20 Canadian Tourist Traps That Are Total Letdowns

3. The CN Tower (ON): $40 for a View You Can Get Elsewhere

Sure, it’s iconic—featured in every Toronto skyline and tourism video—but the CN Tower experience rarely lives up to its promise. After enduring long lines, security checks, and a ticket price that feels more punitive than premium, you’re herded into a crowded elevator to reach a space where the view—while decent—is often obscured by crowds jostling for selfies. The glass floor, once novel, now feels like an overhyped Instagram trap. Toronto has plenty of alternative spots with equally striking panoramas and far more breathing room. Instead, head to Riverdale Park East for a sunrise jog with skyline views, or hop a ferry to the Toronto Islands for a postcard-perfect shot. Want the same vantage point with a side of ambiance? Try a rooftop patio like Broadview Hotel or Lavelle—no elevator fee, no line, and definitely no kids lying face-down on glass.