A red, white and wild CN Tower Climb for Nature for the history books
Fifty years ago, the CN Tower became the then-tallest free-standing structure in the world, forever changing Toronto’s skyline and challenging the limits of what was possible when it came to architecture.
So, it was fitting that on the CN Tower’s birthday weekend, 5,400 people challenged their own limits by climbing the skyscraper’s 144-flight stairwell as part of the WWF CN Tower Climb for Nature, presented by Aviso.
“I’m on cloud nine, almost literally, because we’re up pretty high — and also because we just found out that we brought in $1.53 million for wildlife,” said Megan Leslie, sporting a big smile from the CN Tower’s Main Observation Deck on Sunday, April 6.
For some, climbing the CN Tower this weekend was a chance to challenge themselves and experience the thrill of standing atop a world-famous landmark.
“It’s a mixture of things. Fundraising for a really good cause is part of it. I love it as a way to celebrate Toronto,” said Lisa Nagy, the fastest female climber at 12 minutes and 48 seconds.
“It’s a monument to Canada,” added Tyler Kruschenske, who climbed it in 10 minutes and 33 seconds, earning himself the title of fastest male climber for the sixth time.
The tower loomed tall for Zulfikar Gulamhusein, who was climbing for the first time ahead of his 60th birthday. He described looking at the “big bubble in the middle” and wondering how he was going to make it there. “It stands out amongst all of Toronto’s skyscrapers. My achievement today, my great gratification, is that I made it to the top.”
As they scaled the CN Tower’s heights, climbers weren’t just admiring the view — they were also celebrating the country’s equally iconic wildlife and supporting conservation efforts that protect them.
“The best part of the experience for me is just honestly knowing that the money raised goes to initiatives across Canada from southern resident killer whales to narwhals to salmon,” said TV personality and conservationist Blake Moynes, who raised more than $7,500 together with his team from the Save Our Species Alliance (SOSA).
Wildlife vet and team SOSA member Dr. Cliff Redford even climbed in a Captain Canada costume!
“We want to do everything we can to make the world heathy and happy for our kids and our grandkids,” said Ben Kaplan. One year older than the CN Tower, the founder of iRun magazine tackled the tower to mark his 51st birthday and his first anniversary of beating cancer.
“Last year at this time, I didn’t know what the future would hold and I’m lucky enough to be cancer-free now and everything is in remission. I’m out here celebrating every day and trying to make a change the way WWF is.”
Just as climbing the CN Tower redefines what we’re physically capable of, it also challenges our understanding of what’s possible when we come together to conserve the natural world. Together, we can bring back nature, reverse wildlife loss, fight climate change and Regenerate Canada.
Thank you to every single climber, donor, sponsor and our 355 incredible volunteers for making WWF’s 2025 CN Tower Climb for Nature, presented by Aviso, such a towering achievement!
