CN TOWER

Opened to the public in 1976 and formerly owned by Canadian National Railway (CN), the CN Tower was originally intended as a radio and TV antenna (it was the world's tallest of its kind until 2011, when the Tokyo Skytree was inaugurated). Built between 1973 and 1976 by Australian architect John Andrews, it is associated with Brutalism, a type of architecture that emerged from Modernism and brings together all the hard, imposing concrete constructions, generally institutional, educational, commercial and residential buildings.

Today, it is the ^9th tallest tower in the world, behind the Burj Khalifa Tower (United Arab Emirates), Tokyo Skytree (Japan), Abraj Al Bait Towers (Saudi Arabia) and Canton Tower (China), among others. It is also the tallest free-standing tower in the Western Hemisphere and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, according to theAmerican Society of Civil Engineers, not to mention a member of the Federation of the World's Greatest Towers. Much taller than the Eiffel Tower (553 m vs. 321 m), the CN Tower is the city's landmark and is featured on countless postcards alongside the Rocky Mountains, Château Frontenac and other great symbols of Canada. And it's a sight to behold in the evening and at night, as it lights up with 1,330 LEDs producing 16 million colors, no less. The lighting changes with the seasons and events (e.g., white and red for Canada Day, orange for Halloween, etc.). During the bird migration season, from late September to late October, the lighting is reduced or even switched off in certain areas, to avoid disturbing the birds.

The CN Tower offers a vast panorama of Toronto, Lake Ontario and its islands, and walking on a glass floor at an altitude of almost 350 metres is a striking experience. Numerous attractions complement the observation galleries, and can be grouped together in a package or purchased à la carte:

Belvedere : 346 meters high, accessible by glass-walled elevator in just 58 seconds. Completely renovated with floor-to-ceiling windows, it also houses the Bistros VUE (meals on the go) and, upstairs, the 360 restaurant (gourmet Canadian cuisine, a fine wine list and breathtaking views). Note that if you book the restaurant, you won't have to pay for the CN Tower ticket as well.

Glass floor: just below the belvedere, with an outdoor observation gallery to feel the effects of the wind. Not recommended in winter!

Nacelle: at 447 metres, accessible via a separate elevator. Visibility extends to 160 km in good weather.

Haut-Da Cieux (early April to early January). This is the world's highest hands-free walkway on a 1.50-metre-wide ledge running around the Tower's observatory. Visitors walk in small groups, held to an overhead safety rail by a system comprising a cart and harness. The experience lasts 90 minutes, including 30 minutes outdoors. Tickets start at CAN$195 and include a souvenir video, photos and a certificate of achievement. Participants will also receive a ticket for the Experience Tour, giving access to all other attractions.