Playland Amusement Park & The Fair at the PNE
A beloved Vancouver summer tradition for over 100 years, offering thrilling rides, unique food, and live entertainment.
For over a century, the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) in Hastings Park has been a cherished summer tradition for Vancouverites. The site is home to two main attractions: Playland, Vancouver's historic amusement park, and The Fair at the PNE, the iconic 17-day end-of-summer festival. It's a place of thrilling rides, unforgettable concerts, and famously unique food.
Why Visit Playland & The Fair?
- Historic Wooden Roller Coaster: Ride a true classic! Built in 1958, the wooden coaster is an internationally recognized favourite for its thrilling "airtime."
- Amusement Park Fun: Playland offers a full range of rides, from extreme thrillers like The Beast to family-friendly classics and a dedicated Kids Playce.
- The Fair at the PNE: A massive annual event featuring nightly concerts, agricultural exhibits (SuperDogs!), cultural displays, a prize home, and a vibrant midway.
- Iconic Fair Food: The PNE is famous for its wild and wonderful food creations, from mini donuts and corn dogs to deep-fried everything.
What to See & Do
At Playland (May - September)
- Thrill Rides: Test your nerve on rides like the Hellevator, Atmosfear, and the Corkscrew coaster.
- Family Rides: Enjoy classics like the Westcoast Wheel, the Scrambler, and the log flume.
- Midway Games: Try your luck at a variety of classic carnival games to win a prize.
At The Fair at the PNE (Late August - Early September)
- Summer Night Concerts: See major international artists perform at the PNE Amphitheatre (concert tickets often sold separately).
- The SuperDogs Show: A beloved tradition featuring incredible canine performers.
- Agricultural Displays: Visit the farm animals at the Agrodome and learn about BC agriculture.
- Marketplace: Shop for unique goods and gadgets from hundreds of vendors.
Year-Round Venues
- Pacific Coliseum: This historic arena on the PNE grounds hosts major concerts, sporting events, and trade shows throughout the year.
- PNE Agrodome: A versatile venue known for hosting everything from professional hockey and lacrosse to concerts and the famous PNE Rodeo.
- PNE Forum: A flexible event space that hosts a wide variety of trade shows, craft fairs, and special events.
Food & Drink Options
The food is a main attraction! You'll find everything from classic carnival fare to inventive and often outrageous new creations each year. Don't miss these staples:
- Those Little Donuts: A must-have PNE tradition.
- Freshly Squeezed Lemonade: The perfect way to cool down on a hot day.
- Corn Dogs & Poutine: Classic Canadian fair food at its best.
- Unique Creations: Look for the annual list of new foods, which often includes things like deep-fried coffee or pickle-flavoured cotton candy.
Pro Tips & Local Insights
- Buy Tickets Online: You can often save money and time by purchasing your admission and ride passes online in advance.
- Check the Concert Lineup: The Summer Night Concerts are a huge draw. Check the schedule and book tickets early for popular acts.
- Go on a Weekday: If possible, visit The Fair on a weekday to experience smaller crowds.
- Year-Round Events: The fun isn't limited to summer. The PNE grounds host events all year in venues like the Pacific Coliseum, Agrodome, and Forum, including concerts, trade shows, and seasonal festivals like Fright Nights at Halloween and the PNE Winter Fair.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes - See the official website for the various ratesPacific National Exhibition PNE Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 6:00 – 11:00 PM
- Friday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 6:00 – 11:00 PM
Address: 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5K 5J1, Canada
Phone: (604) 253-2311
Official Website: Pacific National Exhibition PNE
Pacific National Exhibition PNE Reviews
Rated out of 5
Used the BCAA online deal for cheap admission rate. Most shows are pretty much similar every year, so nothing really excited about however, my little one did enjoy the street dance party with the teddy bear. There was a drag show that’s new this time. It was family friendly, and the lip singing performances were nice. The food options were very limited; really wish there are more fresh and healthy options.
Lora H - a month ago
The Coaster at Playland was absolutely amazing, a classic wooden roller coaster that’s been running since 1958!
The ride is thrilling, full of sharp turns and drops that make it a truly nostalgic experience.
The lines were very long, so you can’t expect to go on it more than 3–4 times in a day, but the excitement and charm of this historic ride make the wait worth it. A true highlight of Playland!
Afa H. - 2 months ago
The vendors and performers really make the fair enjoyable, but the ticket leader system just is so confusing to navigate. We tried different browsers, different log ins, and even different computers, and the BCAA member discount just would not work. And when we arrived at the gate, we were told by the supervisor that “it’s only $7 and there’s nothing we can do.” 😭😭???? Yes, I’m aware it’s not a lot of money, but the discount and ticket purchasing process was unfortunately very confusing and a letdown.
The fair itself also needs some updating as it’s a repetitive experience year after year- food, entertainment and everything else. We still have a blast since it’s our annual tradition for my friends birthday, but would love to see some more innovation and intentionality from the organizers!
Drag show was definitely the highlight/ best part about the fair :)
Louis Lin - 2 months ago
The PNE fair has a fun and lively atmosphere every year. It’s a must do in Vancouver. SuperDogs was a highlight, the mariachi music added so much energy, and there’s a wide variety of food (though pricey). There are a few free activities in the farm area, but beyond that it feels like almost everything is very profit-driven, especially considering you’ve already paid for a ticket just to enter. For families, the costs add up quickly. Not to mention parking costs.
It would make a big difference to have small family rest and play areas for little ones and more free games for them. Giving back to the community might help with increasing attendance in the future - a good reputation is worth more than money. People are tired of having to overpay for everything. Overall, it’s a great place to experience, but the pricing and lack of family-friendly amenities could definitely be improved.
Danyela Kim - a month ago
Directions
| Bus or SkyTrain & Bus Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| R5 RapidBus | From Downtown Vancouver | ~1 Minute |
| Expo Line | 29th Avenue Station | 0 Minutes |
How to get to Pacific National Exhibition PNE by Bus or SkyTrain & Bus
From downtown Vancouver, take the R5 Hastings St RapidBus from any stop along Hastings Street (e.g., near Granville or Burrard). Ride for about 15-20 minutes and get off at the stop at Hastings and Renfrew.
From 29th Avenue Station on the Expo Line, you can take the #16 Arbutus bus to Hastings Street. During The Fair at the PNE, a special PNE Express bus often runs from this station directly to the fairgrounds.
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Photo Gallery
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Exploring the PNE Midway cc licensed photo by smilygrl -
Photo Credit: brian smith -
Photo Credit: brian smith -
Photo Credit: brian smith -
Photo Credit: Jagjeet Pal Singh Sandhu -
Photo Credit: Gal N
