CN Tower
The CN Tower was constructed for two reasons – to demonstrate the strength of the Canadian industry, and to improve broadcasting in the downtown Toronto area after the skyscraper boom of the late ‘60’s and ‘70’s resulted in poor reception with signals reflecting off the buildings. The Canadian National Railway determined to build an antenna higher than the buildings. In 2006, the CN Tower celebrated three decades of being the world’s tallest building, tower, and free-standing structure at 553.33 m. (1,815 ft, 5 in.). The honour of the Wonder of the Modern World designation was bestowed on the CN Tower by the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1995. This joined it with other notable structures such as the Empire State Building, Golden Gate Bridge, English Channel Tunnel, Panama Canal, Utopia Dam, and North Sea Protection Works. Each year, nearly 2 million people from all over the world visit Toronto’s must-see attraction.
“CN” originally stood for the Canadian National Railway, but prior to the company’s privatisation in 1995, the CN Tower was transferred to the Canada Lands Company (CLC). Toronto citizens wanted to retain the name, so the “CN” now stands for “Canada’s National”. The CN Tower is used as a communications tower by more than 30 radio and television broadcasters.
The main structure of the CN Tower is a hollow concrete pillar that houses the elevators and stairwell shafts, and the power and plumbing connections. The 102 m. (335 ft) metal antenna on the top broadcasts radio and television signals. The CN Tower offers two main visitor areas. The main seven-story pod is 330 m. (1,100 ft) high. The SkyPod, just below the antenna, is the highest public observation deck in the world at 447 m. (1,465 ft). On a clear day, it is possible to see 100-160 km. (62-100 miles) away to the outline of Rochester, New York across Lake Ontario or to see the mist created by the Niagara Falls. At 342 m. (1,122 ft) is the vertigo-inducing Glass Floor and Outdoor Observation Deck. At 346 m. (1,136 ft) is the Horizons Cafe and the Lookout Level. At 351 m. (1,150 ft) is the 360 Restaurant. The restaurant is located on a turntable that completes a full revolution every 72 minutes offering diners a panoramic, revolving view of Toronto more than 350 metres below.
The CN Tower houses the tallest metal staircase - 1,776 steps to the Lookout (indoor observation deck) level, and 2,579 steps to the SkyPod. (These stairs are for emergency use and not open to the public, except for charitable events.) The elevators ascent and descent are clocked at more than 22 km/h (15 mph) – it takes 61 seconds to reach the 360 Restaurant level.
The CN Tower is open daily year round and is closed on Christmas.
Niagara Falls
One of the world’s natural wonders is Niagara Falls located on the Niagara River separating Ontario from New York State. Originating in Lake Erie, the Niagara River flows quietly on its way to Lake Ontario. Half a mile before the Falls, the gentle river transforms into swift, swirling rapids and splits into two tributaries at Goat Island, just before plunging down the Falls. Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side is twice as wide as the American Falls, but the American Falls is higher at an average of 57 m. (182 ft).
These enormous, magnificent waterfalls are the top attraction at Niagara Falls. The 56 km (35 mile) scenic parkway across 1,720 hectares (4,250 acres) offers the most comprehensive view of the Falls and the surrounding scenery. The Niagara River Recreational Trail follows the river from Fort Erie to Fort George. The trail’s historical sites include many made famous during the War of 1812. From Niagara-on-the-Lake to the former British Garrison, Fort Erie, historical sites abound.
The Niagara Parks offers many attractions at Niagara Falls. In the summer, the Falls are flooded with illuminating lights for several hours after dark. For over 150 years, the Maid of the Mist cruise has taken visitors to the whirlpools beneath the Falls. Since 1916, the Spanish Aerocar ferries passengers over the whirlpool via cable car. The Journey Behind the Falls attraction offers an observation platform near the foot of Horseshoe Falls. Queen Victoria Park features beautifully manicured gardens and magnificent views of the Falls. Skylon Tower’s observation deck provides the highest overhead view of the Falls on one side, and views of Toronto (an hour and a half away) on the other.
Capturing the imagination of the world since a French priest first recorded his travels of 1678, it was an 1804 visit by Jerome Bonaparte (Napoleon’s brother) and his new bride who may have started the long tradition of honeymooning at Niagara Falls. To this day, Niagara Falls is one of the top destinations in Ontario and North America for travellers from all over the world. Niagara Falls attracts more than 14 millions visitors annually.
Visitor information is available at several locations in the Niagara Parks region. The Table Rock House located at 6650 Niagara Parkway (look for signs for “Journey Behind the Falls”) is the main building for visitor and attraction information. The building also offers shopping and several eating establishments.
Canada’s Wonderland
Canada’s Wonderland is one Ontario’s top family amusement destinations. Over 140 attractions and 60 rides are available on the 120-hectare (300-acre) park located 30 minutes north of Toronto. In addition, Canada’s Wonderland features live entertainment, a popular kids play area, and a water park. Open since 1981, Canada’s Wonderland attracts more than 3.7 million visitors each year. Canada’s Wonderland is considered on the top theme parks in the world, and was honoured by Forbes Magazine as one of the 10 Best Amusement Parks in 2006.
Canada’s Wonderland is a world leader in thrill-packed rollercoasters. “The Italian Job” coaster outfits riders in a tricked-out MINI Cooper S to recreate the thrill-packed finale of the movie. “Tomb Raider: The Ride” features a face-first experience in Canada’s only flying coaster. The “Silver Streak” is a junior inverted coaster with a helix. “Top Gun” is a looping, inverted coaster that reaches 90 km/hour and offers 90-degree vertical climbs, a 270-degree after burn, barrel rolls, and a snap rollover. Other featured coasters include a backward coaster, a standing coaster, side-winding helix rides, and much more.
Top thrill rides include the “Sledge Hammer” that hurls riders through freefalls; the “Psyclone” spinning pendulum, “Shockwave” with high lifts and dizzying spins. “Xtreme Skyflyer” offer riders a skydiving experience with control over their own ripcord. Other attractions at the park include the Kingswood Music Theatre, a state-of-the-art 15,000-seat amphitheatre that has featured world-renowned artists from Canada and around the world. Canada’s Wonderland offers more than a dozen snack shops and eateries, and plenty of shopping for gifts and souvenirs. Canada’s Wonderland offers a special event on weekends in October – FearFest, where the park transforms into a dark, haunted theme park
The 20-acre Splash Works water park features 18 tube and speed slides, a huge wave pool, and a kid’s water play area. “Wonder Mountain” divers plunge 20 m. (66 ft.) down Victoria Falls. Restaurants and shops are also on site.
Canada’s Wonderland is open with limited days and hours from mid-May to late-October and is open daily from late June through Labour Day.