Canadians may still be divided on its aesthetic value, but on June 26, 1976, excited Torontonians flocked to the CN Tower as it opened its doors to the public for the first time.
CTV News archival footage showed visitors decked out in bell bottom jeans, wide-collared shirts and short-shorts, lining up to scale the tower, and take in the 360-degree views of the city.
It took more than 1,500 workers about 40 months to complete the structure, which also serves as a telecommunications and observation tower.
It has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's tallest free-standing structure and the world's tallest tower – records it held for more than 30 years.
The tower is just over 553 metres tall and has 11 public elevators. Every year, the tower hosts two charity events, where participants climb the tower's 1,776 steps.
Over the years, additions to the tower have been made, including a glass floor, a rotating restaurant, an LED lighting system and the Edge Walk, where brave souls can walk on the roof of the CN Tower restaurant in the open air.
Today, the tower has become an iconic part of Toronto's skyline and a major tourist attraction, drawing approximately 1.5 million visitors every year.
