CN Tower

Toronto’s iconic and ever-visible CN Tower. I took this shot from the shore of Centre Island, September 2019.

The CN Tower is a TV and radio communications and observation tower that was completed in 1976 (it took three years to build) and was commissioned by the railway company Canadian National, hence the name.

Standing at 553.3 m (I love the point-three) it’s the ninth tallest structure in the world. It was the tallest free-standing structure for 32 years, but it was usurped in 2007 by the Burj Khalifa skyscraper in Dubai. However, the latter only got to enjoy that accolade for a measly two years. It seems that world has gone crazy for ever-taller structures in the last decade or so.

In addition to two observation decks, the highest of the two being the SkyPod at 447 m, the CN Tower also features a revolving restaurant 350 m above the ground that takes 72 minutes to complete a full rotation. And if you fancy some fresh air and a nice stroll after your meal, there’s always the EdgeWalk around the outside of the main pod (at 356 m above ground).

Still, it’s got nothing on Brighton’s i360, which has a bar with no toilet (sorry, restroom!), though they do now have a bucket for emergencies! 😀

I have to admit, I haven’t been up the CN Tower yet. I’m sure I will at some point, but the $38 entrance fee ($53 for the SkyPod) and the massive queues are a bit of a disincentive.