A tiger can climb the length of the CN Tower in just 60 leaps!

But every year thousands of people climb the CN Tower's 1,776 steps (a total of 144 flights) in about 30-40 minutes. Pace yourself and you’ll be at the top before you know it.

We have trained medical staff inside the staircase to encourage you as you climb to the top of the CN Tower. There is also enough room on the landings to step aside and take a short break.

There are some great training tips below, but also check out some advice from a veteran climber!

 

General Climb tips

We recommend that slower climbers stay to the right-hand side of the stairwell. This allows fellow climbers to pass on the left if they wish.

Also, please try to make the Climb a scent-free event. This is an athletic fundraising event and scents may become overpowering in the enclosed stairwell, especially for those breathing heavily as they try to improve their climb times!

And generally, be courteous to your fellow climbers and make this a great event!

Scenario: You’ve recently registered for the 26th Annual WWF-CN Tower Climb for Nature. This is no doubt a physical test. So right now, you’re either thinking “1776 steps? No problem!” or like most of us you’re thinking “What did I just get myself into?!” Have no fear. We have 10 tips to help you with your training regime.

1. Wear a good pair of running shoes

It’s important to ensure that your shoes will provide sufficient cushioning to protect your back and legs from injury during both training and the CN Tower Climb itself.

 

2. Warm-Up and Cool-Down

You should warm-up for five to fifteen minutes before step training. Stretching before climbing will help reduce muscle tension and improve circulation. Don’t forget to cool-down after your workout.

 

3. Get in a routine

Make sure you step train at least three times a week. You won’t really benefit if you do less than this. However, don’t train if you’re unwell, as this might increase the time you’ll take to recover.

 

4. Take it easy in the beginning

Don’t step train two days in a row for the first couple of weeks. Give your muscles and tendons a chance to adapt.

 

5. Train for time, not speed

Your training program should be designed to gradually increase the time you spend stepping, rather than how fast. Avoid drastic increases in your training time. If you trained for a total of ten to fifteen minutes, three or four times last week, don’t increase this by more than ten minutes the following week.

 

6. Take this outside

Mix up your step training. Staircases in office or apartment buildings are a great place to train, but don’t neglect to take this outdoors once in a while. In and around the city has some great places to train…
 

…And the view from the top – doesn’t get much better than this!

 

7. Friends who train together, climb together

Recruit a like-minded friend to train and climb with. This will be a fun way to hold yourselves accountable and on schedule. Plus – let’s not forget about post-climb celebrations and high-fives at the top!

 

8. Fuel your body

Have a light nutritious snack, including juice or water, before the climb.

 

9. Don’t rush your progress

Be patient with your progress! Enjoy yourself! And pace yourself during your climb!

 

10. The most important thing…

HAVE FUN!

Remember, this is a fundraiser to support WWF-Canada and our conservation efforts, not a competition or race. Enjoy your journey to the top. You’ll be there before you know it!

 

You can take it at your own pace and make it to the top in your own time. We’ll be there to cheer you on! 

 

Why Climb?

Saying you've climbed one of the world's tallest and Toronto's most recognized landmarks is one good reason.

The 26th Annual WWF-CN Tower Climb for Natureis an exciting and exhilarating event you don’t want to miss. That’s another good reason.

You'll also get a chance at great fundraising rewards for all your hard work! That's a fantastic third reason.

 

But there is even more at stake. When you climb, you're making a difference.

The polar bear traversing our great white north. The right whale breaking the surface of the sea. The rare Spirit bear expertly fishing for salmon in the river.

This is exactly what you are helping us conserve when you climb the CN Tower and raise funds to secure a healthy and thriving planet! Take a look at some of the successes that WWF-Canada has been able to accomplish with help from our donors so far! As well as what WWF-Canada has been able to accomplish in the past 25 years.

With dedicated people like you on our side we can tackle major conservation issues to help safeguard the habitats of hundreds of species and make groundbreaking progress towards habitat sustainability.

So, you help our planet and have fun! Make the Climb your tradition every spring!!

Need more inspiration? Check out why others choose to climb:

Why will you climb?

Don't delay…register today for a pawsitively good time! SPACE IS LIMITED! Online registration is fast, easy and secure. We will keep you up-to-date with our latest news and help you fundraise. It's as easy as 1-2-3.

Don't think you can do it? Don’t worry; you don’t have to be as fast as a cheetah. Most people take between 30-40 minutes to climb the CN Tower. Take your time, go at your own pace and you will be at the top before you know it. You can take a short break on the landings if you need to. We have trained medical staff inside the staircase to encourage you to the top of the CN Tower.

Interested in more information about WWF-Canada financial stewardship plan? You can check out our Where the Money Goes infographic.

 

WWF-Canada is part of the global conservation network (World Wildlife Fund). Its mission is to stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.