Don’t look down! We did the CN Tower EdgeWalk and our Toronto bucket list is complete

When I first heard about the CN Tower’s EdgeWalk, I remember saying, “You couldn’t pay me to do that.” Well, I guess this article proves that every writer has their price…

If you’re not already familiar, the CN Tower’s EdgeWalk is just that — an experience where you can walk along the edge of the iconic CN Tower, the famous Toronto landmark once named one of the Seven Wonders of The Modern World.

Admittedly, I am one of those people who grew up in Toronto and yet has never been up the CN Tower. My fear of heights also once left me stranded just three feet up a rock climbing wall while the other kids laughed. So needless to say, this wasn’t an experience I’ve ever felt was for me.

But, when the EdgeWalk team reached out to offer one “lucky” Curiocity writer a chance to experience what it’s like to throw caution (and yourself) to the wind, I was “lucky” enough to be the writer chosen.  “Oh joy,” I said, as my palms started to sweat with fear.

I soon found out, however, that I didn’t really have much to worry about! 

Reaching new heights

For context, the EdgeWalk was not originally planned to be part of the CN Tower, having been constructed over a decade ago and opening all the way back in August of 2011. While times may vary per season, the experience operates most days out of the year (from March until early January).

The experience also comes with two complimentary photos, an edited video of some highlights of your time at the top, and a ticket to the CN Tower’s Observation Levels — including access to The Top of the tower. You really get a lot for the $199.00 price tag, not to mention a bucket-list experience.

At 356 metres (1,168 feet), EdgeWalk is more elevated than the tallest skyscraper in Canada, First Canadian Place. The Guinness Book of World Records even certified EdgeWalk as the highest external walk on a building in the world, which is a record they still hold.

All this to say, EdgeWalk isn’t for the faint of heart. Which for me, was perfect — time to find some courage so I can go meet Drake at the top of the tower.

Preparing for the walk

I was told to come around 30 minutes before my scheduled EdgeWalk time, and that’s for good reason because, if you’ve never been to the CN Tower before, there are a few safety checks you need to clear before you head inside the building and you don’t want to be late!

Once you get inside, the EdgeWalk basecamp location is a little ways away past the gift shop. You’ll sign a waiver, go over some safety presentations, and pack up all your belongings for your loved ones to pick up (just kidding, haha I’m terrified).

Pro tip: You’re not allowed to take anything up with you, meaning all phones, wallets, jewellery, even tissues, need to be stored properly before you put on one of those fashionable red jumpsuits. You also need close-toed, laced shoes (but, if not, they do have shoes on hand).

Thankfully, they did provide secure straps attached to my glasses with tape to make sure they remained on my face and not smashed on the ground next to the Rogers Centre!

Getting safe and secure

When it comes to EdgeWalk, they don’t treat it like some rickety Ferris wheel! Not up here. Safety is their number one priority, along with accessibility as a fully wheelchair-accessible experience. 

Your harness will be secured with the help of one of their attendants, and then quadruple-checked by another attendant, your guide for the experience, and then one more time just for good measure.

There are two points of connection on your suit, one rope on the front which can hold the weight of an elephant, and another safety clip at the back to make sure you stay along the track.

And the equipment is always kept in top shape. Not only are there daily team safety checks and weekly engineering checks, but there are also yearly third-party inspections that thoroughly examine the external rails and all components, which are X-rayed to ensure they’re in perfect condition.

Believe me, I asked every safety question I could think of before heading up, and it all checks out. No turning back! 

Braving the Edge

After all the safety checks were done, and the elevator reached its destination at the top, there was nothing left to do than walk out on the edge (aaaaahhhhhh!!! I was getting a little excited).

The first few steps onto the platform felt surreal, as the entrance to the platform opens on Lake Ontario, giving you a picturesque view of the water and letting you see all the way across the lake (I would’ve waved to my friends in Hamilton, but my hands were otherwise occupied clamping tightly on the rope).

Our guide for the walk was super friendly and encouraging, and led us through a series of activities that pushed us safely out of our comfort zone at the inner edge of the CN Tower.

They also stress that, if you don’t feel comfortable with any of the activities, you can opt out. But I will say, while at first I was resistant, the more activities we did, the more comfortable I got while out on the CN Tower. I mean, you already made it out there, so you might as well give it a try!

My favourite activity was the one where we leaned back over the edge of the platform. Not only does it feel really cool to be literally hanging off the CN Tower, you also don’t need to look down! It’s a win-win really.

But by far what makes the experience worth it is being able to take in the entire city from that height — there’s quite literally nothing like it. It was cool seeing all these landmarks I knew from so high up, and taking in just how expansive and (dare I say) beautiful Toronto can be.

Reaching new heights

The whole experience went by in a blink of an eye, and since I came down off the tower and kissed that sweet, disgusting pavement outside, I’m honestly just left with a really big sense of accomplishment (and a giant adrenaline comedown to manage!).

Again, I cannot stress enough just how afraid of heights I still am, and was for sure ready to be writing this article either through blubbering tears of anxiety or from beyond the grave.

But, having braved the CN Tower’s EdgeWalk, and getting my certificate and photos as proof, I really encourage anyone who’s maybe a little fearful to give it a try. This experience may not be for the faint of heart, but it definitely gives you a new perspective on Toronto.

So muster up all your courage and book your ticket for EdgeWalk today to get one of the best views you’ll ever experience in your life!

BRAVE THE EDGEWALK