CN Tower

Completed in 1976, the CN Tower was the world's tallest freestanding structure for more than three decades and still defines the Toronto skyline. Glass-fronted lifts whisk you up to the LookOut level in about a minute.

Step onto the glass floor to look straight down, dine at the 360 Restaurant as it slowly rotates, or join the EdgeWalk, a guided hands-free walk around the outside of the main pod. On a clear day you can see far across Lake Ontario.

For the best view of the tower itself, take the short ferry to the Toronto Islands, where the skyline rises across the water. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada stands at the tower's foot, making this an easy half-day with children, and an evening visit lets you watch the city lights come on.