Pacific National Exhibition

BC's Biggest Summer Fair

The Pacific National Exhibition, known simply as the PNE, is British Columbia's largest annual summer fair and one of the oldest fairs in Western Canada. Running for approximately two weeks from mid-August through Labour Day at Hastings Park in East Vancouver, the PNE draws close to 700,000 visitors each year for a mix of midway rides, live concerts, agricultural displays, food vendors, and family entertainment. The fair has been a Vancouver institution since 1910, and its Playland amusement park operates year-round as the city's only permanent amusement park.

The PNE occupies Hastings Park, a 62-hectare site that includes the Pacific Coliseum, Playland, the Livestock Building, and numerous exhibition halls. During the fair, the park transforms into a bustling fairground that captures the spirit of a West Coast summer. The setting, with mountain views in every direction and the energy of Vancouver's diverse population, gives the PNE a character that is distinct from its Eastern Canadian counterpart, the CNE.

History

The PNE was first held in 1910 as the Vancouver Industrial Exhibition, organized to showcase the city's rapid growth and its role as a Pacific gateway for Canadian trade. The event quickly became an annual tradition, and the construction of the Pacific Coliseum and permanent exhibition buildings at Hastings Park gave it a permanent home. Playland, the amusement park section of the grounds, has been operating since 1958 and its wooden roller coaster, the Coaster, is one of the oldest continuously operating wooden coasters in Canada.

The fair has weathered economic downturns, neighbourhood debates about the use of Hastings Park, and the challenge of competing for attention in a city with abundant summer entertainment options. Through it all, the PNE has maintained its identity as a place where agricultural tradition meets urban fun, where you can see champion livestock in the morning and catch a rock concert in the evening.

What to Do at the PNE

Playland Rides

Playland is the heart of the PNE experience for many visitors. The amusement park features over thirty rides, including roller coasters, spinning rides, family rides, and children's attractions. The Wooden Coaster (officially "The Coaster") is a heritage ride that has been thrilling visitors since 1958, and newer additions like the drop tower and the spinning coaster keep the lineup fresh. During the fair, Playland operates with extended hours and all rides are included with an all-day ride wristband.

Concert Series

The PNE Summer Night Concert series at the Pacific Coliseum and outdoor stages is one of the best free concert lineups at any Canadian fair. Concerts are included with fair admission, and the lineup typically features a mix of classic rock, pop, country, and hip-hop acts. The outdoor stage concerts, with the mountains as a backdrop and the fair lights twinkling in the background, are a quintessential Vancouver summer experience.

SuperDogs

The SuperDogs show is one of the PNE's most beloved attractions, featuring trained dogs performing tricks, agility courses, and comedic routines. The show has been a fixture at the PNE for decades and is consistently one of the most popular family-friendly events at the fair. Shows run multiple times daily in the Pacific Coliseum.

Agriculture

The PNE maintains its agricultural heritage through livestock competitions, farm demonstrations, and the popular animal barns where fairgoers can see and interact with farm animals. The agricultural programming provides an important connection to BC's farming communities and gives urban visitors, particularly children, a chance to learn about where their food comes from.

Food

Like its Eastern counterpart, the PNE has embraced creative fair food as a major draw. The fair's food vendors offer everything from classic corn dogs and mini donuts to inventive creations that push the boundaries of what can be deep-fried, skewered, or served in a waffle cone. The food truck area and international food vendors provide more substantial meal options for visitors looking beyond novelty snacks.

Getting There

Hastings Park is located in East Vancouver and is well served by public transit. The Renfrew SkyTrain station on the Expo Line is a short walk from the park entrance, and additional bus routes serve the area during the fair. Driving is possible, but parking at Hastings Park is limited and expensive during the PNE. The SkyTrain is the recommended option for most visitors.

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