Iconic CN Tower In Toronto Reveals Biggest Renovation In Its 42-Year History

Canada

TORONTO - Canada's National Tower unveiled a stunning $16 million renovation today that has transformed the iconic landmark's 1,300-sq. metre (14,000 sq. ft.) main observation level. The announcement comes on the CN Tower's 42nd birthday.

 BACKGROUNDER: CN Tower renovation unveiling (CNW Group/Canada Lands Company)

Designed to modernize and enhance the guest experience while providing truly universal access, the space has been revamped so that guests can enjoy an open, modern look and feel.  This is the most significant enhancement to the CN Tower since it opened its doors in 1976.

An all new Glass Floor has been installed directly above the original, providing a dramatic, two-tier vertical view 346 metres (1,136 feet) towards the ground.

New floor-to-ceiling glass "Window Walls" have been installed across three separate sections of the observation level, providing near seamless unobstructed panoramic views. Using the latest in engineering technology, the "Window Walls" enable children and people with mobility challenges to fully enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of Toronto.

"It's essential that CN Tower's renovation and upgrades tie into our commitment to accessibility," said John McBain, President and CEO, Canada Lands Company, owner and operator of the CN Tower.

"The Window Walls and new Glass Floor take the visitor experience to the next level and ensure it remains thrilling and unique among the world's greatest towers".

Three new food bistros offer guests an opportunity to sample Canadian food and beverages, while taking in 360 degree panoramic views of Toronto. The new observation level also features scalable space that can be customized to host events for up to 800 guests.

In concert with the renovation of the main observation level, the CN Tower also launched a new, free Viewfinder App for mobile devices. The App features spectacular day and night 360 degree panoramic images of Toronto and surrounding area. Users will be able to identify more than 90 landmarks.  The Viewfinder App is available in in five languages – English, French, Spanish, Korean and Mandarin and is available for download at the App Store and Google Play.

"We are thrilled to introduce an all new observation experience, including the new CN Tower Viewfinder App, as part of our 42nd anniversary" said Neil Jones, Chief Operating Officer, CN Tower.

"The CN Tower enjoyed record breaking attendance last year, but we believe it is important to keep innovating. As a national icon, the experiences we offer our guests should always be at world-class levels. We feel this renovation accomplishes that goal".

CN Tower
At a height of 553.33 metres (1,815 ft., 5 inches), Canada's National Tower is an engineering Wonder, award-winning dining and entertainment destination, and has been Toronto's "must-see" attraction for over four decades. The CN Tower was visited by more than 1.98 million people last year. (Includes 370,000 360 Restaurant guests and 18,000 EdgeWalk guests)
www.cntower.ca

Recent awards and certifications:

Trip Advisor Hall of Fame for CN Tower, EdgeWalk and 360 Restaurant (Awarded to businesses that have received a Certificate of Excellence for five consecutive years)
Prix de XX siècle by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (recognizes buildings over 25 years old that have become landmarks of Canadian architecture)
Best Bar None, best restaurant: 360 Restaurant (an industry-led international accreditation and awards program that rewards excellence amongst responsible liquor sales licensees)
Baxter Travel Media, Agent's Choice Award - Favourite Attraction
Business of the Year Award, Tourism Industry Association of Canada (recognizing excellence, outstanding contribution and accomplishments in the Canadian tourism industry)
Feast On Certification (recognizes businesses committed to sourcing Ontario grown and made food and drink)
Ocean Wise–360 Restaurant is a proud partner of this sustainable seafood program


About Canada Lands Company
Canada Lands Company is a self-financing federal Crown corporation whose sole shareholder is the Government of Canada. Its role is to optimize the community and economic value obtained from former government properties as well as holding and maintaining select properties on behalf of the federal government. It is a demonstrated leader in attractions management with its operations of the CN Tower and Downsview Park in Toronto plus the Old Port of Montréal and the Montréal Science Centre. www.clc.ca

Top 10 tips For Your First Trip To Toronto

If you are planning a trip to Toronto, there are many choices in this exciting, and vibrant city where there is so much to do, and so much to see. Although not the capital, Toronto is Canada’s largest city – make the most of your time there with our top 10 tips:

1. CN Tower

This 1,815 ft structure, which until 2007 was the tallest building in the world, is undoubtedly the defining feature of Toronto’s skyline. The glass fronted elevators will whiz you up to the Look Out level at a speed of 20 ft per second, where you will enjoy breath taking views of the city. Walking across the Glass Floor, suspended 1,122 ft above the ground might take a little bit of persuasion if you are afraid of heights, but just keep telling yourself that it has been built to withstand the weight of 14 hippos, and you will be fine. If you are feeling exceptionally brave, you might like to try the Edge Walk which involves circumnavigating the tower whilst attached to a safety harness.

2. High Park

This enormous public park offers a haven of peace and tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are playgrounds, sports facilities, and picnic areas, hiking trails and even a zoo where you can see buffalo, bison, lama and deer. Don’t miss the “maple leaf circle” at the bottom of Hillside Gardens.

3. Toronto Islands

A fifteen minute ferry ride from down-town Toronto will transport you to this peaceful retreat. Toronto Islands provide a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, with a beautiful view of Lake Ontario on one side, and a stunning view of the city skyline on the other. With bike rides and boat rides, beautiful gardens and sandy beaches, this is the perfect place to be on a hot summer’s day. The Rectory Café is well worth a visit.

4. Kensington Market

Declared a National Historic Site in 2006, this colourful and quirky multi-ethnic hub is a delight to behold. With its bustling street scene, shops selling vintage clothes and an array of food from all around the world, the atmosphere is slightly edgy but friendly and welcoming at the same time.

5. Sassafraz

Situated in rather quirky looking yellow Victorian house right in the heart of Yorkville, Sassafraz offers a pleasing selection of French inspired Canadian dishes served with with an air of calm and sophistication.

6. Niagara Falls

This natural wonder of the world is only 81 miles away from Toronto, which makes it easily accessible within a day. The town itself is surprisingly tacky, but the breathtaking beauty of the falls more than compensates. The mesmerising Maid of the Mist boat ride is an absolute must.

7. Royal Ontario Museum

One of the largest in North America, the Royal Ontario is a museum of world culture and natural history. Highlights include the dinosaurs, Spirit House and Stair of Wonders. It’s worth visiting just to see the great prisms of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal bursting out of the walls of the original 100 year old building.

8. Canada’s Wonderland

Canada’s Wonderland offers thrills and family fun with 200 world-class attractions. Experience 69 rides including 16 roller coasters, highlighted byLeviathan – Canada’s tallest and fastest roller coaster.  New for 2014, experience Wonder Mountain’s Guardian - an interactive 4D dark ride coaster combo.  Families can spend the perfect day together in Planet Snoopy and KidZville play areas filled with kid-sized rides and adventures including Dinosaurs Alive! – a seven acre animatronic dinosaur park featuring over 40 life-sized dinosaurs.  Park admission includes Splash Works – a 20-acre water park. For more information call (905) 832-7000 or visit www.canadaswonderland.com.

9. Shopping

The Eaton Centre claims to be Canada’s premier shopping destination, and as shopping centre experiences go, it is indeed a fairly pleasant one. With a multitude of international retailers and restaurants housed in a spectacular glass galleria, you should be able to find everything your heart desires all under one roof.

10. Hockey game

Most Canadians are passionate about Hockey and if you get the chance to go to a game, you should take it. It’s fast, furious and exciting. If you want to ingratiate yourself with the fans, make sure you refer to the sport simply as “hockey”, rather than, “ice hockey” as we might say in the UK.

Contributed by Ceri Tinley, Co-Founder of Consensio Holidays.

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