4 Things to Know About Wheelchair Access to Observation Towers

Most observation towers do not allow wheelchairs on the top deck The elevator typically stops one floor below the highest open-air deck, and the final ascent requires stairs. This is often due to structural or design constraints.

Strollers can sometimes be carried up, but wheelchairs cannot A companion may carry a stroller up the stairs, but wheelchairs almost always hit a dead end at the stairwell.

A few towers offer full wheelchair access to the top The Empire State Building and CN Tower are exceptions, with complete accessible routes to the highest outdoor deck. Most towers do not.

Always call ahead and ask specifically about the highest outdoor deck Don’t assume access just because lower floors are wheelchair-friendly. Ask directly: “Is there wheelchair access to the highest outdoor deck?”