I have this reaccuring nightmare that I’m falling. Sometimes from a building, sometimes from a space shuttle (product of watching the Challenger explode on TV in school I’m sure). Everytime I dream of falling, I wake with crazy anxiety and it takes a lot to get back to sleep. Why you might ask, would the Edgewalk be on the top of my Bucketlist then?
I have this reaccuring nightmare that I’m falling. Sometimes from a building, sometimes from a space shuttle (product of watching the Challenger explode on TV in school I’m sure). Everytime I dream of falling, I wake with crazy anxiety and it takes a lot to get back to sleep. Why you might ask, would the Edgewalk be on the top of my Bucketlist then?
Inspired by other travellers who have already experienced the CN Tower Edgewalk and hearing about how much they enjoyed it, AND turning another year older, I wanted to celebrate my birthday this year by doing something that scared me. Ironically, as the day came closer, my fears were replaced by excitement – something I was not expecting. Yet the morning arrived, and as I looked out at the gray autumn clouds that have rolled in much too early for this time of year, I hoped the sun might be kind enough to make an appearance.
At least visibility was decent, and we reported to the Edgewalk Base Camp at the foot of the CN Tower to sign in, and sign our lives away. After confirming our reservations (in the summer, book well ahead…September still had spaces available the day of), we glanced at our waiver form, signed the dotted line and wandered the gift shop until it was our turn to gear up. A quick glance over to the weather board across from EdgeWalk reception showed us that it was going to be a chilly walk at the top. Cold weather doesn’t prevent the walk from happening…only the risk of lightning and high winds are enough to postpone the walk, and from that perspective, it was an all go.
The prep room has a glass wall, so you can watch everyone before you get ready to go up. First, all jewelery and bags are put in lockers. Glasses are taped to lanyards that are latched on to your Edgewalk suit. The staff do a breathalyzer on everyone participating to ensure no one has gathered up their courage using an alcohol basket. A metal detector is waved across everyone and every participant is patted down, similiar to a security check point at the airport. Pretty tight security for a tourist attraction, but I guess the danger of something accidently falling off the CN Tower provides enough legal hazards to warrent such an extensive check pre-event.
Next, we suited up in red jumpsuits and jackets, then the harness gear. I have never repelled or climbed and the bright yellow harnesses left a lot to be desired for comfort, but the security the harness provided was reassuring and I didn’t mind being bound up to ensure I didn’t stumble off the top of the tower. We were all checked by at least 4 different people to provide assurance we were all buckled in correctly. It wasn’t until 35 minutes after we had started getting ready at Base Camp, did we actually get into the private Edgewalk elevator and make our way to the top.
Once at the top we meet the Walk Master, who checks our harnesses out again and briefs on what’s going to happen. We were latched on to the cable track with 2 separate fastenings, the prime one attaching to the front ring and the secondary one attached to a ring on your back. Although slightly cumbersome, I didn’t mind the ropes being so readily available if only to provide some reassurance I always had something to hold onto.
We started our walk out to the edge, and the video started rolling. A huge bonus to doing the Edgewalk is that the experience is recorded and provided to everyone as part of the package. Photos are also included, but just 2 that the staff choose. The rest are available at an additional cost.
The first exercise that the group attempts is called Toes Over Toronto. Once everyone is out on the ledge that circles the CN Tower, about the width of a sidewalk, our tour leader shows us how she confidently walks up to the edge, put her toes over, and lets go of her rope. Arms held out to the side, waving at the citizens of the city down below, she glances over her shoulder, looks at me, and says some dreaded words…”Your turn.”
All the excitement I had instantly turns into a dead weight that has based itself in the pit of my stomach. My legs become stone, and it takes every ounce of courage I have to start walking forward. It’s not friggin natural!!! I have no desire to die anytime soon, yet my mind has to hijack my body and force it inch by inch to the edge of the CN Tower. My toes creep slowly over the edge of the walkway, my hands gripping my rope, I close my eyes, take a deep breath. I put all my trust into a tiny little black rope, and eventually let go. My hands rise up at a 90 degree angle to my shaking body, and I look out over my amazing city. Total bliss.
The exercises got a little tougher. Next up was Butts Over Toronto. Trusting the little black rope that reportedly could hold an adult elephant, we sat down in our harnesses and walked to the edge backwards. Once the arch of our feet were over the edge, we straightened our legs and leaned back. Looking up we could see the SkyPod and tiny little faces looking down at us wondering if we were all deranged.
As we successfully completed our exercises, our boldness flourished and we sat out looking over the city enjoying the perspective from so high up, and thoughts of falling quickly vanished. We posed for pictures, walked with certainty – even around the windy north side, and enjoyed watching the next group after us tentively walking for the first time out onto the edge.
The entire experience took about 90 minutes, and cost just under $200. Included in the cost is the Edgewalk experience, access to the Sky Pod, a DVD video and 2 photos, and admission into the 3D movies at the base of the CN Tower.
It’s truly amazing how many people who live in the Greater Toronto Area have not been up the CN Tower. The tower dominates Toronto’s city landscape, is on the front cover of most Toronto tour guides, and is usually the #1 place to visit on most visitors lists of things to see in Toronto.
If you haven’t played a tourist in your hometown, the Edgewalk is the BEST way to experience Toronto’s #1 Attraction. If you are a visitor to Toronto, be adventurous and see the city from the top. The experience is worth every penny.