are visiting from another city or the United States. In this case, it is best to book parking in advance. You could guarantee a spot and know your rate in advance.

Where to Stay near CN Tower Toronto

The CN Tower is in the center of Toronto. There are a lot of hotels in Old Toronto. You should have no difficulty finding a place to stay near the tower.

Your budget per night will be the main limitation for you to work around. Still, if you book early enough you could find a good deal on a place to stay in Toronto.

Check out Sutton Place Hotel Toronto and Residence Inn by Marriott Toronto Downtown / Entertainment District. Both hotels are less than a 10-minute walk from the CN Tower.

You have a few more options a bit further away from the tower. Take a look at The Novotel Toronto Centre and Pantages Hotel Toronto Centre.

These hotels are 20 minutes from the CN Tower. You could even cut this time in half by taking a ride on the Subway Line 1.

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Toronto Downtown is a good choice in the Garden District. You should take public transport or a rideshare to reach the tower. A 40-minute walk is simply not worth the trouble.

Gladstone House is the only other hotel worth considering. It is west of the CN Tower in Beaconsfield Village neighborhood.

Entrance Requirements & Passes

The CN Tower in Toronto, Ontario is open from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the year. There are a few days a year when the tower closes early. Annual refurbishment takes place on a couple of winter days.

You need a ticket to explore the observation decks at the CN Tower. You could choose between Timed General Admission, SkyPod, and EdgeWalk tickets. The tickets differ in price and visit duration.

• Timed General Admission: $43 CAD (~$32 USD) per adult with discounts for seniors, youth, and children. You could save $2 CAD (~$1.5 USD) per ticket if you book online at least a day in advance.
• SkyPod: $74 CAD (~$55 USD) per adult. Discounts are available for seniors, youth, and children. But there is no discount for booking online or in advance.
• EdgeWalk: $199+ CAD (~$148 USD) per person regardless of age.
• 360 Restaurant: a minimum spend of $75 CAD (~$56 USD) on food per person.

These prices do not include taxes. So, you would pay a little more in the end. The General Admission to the CN Tower costs the same as Skydeck Chicago. But it is cheaper than One World Observatory in NYC.

Takeaways: CN Tower Toronto

The CN Tower is a symbol of Toronto and Canada. It was the tallest free-standing structure in the world for over 30 years. Rapid construction in the past 20 years pushed the CN Tower to the 10th highest spot.

Nevertheless, the tower offers you a unique way to see Toronto. Unless you fancy a meal or dare the walk outside of the observation deck, choose Timed General Admission. It offers the best value for money.

You will get access to the Main Observation Level. SkyPod offers little value outside of the bragging rights about visiting the highest observation deck in the Western Hemisphere.

Save $31 CAD (~$23 USD) per person and skip SkyPod. This is enough to visit a different attraction in Toronto or elsewhere in Canada. You could also avoid wasting time in another line for an elevator up.

The CN Tower is a great place to visit in Toronto. But if you fear heights or find the admission price too expensive, feel free to skip it. There are a few other sights in Toronto that cost a fraction of its price.

Take a look at this CN Tower Toronto Video Guide. And visit the YouTube channel for the latest videos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Safe realist travels!