Peering out of the taxi window as we departed the airport I was overly eager for my first glimpse. Like spotting the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the first sighting of Big Ben in London, I couldn’t feel like I had officially arrived in Toronto until I saw its tower. The CN Tower was built by the Canadian National Railways in 1976 and today is used as a broadcast transmitter as well as a climbing/dining/entertainment venue. At 1,825 ft (plus 5 inches to be exact) it is the world’s tallest tower and not long into our transfer it soon sprung into sight, it’s not hard to miss! Whilst visiting Toronto for Fashion Week I became obsessed with photographing the tower, a habit fed by the fact that I was staying right beneath it and was treated to a meal at the top of it.
Like Jeremy Beadle the tower pops up in places you least expect it and demands attention. Hanging out in parks on West Queen West, appearing at the end of a busy street Downtown and poking out from under an iron bridge, the tower catches your eye and captured my imagination.
Nowhere was it better framed, however, than by my bedroom window at the Hotel Le Germain Maple Leaf Square. The boutique Germain is located slap bang in-between the Air Canada Centre and The Rogers Centre, and on one side of the building guests can lay claim to a direct view to the CN Tower from their bed and bath. Despite its buzzing Downtown location the hotel is a haven of calm, which deems the ear plugs they provide on the bed each evening redundant. Not redundant in this hotel is the attention to detail in the rooms; iphone docking station, plug socket and light controls (from ‘ambient’ to ‘all off’ ) within easy arms reach of the bed. And boy what a bed. Huge white pillows, a snuggly duvet, perfectly soft mattress and a fit man hanging above it – BEST BED IN THE WORLD I say! In the bathroom you will find FULL size Molten Brown products and a rainforest shower from which you can view the giant flat screen TV in the bedroom. Together with a hair dryer that actually dries hair, a full length mirror in a place that makes sense and Nespresso machine on the desk, you feel like this hotel has really thought about its guests. They also provide something all hotels need to wise up to – FREE, super-fast WiFi throughout the whole hotel – no password necessary.
And then I got to go up it!
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EurotripTips
March 22, 2012 at 5:24 pmAhhh, how I miss North American hotel rooms! So big compared to European rooms.
Toronto has been undergoing a big rejuvenation for a few years now. It used to be just business, nothing cool – and now I believe it’s quite a happy mix of the two. I’ve only been on a field trip in Grade 10 since it’s so close to Montreal but I have good memories of it, and can’t wait to experience it again!
Jayne
March 22, 2012 at 5:35 pmSo true about the rooms compared to Europe – and the beds are proportionately MASSIVE too!
There is lots happening in Toronto and they are still building all the time too. I can’t wait to share some of the quirkier sides of the city I found – I have a feeling you will enjoy the shopping and cake posts I have coming up 🙂
fotoeins | Henry
March 22, 2012 at 8:29 pmJayne, I’m glad you had a great time at the Tower!
I spent seven years here in the City, and after more than ten years of being away, I’m going to head back for a brief visit in early-April to visit a few people there in between Mississauga, the downtown area, and North York.
Looking forward to your future posts about Toronto!
Jayne
March 23, 2012 at 1:20 pmThanks Henry – enjoy your trip back to Toronto!
Tash
March 23, 2012 at 11:43 amIt’s so funny how one thing in a city seems to capture you focus – love this post and all the angles of the Tower.
I am heading to Toronto for the Summer, so am in the middle of absorbing all things blogged about the city, so looking forward to reading more!
The restaurant and it’s views look like a must do for the list!!
Jayne
March 23, 2012 at 1:20 pmHi Tash, so glad you enjoyed the post. The Tower is def a must do. I’ve got details of some great cake shops, vintage stores and bars for you to check out coming up too. Feel free to contact me with any questions about your trip. I’m sure you will have a great time!
Nadine (@IamNads)
March 23, 2012 at 12:47 pmLoved this post! Made me feel a little ‘homesick’ but loved it all the same.
So glad you got to experience the CN Tower PLUS, you got to stay at an amazing hotel between the ACC and the Rogers Centre, too?
Be glad you can’t see the jealous look on my face 😉
Jayne
March 23, 2012 at 1:18 pmHa I am sure you will be visiting again soon!
Cristina
March 23, 2012 at 1:35 pmHey Jayne! AMAZING shots of T.O! Reminds me why I love this city! Next visit I’d love to take on the Edgewalk with ya!!
Jayne
March 23, 2012 at 1:59 pmChallenge accepted!! I’d love to give it a go. Shall let you know when I am next in town 🙂
Backstage at Toronto Fashion Week | 40 countries before I'm 30
March 28, 2012 at 12:07 pm[…] Captivated by The CN Tower in Toronto March 22, 2012 […]
D.J. - The World of Deej
March 28, 2012 at 12:44 pmWell, another restaurant gets added to my list:) What an incredible view…Hoping to make it to Toronto soon…
Amanda @ Adventures All Around
April 10, 2012 at 5:38 amOkay, now you’ve made me jealous that I didn’t get to enjoy that delicious food when I was there! Instead my biggest memory is of the glass floor, and how no matter how much the logical part of my brain accepted it wouldn’t crack if I stepped on it, I still couldn’t walk on over it.
looks like I’ll have to go back and follow up on your suggestions…
Jayne
April 11, 2012 at 8:21 pmha I completely understand Amanda about the glass floor, I felt very daring stepping on it! If you do get a chance to go back and try the food I don’t think you’ll be disappointed 🙂