I bit the bullet and decided to do the EdgeWalk on the top of the CN Tower in Toronto – on my birthday. Once the schedule was online I quickly booked the date before it ‘sold out’ – paid (approx $200 + taxes).
Time and Prep
- 2:00 pm: Arrive (but have to be there at least 30 mins earlier to fill out a form)
- 2:10 pm: Group was guided into the Preparation room
- Sitting on the benches, we had to take a breathalizer test
- Remove jewelry and what jewelry couldn’t be removed was taped. They tested the jewelry too
- We were also ‘wanded’
It’s obvious that they are very careful regarding your safety, so don’t even think about doing this under any kind of influence - Personal belongings have to go into lockers – provided free of charge
- The locker key, which was on a lanyard, is hooked onto the neck of my jumpsuit
- If you choose to keep your sunglasses on, they must stay on your face during the whole time you’re outside on the Walk (‘Croakies’ are provided to keep the glasses on your face)
- Footwear is also provided (if you have the wrong kind) and baseball caps (also hooked onto the suit).
- Harness, suit, shoes, etc., are double-checked and triple checked
- Once done, directed to the elevator (steps away). The elevator had a partial glass floor and takes you to the deck level
- Then into a small room where you are hooked up to the rails
- Again, checked and double-checked.
- Doors onto actual EdgeWalk opened, and everyone headed outside… it was that simple!
You are NOT allowed any cameras, phones, etc. but don’t worry about that, cos the video/photos they give you (included in the price) are of good quality.
The Walk!
- 3:00 pm: Actual Walk – preparation took nearly one hour (not sure if this is normal). Remember this if you have someone who is below and taking pictures as they will not be able to tell the difference between the groups.
- A rope is hooked at the back and one at the front.
- It’s a small sloped walkway up to the Edge.
- Once up it, you’re there…356 metres (1,168 feet approx) above Toronto and it’s BREATHTAKING!
- Once everyone was out on the ledge, the WALK begins!!
- Our instructor had each one of us stand on the edge of the ledge, facing the Lake and looking down. You don’t have to, but if you can…you won’t regret it!!
- Then, after that experience, it was time to lean back out over the Edge. Again, with the guidance of the instructor, I got into position, moving slowly – backwards – and let go of the rope.. yes, nerve-wrecking but exhilarating.
It wasn’t until after I did this, that my legs felt normal again, no longer feeling like jelly!! 🙂
This all happened on the South side of the CN Tower, so I was looking down at Steamwhistle Brewery, overlooking the Aquarium, the Harbourfront and of course, Lake Ontario.
When you’re out there, enjoy every minute of it. On the day I did it, it was beautiful, no wind, no rain, just perfect.
Even with a risk of a thunderstorm hanging over the City they have a state-of-the-art radar that enables them to detect lightening strikes and they will not allow the Walk to continue if lightening comes within a certain no. of miles. You are totally 110% safe on this WALK.
The instructor during the duration of the Walk, directed our attention to points of interest in the city, shared stories and kept it fun. At the beginning of our walk, we had 2 instructors, one guided us and the other took photos. Our instructor also pointed out the video cameras on the CN Tower itself used to document our experience as well as the video that he was taking throughout the WALK.
On the East side of the Tower was where I did another ‘lean out’ over the Edge and by this stage, it was a piece of cake!
On the North side of the Tower, we posed (one by one) for our individual photos.
After that, we had to wait on the West side until the next group finished getting onto the ledge. There, if you lean back and look up at the skypod (where your family/friends can watch you during your whole walk) you can see people looking down. Wave to them and, if you’re lucky, they’ll wave back!
Once the 360 Walk was finished, it was back inside to get unhooked. Walk to the elevator, back to the prep room to remove suit and pick up personal items. Quickly over to the counter to pick up the DVD (video and pictures) which is presented in a beautiful cover – all of which is included in the cost.
Believe me when I say, it is SO worth the $$$. It’s a fantastic way to see Toronto. To be up so high looking down, nothing in your way, no windows/barriers to obstruct your view of the city. It was just AMAZING!
I have to say a big THANK YOU to our wonderful instructor/guide and those who assisted in making my experience not only safe and enjoyable, but very memorable.
GO FOR IT!!!!!!