The CN Tower (Toronto)

On Toronto cheap city breaks, you are unlikely to forget the CN Tower in a hurry. Soaring above the skyline at over 1,800 feet, it was until 2010 the world’s tallest free standing tower and is the most recognizable symbol of the city. Opened in 1976, it functions as a telecommunications and observation tower and has a typically futuristic appearance which still seems way ahead of its time today. It has a thin needle like design with a long, sharp antenna that seems to pierce the heavens. A major tourist attraction in Toronto, over two million visitors each year ascend to its observation decks for truly unforgettable panoramic views.

 

It may no longer be the tallest man-made structure in the world, but it still holds several records. There is an amazing 1,776 steps to its interior staircase and it has the highest observation platform on the planet. From the Skypod viewing deck, visitors can see across the border to the US city of Rochester, over 75 miles away and even glimpse the mist rising off the Niagara Falls. On short breaks in Toronto, you shouldn’t miss the famous ‘Glass Floor,’ which is a bizarre experience. You will literally have the world at your feet as you look down through strengthened glass to street level over 1,000 feet below.  

 

There is an IMAX style motion movie theatre at ground level which gives a different bird’s eye view of the tower from many angles at breakneck speed. Visitors feeling a little peckish can tuck into high class gourmet cuisine in the famous Restaurant 360, which as its name suggests is a revolving restaurant providing priceless panoramic views at over 1,000 feet above the city. Toronto weekend breaks will realise that the price of a meal here is sky high too. This is fine dining of the very highest quality and it is virtually impossible to get a table with a view without booking weeks ahead.