5 sky-high destinations for group travelers

by Brittany Anas

Iconic towers and skyscrapers help define city skylines and make frequent appearances on postcards. But many also invite tourists to come on in—and take the elevator up … way up … so far up ears might pop a little. After a quick ascent, travelers will be spoiled with panoramic city views and photo-ops galore.

Here are five North American experiences and perennial group favorites that take travel to the next level—literally.

CN Tower in Toronto: Soaring 1,815 feet and a few inches into the Toronto skyline, the CN Tower earns the distinction of the world’s tallest free-standing tower. The antenna at the top of the tower broadcasts Toronto television and FM radio signals across southern Ontario, as well as cell phone signals. The most intrepid travelers in your group will delight in the chance to play “Spiderman” via the EdgeWalk experience: Safety harnesses are attached to guests who can then walk the tower’s exterior while, gulp, 1,168 feet above the ground without any handrails. For a much tamer experience, though, a “glass floor” observation deck is on the 112th floor of the tower and allows visitors to peer down 1,122 feet. At night, the CN Tower puts on a light show, illuminating the night sky with a kaleidoscope of colors.

To arrange a groupvisit of 20 or more, contact groupsales@cntower.caor 1-888-684-3268. More information: cntower.ca/intro.html.

Toronto Skyline – Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Space Needle in Seattle: A prime amenity that’s wowing tour-goers at Seattle’s iconic Space Needle? The Loupe, which is the world’s first and (so far) only rotating glass floor. Glass benches near high-stretching glass windows are an ideal spot for photos in this spire that towers over the city at 605 feet tall. Originally built in 1962 for a space age-themed world’s fair, the Space Needle recently got spruced up with a $100 million renovation. It takes just 43 seconds in an elevator to reach the top floor, where you’re greeted with views of Downtown Seattle, Lake Union, the Cascade Mountain Range, the Olympic Mountains and more.

Groups of 15 or more receive discounted tickets, and group reservations need to be made at least two weeks in advance. Tickets can be purchased online for groups up to 59 people. For groups of 60 or more people, contact grouptours@spaceneedle.com. More information: spaceneedle.com.

Skydeck Chicago: Skydeck Chicago is located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower). Perched 1,353 feet over the ground, the Ledge is a protected glass enclave that extends out an extra four feet over Wacker Drive and the Chicago River. Not only will tour-goers get panoramic views of Lake Michigan and Chicago, but they’ll be able to see as far as Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana. Groups of 20 or more receive discounted rates. For group prices and reservations, visit theskydeck.com/group-information/tour-operators/tour-operator-reservations or call (312) 875-9447. Group reservations come with free bus parking. More information: theskydeck.com.

Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls: At 775 feet tall, the Skylon Tower provides magnificent views of Niagara Falls, plus a revolving dining room that rotates 360 degrees every hour, an arcade and 3D theater. Glass-enclosed “yellow bug” elevators zip up the exterior of the tower to the observation deck in under a minute. Here, tour-goers have access to an indoor/outdoor observation deck from which they can see the mighty falls as well as the skylines of Toronto and Buffalo. Booking a tour for your group at night comes with an added bonus: The tower and the falls are illuminated in a rainbow of colors.

To arrange a visit for groups of 20 or more, e-mail groupsales@skylon.com or call 1-800-814-9577, extensions 226 or 227. More information: skylon.com.

Empire State Building: If New York City had an official postcard, this iconic Art Deco building would be a good contestant. Located in Midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building boasts observatories on the 86th and 102nd floors that show off 360 degree views of New York City. From the 102nd floor, there’s a full view of Central Park, and, on a clear day, a view of up to 80 miles away. From the 86th floor, the Hudson River, Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square and Statue of Liberty are in view. Have your tour groups download the Observatory Experience app prior to the trip. The app will tell them about their views from every direction. Discounts are available for groups larger than 20 people. To arrange a group visit, call 212-736-3100, e-mail sales@esbonyc.com or visit esbnyc.com/buy-tickets/group-sales. More information: esbnyc.com.

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