Rising high above the Toronto skyline, the CN Tower is one of Canada's most recognisable landmarks. Standing over 553 metres tall it's the tallest free-standing structure in the Americas and the unmissable compass point on any visit to Toronto. It glimmers through a rainbow of colours after dark, the hues reflecting in the waters of Lake Ontario below. The CN Tower has come to represent the centre of Toronto and is an icon of the city's financial district. It's located on Front Street, between the Toronto Convention Centre and Rogers Centre.
The famous photograph is of the CN Tower at night, standing proud above the city, illuminated in all manner of neon colours. During the day, the popular view comes from the observation deck, which hangs high over Toronto, at the top of 147 floors. On a very clear day, it's possible to gaze across to the United States, although the most exciting part of the view comes in all the detail of Downtown Toronto, with its eclectic suburbs stretching out below. There's a glass walkway for visitors to walk over the city and peer down on the streets.
The CN Tower was the tallest free-standing building in the world for many years, and its height makes it impossible to miss. The entrance to the observation deck is situated on John Street, to the south of Front Street. By local subway, the closest station is Union Square, where the Front Street exit is clearly signposted. The open-air LookOut level is at 346 metres while the Glass Floor is a floor below at 342 metres. Connected by a glass-fronted elevator, the SkyPod is a 447-metre high viewing point that makes everything below appear in miniature. It's also possible to walk around the tower on an outside ledge, some 116 stories above the ground. Diners at the revolving CN Tower Restaurant can also catch a glimpse of the 360-degree views.
The CN Tower held the title of world's tallest free-standing building for over 30 years until it was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Originally it was Canadian National Tower, although it wasn't named as a source of national pride but represents Canadian National Railways who built the structure. In 1995 the official name was changed to CN Tower.