Is the CN Tower Worth It? Observation Deck vs. The Top (SkyPod)
When I visited Toronto in June 2022, one of the attractions I was most excited about was the CN Tower. I have always enjoyed going to the top of tall buildings, so I knew I wanted to visit the observation deck. My biggest question was whether it would be worth paying extra to go even higher to the SkyPod, now called The Top.
I decided to visit both levels, and I’m glad I did. The main observation deck had incredible views of Toronto, Lake Ontario, and the Toronto Islands. Going up to the SkyPod gave me a different perspective of the city, and I definitely thought it was worth the extra money.
In this article, I’ll compare the CN Tower’s observation deck and The Top (formerly SkyPod), share my photographs from both levels, and explain why I recommend visiting. I’ll also cover current ticket options and some important changes made to the tower since my visit.
A note about my visit: I visited the CN Tower in June 2022. All photographs in this article are my own and were taken during that visit. The Lower Observation Level underwent a major renovation that was completed in January 2026, so some areas now look different from my photos.
Table of Contents
- Is the CN Tower Worth Visiting? My Verdict
- A Few Interesting Facts About the CN Tower
- What’s New at the CN Tower After the 2026 Renovations?
- How to Visit the CN Tower’s Observation Deck
- The Observation Deck of the CN Tower
- CN Tower Observation Deck vs. The Top: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
- Zoomed in Photos from the CN Tower
- My Tips for Visiting the CN Tower
- Final Thoughts: Is Going to the Top of the CN Tower Worth It?
- A One-Minute Video Tour of the CN Tower
- CN Tower Tours and Packages
- Related Content
Disclaimer: Buzzin’ Around the World strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information based on our research at the time of publication. We respect all applicable laws and fair use principles. If you believe any information is incorrect or violates regulations, please contact us at buzzinaroundtheworld@gmail.com.
Affiliate Links and Reviews: We use affiliate links to generate income and may receive a commission at no additional cost to you when you use our links. We strive for honest and transparent reviews, even for products which we receive compensation.
Content Creation: Our content is based on our own travel experiences. All photos are our own unless otherwise stated. We sometimes utilize AI tools to assist with tasks like generating titles, summarizing content, and improving organization.
For more information: Please click HERE to visit our privacy policy page. We can be reached at buzzinaroundtheworld@gmail.com.
Is the CN Tower Worth Visiting? My Verdict
Yes, I definitely recommend visiting the CN Tower. The main observation deck gave me some of my favorite views of Toronto, and I enjoyed being able to look out in every direction. I could see the Toronto Islands, Lake Ontario, Rogers Centre, and much of the city from above.
I also recommend paying extra for The Top. At 447 metres (1,465 feet), it is noticeably higher than the main observation deck. I enjoyed comparing the views from the two levels, and I would pay for the upgrade again.
That doesn’t mean everyone needs the upgrade. The regular observation deck already provides excellent views, and its larger windows made it easier for me to take photographs. However, if you enjoy tall buildings as much as I do, I think the additional height is worth experiencing.
Experience | My Recommendation |
Main Observation Level | Best for photography and overall value |
The Top | Worth the extra money for the additional height |
Both levels | My preferred option for the complete experience |
There were other things I enjoyed, too. The employees were helpful and friendly, I never felt rushed, and walking on the glass floor was memorable. I even had time to enjoy an ice cream sundae while looking out over Toronto.
The tower was moderately crowded during my visit, but I still had plenty of opportunities to take photographs.
A Few Interesting Facts About the CN Tower
The CN Tower opened in 1976 and was originally built by Canadian National, the railway company from which it gets its name.
Standing 553.33 metres (1,815 feet) tall, it held the record for the world’s tallest freestanding structure until 2007. Today, it remains one of Toronto’s most recognizable landmarks.
The tower has several observation areas. The Main Observation Level is 346 metres (1,136 feet) above the ground, while the Lower Observation Level is at 342 metres (1,122 feet). The Top is significantly higher, at 447 metres (1,465 feet).
I knew the CN Tower was tall before visiting, but it was much easier to appreciate its height once I was standing at the windows looking down over Toronto.
What's New at the CN Tower After the 2026 Renovations?
The CN Tower completed a C$21 million renovation of its Lower Observation Level in January 2026, as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations. This is the level directly below the main observation deck, where visitors can walk on the glass floor.
The renovation included a new glass floor, an updated Outdoor Terrace, and a feature called OverView, where visitors can lean outward for a different view of Toronto. Another addition is Artmosphere, an interactive exhibit featuring artwork by Canadian artists, including Indigenous artists. The renovated area also provides improved indoor viewing throughout the year. The Main Observation Level underwent an earlier renovation in 2018 that introduced floor-to-ceiling windows and an additional glass-floor viewing area above the original glass floor.
These changes help explain why some photographs and older reviews show different-looking observation levels. The Lower Observation Level renovations took place after my visit, so I haven’t experienced the updated space myself. My photographs throughout this article show the CN Tower as it appeared in June 2022.
For current information, I recommend checking the official CN Tower website.
How to Visit the CN Tower's Observation Deck
The CN Tower is easy to visit independently. I purchased tickets for the main observation deck and The Top and explored the tower without a guided tour. Before visiting, I recommend deciding whether you want to see the regular observation levels or pay extra for The Top.
How to Get to the CN Tower Using Public Transportation
The CN Tower is located at 290 Bremner Boulevard in downtown Toronto, near Rogers Centre and the waterfront. If you’re using public transportation, one of the easiest ways to get there is through Toronto’s Union Station. Union Station is served by the Toronto subway, GO Transit, VIA Rail, and the UP Express airport train.
From Union Station, you can walk to the CN Tower using the SkyWalk or the surrounding downtown streets.
How to Purchase Tickets for the CN Tower and The Top
Visitors can purchase tickets for the CN Tower through its official website. The standard ticket is called Timed General Admission and includes access to the Main Observation Level, 346 metres (1,136 feet) above Toronto, and the Lower Observation Level, 342 metres (1,122 feet) above the ground.
As of November 2026, adult general admission costs C$47. If you want to visit The Top, the combined ticket costs C$59. The Top can also be added to a general admission ticket for C$12, subject to availability.
CN Tower Ticket | Adult Price |
Timed General Admission | C$47 |
The Top + Timed General Admission | C$59 |
The Top upgrade | C$12 extra |
Prices are in Canadian dollars, before applicable taxes, and are subject to change.
The regular ticket includes the renovated Lower Observation Level, where visitors can experience the glass floor, Outdoor Terrace, OverView, and Artmosphere. The CN Tower also offers flexible admission, premium experiences, and combination tickets with other Toronto attractions. I recommend checking the official CN Tower ticket page for current prices and availability before visiting.
When I visited, I purchased tickets for both the main observation deck and The Top. The ticket kiosks and paper tickets shown in my photographs reflect that visit, so the current purchasing process may look different.
Buzz’s Tip: If you already know you want to visit The Top, I’d purchase the combined ticket. You can request an upgrade after reaching the Main Observation Level, but availability isn’t guaranteed.
Entering the CN Tower
When I visited, I entered through the area marked “La Tour CN Tower” at my designated admission time. I received two paper tickets, one for the main observation deck and one for The Top, that I could keep as souvenirs. Before reaching the elevators, I walked through a long hallway featuring scenes of the CN Tower.
CN Tower's High-Speed Elevators
One of the first things I noticed was how quickly the elevators carried visitors up the tower. During my ride, I could look down through a glass section of the elevator, which gave me an interesting perspective as I traveled toward the observation deck. Timed admission helps manage entry, but it doesn’t guarantee that you won’t encounter a line. The crowds were moderate during my visit, and waiting times will vary depending on the day.
The Main Observation Deck of the CN Tower
The main observation deck was the biggest reason I wanted to visit the CN Tower. At 346 metres (1,136 feet) above the ground, the observation level provides 360-degree views of the Greater Toronto Area, including the downtown skyline, Lake Ontario, and the Toronto Islands.
During my visit, the interior featured Canada’s red-and-white colors, and I found that the slightly tinted windows helped reduce glare when taking photographs. One thing I particularly liked was that the observation level wrapped around the tower. I could walk around and photograph different parts of Toronto rather than looking out in only one direction.
Photos from the Main Observation Deck of the CN Tower
The first thing I did after reaching the observation deck was photograph the city in all four directions. From this height, I could see the Toronto skyline, Toronto Islands, Lake Ontario, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, and Rogers Centre. I enjoyed seeing how much the view changed depending on which direction I faced. In some directions, buildings filled the skyline. In others, Lake Ontario stretched toward the horizon.
Buzz’s Photography Tip: When taking photos through the observation deck windows, try holding your camera lens close to the glass. This helped me reduce reflections from the sunlight and interior lights.
The four photographs below show Toronto looking east, north, south, and west.
Another thing I liked was how easily I could look almost straight down. The next two photographs show the area surrounding the base of the tower. In one of them, you can even see its shadow.
If you’re interested in photographing the CN Tower itself, I also recommend visiting the Toronto Islands. I took some of my favorite pictures of the skyline from Centre Island. You can see those photographs in my article about the best views of Toronto from Centre Island.
Taking a Break for Ice Cream at the CN Tower
During my visit, I stopped at a café in the observation area and ordered an ice cream sundae. There was seating available for customers, and I enjoyed eating my sundae while looking out through the large windows at Toronto.
I was surprised at how reasonable the price was considering I was at one of the city’s biggest tourist attractions. It was a nice opportunity to take a break from walking around and taking photographs.
The food-service options may have changed since my visit. The CN Tower currently lists VUE Bistros on the Main Observation Level and Le Café on the ground floor, so I recommend checking the current dining information if you’re planning to eat there.
CN Tower's Glass Floor
One of my favorite parts of visiting the CN Tower was walking on the glass floor. I’ve been to other tall buildings with small glass sections, but the CN Tower’s glass floor was much more memorable. During my visit, there were even kids jumping on the glass floor. I was happy enough just walking across it and looking down at the ground far below.
The CN Tower has had glass-floor viewing areas at different observation levels. Today, visitors can experience a new glass floor on the Lower Observation Level, which was renovated in January 2026.
Because my photographs were taken in June 2022, they show the glass-floor experience before that renovation.
The next two photographs show the view through the glass floor. I took both pictures using my zoom lens, so they don’t fully show the perspective of just how high above the ground I was standing.
CN Tower Observation Deck vs. The Top: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
After visiting the main observation deck, I headed up to The Top, the CN Tower’s highest observation platform.
This second observation level is 447 metres (1,465 feet) above the ground, compared with 346 metres (1,136 feet) for the main observation deck. That makes it approximately 101 metres (329 feet) higher.
Was the upgrade worth the extra money? For me, definitely.
I loved looking out over Toronto from the main observation deck, but going even higher was part of what made my visit memorable. The two levels have different window arrangements and provide slightly different perspectives of the city.
The higher platform is smaller than the main observation deck, and I found it more difficult to take photographs through its windows. If photography is your main priority, you may actually prefer the larger windows on the main observation level.
Still, I would recommend the upgrade. The photographs below compare the views from both levels during my visit.
How Much Higher Is The Top Than the Main Observation Deck?
To get to The Top, I took a second elevator from the Main Observation Level. The two photographs below show the main observation deck and the higher platform from outside the tower. You can see the difference in height between them.
Comparing the Views from the Observation Deck and The Top
One thing I found interesting was how different the windows were from those on the main observation deck. The observation area was much smaller, and the windows were positioned at a different angle. This gave me a different perspective of the city below.
It also made photography more challenging. On the main observation deck, I could move around and take pictures through the larger windows. At the higher level, I had to be more careful about the position of my camera.
That’s an important distinction if you’re deciding whether to pay extra. The Top offers additional height, but the Main Observation Level was better for photography during my visit.
The following photograph helps illustrate the different viewing angle.
The Swaying Pendulum at The Top
One of the most unusual things I remember was the feeling of the tower swaying slightly in the wind. The CN Tower is designed to accommodate movement, but I still found it interesting to experience that sensation so high above the ground.
During my visit, there was also a pendulum that showed visitors how much the tower was swaying. I thought this was a fascinating feature. It helped demonstrate that even a structure as large as the CN Tower isn’t completely motionless.
I haven’t confirmed whether the same pendulum display is still present today, but it was one of the details that made my visit memorable.
Photos from The Top of the CN Tower
Although I loved going higher, this observation level wasn’t as convenient for photography as the main observation deck. The smaller area and angled windows made it harder to position my camera and avoid reflections.
Still, I was glad I visited both levels. I enjoyed comparing the views and seeing how Toronto looked from a different height. The photographs below show the interior during my visit, including the smaller observation area and window arrangement.
Is The Top Worth the Extra C$12?
Yes, I would pay the additional C$12 to visit The Top. I realize that not everyone will feel the same way.
If you’re primarily interested in taking photographs of Toronto, I think the regular observation deck provides everything you need. The views are fantastic, and the larger windows make photography easier. For families visiting with several people, the additional cost can also add up.
However, if you’re like me and enjoy going to the top of tall buildings, I think the upgrade is worthwhile. I’m glad I didn’t stop at the main observation deck.
Zoomed-In Photos from the CN Tower
One of my favorite things to do when visiting observation decks is use my zoom lens to photograph smaller details around the city.
From the CN Tower, I was able to photograph everything from airplanes taking off to rooftop swimming pools. Some of these details were easy to overlook when looking out at the entire skyline. Using my zoom lens allowed me to focus on smaller sights throughout Toronto. Here are five of my favorite zoomed-in photographs from my visit.
The first photograph shows a ferry with a Canadian flag on top. In the next photograph, I captured a Porter Airlines airplane taking off from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
I also spotted a rooftop swimming pool. Another photograph shows green space surrounded by buildings.
Finally, I used my zoom lens to photograph Toronto’s railroad tracks.
These photographs are one of the reasons I enjoyed spending time at the observation deck rather than simply going to the top, taking a few pictures of the skyline, and leaving. There was always something else to look at.
My Tips for Visiting the CN Tower
Based on my visit and the current admission options, here are a few recommendations for planning your own trip.
- Purchase tickets in advance. Timed General Admission allows you to choose your entry time, although it doesn’t guarantee that you won’t have to wait.
- Decide whether you want The Top before purchasing. If you already know you want the upgrade, consider buying the combined ticket.
- Bring a camera with a zoom lens. I enjoyed photographing airplanes, buildings, and other details that I couldn’t easily see from the ground.
- Spend time at the Main Observation Level. The large windows made it my favorite place for taking photographs.
- Don’t skip the glass floor. It was one of the most memorable parts of my visit, and the renovated Lower Observation Level now has additional viewing experiences.
- Check the official website before visiting. Ticket prices, opening hours, and availability can change. You can find current schedules on the CN Tower hours page.
What About EdgeWalk and Other CN Tower Experiences?
For those who are more adventurous than I am, the CN Tower also offers EdgeWalk, which allows visitors to walk outside the tower while secured to a safety system. I didn’t participate in EdgeWalk, but it’s another option for visitors looking for something different from the observation levels. The CN Tower also has the 360 Restaurant and other ticket experiences.
For most visitors, though, I think the main decision is whether regular admission is enough or whether to pay extra for The Top.
Final Thoughts: Is Going to the Top of the CN Tower Worth It?
After visiting both observation levels, I can say that the CN Tower was worth the price of admission. I enjoyed looking out over Toronto in every direction, standing on the glass floor, and taking photographs with my zoom lens. I also enjoyed some of the smaller details, including the ice cream sundae, the helpful employees, and the pendulum showing how much the tower was moving.
As for The Top, I recommend paying for the upgrade if you enjoy observation decks and tall buildings. The main observation deck was better for taking photographs, but I liked having the opportunity to go even higher and compare the views.
If I were visiting Toronto again, I’d happily return to the CN Tower. I hope my photographs and experiences help you decide whether it’s worth going to the top.
A One-Minute Video Tour of the CN Tower
In addition to the photographs above, I put together a short video showing highlights from my visit to the CN Tower.
CN Tower Tours and Packages
You don’t need a guided tour to visit the CN Tower. I purchased admission independently and explored the observation levels on my own. However, some visitors prefer booking a guided sightseeing tour or combining the CN Tower with other Toronto attractions.
If you’re considering one of these options, be sure to check whether CN Tower admission is included. Some Toronto sightseeing tours only stop near the tower. I am an affiliate of Viator and may earn a small commission if you book a tour using one of my links, at no additional cost to you.