From Jane McLean,
Your Guide to Canada Travel.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

Apr 14 2008

The CN Tower is the tallest freestanding structure in the world and Toronto's most popular tourist attraction.

Where is the CN Tower?

One thing about the tallest building in the world is that it's not hard to find!

The CN Tower is on Front Street, between the Rogers Centre -- Toronto's sports dome -- and the Toronto Convention Centre.

The CN Tower address is 301 Front Street West. See map

Getting to the CN Tower on Foot from Downtown Toronto:

Despite being a hard-to-miss landmark, the actual entrance to the CN Tower can be a little confusing, especially for those with strollers or who need wheelchair access.

At the foot of John Street on the south side of Front Street is a set of stairs that takes you to the entrance of the CN Tower. To the right of those stairs is a wide ramp that leads to both the Rogers Centre and the CN Tower entrance.

For those who need wheelchair access, halfway up the ramp on the left are glass doors that lead to an elevator that takes you down to the CN Tower entrance. These doors are not well marked, so keep your eyes peeled.

Getting to the CN Tower by Subway:

By subway, get off at Union Station, exit at Front Street and head west.

Getting to the CN Tower by VIA Train or Go Train:

Via trains -- coming in from other Canadian cities -- and Go trains arriving from more local places, like Hamilton -- arrive at Union Station, a 5-min walk to the CN Tower.

Getting to the CN Tower by Car from Outside Toronto:

From the South or West: Follow the QEW into Toronto, where it turns into the Gardiner Expressway. Exit onto Spadina Ave. 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.

Parking near the CN Tower:

Parking in downtown Toronto, like in most big cities, is frustrating and expensive. That said, public parking lots are well-marked and plentiful around the CN Tower. If you're willing to walk 10 mins, you'll find parking prices drop significantly west of Spadina.

Visiting the CN Tower with Kids:

• Admission to CN Tower for children under 3 is free.
• CN Tower is a bustling place with lots of walking -- or waiting in line. Bringing a stroller for younger children is a good idea. Parents can take children in their strollers to all parts of the CN Tower, including the highest observation point -- Sky Pod -- and the fine-dining 360 Restaurant.
• Change stations and family washrooms are available throughout the CN Tower.
• Highchairs are available at 360 Restaurant and Horizons.

CN Tower Admission:

Buy CN Tower tickets online and avoid lineups.

Total Tower Experience:

• Look Out + Glass Floor + Skypod + Movie + Motion Simulator Ride (Must be 107 centimetres, or 42 inches, to ride)
• Express Elevation
• All Ages: Cdn$31.99

Observation Experience:

• Look Out + Glass Floor + Skypod
• $19.99 - $25.99
  
  
• Look Out + Glass Floor Only:
• $14.49 - $21.49

Attractions Experience:

• Look Out + Glass Floor + Motion Simulator Ride or Movie
• $19.99 - $25.99
  If you plan on visiting other Toronto attractions, consider the Toronto City Pass. Admission to CN Tower and five other popular Toronto attractions is included in one price, saving visitors about $40.

CN Tower Hours:

• CN Tower is open every day except December 25th.
• The tower is open every day from 9am - 11pm.
• Some attractions have more limited hours. See CN Tower website for complete hours of operation.

Food Available at the CN Tower:

Marketplace is a fully licensed family eating area on the ground level with fast food and snacks.

A kiosk on the Look Out level offers nice sandwiches for $7, drinks, ice cream and other snacks.

Horizons is the less formal dining establishment on the Look Out level of the CN Tower. Nevertheless, it's a lot better quality than you'd expect for a tourist attraction restaurant. Far from cafeteria dining, Horizons has all window seating on the Look Out of the CN Tower and a sizeable menu including appetizers and full entrées such as quesadillas, panini, salads, chicken, and a nice selection of beers and wine.

The CN Tower restaurant, 360, is more than just a spectacular view. The recipient of several culinary awards, 360 also features an extraordinary wine list of more than 550 international and Canadian wines. Diners at 360 do not pay regular admission price and get preferential elevator service to the restaurant more than 350 metres (1,150 ft) above.

360 Restaurant details and online reservations

CN Tower Official Website