Undoubtedly, THE most outstanding attraction in Toronto is the 1815 foot tall CN Tower. Constructed in 1976 by the Canadian National Railway company (thus, the name) as a communications and observation tower, it was considered to be the world's tallest free-standing structure ( at least until 2010 when it was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa Hotel in Dubai and the Canton Tower in China). Today, it holds the record for being the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere. In 1995, the American Society of Civil Engineers named the CN Tower as one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World. So, of course, we had to visit this attraction and see Toronto from its observation deck (at a height of 1136 feet above ground). Now, I have never equivocated about my dislike for heights, but I must say the views from the observation deck were spectacular! We were told that on a really clear day, you can see across Lake Onterio all the way to Niagra Falls. While the weather was great on the day of our visit, it was not clear enough to see the falls.
In 2011, the tower opened the "Edgewalk" for daredevils who sought to look death in the face and defy gravity. At 1168 feet above ground, thrill seekers could walk the perimeter of the observation deck roof tethered to on overhead rail system. This is the world's highest full circle, hands-free walk. And you know who wanted to do this? My wife; Wonder Woman!! Thank God, she did not try to persuade me to do this also! This is not a cheap experience, i.e. $200 per person. But most who have done it say that it was well worth it. Safety is of extreme importance. Daredevils are limited to groups of no more than six at a time, with an experienced guide. Everyone wears a safety harness over a specifically designed jump suit which is tethered to an overhead rail system. All jewelry is left behind in a locker and all eyeglasses are attached by lanyards to the jumpsuits. Everyone goes through a half-hour safety orientation and their harnesses are checked at least five times by different people before the start of the walk. ["Is it over yet?"]. I was able to watch Lori's walk on a monitor system in the observation deck. I could tell that she was having a great time. When back on good ole terra firma , Lori said "It was no big deal!" Heh, easy for her to say!
In 2011, the tower opened the "Edgewalk" for daredevils who sought to look death in the face and defy gravity. At 1168 feet above ground, thrill seekers could walk the perimeter of the observation deck roof tethered to on overhead rail system. This is the world's highest full circle, hands-free walk. And you know who wanted to do this? My wife; Wonder Woman!! Thank God, she did not try to persuade me to do this also! This is not a cheap experience, i.e. $200 per person. But most who have done it say that it was well worth it. Safety is of extreme importance. Daredevils are limited to groups of no more than six at a time, with an experienced guide. Everyone wears a safety harness over a specifically designed jump suit which is tethered to an overhead rail system. All jewelry is left behind in a locker and all eyeglasses are attached by lanyards to the jumpsuits. Everyone goes through a half-hour safety orientation and their harnesses are checked at least five times by different people before the start of the walk. ["Is it over yet?"]. I was able to watch Lori's walk on a monitor system in the observation deck. I could tell that she was having a great time. When back on good ole terra firma , Lori said "It was no big deal!" Heh, easy for her to say!
Publicity photo of the CN Tower against the Toronto skyline.
Looking up at the tower from its base.
Like all facilities that are open to the public these days, the main entrance takes you through a security check.
The views from the observation deck are truly spectacular. Here we are looking at Lake Onterio across Billy Bishop airport...
...and here across the city itself.
Looking down at Toronto from the Skypod level (i.e. 1465 feet above ground).
On the observation deck level there is a glass floor platform that can really cause some vertigo.
Lori and her fellow daredevils getting ready for their walk.
Lori having her picture taken defying gravity (while I am safe inside watching on a monitor. What a brave guy!).
"Wonder Woman's" official souvenir photo....
...along with her fellow daredevils....
...and her certificate showing her accomplishment. They also provided her with a DVD of her walk.
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