Toronto’s CN Tower unveils a new view

The Tower’s renovated observation deck features new dining options and a free informative app — but it’s still all about the view

Published Jun 26, 2018
Updated Apr 06, 2023
243 words
1 minutes

By Andrew Lovesey

One of three new floor-to-ceiling ”window walls” at the CN Tower. (Photo: CN Tower)

Toronto’s most iconic landmark has a new look.

On Tuesday, its 42nd birthday, the CN Tower revealed the results of a $12 million renovation to its primary observation deck. The 14,000 square foot space now features three bistros offering family-friendly Canadian cuisine, a second glass floor directly above the famous original, and, most spectacularly, three sets of floor-to-ceiling “window walls” designed to maximize the panoramic views for children and people with mobility issues.

Adam Vaughan, left, MP for Spadina— Fort York, checks out the views from the CN Tower’s newly renovated observation deck with a guest. (Photo: CN Tower)

Also new to the observation deck experience is the CN Tower Viewfinder App. Available for both iOS and Android, the free app helps visitors identify more than 90 Toronto landmarks using augmented reality. While standing atop the Tower, users can simply scan the cityscape before them, and the names of prominent examples of Toronto architecture (think the Fairmont Royal York and Roy Thompson Hall), entertainment venues (Hockey Hall of Fame, Air Canada Centre), surrounding neighbourhoods and municipalities (hey there, Mississauga!) and other points of interest will appear on their phone screen.

More than four decades after it first opened its doors, on June 26, 1976, the CN Tower remains one of Toronto’s most popular attractions — nearly two million people visited in 2017 — so it’s important that the visitor experience evolves over time, says Neil Jones, the tower’s chief operating officer.

“As a national icon, the experiences we offer our guests should always be at world-class levels. We feel this renovation accomplishes that goal.”