CN Tower Live Cam

The CN Tower is a major tourist attraction located in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is a communications and observation tower that was completed in 1976 and stands at a height of 553.33 meters (1,815 feet, 5 inches). For more than three decades, the CN Tower was the tallest free-standing structure in the world until the completion of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

The tower's construction began in 1973 and took three years to complete. It was designed by John Andrews, and construction was overseen by Canadian National Railway (CN). The tower was built to serve as a telecommunications hub for the city, but it has since become one of the city's most iconic landmarks, attracting millions of tourists from all over the world each year.

The CN Tower features several observation decks that offer stunning views of the city and surrounding area, including the famous Glass Floor, which allows visitors to look straight down to the ground 342 meters (1,122 feet) below. The tower also has a revolving restaurant, 360 Restaurant, which completes a full revolution every 72 minutes, providing diners with a constantly changing view of the city.

In addition to its observation and dining facilities, the CN Tower also houses several other attractions, including the EdgeWalk, a thrilling outdoor walk around the tower's main pod, 356 meters (1,168 feet) above the ground. Visitors can also take part in the Tower Climb, which involves climbing the tower's 1,776 steps to reach the top.

Overall, the CN Tower is an engineering marvel and an important symbol of Toronto's skyline and cultural identity. It has become an iconic landmark not just for Toronto, but for Canada as a whole.

Top Tourist Attractions

• Observation Decks: The CN Tower has three observation decks that provide panoramic views of the city. The SkyPod, located 447 meters (1,465 feet) above the ground, is the highest observation deck in the tower and offers stunning views of the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario.
• Glass Floor: The Glass Floor is a unique feature of the CN Tower, allowing visitors to stand on a clear glass floor and look straight down to the ground 342 meters (1,122 feet) below.
• EdgeWalk: For thrill-seekers, the EdgeWalk is a must-do activity at the CN Tower. It involves walking around the exterior of the tower's main pod, 356 meters (1,168 feet) above the ground, while attached to a safety harness.
• 360 Restaurant: The 360 Restaurant is a revolving restaurant located at the top of the CN Tower's main pod. It offers fine dining and panoramic views of the city, completing a full revolution every 72 minutes.
• CN Tower Climb: For those looking for a challenge, the CN Tower Climb involves climbing the tower's 1,776 steps to reach the top. This is an annual event held to raise funds for various charities.
• Motion Theatre Ride: The CN Tower also features a motion theatre ride that takes visitors on a virtual tour of Canada, featuring breathtaking landscapes and iconic Canadian landmarks.
• Outdoor SkyTerrace: The Outdoor SkyTerrace is a new addition to the CN Tower, offering a 360-degree view of the city and Lake Ontario. Visitors can enjoy the fresh air and take in the sights from this open-air platform.

Overall, the CN Tower has something for everyone and is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Toronto.

Historical Facts

• Construction: Construction on the CN Tower began in February 1973 and was completed in June 1976, taking three years to build.
• Design: The tower was designed by architect John Andrews and was built by Canadian National Railway (CN) to serve as a communications and observation tower.
• Height: When it was completed, the CN Tower was the tallest freestanding structure in the world, standing at a height of 553.33 meters (1,815 feet, 5 inches). It held this title for over three decades until the Burj Khalifa in Dubai was completed in 2010.
• Cost: The cost to build the CN Tower was around $63 million CAD, which was a significant amount at the time.
• Purpose: The CN Tower was originally built as a communications tower, but it quickly became a popular tourist attraction and an important symbol of Toronto's skyline.
• Visitors: The CN Tower attracts over two million visitors every year, making it one of Canada's most popular tourist attractions.
• EdgeWalk: The EdgeWalk, which allows visitors to walk around the exterior of the tower's main pod, was opened in 2011 and has since become a popular attraction for thrill-seekers.
• Elevators: The CN Tower has six high-speed elevators that can travel from the ground to the SkyPod in just 58 seconds.
• Lighting: The tower is often lit up at night with colored lights to celebrate various holidays and events.
• Legacy: The CN Tower has become an iconic symbol of Toronto and a Canadian landmark, representing the city's engineering and architectural achievements.

Construction

The CN Tower's construction began in February 1973 and was completed in June 1976, taking a total of three years to build. Here are some details about the construction of the CN Tower:

• Location: The CN Tower is located in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada, near the shores of Lake Ontario.
• Design: The tower was designed by Canadian architect John Andrews, who was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.
• Foundation: To support the weight of the tower, a foundation was constructed consisting of 7,000 cubic meters (245,982 cubic feet) of concrete, reinforced with 450 tons of steel.
• Frame: The CN Tower's frame is made up of eight large steel legs, which are connected by metal struts and support beams.
• Antenna: The antenna on top of the tower was installed in sections, with the largest section weighing 13.6 metric tons (30,000 pounds).
• Height: The tower's final height is 553.33 meters (1,815 feet, 5 inches), making it the tallest freestanding structure in the world at the time of its completion.
• Construction workers: The tower was constructed by over 1,500 workers, who worked around the clock in shifts to complete the project on time.
• Cost: The total cost of construction was approximately $63 million CAD.
• Opening: The CN Tower officially opened to the public on June 26, 1976.
• Legacy: The CN Tower has become an iconic symbol of Toronto and a Canadian landmark, representing the city's engineering and architectural achievements. It remains one of the world's most recognizable and impressive structures to this day.

Opening

The CN Tower officially opened to the public on June 26, 1976, and it quickly became one of Toronto's top tourist attractions. Here are some details about the CN Tower's opening:

• Ceremony: The CN Tower's opening ceremony was a grand event, attended by Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Ontario Premier William Davis, and other dignitaries.
• First visitors: The first visitors to the CN Tower were the employees and their families who had worked on the construction of the tower. They were given the first opportunity to ride the elevators to the observation decks.
• Observation decks: The CN Tower's observation decks were an instant hit with visitors, offering spectacular views of the city and Lake Ontario from a height of over 550 meters (1,800 feet).
• Cost of admission: At the time of the tower's opening, the cost of admission to the observation decks was $2.50 CAD for adults and $1.50 CAD for children.
• Communications: The CN Tower was originally built as a communications tower, and it served as the main transmitter for television and radio signals in the Toronto area.
• Tourism: The CN Tower quickly became one of Toronto's top tourist attractions, with over one million visitors in its first year of operation.
• Height record: At the time of its opening, the CN Tower was the tallest freestanding structure in the world, a title it held for over three decades until the Burj Khalifa in Dubai was completed in 2010.
• Legacy: The CN Tower has become an iconic symbol of Toronto and a Canadian landmark, representing the city's engineering and architectural achievements. It remains one of the world's most recognizable and impressive structures to this day.

Early years

The CN Tower's early years were marked by its rapid transformation into one of Toronto's top tourist attractions. Here are some details about the CN Tower's early years:

• Communications: In its early years, the CN Tower was primarily used as a communications tower, transmitting television and radio signals across the Toronto area.
• Tourist attraction: The CN Tower quickly became a popular tourist attraction, thanks to its spectacular views of the city and Lake Ontario from its observation decks.
• Visitors: The tower attracted over one million visitors in its first year of operation, and by 1980, it had already welcomed over 10 million visitors.
• Records: At the time of its opening, the CN Tower was the tallest freestanding structure in the world, and it held this title for over three decades until the Burj Khalifa in Dubai was completed in 2010.
• Expansion: In 1979, the CN Tower's first expansion was completed, adding a restaurant to the tower's revolving restaurant and expanding the observation deck.
• Elevators: The CN Tower has six high-speed elevators that can travel from the ground to the SkyPod in just 58 seconds.
• EdgeWalk: The EdgeWalk, which allows visitors to walk around the exterior of the tower's main pod, was opened in 2011 and has since become a popular attraction for thrill-seekers.
• Lighting: The tower is often lit up at night with colored lights to celebrate various holidays and events.
• Legacy: The CN Tower has become an iconic symbol of Toronto and a Canadian landmark, representing the city's engineering and architectural achievements. It remains one of the world's most recognizable and impressive structures to this day.

The 1990s and 2000s

In the 1990s and 2000s, the CN Tower continued to be a major tourist attraction in Toronto and underwent several renovations and upgrades. Here are some details about the CN Tower during this time:

• Renovations: In the early 1990s, the CN Tower underwent extensive renovations, including upgrades to the elevators and observation decks, the addition of a glass floor in the observation deck, and the installation of a new lighting system.
• Skypod: In 1994, the tower's SkyPod was opened to the public, offering visitors an even higher observation deck experience at 447 meters (1,465 feet) above the ground.
• Fireworks: The CN Tower is a popular location for fireworks displays, including during Canada Day celebrations and the New Year's Eve festivities.
• CN Tower Climb: The CN Tower Climb is an annual charity event where participants climb the stairs to the top of the tower, raising funds for various causes.
• EdgeWalk: In 2011, the CN Tower opened the EdgeWalk, a thrilling attraction where visitors can walk around the edge of the tower's main pod, harnessed to an overhead rail system.
• 360 Restaurant: The tower's revolving restaurant was renamed the 360 Restaurant in 2006, and it offers a unique dining experience with spectacular views of the city.
• Guinness World Record: In 2007, the CN Tower set a Guinness World Record for the world's highest external walk on a building, with a group of people rappelling down the side of the tower.
• Sustainability: In recent years, the CN Tower has taken steps towards becoming a more sustainable and environmentally friendly structure, including the installation of a green roof and the use of energy-efficient lighting.
• Legacy: The CN Tower remains an iconic symbol of Toronto and a Canadian landmark, attracting millions of visitors each year. Its status as one of the world's tallest freestanding structures and its innovative design continue to inspire awe and admiration from visitors and architects alike.

2010s: EdgeWalk

The EdgeWalk was actually opened in 2011, but I can provide some information about the CN Tower during the 2010s.

• EdgeWalk: In 2011, the CN Tower opened the EdgeWalk, an attraction that allows visitors to walk around the exterior of the tower's main pod, 356 meters (1,168 feet) above the ground. The EdgeWalk quickly became a popular and thrilling experience for visitors to the CN Tower.
• Renovations: The CN Tower underwent several renovations and upgrades during the 2010s, including the replacement of the tower's elevators, the installation of a new LED lighting system, and the addition of new attractions such as a virtual reality experience.
• Light show: The CN Tower began a nightly light show in 2012, using LED lights to illuminate the tower in a variety of colors and patterns.
• Sustainability: The CN Tower continued to focus on sustainability efforts during the 2010s, including the installation of solar panels and the implementation of green practices in the tower's operations.
• Events: The CN Tower hosted a variety of events during the 2010s, including the CN Tower Climb for charity, Canada Day celebrations, and New Year's Eve festivities.
• 360 Restaurant: The 360 Restaurant continued to be a popular dining destination, offering visitors a unique experience with breathtaking views of the city.
• Legacy: The CN Tower remains an iconic symbol of Toronto and a Canadian landmark, continuing to inspire visitors and architects alike with its innovative design and impressive height. The tower's continued popularity and sustainability efforts ensure that it will remain a beloved attraction for years to come.

Structure

It was completed in 1976 and held the record for the tallest freestanding structure in the world for 34 years until it was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai in 2010. Here are some details about the structure of the CN Tower:

• Height: The CN Tower stands at a height of 553.33 meters (1,815 feet, 5 inches), including the antenna at the top.
• Materials: The tower is made of concrete and steel, with a hexagonal core that tapers towards the top. The tower's outer surface is covered in aluminum panels.
• Elevators: The CN Tower has six elevators that are capable of traveling at a speed of 22 kilometers (14 miles) per hour. The elevators take visitors to the observation decks and restaurant at the top of the tower.
• Observation decks: The CN Tower has two observation decks that offer 360-degree views of Toronto and the surrounding area. The lower observation deck is located at a height of 342 meters (1,122 feet), while the upper observation deck, known as the SkyPod, is located at a height of 447 meters (1,465 feet).
• Antenna: The CN Tower's antenna is located at the top of the tower and measures 102 meters (335 feet) in height. The antenna is used for telecommunications purposes, including broadcasting television and radio signals.
• Glass floor: The CN Tower's lower observation deck features a glass floor that allows visitors to stand and look straight down to the ground, offering a thrilling experience.
• Lighting: The CN Tower has a sophisticated LED lighting system that illuminates the tower in a variety of colors and patterns, making it a striking visual landmark in Toronto's skyline.
• Sustainability: The CN Tower has implemented several sustainability measures, including the use of energy-efficient lighting and the installation of a green roof to reduce the tower's environmental footprint.

The unique design and impressive height of the CN Tower continue to make it a beloved symbol of Toronto and an engineering marvel that attracts millions of visitors each year.

Falling ice danger

Due to its height and location, the CN Tower is susceptible to falling ice and snow during the winter months. Falling ice can be a danger to pedestrians and vehicles in the surrounding area, and the CN Tower has taken steps to minimize this risk.

In 2007, the CN Tower underwent a $5 million retrofit to address the issue of falling ice. The retrofit included the installation of a new heating system on the tower's exterior, which helps to prevent ice from forming in the first place. The heating system uses a series of pipes to circulate warm water on the tower's surface, which melts any snow or ice that accumulates.

In addition to the heating system, the CN Tower also has a team of professionals who regularly monitor the tower for any potential hazards. If ice does form, the team uses a variety of tools, such as hot water and de-icing equipment, to remove it before it becomes a safety issue.

Despite these efforts, the CN Tower still experiences occasional falling ice incidents, particularly during extreme weather conditions. When this happens, the tower's management takes immediate action to ensure public safety, such as closing nearby sidewalks and streets and deploying additional staff to monitor the area.

Overall, the CN Tower takes the issue of falling ice very seriously and has implemented numerous measures to minimize the risk to the public.

Safety features

The CN Tower is equipped with various safety features to ensure the safety of its visitors, staff, and surrounding community. Here are some of the safety features of the CN Tower:

• Emergency power supply: The CN Tower has a backup generator that can provide emergency power to the tower in the event of a power outage or other emergency. This ensures that critical systems, such as lighting, elevators, and communications, remain operational.
• Fire protection: The CN Tower has a state-of-the-art fire protection system that includes fire alarms, sprinklers, and smoke detectors throughout the tower. The tower's staff is also trained in fire safety procedures and regularly conduct fire drills.
• Seismic safety: The CN Tower is designed to withstand earthquakes and other seismic events. The tower's foundation and structure are designed to flex and absorb seismic forces, reducing the risk of damage or collapse.
• High-speed elevators: The CN Tower's elevators are designed to be fast and efficient, with a top speed of 22 kilometers (14 miles) per hour. The elevators are equipped with safety features, such as emergency brakes, to ensure passenger safety.
• Safety glass: The CN Tower's observation decks feature high-strength tempered glass that is designed to withstand impact and extreme weather conditions. The glass is also coated with a protective film to prevent shattering and ensure the safety of visitors.
• Emergency response: The CN Tower has a dedicated emergency response team that is trained to respond to a variety of situations, including medical emergencies, natural disasters, and security threats. The team works closely with local emergency services to ensure a coordinated response in the event of an emergency.

Overall, the CN Tower takes safety very seriously and has implemented numerous measures to ensure the safety of its visitors, staff, and surrounding community.

Lighting

The CN Tower is known for its spectacular lighting displays that can be seen from miles away. The tower's lighting system is capable of producing a wide range of colors and patterns, and can be programmed to create different effects for various occasions and events.

The tower's lighting system consists of over 1,300 LED fixtures that are located throughout the tower's exterior. These fixtures can produce millions of different color combinations, making it possible to create virtually any lighting effect desired.

The CN Tower's lighting system is controlled by a state-of-the-art computer system that is capable of creating dynamic lighting displays that change in real-time. The system can be programmed to create different effects for different events, such as sporting events, holidays, and special occasions.

The tower also features an interactive lighting system that allows visitors to control the tower's lighting from the observation deck. Visitors can select different colors and patterns using a touchscreen display, and watch as the tower responds in real-time.

In addition to its regular lighting displays, the CN Tower also participates in various lighting campaigns and initiatives to raise awareness for important causes. For example, the tower has been lit up in pink to raise awareness for breast cancer, and in blue to support World Autism Awareness Day. Overall, the CN Tower's lighting system is a major attraction for visitors and locals alike, and is a source of pride for the city of Toronto.

In popular culture

The CN Tower has been featured in various forms of popular culture over the years, including movies, TV shows, music videos, and video games. Here are some examples:

• Movies: The CN Tower has been featured in several movies, including "Police Academy," "The Vindicator," "The Tuxedo," and "Resident Evil: Apocalypse." In the 1995 movie "GoldenEye," the tower was digitally altered to appear as the location of a missile silo.
• TV shows: The CN Tower has appeared in numerous TV shows, including "The Amazing Race Canada," "The Bachelorette," and "Top Gear." In the popular TV show "Friends," the tower is briefly visible in the background during a scene set in New York City.
• Music videos: The CN Tower has been featured in music videos by several artists, including Drake, The Weeknd, and Nelly Furtado. In the music video for Drake's "Started From the Bottom," the rapper is seen working at the CN Tower's gift shop.
• Video games: The CN Tower has been featured in several video games, including "Grand Theft Auto IV," "Watch Dogs," and "Forza Horizon 3." In "Watch Dogs," the tower can be hacked to reveal secret information.
• Other appearances: The CN Tower has also been featured in various other forms of popular culture, such as comic books, novels, and advertisements. In 1994, the tower was the subject of a documentary film called "Building the CN Tower."

Overall, the CN Tower's distinctive shape and prominent location have made it a popular subject for filmmakers, TV producers, and other artists.

At a height of 553.33 m (1,815 ft. 5 in.), the CN Tower defines the Toronto skyline and is one of Canada’s most recognizable icons. Offering an incomparable view of downtown Toronto and Lake Ontario, the structure’s primary function is as a telecommunication tower. In 1995 year, the CN Tower Downtown Toronto was classified as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. A $26 million expansion in 1998 revitalized many of the tower’s visitor attractions and services, but one thing remains the same – the thrill of the 58-second elevator journey to the top!

Located: 301 Front Street at the foot of John St.

The Details: After 40 months of construction, the CN Tower was opened to the public on June 26, 1976. It was built by Canadian National (CN), one of Canada’s founding railway companies and the owner of Toronto’s downtown “railway lands”, on which the tower was built. (It is not, as many people think, the “CNN” Tower.)

The goal was to build a telecommunications tower, which could serve the burgeoning broadcast and telephonic needs of the Toronto region. More than 1,500 construction workers contributed to the project. Once the foundation was ready, concrete was poured into a massive mould or “slipform” creating the concrete shaft of the tower. As the concrete hardener, the slipforms – supported by a ring of climbing jacks – moved upwards, gradually decreasing in size to produce the Tower’s gracefully tapered contour.

The final piece was put into place by a Russian Sikorsky helicopter, which lifted the 44-piece broadcast antenna to the top.

Since then, the Tower has been the focal point for millions of visitors to Toronto. People come to see this marvel of civil engineering – and for the view! Located in the southwest corner of downtown Toronto, the various viewing platforms offer an incomparable panorama of the city core, the eastern and western suburbs, and the Toronto Islands and the lake beyond. On a clear day you can see the Niagara Peninsula and the mist rising above Niagara Falls. There are both indoor and outdoor observation platforms on the main level of the tower, and a smaller, higher deck on the “Sky Pod” (447 m.; 1,465 ft. – another 33 storeys up!)

The best view, arguably, is from the northwest corner of Horizons Café, at night – when the dazzling lights of big-city Toronto are at their glamorous best.

A number of additional attractions have been incorporated into the Tower, making it a multi-purpose entertainment facility.

The Glass Floor, open since 1994, allows visitors to take in the city from a breathtaking new perspective. The glass panels are thick and secure, and the view downwards is dizzying, to say the least.

Of course, all this excitement makes one hungry. There are two options at the top of the tower – Horizons Café, and the acclaimed 360 (revolving) Restaurant. With a complete rotation every 72 minutes, 360 Restaurant focuses on innovative, authentic Canadian cuisine, and has one of the best wine cellars in the city (it has been awarded the distinction of World’s Highest Wine Cellar as well).

The base of the structure has been recently renovated to include a retail marketplace, a café, and several entertainment outlets, including a film and an arcade. TrizecHahn Corp., a large real estate developer, operates the tower.

Fascinating Facts

• Needless to say, a structure such as the CN Tower attracts daredevils. Several stunts have been performed from the heights of the building. Dar Robinson parachuted off the roof for the 1979 film Highpoint. And professional stuntman Terry McGauran drove a specially modified motorcycle up the 1,760 steps of the tower’s metal staircase. (It took him less than one hour).

• The staircase is the site of regular charity “stair climbs”. Twice a year, hundreds of people take to the steps. Some, of course, are more ambitious. For example, in 1988, two men carried up appliances, including a stove, a dishwasher, and a refrigerator! There was also a promotion that involved carrying up a Jeep Cherokee (in parts, of course). The vehicle was re-assembled at the top.

• Lightning strikes the tower hundreds of times a year. Don’t worry, it’s totally safe. The tower also sways in heavy winds (as do all tall buildings). When that happens, the elevators slow down to half speed.

• The CN Tower is a member of a very exclusive club – the “Great Towers of the World”, which also include the Empire State Building and the Eiffel Tower.