CN Tower
Try as we might to reinvigorate the local architecture scene with revitalized cultural centres and impressive condos, one monolith continues to dominate the skyline. The CN Tower’s construction began in the 1970s with humble intentions: to build an effective transmission tower when skyscrapers started blocking the airwaves. Plans quickly turned ambitious when it became apparent the structure had record-setting potential. Ever since then, the 553-metre-tall tower has been on tourist maps, designated as the tallest free-standing structure in the world. In September 2007, however, it lost its position when the Burj Dubai, now under construction in Dubai, reached 555 metres (when it’s finally completed in 2009, the new tallest tower will dwarf the CN antenna by several hundred metres). Although many of us take it for granted, the 181-storey tower offers impressive panoramic views, a glass floor observation deck, and the novel experience of eating in a revolving restaurant. Recently, the exterior was outfitted with 1,330 programmable LED lights, a low-energy lighting system that can be combined to create a million different colours and effects. Lit up most nights until one in the morning, the lights are dimmed for extended periods only during bird migration seasons.
Adults $22, seniors $20, children 4-12 $15.
