CNE (Canadian National Exhibition)
The Canadian National Exhibition is an exciting fair held each year at Exhibition Place on the Toronto waterfront
The Canadian National Exhibition or CNE is a popular annual fair offering a diverse range of activities and entertainment with a permanent home at Exhibition Place west of Downtown Toronto. It's the largest fair in Canada affectionately referred to as simply the 'EX' by locals.
The origin of the CNE goes all the way back to the year 1878 when an agricultural fair hosted by a different Ontario city each year, was held in Toronto and generated a huge turnout. Due to this success, Toronto became host to a permanent fair beginning in 1879 called the Toronto Industrial Exhibition.
Today, the CNE opens annually for the 2 weeks of summer including the Labour day weekend. Featuring a wide mix of activities and entertainment, the CNE has something for everyone. There's a long midway, an agricultural fair, sporting events, parades, international cuisine, shopping and more. The Exhibition Grounds provide guests a great view of the Canadian International Air Show which runs during the last three days of the fair.
You can save money by purchasing your admission and ride passes online before opening day. For additional information about the Canadian National Exhibition see the official website link below.
The easiest way to get to the CNE is by TTC public transit or Go Transit. Scroll down for detailed directions.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes
Hours: Open daily during the last 2 weeks of summer and Labour Day weekend from 10am-Midnight. The gates close at 5pm on Labour Day.
Address: 210 Princes’ Boulevard, Toronto, ON
Website: Canadian National Exhibition
Canadian National Exhibition Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Address: 210 Princes' Blvd, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3, Canada
Phone: (416) 263-3800
Official Website: Canadian National Exhibition
Canadian National Exhibition Reviews
Rated out of 5
Has to be one of the most fun days! It happens every summer around August. The whole Atmosphere this place in nice and all the rides are good, I can’t name them but those were one of most thrilling experiences. Had so many food options that was getting confused what to choose. Also the gondola was one of the best as it had best views of the city.
Vedant Gharat - a month ago
The Canadian National Exhibition Center is an incredible venue, often hosting awards ceremonies and major, long-day events like the CNE.
Access is available via the subway, bus lines that drop off right outside the venue, and by private car (there is paid parking at the venue, as well as several nearby parking lots).
For those who frequent the CNE, for example, it's important to be mindful of ticket purchases through the website, and we recommend visiting on weekdays, as they are less crowded.
The venue has good facilities for the public, but the public restrooms are quite long and tiring, especially when traveling with children.
There are walkways, trained staff, adapted restrooms, and grab bars throughout various areas to accommodate guests with disabilities. However, more facilities are needed, especially since it's a crowded venue.
Karen alves gaspar - 4 months ago
A great annual tradition for decades. Love coming here once a year and spending the entire day walking through the ex and enjoying the multicultural selection of food and new recipes every year. Great day at our 2025 visit, weather was very cooperative.
P Lem - 2 months ago
The kids had a great time — fun rides, colourful energy, and friendly staff made the day enjoyable. As a parent, it can feel a bit pricey, and the food quality didn’t quite match the cost (the ramen wasn’t the best). Still, it’s a safe and well-organized place for families.
Cherry Chen - 4 months ago
I love the CNE. I take the go train there for $10 and $25 to get in. We walk around the exhibits.Grab some good eats, visit with local vendors, and apparently buy some cheap clothes.
When I was younger, I loved the rides. But now I have to see the super dogs is my favorite show. Event.
Catherine Walker - 2 months ago
Directions
| TTC Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Yonge-University-Spadina | Union Station | 2 minutes |
| Bloor-Danforth Line | Bathurst Station, Dundas Station West, or Dufferin Station | 2 minutes |
How to get to Canadian National Exhibition by TTC Subway
During the annual fair you can take the non-stop #193 Exhibition Express Bus/Rocket west from Dundas Station West or the #29 Dufferin Bus from Dufferin Station, both on the Bloor-Danforth Line. Get off at the Dufferin Gates Loop (Last Stop).
From Bathurst Station take the #511 Bathurst streetcar south to Exhibition Loop.
From Union Station take the #509 Harbourfront Streetcar to Exhibition Loop or take the Lakeshore GO Train to Exhibition GO Station.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Canadian National Exhibition:
Photo Gallery
-
Midway at the Canadian National Exhibition -
Nightfall settles in on the Midway at the CNE cc licensed photo by Ian Muttoo -
Photo Credit: Can Pac Swire - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Can Pac Swire - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Can Pac Swire - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Can Pac Swire - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Can Pac Swire - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Can Pac Swire - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Can Pac Swire - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: ruffin_ready - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Czar Hey - cc license via Flickr
