{"id":914705,"date":"2026-06-22T18:14:27","date_gmt":"2026-06-22T23:14:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/22\/in-photos-a-rare-guided-tour-of-the-cn-towers-off-limit-areas\/"},"modified":"2026-06-22T18:14:27","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T23:14:27","slug":"in-photos-a-rare-guided-tour-of-the-cn-towers-off-limit-areas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/22\/in-photos-a-rare-guided-tour-of-the-cn-towers-off-limit-areas\/","title":{"rendered":"IN PHOTOS | A rare guided tour of the CN Tower&#8217;s off-limit areas"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"detailContent\">\n<p><span><a class href=\"http:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/news\/canada\/toronto\"><span>Toronto<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The CN Tower is giving rare access to areas of the engineering marvel that are normally closed to the public. CBC News photographer Evan Mitsui checked out the tower&#8217;s lesser known parts during a media preview on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<h2 lang=\"en\">For its 50th anniversary, landmark is giving public a glimpse of its inner workings for Doors Open Toronto<\/h2>\n<div>\n<p>CBC News<\/p>\n<p><span> \u00b7 <\/span><time datetime=\"2026-05-14T14:48:44.650Z\">Posted: May 13, 2026 7:57 PM EDT | Last Updated: May 14<\/time><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-cy=\"storyWrapper\">\n<div>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/a\/assets\/texttospeech.svg\" alt=\"Text to Speech Icon\" width=\"44\" height=\"44\"><\/p>\n<div>\n<p>Listen to this article<\/p>\n<p>Estimated 2 minutes<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p>The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure>\n<div><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" ><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"A view of one of the world's tallest freestanding structure from the ground.\"   src=\"https:\/\/i.cbc.ca\/ais\/2c3cc811-8653-430f-a814-e885b8be493a,1778706338620\/full\/max\/0\/default.jpg?im=Crop%2Crect%3D%280%2C0%2C8544%2C4806%29%3B\" data-cy=\"leadmedia-story-img\" fetchpriority=\"high\"><\/picture><\/div><figcaption>The media got a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the CN Tower on Wednesday. The iconic landmark, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, is participating in Doors Open Toronto on May 23-24. (Evan Mitsui\/CBC)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div>\n<p>The CN Tower is getting ready to give the public rare access to areas of the engineering marvel that are normally closed.<\/p>\n<p>Later this month the 553-metre-tall landmark is participating for the first time in Doors Open Toronto, where members of the public gain entrance for free to the city\u2019s architecturally significant buildings and sites.<\/p>\n<p>On Wednesday, members of the media got a preview of the guided tour of the tower, which explores operational and architectural spaces of Canada&#8217;s tallest structure that have never before been open to visitors. <\/p>\n<p>CBC News photographer Evan Mitsui was there to check it out. <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a data-feature-instance=\"similar-link\" data-feature-name=\"link\" data-testid=\"similar-link-link\" data-contentid=\"9.7178477\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-cy=\"type-link\" href=\"http:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/arts\/cutaways-tower-that-built-city-9.7178477\">\n<div>\n<p>The CN Tower helped give Toronto its identity \u2014 and now it&#8217;s finally getting the movie it deserves<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Members of the media record cellphone videos of the 300-metre shaft running nearly the full height of the tower\u2019s inner pedestal:<\/p>\n<div>\n<figure>\n<div><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" ><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Two cellphones recording view of a shaft running nearly the full height of the CN Tower.\"   src=\"https:\/\/i.cbc.ca\/ais\/19c3183d-1f8d-48d3-a2f9-0372a80fb310,1778703125217\/full\/max\/0\/default.jpg?im=Crop%2Crect%3D%280%2C0%2C6935%2C4623%29%3B\" data-cy=\"image-img\"><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>(Evan Mitsui\/CBC)<\/p>\n<p>Looking down the 300-metre hollow interior of the tower through a hatch in the floor of a stairwell outside the public area of the observation deck:<\/p>\n<div>\n<figure>\n<div><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" ><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A hatch in the ceiling of a basement room of the CN Tower.\"   src=\"https:\/\/i.cbc.ca\/ais\/1b9d7989-c20f-4179-85c6-14d21c615767,1778709724147\/full\/max\/0\/default.jpg?im=Crop%2Crect%3D%280%2C0%2C5714%2C3809%29%3B\" data-cy=\"image-img\"><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>(Evan Mitsui\/CBC)<\/p>\n<p>A hatch in the wall of a stairwell inside the tower provides a glimpse inside the rarely seen inner workings of the landmark:<\/p>\n<div>\n<figure>\n<div><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" ><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"An opened hatch with a red plate that reads: microwave 1343' 10\".\"   src=\"https:\/\/i.cbc.ca\/ais\/e900d0d4-c585-4ff8-bee9-0f6692075280,1778704022953\/full\/max\/0\/default.jpg?im=Crop%2Crect%3D%280%2C0%2C8006%2C5337%29%3B\" data-cy=\"image-img\"><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>(Evan Mitsui\/CBC)<\/p>\n<p>During the tour, CN Tower staffer Shawn Whalen points out panels from the original glass floor, now stored in a basement chamber:<\/p>\n<div>\n<figure>\n<div><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" ><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A man pointing at glass panels in a basement chamber, with reflections of several other people in them.\"   src=\"https:\/\/i.cbc.ca\/ais\/dd8f49a4-0809-400b-b291-07f2288023e7,1778705008672\/full\/max\/0\/default.jpg?im=Crop%2Crect%3D%280%2C0%2C6895%2C4597%29%3B\" data-cy=\"image-img\"><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>(Evan Mitsui\/CBC)<\/p>\n<p>A cutout schematic of the CN Tower sits next to a core sample of the tower itself in a basement chamber of the attraction:<\/p>\n<div>\n<figure>\n<div><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" ><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A cutout schematic of the CN Tower, next to a canvas bag on a wooden core sample of the tower itself.\"   src=\"https:\/\/i.cbc.ca\/ais\/331a1018-8566-4b28-ab1c-a04090d53d6f,1778705640794\/full\/max\/0\/default.jpg?im=Crop%2Crect%3D%280%2C0%2C8640%2C5760%29%3B\" data-cy=\"image-img\"><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>(Evan Mitsui\/CBC)<\/p>\n<p>Linen-keeper Irmina Victor, who has worked at the CN Tower for 16 years, is pictured in her office.<\/p>\n<div>\n<figure>\n<div><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" ><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A woman standing in a room with clothing on racks.\"   src=\"https:\/\/i.cbc.ca\/ais\/3a6c6d13-dc43-4ca0-8df4-67bbdbf23a1d,1778703410897\/full\/max\/0\/default.jpg?im=Crop%2Crect%3D%280%2C0%2C8373%2C5582%29%3B\" data-cy=\"image-img\"><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>(Evan Mitsui\/CBC)<\/p>\n<p>Members of the public brave the glass floor of the CN Tower&#8217;s lower observation level, more than 340 metres above the ground:<\/p>\n<div>\n<figure>\n<div><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" ><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Several people on the glass floor of the CN Tower, with screen that shows the tower and blossoming cherry trees.\"   src=\"https:\/\/i.cbc.ca\/ais\/12d054e8-cd93-42c2-a4b1-e3540e6c5236,1778704587957\/full\/max\/0\/default.jpg?im=Crop%2Crect%3D%280%2C0%2C6524%2C4349%29%3B\" data-cy=\"image-img\"><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>(Evan Mitsui\/CBC)<\/p>\n<div>\n<figure>\n<div><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" ><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A hand in front of a glass floor of the CN Tower.\"   src=\"https:\/\/i.cbc.ca\/ais\/e260021d-e52d-4211-bc59-bc09271184fe,1778704449512\/full\/max\/0\/default.jpg?im=Crop%2Crect%3D%280%2C0%2C7641%2C5094%29%3B\" data-cy=\"image-img\"><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>(Evan Mitsui\/CBC)<\/p>\n<p>A pressurized door separates an access gantry from the bubble-shaped radome, a weatherproof enclosure that encircles the tower\u2019s observation deck to shield broadcast equipment, including the CBC\u2019s.<\/p>\n<div>\n<figure>\n<div><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" ><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A door with glass pane.\"   src=\"https:\/\/i.cbc.ca\/ais\/a70187c6-0404-45c1-a4dc-7dcd9ec44eec,1778705484017\/full\/max\/0\/default.jpg?im=Crop%2Crect%3D%280%2C0%2C7596%2C5064%29%3B\" data-cy=\"image-img\"><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>(Evan Mitsui\/CBC)<\/p>\n<p>A hallway in a seldom-seen part of the tower.<\/p>\n<div>\n<figure>\n<div><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" ><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A curved hallway with exposed pipes on the ceiling and lights and heaters on one side.\"   src=\"https:\/\/i.cbc.ca\/ais\/b69d4a1a-7760-47ff-8cf5-07bd0038942c,1778767997881\/full\/max\/0\/default.jpg?im=Crop%2Crect%3D%280%2C0%2C8049%2C5366%29%3B\" data-cy=\"image-img\"><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>(Evan Mitsui\/CBC)<\/p>\n<p>A person takes a picture on the observation deck of the tower:<\/p>\n<div>\n<figure>\n<div><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" ><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A person taking a selfie on an observation deck of the CN Tower with backdrop of Lake Ontario.\"   src=\"https:\/\/i.cbc.ca\/ais\/1b539b4c-21c8-4031-ac55-01ae284b9edd,1778705943562\/full\/max\/0\/default.jpg?im=Crop%2Crect%3D%280%2C0%2C6604%2C4403%29%3B\" data-cy=\"image-img\"><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>(Evan Mitsui\/CBC)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/news\/canada\/toronto\/cn-tower-rare-tour-photos-doors-open-9.7198273?cmp=rss\" class=\"button purchase\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Toronto The CN Tower is giving rare access to areas of the engineering marvel that are normally closed to the public. CBC News photographer Evan Mitsui checked out the tower&#8217;s lesser known parts during a media preview on Wednesday. For its 50th anniversary, landmark is giving public a glimpse of its inner workings for Doors<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":914706,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[26644,431],"tags":[137555,6583],"class_list":["post-914705","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-guided","category-photos","tag-guided","tag-photos"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/914705","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=914705"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/914705\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/914706"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=914705"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=914705"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=914705"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}