Canadian National Exhibition

Toronto's End-of-Summer Tradition

The Canadian National Exhibition, universally known as the CNE or simply "The Ex," is the largest annual fair in Canada and one of the oldest continuously running fairs in the world. Held over eighteen days from mid-August through Labour Day at Exhibition Place on Toronto's waterfront, the CNE has been marking the end of summer for Torontonians since 1879. Each year the fair draws approximately 1.5 million visitors who come for the midway rides, the increasingly outrageous food innovations, the Canadian International Air Show, live concerts, agricultural displays, and shopping deals.

The CNE occupies a unique place in Canadian culture. For generations of Ontario families, a trip to the Ex has been an annual ritual that signals the last big outing before school starts. The fair has adapted to changing tastes over its long history, but its core appeal remains constant: a place where agricultural tradition meets urban entertainment, where you can watch a Holstein judging competition in the morning and ride a roller coaster in the afternoon.

History

The first Canadian National Exhibition was held in 1879 at the Exhibition Grounds (now Exhibition Place) on the Toronto waterfront. Originally conceived as an agricultural and industrial fair showcasing Canadian products and innovations, the early CNE attracted farmers, manufacturers, and urban residents curious to see the latest developments in agriculture, technology, and industry. The fair quickly became one of the most important annual gatherings in Ontario, and by the early 1900s it was drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Over the decades the CNE evolved to reflect changing interests. The midway grew larger and more thrilling. Food vendors began competing to create the most creative (and calorically extreme) offerings. The air show became a marquee attraction. But the agricultural roots never disappeared entirely, and today the CNE maintains livestock competitions, agricultural displays, and horticultural exhibitions alongside its entertainment programming.

What to Do at the CNE

The Midway

The CNE midway is one of the largest travelling amusement parks in North America. Dozens of rides ranging from gentle children's carousels to stomach-dropping thrill rides are set up on the grounds each year by North America's top ride operators. The midway operates on a ride ticket or wristband system, with all-day ride passes available for a fixed price. Evening visits, when the midway is illuminated by thousands of lights, are particularly atmospheric.

Food

The CNE has become nationally famous for its food innovations. Each year vendors compete to create the most over-the-top, media-worthy creations, and the results have included deep-fried butter, bacon-wrapped everything, and multi-layer milkshakes topped with entire slices of cake. Beyond the novelty items, the Food Building offers a more traditional selection of international cuisines, and the Rib Eye and Croissant stands are perennial favourites. Come hungry and be prepared to eat things you would never consider in any other context.

Canadian International Air Show

The air show, held over the Labour Day weekend at the end of the CNE, is the largest free air show in Canada. The show takes place over the Toronto waterfront, with spectators watching from Exhibition Place and the surrounding beaches and parks. The lineup typically includes the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the CF-18 demonstration team, and civilian aerobatic performers. The Snowbirds flyover on Labour Day is one of the most iconic moments of the Toronto summer.

Shopping

The CNE's indoor exhibition halls are filled with vendors offering products at "CNE special" prices. The Better Living Centre and other halls host hundreds of booths selling everything from kitchen gadgets to hot tubs. The shopping experience is part of the CNE tradition, and bargain hunters plan their visits specifically to take advantage of the deals. Whether the deals are genuinely better than retail is debatable, but the bustling marketplace atmosphere is part of the fun.

Live Entertainment

The Bandshell stage hosts free concerts every evening as part of the CNE admission price. Past performers have included major Canadian and international acts. Additional stages around the grounds feature buskers, magicians, cultural performances, and children's entertainment throughout the day.

Planning Your Visit

Exhibition Place is served by the 509 Harbourfront and 511 Bathurst streetcar routes, and it is a short walk from the Exhibition GO station during the fair. Driving is possible but parking at the grounds is expensive and lots fill up on weekends. The best strategy is to arrive by transit and plan to spend at least half a day. Weekday visits are noticeably less crowded than weekends. General admission tickets can be purchased online at a discount, and various promotional days offer reduced prices or special deals throughout the run.

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