Skylon Tower, Niagara Falls

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Niagara's highest and most spectacular view - 775 ft. above the Falls.

The awe-inspiring panorama will take your breath away. Ride one of exterior glass enclosed elevators to the indoor\outdoor Observation Deck.

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COST IN 2009: $11 OR $12/TICKET. WE LIKED THIS EXPERIENCE BECAUSE FROM UP THERE YOU CAN PUT THE WHOLE NIAGARA FALLS INTO PERSPECTIVE. You can see where Goat Island is, you can see how the Maid of the Mist boats meneuver on their runs to the falls, you can see it all.

It is called the "Skylon Tower."

If you wish to dine, and adult lunch is $27.50, early dinner (5 - 5:30) is $34.95, and dinner (6 - 10 pm) is $39.95 while childrens prices range from $12.50 to $15.00. These were the prices in May of 2009, and of course that would be in Canadian currency.

On another level they have a buffet that is advertised as "family affordable" but no prices are listed.

The observation deck is free if you are dining.

Although not as high as the CN Tower in Toronto, Skylon Tower gave a super view of the Falls! We were given a limited time at this sight, but due to having to wait in line to go up and wait in line to come down, we were late getting back to our shuttle. If you are on a tour, keep an eye on your group. We all liked this stop. Plan to visit it and you won't be disappointed. The view is everything!

Skylon is opened year round. Summer hours are 8 am-12 Midnight; Winter hours are 11 am-9 pm. Admission is: $11.50 for adults (Canadian); $9.50 for seniors (Canadian) and $6.00 ( Canadian) for children 12 and under. American equivalent: $10 for Adults; $8.26 for Seniors; $5.22 for children 12 and under.

Always a sucker for lift rides up a tower - this one was no exception. Cost I think was just under 12 dollars (free if you are having a meal in the restaurant) but was included anyway in our excursion from Toronto with Chariots of Fire trip (see transportation tip).
The views from the lookout were great all the way around...but being January and with a wind chill factor had to keep popping back inside to warm up! In the picture you can just make out the yellow lift on the outside - so you even see the views on the way up.

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Rising a breath-taking 775 feet ( 236 metres) above Niagara Falls is the SKYLON TOWER .Ride "Yellow Bug" exterior elevators to twin observation decks. Spectacular indoor/outdoor viewing up to 80 miles.
Two levels of fine dining to choose from, both overlooking the Falls - the ultimate dining experience. Its revolving dining room offers one rotation hourly. Free admission to ride and observation decks when dining.
Also offers distinctive specialty shops and boutiques and Skylon Fun Centre, an interactive high-tech playground for great family fun.

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It is the tallest structure that overlooks both the American Falls, New York and the Horseshoe Falls, Ontario from the Canadian side of the Niagara River. The tower features three outside mounted "Yellow Bug" elevators that can carry passengers to the top of the tower in 52 seconds. Unlike conventional elevators that are guided by side rails, the Skylon elevators operate with a guide rail on the backside only. Special equipment is employed to prevent the cables from becoming tangled in the wind or impeded by snow and ice in the winter. A curtain wall on the outside of the tower behind each elevator protects the counterweight and traveling cables from the elements.

The tower has two restaurants at its top, the lower Revolving Dining Room and the upper Summit Suite Buffet. The stunning Revolving Dining Room seats 276 people and revolves once every hour by resting on a circular rail that is propelled by a 3 horsepower motor. An observation deck sits at the tower's summit. The base of the tower features a number of gift shops, fast food restaurants and a large amusement arcade.

Prices: Adult $10.95 CDN, Senior $9.95 CDN, Child $6.45 CDN Plus Tax
Summer Hours 8:00 a.m. to Midnight
Winter Hours 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

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Going up it is fun, but take some time to enjoy it from the falls level!

Observation Deck
Total height of tower from base to top of flashing beacon 520 feet (160m), and 775 feet above the bottom of the Falls. it has an Indoor/outdoor viewing
Visibility to 80 miles (129 km)

HOURS OF OPERATION

OBSERVATION
Summer Hours 8:00 a.m. to Midnight
Winter Hours 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

INDIVIDUAL OBSERVATION (REGULAR)

Adult $9.50 CDN $7.95 U.S.
Child (12 years and under) $5.50 CDN $4.60 U.S.
Senior $8.50 CDN $7.10 U.S.
Family Plan $27.00 CDN $22.50 U.S.

IF YOU LIKE MY TIP, PLEASE GIVE POSITIVE FEEDBACK, THANKS

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The best view anyplace in this area is atop Skylon Tower. At 520 feet, the Tower stands 775 feet above the water. Its observation deck has a restaurant and bar, as well as shops. And the ground floor has a huge game arcade. If you visit just one place on the Canadian side, it should be this.