FAQ's - Skylon Tower

F.A.Q's

Are reservations required for the breakfast buffet at the Summit Suite buffet and must you pay admission to the tower when you go to eat?
We always recommend guests make reservations when dining at the Skylon Tower. The "Ride to the Top" is free if you dine with us.

Does the minimum charge in the Revolving Dining Room ($40.00) apply to all guests including children?
The minimum charge per guest required in the Revolving Dining Room for lunch is $26.00 and for dinner is $40.00. These are our lowest priced entrees for each. Children ordering from the children's menu are excluded.

Is the CN Tower taller than the Skylon Tower?
Yes, the CN tower is 1787 feet high. The Skylon Tower is 520 feet high and offers an exceptional view of Niagara Falls.

Is Sunday brunch available year round in the Summit Suite?
Sunday Brunch is available all year.

Until what time are the Falls illuminated?
Illumination of the Falls changes based on season. Click on the below link to view the schedule.http://www.skylon.com/general/tower.html

Who uses the spire on the top of the tower?
We have contracts with police departments, radio stations and paging companies.

Why do they call the elevators "yellow bugs"?
We believe the name came from a newspaper article which described the elevators as little yellow bugs crawling up the outside of the tower. The elevators are painted yellow and have windows which look like eyes on the bug.

Did the engineers who designed the Skylon Tower use the same design for the CN TOWER? They look very similar to each other.
No but the same type of construction was used in pouring the concrete. The Skylon was the first building constructed using a slip form. Concrete was poured continuously for 38 days while the form was moved up and squeezed together to form the tapered stem.

Does the minimum charge for the Revolving Dining Room include drinks and food or food only?
The Revolving Dining Room is available for food service as a priority. Service of alcohol is secondary to our goal of keeping the dining room's tables available for food service. So to answer your question, we do require that the minimum be spent on food.

Does the Skylon Tower offer group rates??
Yes we do and they can be found here http://www.skylon.com/groups.html

Is the "Horseshoe Falls" on the Canadian or the U.S. side of the Niagara River and can they be seen from atop the Skylon Tower?
The Horseshoe Falls is on the Canadian side of the border, in fact the border is the shoreline at one end of the falls. You can see all three falls from the top of the Skylon, the Canadian Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls. http://www.skylon.com/virtual/virtual.html

I'd like exact directions to the Skylon Tower coming via QEW from Mississauga.
Follow the QEW to Niagara Falls. Once you cross over the Skyway bridge in St. Catharines follow QEW to Ft. Erie, about 10-15 min. Take cut off to Hwy 420 "Bridge to USA". At first stop light "Stanley Ave." turn right. At second stop light "Robinson St." turn left. This will lead you directly to the Skylon parking lot.

Does the minimum charge ($40.00) for the Revolving Dining Room apply to late night dessert and coffee?
The dining rooms are open for full course meals only, however, during less busy hours, especially later on at night, they may be able to seat you for dessert and coffee and waive the minimum charge. Don't hesitate in asking.

Can you please tell me how far (or near) The Skylon Tower is from Casino Niagara?
By car, the Skylon Tower is about three blocks away from Casino Niagara.
Across the street from the new Fallsview Resort Casino.

What are the exact co-ordinates (longitude and latitude) of the Skylon Tower?
Latitude & Longitude 43*05.07 N 79*04.86 W. UTM co-ordinates 17 656 208 E 47 71 984 N.

Can you reserve a table next to the window?
We cannot reserve window tables as seating is provided on a first come, first served basis. If you wish a window table, your best bet is to arrive a bit earlier than your reserved time in the dining room.

When was the Skylon Tower built? How long did it take to complete the construction?
Construction on the Tower was started in May, 1964. The official opening was held October 6, 1965.

What time does the Skylon Tower open (game room, tower, exhibits etc.)?
Please double-click below to access the hours of operation on our web page.
http://www.skylon.com/groups/hours.html

How late is the Observation Deck open?
The Observation Deck is open until the evening illumination of the Falls ends. May through August, the Falls are usually lit up until approximately midnight.

When does the Skylon have a buffet, and is it all-you-can-eat?
The buffet is open during the summer months May through September. Visitors may go up as often as they wish.

What is the height of the Tower from the Observation Deck?
The Tower's height is 477 feet from ground level, 732 feet above the base of the falls.

What is the minimum age a child can dine with adults at the Skylon Tower?
There are no age restrictions at the restaurants. Toddlers, up to and including age 5, pay a toddler's price, kids aged 6 to 12 pay child's price and those over 12 years old pay full price.

What is appropriate attire for dining in the revolving restaurant?
Dining attire ranges from casual to formal, depending on your mood.

Do you have to pay for the elevator ride up to the restaurants?

No.

I noticed there are tables in the Revolving Dining Room that are in the centre of the room. What kind of view of the Falls do these seats offer?
The inside banquettes offer an outstanding view of the Falls. They are U-shaped and are elevated one step above the other tables. Of course, the view from all tables is spectacular when you dine 775-feet above the Falls.