Скачать или смотреть CN Tower - Toronto, Ontario, Canada

WHEN WATCHING: The opening video isn't skipping - it's the speed of the elevator moving up the floors.

The idea for the CN Tower originated from the 1968 Canadian National Railway’s desire to build a large television and radio communication platform that would serve the Toronto area and demonstrate the strength of Canada and its industry. It surpassed the height of the Ostankino Tower while still under construction in 1975, becoming the tallest free-standing structure on land in the world for the next 31 years (1,815 ft.).

While there is a 70-second elevator ride to take you to the top, you can also take the “long way”, via 1,776 steps to reach the main deck, and 2,579 steps to reach the SkyPod level.  (The stairs are not typically open to the public—they’re intended for emergency use only—but twice a year, visitors who want to scale the massive structure, have the opportunity to join charity stair-climbing events). Need a record to beat? Brendan Keenoy completed it in seven minutes and 52 seconds in 1989.

Today, the Toronto tower is the ninth tallest free-standing structure in the world, and still holds the title of tallest free-standing structure on land in the Western Hemisphere. Despite this, the CN Tower remains the signature icon of Toronto’s skyline, and a symbol of Canada.

TIP: Make reservations at 360 The Restaurant to get a rotating view of Toronto - admission to the very top is free for those dining. HOWEVER, note that it is cheaper, per person, to buy tickets for the ride to the top than it is to dine.