Wanna try a Guinness World Record?

Brave the highest external walk with CN Tower’s EdgeWalk in Toronto, Canada

Toronto is considered to be the most multicultural city in the world. Culture, food, and activities are varied, offering many things to do and sights to see for any tourist. You can marvel at arts and sciences in the numerous museums, take relaxing walks on the beach, splurge on clothes and trinkets in the markets, and go restaurant hopping on a gastronomic tour. The convenience of moving around by public transport also makes it a great choice of destination.

CN Tower

An iconic place you cannot miss when you travel to Toronto, CN Tower is an observatory deck standing 550 meters or 1804 feet. It was built in 1975 as the tallest free-standing tower up until 2007 when Burj Khalifa surpassed the record. It also has a revolving restaurant called 360 Restaurant serving Canadian flavors and also boasts of being the highest wine cellar. The fun, of course, doesn’t end with just dining or looking over the panoramic views, you have to try the Edge Walk. The Edge Walk holds the Guinness World record of being the “highest full circle hands-free walk” with 116 stories above Toronto.

The EdgeWalk

Getting ready for the Walk

You start with an orientation at the ground level. They will remind you to remove small accessories. They do provide lockers to keep all your items. Strapping into the harness equipment is next. It is reassuring that they check on your gear multiple times. When you choose to do this on a chilly night, they also provide jacket, toque, and gloves. If you did not wear enclosed, running shoes or lace-up footwear, they will also provide you with the correct shoes. Oh, and did I mention that you do this with a group? It always feels a little less scary if you find others powering through the same situation as yours.

You now move on to the Summit room, which is 2 stories higher than the Tower's main observatory deck. This is where they will attach your harness to your gear. Don't worry, you can hold on to your harness if it makes you feel better. Just be sure to follow the guidelines on where you can cling to. The guide will be ushering everyone out onto the platform, and they will challenge you in letting go of your harness at every phase.

They will try to ease your nerves (if you can help it) by doing simple challenges at first: try going to the edge, let your toes beyond the edge, face and lean your back towards the edge, shout out, and eventually face and lean forward fully without holding on to anything. They also have you covered with their cameras so you have a remembrance for this daring stunt.

It takes around 30 minutes to complete the platform around the tower. Make sure to cheer your buddies on as you all build each other's confidence. At the end of the journey, you will be awarded a certificate. Yey! You have now earned the bragging rights of challenging the highest external walk on a building in the world!

Hands-free at the Edge Walk with Toronto cityscape in the background

What else to do when in Toronto

Just in close proximity to the CN Tower, there are already a lot of activities and things to do. You can check out the Harbourfront. There are cruises offered in the area so you can see the views from the waters. If you do not wish to go on a boat, you can opt to get a mandatory selfie at the famous Toronto sign, and just take a breather sitting at Nathan Phillip's Square area. You can also stroll through the many shopping places in this area.

If you still haven't had enough of the adrenaline rush, head out to Canada's Wonderland and enjoy rides of all kinds, a one-hour drive from the Downtown area. The entrance fee is $49.99 CAD. They are usually open from 10 AM to 10 PM. Check out the theme park's website for more information on the shifting operating hours as well as special events. Don't also forget to check the weather forecast for the date you are visiting.

There is still more that Toronto has to offer. All sorts of activities for you to enjoy are waiting for you, so go ahead and hit the road!

REFERENCES

Canada Lands Company. (n.d.). History. CN Tower. Retrieved July 20, 2023, from https://www.cntower.ca/history

Canada Lands Company. (n.d.). 360 Restaurant. CN Tower. Retrieved July 20, 2023, from https://www.cntower.ca/plan-an-event/our-spaces/360-restaurant

Cedar Fair Entertainment Company. (n.d.). Toronto Attractions. Canada's Wonderland. Retrieved July 20, 2023, from https://www.canadaswonderland.com/

Toronto Convention and Visitors Association. (n.d.). Nathan Phillips Square. NowPlayingToronto.com. Retrieved July 20, 2023, from https://www.nowplayingtoronto.com/venue/nathan-phillips-square/