CN Tower Tickets: The Cheapest Way to Go Up
CN Tower tickets decoded: current prices, when the CityPASS beats buying direct, and the timing tricks that save you money.
The CN Tower is the one attraction almost every visitor does, and CN Tower tickets have more options than you’d expect. Here’s how to pay the least and still get the view.
Quick answer
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket | $47 plus tax (14 to 64) |
| Cheapest for kids | $18 (3 to 5); 2 and under free |
| Best deal for 5 attractions | Toronto CityPASS, $134.96 CAD plus tax |
| How far ahead to book | Up to 30 days |
| Time needed | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Nearest station | Union, via the SkyWalk |
Current CN Tower tickets and prices
Timed General Admission, booked on the official CN Tower site, gets you the Main Observation Level (346 m), the glass floor on the Lower Observation Level (342 m), the Outdoor Terrace and the Artmosphere exhibit.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (14 to 64) | $47 |
| Senior (65+) | $34 |
| Youth (6 to 13) | $34 |
| Child (3 to 5) | $18 |
| 2 and under | Free |
Prices are in Canadian dollars, plus tax.
How to buy CN Tower tickets, step by step
- Pick your date on the official CN Tower site, up to 30 days out. Check the forecast if you can.
- Choose a time slot. Tickets are timed, so pick the window you’ll actually make.
- Select your ticket types by age. Kids 2 and under don’t need a paid ticket.
- Skip the add-ons for now. You can add The Top once you’re on the Main Observation Level, if there’s space.
- Arrive a little early. Everyone goes through security screening before the elevators.
The cheapest overall option: CityPASS
If you’re doing more than just the tower, the Toronto CityPASS ($134.96 CAD plus tax for adults) bundles the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium, plus your choice of three more: the ROM, Casa Loma, Toronto Zoo, City Cruises or the AGO. CityPASS puts the savings at up to 38% off regular prices. Not sure it fits your trip? Read Is the Toronto CityPASS Worth It?
Timing tricks that save money
- Book online in advance. Tickets are timed and go on sale up to 30 days ahead. Booking locks in your entry slot so you’re not stuck waiting for the next one.
- Go on a weekday morning. Shorter lines mean less of your sightseeing day burned in a queue.
- Check the weather first. A cloudy day can hide the view entirely. If you’ve got flexibility, book for the clearest day of your trip.
- Skip The Top unless you’re a view maximalist. It’s a $12 add-on you buy once you’re on the Main Observation Level (if there’s space). The main levels already deliver the postcard shot.
- Eat before you go. The 360 Restaurant is a splurge, not a saving. Great for an occasion, bad for a budget.
The splurges: what costs extra
Know what you’re skipping, so you can skip it with confidence.
- The Top: the tower’s highest public level, $12 on top of general admission.
- 360 Restaurant: the rotating restaurant makes a full turn about every 72 minutes, so you see the whole skyline over dinner. Book ahead and expect a premium price.
- EdgeWalk: a hands-free walk around the outside ledge of the main pod, 356 m up. It’s seasonal (roughly May to October, weather permitting), takes about 90 minutes start to finish, and is one of the priciest experiences in the city. Check the official site for current rates.
A few CN Tower facts for the elevator ride
- It stands 553.33 m tall.
- It opened to the public on June 26, 1976.
- On a clear day, the observation levels give you the whole city, the lake and the Toronto Islands in one sweep.
Accessibility and what to bring
- Step-free: every elevator is accessible, as are the Main Observation Level and the first level of The Top. The Top’s second level is up 12 stairs.
- Wheelchairs: courtesy wheelchairs are free, first come, first served, with government-issued ID.
- Support persons: Access 2 Card holders get one free general admission ticket for a support person.
- Security: there’s a wheelchair-width metal detector at the accessible entrance.
- Bags: bags smaller than 53 x 23 x 38 cm are fine. Luggage and larger bags aren’t allowed, so drop your suitcase at the hotel first.
If you only have an hour or two
- One hour: go straight up, do a lap of the Main Observation Level, step onto the glass floor and head down.
- Two hours: add the Outdoor Terrace and Artmosphere, then walk down to the waterfront for the view from the ground.
Day or night?
Both work, and they feel like two different attractions.
- Daytime is best for spotting landmarks: the islands, the lakeshore, the stadium roof and the neighbourhoods stretching north.
- Sunset and after dark turn the city into a grid of lights. It’s the more dramatic visit, and the more popular one, so book early.
If you can only pick one, choose the time with the clearest forecast. Weather matters more than the clock.
Make a day of it nearby
The tower sits in a cluster of easy add-ons, most of them free.
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is right next door at 288 Bremner Blvd. Pair them on the same day, or get both on a CityPASS.
- The waterfront is a short walk south. Wander Queens Quay and the Harbourfront for lake views at no cost.
- Union Station is the transit hub for the whole area, with the subway, GO trains and the UP Express to the airport.
The cheap alternative
On a clear day, the skyline view from the Toronto Islands rivals the view from the tower, and the city ferry is $9.57 round trip for adults. Our Toronto Islands ferry guide has the details. Do both if you can. If the budget forces a choice, the islands win on value.
Good to know
- Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the visit.
- The tower is at 290 Bremner Blvd, next door to Ripley’s Aquarium. From Union Station, the enclosed SkyWalk gets you there in about 10 minutes.
- The tower is open year-round, but hours vary and it sometimes closes for private events. Check the upcoming closures page before you go.
- Tickets are timed. Arrive in your window or you may wait for the next available slot.
Want to see the area before you visit? Watch our Toronto walks on YouTube.
Quick answers
How much are CN Tower tickets in 2026?
Timed General Admission is $47 for adults (14 to 64), $34 for seniors and youth (6 to 13), and $18 for kids 3 to 5. Kids 2 and under are free. Prices are in Canadian dollars, plus tax.
Is there a cheaper way to get CN Tower tickets?
If you're visiting several big attractions, the Toronto CityPASS includes the CN Tower plus four more for $134.96 CAD plus tax. If you're only doing the tower, buying direct on the CN Tower site is the simplest option.
How long do you need at the CN Tower?
Plan on 1.5 to 2 hours. Add time if you're eating at the 360 Restaurant or visiting Ripley's Aquarium next door.
Can you get to the CN Tower from Union Station without going outside?
Yes. The enclosed SkyWalk runs from Union Station to the CN Tower and Rogers Centre area. It's about a 10-minute walk.
Can you bring luggage to the CN Tower?
No. Bags smaller than 53 x 23 x 38 cm are allowed, but larger bags and luggage are not. Every bag is inspected at security, so travel light.
Sources
Prices, hours and schedules change. Check the official site before you go. Spot something out of date? Email info@truecitytourism.com. Some links may be affiliate links. Disclosure.