Toronto’s iconic CN Tower is celebrating a big anniversary

Friday, June 24, 2016, 2:28 PM - The CN Tower is arguably Canada's most photographed building and defines the iconic Toronto skyline. This year, on June 26, the CN Tower celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Canadian National Railways built the CN Tower in 1976, which made it the tallest tower and freestanding structure in the world until 2010. The structure stands at 553.33m (1,815ft, 5 inches) tall and attracts approximately 1.5 million tourists each year.

Due to its height, it is no surprise that the CN Tower acts as a giant lightning rod. The freestanding structure is struck on average 75-80 times a year, however lightning has never caused damage to the tower.

The CN tower was built to withstand an earthquake as strong as 8.5 on the Richter scale. It is also able to endure winds up to 260 miles per hour.

The original purpose of the CN Tower was to serve as a telecommunications tower for radio, television and cell phone providers. However, today it serves as a leading entertainment hub and event venue.

The CN Tower puts on a nightly light show for the city, with 1,330 LED lights displaying fantastic colour. Custom light displays and colours are used on the tower for special events and to celebrate a Blue Jays win, for example.

Features of the CN Tower: 

• Six glass-faced elevators up to the observation decks 
• 360 degree rotating restaurant providing diners with stretching views of the city from every angle
• Unique glass floor at a height of 342m (1,122ft) above Toronto. The glass floor was the world's first when it opened on June 26, 1994
• Thrilling EdgeWalk around the circumference of the tower's roof 

Here are some spectacular shots of the CN Tower: 

SOURCES: CN Tower | CBC