CN Tower EdgeWalk: Living on the Edge

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CN Tower, Canada’s top tourist attraction, is Toronto’s most iconic landmark. Like the Empire State Building in NYC and Eiffel Tower in Paris, the 553-meter tall skyscraper provides stunning unmatched views of the city skyline. Going up to the observation deck to catch a spectacular view of Toronto from above is a must-do for many visitors, but to experience the most breathtaking views, you gotta try the EdgeWalk tour!

CN Tower Edgewalk Toronto

Many people thought I was out of my mind when I told them I wanted to take part in the EdgeWalk. “It is too dangerous,” “you’re risking your life,” and “that’s just outrageously scary” were some of the comments from people when I showed them the EdgeWalk photos on internet. I admit that I am a thrill-seeker and that hanging off the top of the CN Tower isn’t exactly the safest thing to do, but I wanted an exciting experience that Kev and I would cherish forever. What could be more memorable and daring than walking along the circumference of CN tower and enjoying the city view from the very top?

CN Tower EdgeWalk Experience

CN Tower Toronto-18

EdgeWalk, the world’s highest full-circle, hands-free walk, is the ultimate urban adventure. Adventure-seeking participants are tethered to a harness and attached to an overhead safety rail while walking the edge of one of the world’s greatest man-made wonders. Being the braver one in the relationship, I had to convince Kev to overcome his fear and join me on this crazy adventure. When he finally gave me a nod, I was extremely proud of him and glad that he was willing to push his limits for me!

30 minutes prior to our walk time, we arrived at EdgeWalk Base Camp on the ground floor of CN Tower. Upon arrival, we were asked to sign a waiver acknowledging that risks involved in the activity. Shortly after, we were put into a room where breathalyzers were administered. Once ensured we were all in good physical condition to walk independently, we were stripped off personal articles (other than clothing and eyeglasses) to prevent fall hazards. Everything we brought, such as cell phones, cameras and wallets, were put away in lockers. One by one, we followed the guides’ instructions to put on red onesies and harnesses. After multiple rounds of safety checks (to ensure shoelaces were tight, eyeglasses were secured with a lanyard and harnesses fitted perfectly), we were finally ready to head up towards the real excitement!

CN Tower EdgeWalk Toronto

CN Tower EdgeWalk Toronto

CN Tower Edgewalk Toronto

Our “walk master” introduced herself and led us to the elevator. The glass elevator took us directly to the main pod where the EdgeWalk began. Before we stepped outside, we did one last safety check and attached ourselves to the overhead safety rail encircling the main pod. Now we were safer than ever!

CN Tower Edgewalk Toronto

Slowing making our way out to the 1.5m-wide ledge, it wasn’t particularly nerve-wrecking. It took me a few steps to adjust to the height, but the spectacular view made me quickly forget I was standing 356 meters above ground.

Facing south, we saw the serene, clear blue Lake Ontario, shimmering under the sun. On such a clear day, we even saw Niagara Fall in the distance. Not too far away lied the Toronto Islands, a small island chain in Toronto harbour which offers Torontonians a wonderful escape from the city life. The walk master pointed out to us the ferry rides to and from Billy Bishop Airport offshore from downtown core. Apparently, the 90-second trip at just 121 meters is the shortest ferry ride in the world!

Sightseeing aside, we started our first daredevil stunt here. The first activity was called Toe’s Over Toronto, which our walk master considered as a warm up exercise. We were asked, one by one, to walk right up to the edge of the platform until our toes were sticking over, extend both arms wide out to the side, and shout out loudly to greet Toronto! Standing still hands free required me to gather up all my courage, but the adrenaline rush made me feel alive again!

CN Tower Edgewalk Toronto

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Immediately after, we were asked to do a Lean Backward, which required us to squat and walk backward until our feet were against the ledge. Straightening out our legs, leaning back as far as possible with arms spread-eagled in the air – there, we completed our second activity. It was surprisingly easier than I imagined!

Continuing on our tour, we followed the ledge until the eastern side of the city came into view. Down below, we saw the train tracks at Union Station splitting to north and south. In addition, we noticed a few famous landmarks, including the Ripley’s Aquarium with the shark painted on the roof, Fairmont Royal York which used to be the tallest building in Toronto in 1929, and the global headquarters of the TD bank.

In the north, the expressive architectural space of Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD), the bustling Yonge-Dundas Square, and the beautiful domed roof of the Convocation Hall at University of Toronto grabbed our attention. Fun fact here: did you know that Yonge Street is the longest street in the world, stretching 1896 km from Queen’s Quay on Toronto’s Harbourfront to Ontario-Minnesota border at Rainy River? On top of CN Tower, we could see it run continuously beyond the horizon.

CN Tower Edgewalk Toronto

The scariest moment occurred when we tackled our third activity, Lean Forward. Imagining ourselves as Superman, we put our whole weight on the front rope and leaned over the edge as if we were about to fall. The thought that I could actually fall off the building weakened my legs, but I fought my anxiety and conquered my fear, knowing that a palpable sense of achievement was awaiting me just steps away.

Now that the scariest task was over, all that was left was performing the actual Edge Walk and touring the western side of the city. Strolling along the edge with our right arm sticking out in the air was a piece of cake after all! Before we headed back in, we took one last look at the splendid city, the beautiful shoreline of the lake, and Rogers Centre, the home to the Toronto Blue Jays.

CN Tower Edgewalk Toronto

Conclusion

It was no doubt the thrill of a lifetime, for accomplishing the Guinness World Record experience on the highest external walk on a building. Offering a bird-eye-view of the city, it was definitely a walk to remember! Now, are you ready to show your inner daredevil, test your limits and experience the thrill of a lifetime? Join me now and become a true EdgeWalker!

About EdgeWalk
Pricing

The tour costs $195 plus tax per person. The total experience lasts 1.5 hours, with an actual outdoor walk of 20-30 minutes. At the end of the tour, you will receive a keepsake video, 2 printed photos, and certificate of achievement. Also, you will receive a Tower Experience Ticket that gives you re-entry to CN Tower as well as access to LookOut, Glass Floor and SkyPod. To book an appointment, visit the EdgeWalk website.

What to Wear?

Dress appropriately for the weather. Jumpsuits will be given prior to the walk. Fully enclosed footwear with laces and good grip must be worn. Lanyards will be provided to fasten eyeglasses.

When is it available?

Slots are available daily from April to October.

Is there an age/weight limit?

Participants must be at least 13 years old. Teenagers at the ages of 13-17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to provide written consent. Weight-wise, the participant must be at least 34 kg and no more than 140 kg.

For more information, please visit the EdgeWalk website, Facebook, or Twitter!

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Up for a challenge? Face you inner demon at CN Tower's EdgeWalk in Toronto. This memorable, thrilling experience will be another thing to check off your bucket list!

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Call yourself a thrill seeker? Then you must try CN Tower Edge Walk in Toronto, Canada. This Guinness World Record-holding "World's Highest External Walk on a Building" is Toronto’s most extreme attraction. Click through to find out more on For Two, Please. #toronto #ontario #Canada #adventure #adventureseeker #thrillseeker #bucketlist #cntower #travelcanada #travelguide #traveltips #thingstodo #traveldestinations #summertravels #instagramspots #photospots

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42 Comments Leave a Comment »

  1. I am so jealous of anyone who has had the chance to walk on this. I was in Canada And Toronto about two years back. It was just my bad luck that the walk was closed due to climatic conditions.
    I am planning another trip next year and mainly to do this.

  2. Ooh, this looks like serious fun. haven’t been in Toronto in a million years – putting this on the wish list. 🙂

  3. WOW! I’ve been to Toronto a zillion times but never thought of doing the walk, but now that I see how amazing and safe it is, I want to do it! 😀

    Thanks! 😀

  4. Oh my goodness Cat, I don’t know that I’d be brave enough to do this walk! The closest I’ve come is the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, which was amazing and I’d do it again in a heartbeat, but we weren’t hanging over the edge like you!! WOW!

  5. You have got to be kidding! Just looking at your photos freaks me out. You obviously had a ball but there is no way I would ever to that.

  6. Oh my! This looks awesome. I would like something like this but I would probably freak out in the elevator (not even in the platform).

  7. Holy smokes! You are definitely very brave. I used to have to visit the CN Tower semi-regularly for work and I didn’t even like being on the glass floor! lol. I had no idea they breathalyzed you, but it’s a good idea!

  8. OMG, Cat! I think you love an adrenaline rush and probably you love rollercoasters too. I wouldn’t even get up to that tower, leave alone walking on the edge.

    • Aww that’s okay, Anda. There are tons of places to get a great view of the Toronto skyline, for example, Toronto Islands is a great location for photographers!

  9. I asked Frank about this and he said no thanks:) I don’t know that I’d pay that much to do it but it is pretty awesome! Toronto is a great city!

  10. This walk looks awesome. I’ve walked the Harbour Bridge in Sydney and my favourite part was actually the preparation and instruction before we headed off. Your photos look fabulous!

  11. Amazing! As much as I would like to think that I am adventurous….I am also afraid of falling. Heights, they’re fine, but falling is a whole other story. If you slipped….would you end up falling forward? I’m always scared I’ll end up busting my teeth lol. I’ll live vicariously through you and stay firmly planted on the ground 🙂 lol

  12. It looks spine tingling and I can imagine how heart-stopping it would feel. It’s not for me though! You look like you were loving it!

  13. It was an interesting read but i would never ever go for anything like this. I was in the unmanned trolley car going 2000 feet up the mountain in Germany- that was more than enough for me:)

  14. OMGosh! No. Your photos made me feel quite queasy. Glad you enjoyed it!

  15. I’m from the suburbs of Toronto and really wanna do this for my birthday this summer…but am pretty scared haha. This was the first blog I’ve read about the experience and you definitely make it seem a lot less scary. Now I feel like I have to do it!

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  18. This looks like good clean fun. Jenn and I both love heights (as long as we are clipped in). Our friends and sometimes guest writers- Spencer and Kristina – help host an event in Irvine where you rappel off the skyscrapers. Now that will give you a little pucker factor. When we make it to Toronto we are going to do this for sure.

  19. I really wanted to do this! And I was the only one in my party haha everyone else was too chicken to try it. Looks like an amazing adventure!

  20. Ah I really thought about doing this while I was in Toronto but ultimately decided it was outside my price range. I’ll definitely do it on my next trip there though!

  21. No, no, no, no, no, no, no. I could barely look at your pictures without my legs going to water! I am terrified of heights like this. The picture of you leaning back into space made me dizzy. I couldn’t even stand on the glass floor inside the tower. There’s no way you’ll catch me outside on the edge. At least, not voluntarily.

  22. Well — wow! But I’m with Juliann — no, no, NO! No way I could do it, but I did love see YOU do it — a little vicarious living through you on this one.

  23. Awesome blog posts always wonder what would it feel like just hanging off the CN Tower lol

  24. You’re so brave!! I’ve seen this before but only in documentaries and photos. I’m terrified of heights, so don’t think I’d be a good candidate here. Glad you really enjoyed it though!

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