The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is an annual event that takes place every August and September in Toronto, Ontario. It is also known as the Ex or the Exhibition and is considered to be one of the largest and most iconic fairs in North America.
The CNE first opened its doors in 1879 with a goal of showcasing Canadian innovation, agriculture, and arts. Over the years, it has evolved into a celebration of all things Canadian, attracting over 1.5 million visitors each year.
A Showcase of Canadian Culture
The CNE is a two-week-long event that offers a diverse range of activities and attractions for people of all ages. From carnival rides, games, and live performances to culinary delights, shopping, and exhibitions, there is something for everyone.
One of the highlights of the CNE is its Grandstand show, which features performances by popular musicians, comedians, and circus acts. Each year, the show has a different theme, keeping visitors coming back for more.
Another prominent aspect of the Exhibition is the Food Building, which offers a variety of international cuisine and traditional Canadian dishes. The Food Building also hosts the annual Ribfest, where visitors can indulge in mouth-watering BBQ ribs and vote for their favorite vendors.
The CNE also showcases Canadian art, culture, and history through its Heritage Court and the International Pavilion. Visitors can explore the different international pavilions and learn about different cultures through displays, performances, and food.
For those looking for some affordable shopping, the CNE has over 700 exhibitors selling everything from clothing and jewelry to household items and gadgets.
Excitement and Fun for Everyone
The Canadian National Exhibition is a family-friendly event with something for everyone. Children can enjoy carnival rides, games, and performances in the Kids World section. Parents can relax and unwind at the Craft Beer Fest or participate in various sports activities and demonstrations at the Sports Zone.
For the thrill-seekers, the CNE offers a variety of carnival rides, including the renowned Sky Ride, Ferris wheel, and the Zip Line. The Air Show, which takes place over the Labour Day weekend, is another crowd favorite, attracting over 100,000 spectators.
The CNE is also a popular destination for car enthusiasts. The Auto Show features classic cars, hot rods, and vintage vehicles, while the Power Sport Show showcases motorcycles, ATVs, and other action sports vehicles.
Planning Your Trip to the CNE
The Canadian National Exhibition is held at Exhibition Place, a historic 192-acre waterfront site in downtown Toronto. It is easily accessible by public transport and offers ample parking space for those driving.
The CNE is open every day from mid-morning until late at night. Visitors can purchase tickets online or at the gates. There are also special pricing options for those planning to attend multiple times or for large groups.
With so much to see and do, it is recommended to plan your visit beforehand and check the schedule for specific events and performances that you don’t want to miss.
A Celebration of Canada and Its People
The Canadian National Exhibition is not just a summer fair, but a reflection of Canada’s vibrant culture and diverse communities. It brings people together from all walks of life to celebrate and enjoy all that Canada has to offer.
The CNE is an annual event that takes place every August and September in Toronto, Ontario. It is considered to be one of the largest and most iconic fairs in North America. The CNE first opened its doors in 1879 with a goal of showcasing Canadian innovation, agriculture, and arts. Over the years, it has evolved into a celebration of all things Canadian, attracting over 1.5 million visitors each year. One of the highlights of the CNE is its Grandstand show, which features performances by popular musicians, comedians, and circus acts. Each year, the show has a different theme, keeping visitors coming back for more. Another prominent aspect of the Exhibition is the Food Building, which offers a variety of international cuisine and traditional Canadian dishes. The Food Building also hosts the annual Ribfest, where visitors can indulge in mouth-watering BBQ ribs and vote for their favorite vendors. The CNE also showcases Canadian art, culture, and history through its Heritage Court and the International Pavilion. For those looking for some affordable shopping, the CNE has over 700 exhibitors selling everything from clothing and jewelry to household items and gadgets. The Canadian National Exhibition is a family-friendly event with something for everyone. Children can enjoy carnival rides, games, and performances in the Kids World section. The Air Show, which takes place over the Labour Day weekend, is another crowd favorite, attracting over 100,000 spectators. The CNE is also a popular destination for car enthusiasts. The Auto Show features classic cars, hot rods, and vintage vehicles, while the Power Sport Show showcases motorcycles, ATVs, and other action sports vehicles. The CNE is easily accessible by public transport and offers ample parking space for those driving. The CNE is open every day from mid-morning until late at night. With so much to see and do, it is recommended to plan your visit beforehand and check the schedule for specific events and performances that you don’t want to miss. The Canadian National Exhibition is not just a summer fair, but a reflection of Canada’s vibrant culture and diverse communities. It brings people together from all walks of life to celebrate and enjoy all that Canada has to offer. 
