This is probably my 3rd time up here. At about $30, I think it maybe little more on the steep side since you're just going up to the top and having a quick view. It's not like the Empire State building where you get to actually learn about all the fun facts while waiting in line. No fun facts in the CN tower. Maybe a few posters here and there.
But I do like the bar-restaurant up at the top. Servers are clueless, but at least you can enjoy a drink...pick your own window table and just hang out to make your $30 worthwhile.
Had I known about the other restaurant earlier, I would probably do that next time on my next visit and get some dinner reservations while enjoying the view of the city or the harbor.
Also, I would probably recommend getting there earlier in the day. I came in late afternoon, and you can tell that people have rubbed their faces, hands, etc on the windows, so taking pictures of downtown was a little bit difficult with peoples sweat, grease and oil all smudged up on the windows.