Living On the Edge - The CN Tower EdgeWalk

The CN Tower has been a distinctive landmark of the Toronto skyline since 1977.  Standing at just under 554M/1,185ft, it once stood as the tallest building in the World until the Burj Khalifa passed it in 2007.  One would assume that losing such a record would significantly impact the overall value and appeal to tourists.  But with the introduction of the EdgeWalk in 2011, the CN Tower has been more popular than ever with tourists and locals alike.

CN Tower EdgeWalk

When I first heard about the opening of the EdgeWalk, I was bouncing off the walls waiting to try it out for myself.  The EdgeWalk has put the CN Tower back into the Guinness Book of World Records as being the "Highest External Walk on a Building."

EdgeWalkers realizing they are 1,168 ft. above the ground!

Here are some basic facts about the EdgeWalk:

• Recognized as the Highest External Walk on a Building --  356 M/1,168 ft.
• Platform width of 1.5M/5ft -- about the width of a sidewalk
• Entire length of the walk encompasses 150 M/492 ft
• Seasonally operated between April – October
• Open 7 days per week usually between 8am EST – Dusk.
• Reservations are required, but you can book them the day of depending on time of year
• Once ran as late as early December during its first year of operation
• Admission is $175 CDN -- covers admission to the SkyPod, Glass Floor, Look Out, the two simulator rides and movie, a video of your walk, a keep sake photo, and re-entry to the CN Tower.  All in all, it is reasonably priced for a tourist attraction and offers great value given some of the other tourists attractions located within Toronto.
• Weddings can take place atop the EdgeWalk.

Kooks "looking forward" to doing the EdgeWalk

When you arrive to the EdgeWalk, make sure you are at least 15 minutes early.  That is because you must go through a safety orientation and a breathalyzer test at Base Camp.  You read that correctly – a breathalyzer test!  Never in my entire life have I ever been subjected to such a test before participating in a tourist attraction.  However, given the height of the walk, it is in the best interests for the safety of the CN Tower and EdgeWalk participants to make sure no one under the influence of alcohol or drugs is participating in the walk.

Our EdgeWalk team ready to go!

Following the breathalyzer test, all participants are required to lock any loose items, such as cameras, hair clips, and watches, in a safe deposit box.  You may wear either prescription glasses or sunglasses, but they will tie them up with a safety band and clip to prevent them from falling.

EdgeWalkers starting their trip around the CN Tower platform

Once you arrive to the top, participants walk outside to the ledge one by one.  Over the course of the next 30 – 35 minutes, the tour guide will lead you on a walk around the circumference of the CN Tower.  Of course, there will be moments where you can stop to check out the scenery, as well as do a few tricks to show off your bravery.

CN Tower EdgeWalk - Bird's eye view of the street

For example, I was asked to walk backwards to the edge in a semi-squat position and then stand up at a 45 degree angle with my back to the ground.  And if that weren't scary enough, a few minutes later, we were each asked to do our own recreation of that famous scene in Titanic where Rose believe she is flying on the bow of the ship.  Try leaning over the edge of the CN Tower and tell me if you feeling like you are flying!

CN Tower EdgeWalk - EdgeWalkers testing their luck!

While I am not typically afraid of heights, I did have a few moments of doubt there when a Cessna plane kept circling in the vicinity of the CN Tower.  When your guide says aloud “I’m pretty certain he’s not supposed to be flying that close to the tower,” you can’t help but wonder what you are doing up there in the first place.

Living on the Edge - The CN Tower EdgeWalk

One final benefit of the EdgeWalk is that if you time it right, then you can catch a glimpse of the Toronto Blue Jays game down below if the dome to the Rogers Center is open on game day.  Kooks and I had decided to do the EdgeWalk walk on my birthday, and go to the Blue Jays game later that afternoon, so I didn't get that opportunity this time.

Our "scared" group on the CN Tower EdgeWalk

Overall, the EdgeWalk certainly lives up to the hype.  While it might be awhile before I get a chance to do it again, it certainly offers the best value of any tourist attraction in Toronto.  At that height, you not only get an amazing perspective of the city, but you also appreciate the hard work and effort that went into building this engineering masterpiece back in the 1970s.  For reservations to the EdgeWalk, please go here.  You won’t regret it!