CN Tower - Toronto, Canada

The CN Tower is Toronto's tallest and most defining landmark. Photos of Toronto are often defined by the building stretching more than 550 metres into the sky.

The CN Tower was originally built to solve communications problems caused by the skyscrapers dotting Toronto's landscape in the '70s. The new buildings towered over past transmission towers and caused poor reception for televisions and radios in the city. So work began on a tower to stand above all of Toronto's skyscrapers and serve as the centre of telecommunications in this ever growing city. In June of 1976, after 40 months of construction the CN Tower was complete.

Today, aside from serving as a hub for telecommunications across the city the CN Tower has become major tourist destination. Visitors can test their courage by walking across the glass floor 113 stories above the ground. The first of its kind in the world, the glass floor give you that dare to walk on air experience, with only 2 ½ inches of glass holding you 342m in the air. The glass floor is actually stronger than most commercial floors and has the strength to hold 38,556 kg (85,000 lbs) or 14 hippos! Or if you dare, travel higher up the tower to the Sky Pod another 33 storeys above ground.

The tower's revolving 360 Restaurant offers an award winning wine list and spectacular view for any romantic evening. If you're not wild about heights, at the base of the tower, a fully licensed fresh market café that serves an array of international foods and there is plenty to shop for in the 10 000 sq. foot Marketplace.

If the glass floor isn't enough excitement for you, hit the Arcade or HIMALAMAZOM motion theatre ride (must be 107cm (42 inches) tall to ride). The Maple Leaf Cinema also plays a 15 minute film on the construction of the tower 30 years ago.