CN Tower

The CN Tower is not just Toronto's most recognizable landmark — it is genuinely one of the most thrilling family experiences in the city. Rising 553 metres above the downtown core, this communications and observation tower has been wowing visitors since 1976 and remains a must-do for families visiting Toronto.

Your visit starts with a high-speed elevator ride that whisks you to the main LookOut Level at 346 metres in under a minute. The glass-panelled floor in the elevator gives kids a preview of what is to come. At the LookOut Level, floor-to-ceiling windows wrap around the entire tower, giving you unobstructed 360-degree views of the city, Lake Ontario, and on clear days, all the way to Niagara Falls and across to New York State.

The star attraction for families is undoubtedly the Glass Floor — a section of reinforced glass panels that lets you look straight down to the ground 342 metres below. Kids react in wildly different ways: some sprint right onto it, while others need gentle coaxing. Either way, the photos are priceless.

The Outdoor SkyTerrace on the same level lets you feel the open air and is fenced safely for families.

General Admission now includes the SkyPod at 447 metres, making the CN Tower experience even more comprehensive. Up here, the curvature of the earth is visible and the views are breathtaking. For thrill-seeking teens aged 13 and up, EdgeWalk is the ultimate experience — a hands-free walk along the outside ledge of the tower at 356 metres, secured by an overhead harness system.

The tower also houses 360 The Restaurant, a revolving dining room that completes a full rotation every 72 minutes. While it is a higher-end dining experience, it can make for a memorable family celebration, and your meal includes complimentary access to the observation levels.

Practical considerations for families: strollers are permitted but must be folded in the elevators. Baby changing facilities are available. The gift shop at the base has a huge selection of CN Tower souvenirs that kids gravitate toward. Plan for about two to three hours to fully explore all levels without rushing.