Let’s Go to The Ex: A 2024 CNE Toronto Guide

Wondering if the Canadian National Exhibition is worth visiting during your next trip to Toronto? This article has everything you need to know to help you make your decision.

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Welcome to the ultimate guide to the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), or as we locals like to call it, The Ex. Located in the heart of downtown Toronto on the 192-acre Exhibition Grounds, The Ex is Canada’s largest annual fair, with a history that stretches back almost 150 years.

It’s not just any event; it’s the highlight of the summer in Toronto, offering a unique blend of excitement, tradition, and nostalgia. For many of us, The Ex signals the bittersweet end of summer, a final burst of fun before the routine sets in again.

Is the CNE Worth it?

I believe the CNE is a fantastic summer event in Toronto and is definitely worth visiting. There is so much to see and do at the Ex. It’s easy for anyone to spend a whole day here.

From thrilling rides on the midway to shopping bargains, from marvelling at the shows to eating delicious food, the excitement begins the moment you step through The Princes’ Gates.

For my family and me, it’s an annual tradition we wouldn’t miss for the world, marking each year with new memories. Keep reading to learn why

➤ In a hurry? Here are the links and information you need at a glance:
⭐️ CNE Tickets Online: www.theex.com/tickets
⭐️ Canadian National Exhibition Dates: August 16 – September 2, 2024
⭐️ CNE Times: 10 am to Midnight daily
⭐️ CNE Address: 210 Princes’ Boulevard, Toronto, ON, Canada

What is the Canadian National Exhibition?

The CNE is one of the largest fairs in North America, drawing in over 1.4 million visitors annually. This popular two-week summer event, held at the Exhibition Grounds in Toronto, offers a rich blend of entertainment, cultural, and food experiences. 

13 Best Things to Do at the CNE Toronto in 2024

If you’re looking for that perfect mix of fun, food, and entertainment, you’ve come to the right place. Dive into this guide to discover the highlights and make the most of your visit to the CNE.

1. Warrior’s Day Parade

The Warrior’s Day Parade, held on the first Saturday of the CNE, is a longstanding tradition since 1921, marking it as the longest-running veterans’ parade globally. Winding its way through the CNE grounds, the parade honours Veterans and members of the Canadian Armed Forces. 

This event is a unique and moving opportunity for visitors to acknowledge the contributions of veterans in a meaningful setting.

2. The Midway: Carnival Games and Thrilling Rides 

The Midway at the CNE in the heart of excitement at the CNE. Among the highlights is the Polar Express, a ride that has earned its place as a local favourite for its speed and rock ‘n roll music.

For those looking for a scenic view, the CNE SkyRide offers a bird’s-eye view of the CNE grounds. This gondola ride and has become a favourite Toronto Instagram photo spot. In 2023, a 150-foot tall ferris wheel with enclosed observation pods also offered visitors panoramic views of Toronto. 

The carnival games at the Midway are also a popular and fun tradition at the Ex. Trying to win a huge stuffed animal, or show your strength and precision on one of the engaging games makes for an exciting day at the Ex.

3. Kid’s World

Kid’s World is all about fun for the little ones at the CNE. It’s got a playground,  live shows, and a park with some really cool creatures.

Right beside this area you will find the Kiddie Midway – a smaller version of the main CNE Midway, perfect for younger children. 

4. Food Building

The Food Building at the CNE is one of my favourite spots to visit each year. There are so many CNE food options from classics like poutine, pizza, pulled pork, and Montreal smoked meat sandwiches.

For the more adventurous there are always unique foods to try every year. Past food items have included delicacies such as ketchup ice cream and pickle cotton candy. 

The food building is an adventure itself. It’s huge and has hundreds of food choices, with many local Toronto food vendors featured. You can eat your way around the world with the all choices available in the food building. 

5. The Farm

The Farm is always a hit with families visiting the CNE Toronto. For many years it was my children’s favourite building and I remember spending hours here when the kids were younger.

With lots of animals to see, fun games to play, and cool farming demonstrations, this is an interesting place to visit. 

Every year I’m also really impressed by the sand sculptures. Be sure to check out how these artists create massive sand sculptures right in front of your eyes. 

6. International Pavilion

The International Pavilion at the CNE is your go-to spot for unique shopping experiences, offering items from around the world. It features vendor booths filled with a variety of goods, including home and garden products. 

This area provides a chance to find unique home decor items and gifts, making it a favourite for those looking to shop for something a little different, or perhaps a special CNE discount. Great spot to check out the latest hot tubs, appliances, or landscaping ideas.

7. Arts, Crafts, and Hobbies

The Arts, Crafts, and Hobbies building at the CNE is a treasure trove for anyone interested in unique gifts. From collectibles, to home-made food and clothing, to fudge, photography, art, and decor you will find a wide range of items here. It’s really fun to wander through the different stalls and see all the unique items for sale.

8. Entertainment and Shows

Every year the CNE Toronto offers a wide range of entertainment options. Shows in the past have included magic demonstrations, silent discos, skating performances, and drone displays, to name just a few.

Among the most popular CNE events are the SuperDogs, captivating audiences with their incredible tricks and antics. Additionally, live music and performances are scheduled throughout the Ex and in different locations, including the CNE Bandshell. 

9. CNE Air Show

​​One of the most anticipated events of the CNE is the Labour Day weekend CNE International Air Show. Last year, it featured the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, and demonstrations from the U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper and Canadian Forces CF-18. 

The air show is an impressive display of aerial acrobatics and certainly worth a watch while at the Ex.

10. Casino

There is also a Casino at the Ex for some adult fun. While the casino itself is not all that exciting, the beer garden with live music out front is a great place to relax during your day at the Ex. And on the Casino stage, there are lots of great performances scheduled throughout the CNE 2024.

11. BMO Field

In the centre of the Exhibition grounds is BMO field. BMO field is home to the Toronto FC Soccer Club and Argonaut’s Football team. BMO field will also host games for the FIFA World Cup in 2026. Both the Toronto FC and the Argo play home games when the CNE is open. 

If you purchase tickets to one of these sporting events, you also get general admission to the CNE on the same day as the event. This is an excellent way to combine both the fun of a Toronto sporting event with one of Toronto’s best summer events. 

12. Concerts at Budweiser Stage

Budweiser Stage sits just south of the CNE grounds. While it’s not officially part of the CNE, many concert-goers also enjoy a day at the Ex. It’s a premiere spot for outdoor concerts in Ontario, hosting big names like Shania Twain and The Tragically Hip.

I’ve seen many amazing shows here. Lawn tickets are usually affordable and fun and your concert ticket includes general admission to the Ex. 

13. History and Architecture of the Exhibition Grounds

Finally, for history buffs, the CNE buildings located throughout the Exhibition grounds are some of the most interesting and oldest buildings in the city. These include the Princes’ Gates, the Horticulture Building, Fire  Station, the Liberty Grand and more. 

For those that want to learn more about the history and background of the Ex, I highly recommend signing up for one of the CNE’s Heritage Walks or CNE Ghost Walks to learn about some of the incredible history of the CNE.

Visitors’ information: The Canadian National Exhibition

Where Can I Purchase CNE Tickets?

➤ 2024 Ticket Information can be found on the CNE website

There are many options for purchasing CNE passes including:

• Online anytime at www.theex.com/tickets/ 
• At local grocery stores in the gift card section prior to opening day
• At any of the CNE gates, once the CNE opens

There are many different CNE passes available. These include:

• Free admission for children under the age of 4
• General Adult Admission is $26.55 and the Ride All Day Pass is $70.80
• Under 13 or 65+ General Admission is $22.12 and the Ride All Day Pass is $66.70

General admission doesn’t include ride tickets.

Canadian National Exhibition Discount Tickets

For those looking to save money when you attend the Ex there are several terrific CNE discount ticket options: 

• Download a free school kids pass for children prior to the start of the CNE
• Purchase your CNE tickets at a 40-50% discount online prior to opening day
• On Kid’s Tonnie Monday, children 13 and under are just $2
• A Family Pass can also be purchased for 2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children for $84.03
• Tickets are discounted to $13 after 5:00 p.m. from Mondays to Thursdays only
• Opening day deal – tickets are just $13.27 at the gate only
• Your Budweiser Concert Tickets or Argo Football tickets include CNE general admission
• Many corporations, such as CAA, also have discounted rates

What’s included in your CNE admission?

While General admission doesn’t include midway ride tickets, CNE admission does include access to the grounds, shows, buildings, and entertainment. 

Midway Ride tickets are extra. You can purchase either a Ride All Day pass for the rides, or individual ride tickets at the Midway. Midway Games are also extra.

Concerts at Budweiser Stage and sporting events at BMO Field are not included, but if you do have a ticket to an event at Budweiser or the BMO field, these tickets do include general admission to the Ex.

Canadian National Exhibition FAQs

What are the hours for the CNE?

The CNE is open every day from 10 a.m. to midnight. The buildings close each night at 10 p.m. Labour day Monday the CNE is only open until 9 p.m.

What are the dates of the Canadian National Exhibition 2024?

The Toronto CNE is open August 16 – September 2, 2024. 

What is the last day of the CNE?

The CNE’s last day is always the first Monday of September, also known as Labour day. This is a holiday in Toronto. The last day of the CNE this summer is September 2, 2024.

Where is the CNE entrance?

There are several entrances to the CNE. 

• At the Princes’ Gates at Strachan and Lake Shore Blvd. W.
• At the Exhibition GoTrain station and TTC Exhibition Loop
• At the Dufferin Gates at the foot of Dufferin Ave.

How much time should I spend at the CNE?

In my opinion you will want to spend the whole day enjoying the CNE, especially if it is your first time visiting.

You can leave and re-enter on your ticket on the same day, so you can, for example, spend  the morning and then return later in the evening to enjoy the Midway rides and games.

What is the Best Time to Visit the CNE?

The CNE can get very busy. It is busiest in the evening, on the weekends and around the Midway. If you want to avoid the crowds, I recommend going to the CNE mid week and early in the day.

I particularly love the Warrior’s Day Parade on the first Saturday, so I think that’s a great event to attend.

Of course for some, it’s the evening that offers the most ambiance with the lights, games and crowds. The Air Show on the final weekend is also a very popular time to visit. The CNE is open rain or shine.

I don’t recommend Labour Day Monday as everything is winding down and the buildings close early on this holiday Monday.

Getting Around the CNE

There is a free EX Express Train that you can catch that will take you throughout the CNE. Kiddie Wagons are also available to rent for the entire day. 

What can you bring into the CNE?

You can bring strollers and wagons into the CNE. Food and non-alcoholic drinks can also be brought into the CNE. There are refillable water stations throughout the CNE. 

You can not bring in alcohol, skateboards, scooters or bicycles into the CNE.

Are dogs allowed in the CNE?

No. Dogs and pets (other than service animals) are not allowed on the CNE grounds.

Should I visit the CNE or Canada’s Wonderland?

These are both very popular things to do in Toronto in the summer, but the CNE is a very different experience than a visit to Canada’s Wonderland. 

Canada’s Wonderland is an amusement park that includes a Splash Works, large water park. The Ex does not offer the same thrilling roller coaster rides as Canada’s Wonderland, but the CNE Midway offers a more intimate, nostalgic fair atmosphere. 

The CNE also offers much more variety in terms of shows, food, demonstrations, shopping, events and shows. Finally, the CNE is much easier to get to as it is conveniently located in downtown Toronto. 

If you are looking for an amusement park experience with lots of excellent rides and a water park, Canada’s Wonderland is your best option. If you want more of a state fair experience with some ride options, the CNE is the better choice.

How to Get to the Ex

Getting to the CNE is easy and there are a variety of travel options. 

Travel to the CNE By Streetcar

The TTC operates streetcar services that can drop you off right at the CNE. You can take the 509 Harbourfront or 511 Bathurst streetcars from Union Station and get off at the Exhibition Loop, located on the Toronto Exhibition grounds. It’s just a 10 minute streetcar ride from Union Station to the Ex.

Travel By Go Train

Trains run every 30 minutes, making this a convenient travel option for visitors to the CNE. Children 12 and under also travel free on the Go Train. The Exhibition GO Station is the closest stop to the CNE. As soon as you arrive at the station, there are gates that provide direct and immediate access to the CNE. 

More information about visiting the CNE using the GoTrain can be found HERE.

Travel By Taxi/Uber/Lyft

For a direct route, a taxi or a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft can drop you off near the event. The suggested taxi drop-off point is at the intersection of Strachan Avenue and Fleet Street, east of the Toronto Exhibition grounds and north of Gate 1.

Ride Your Bike

The CNE is located close to the Martin Goodman Bike Trail, making a ride to the CNE by bike an easy option. Parking for bikes is available outside the Saskatchewan Gate and at the Princes’ Gates.

Parking at the CNE

The CNE has two off-site lots and a number of on-site lots. The parking rate at the onsite lots is $35 to $40, depending on the day. These lots are quite busy and may fill quickly. 

Hotels Near the CNE Toronto

There are many excellent hotels near the CNE in Toronto. Here are a few of my best recommendations for those specifically looking for a place to stay near the CNE this summer.

Hotel X Toronto

Address: 111 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3

Hotel X is a luxury hotel located right on the Toronto CNE grounds. With an impressive number of amenities including tennis courts and a rooftop pool, Hotel X is a convenient option for the CNE, a concert at Budweiser Stage, or a sporting event at BMO Stadium.

That being said, parking at Hotel X during the CNE may be challenging and it is not as convenient for visiting other attractions in Toronto such as the CN Tower or the Royal Ontario Museum.

The Westin Harbour Castle

Address: 1 Harbour Square, Toronto, ON M5J 1A6

The Westin Harbour Castle is a large hotel located on the Toronto waterfront right beside the Ferry Terminal to Centre Island and the Toronto Islands. Just a short walk or streetcar ride from the CNE, this hotel is a great option for those looking to stay on the Toronto waterfront.

The Sheraton Centre Toronto

Address: 123 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2M9

The Sheraton Centre in downtown Toronto is my number one choice of hotel in Toronto. This hotel recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation and has the best year-round indoor/outdoor hotel pool in Toronto.

This hotel is conveniently located across the street from the iconic Toronto sign and the Toronto Eaton Centre Shopping Centre. 

While visitors will need to take the TTC to the CNE from this location, the value, quality and convenience of this hotel makes the additional travel time well worth it.

⭐️ For further information on hotels in Toronto, visit my other articles:
☞ Honest Review of Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
☞ Best Hotels in Toronto with a Pool
☞ Best Hotels near the Beaches neighbourhood, Toronto

Conclusion: Is the Canadian National Exhibition Worth Visiting?

The CNE is an event our family very much looks forward to every year. We absolutely feel it is worth visiting and believe it is a must-visit for anyone looking for things to do in the summer in Toronto.

With so much to see and do at the Ex, it’s an excellent annual tradition, perfect for making memories with friends and family. So, if you are visiting Toronto when the CNE is on, a trip to the Exhibition is a must visit. 

Before You Go: More Toronto Posts

Now that you are ready to visit the CNE, you might want to consider a visit to some of Toronto’s other attractions such as one of Toronto’s many beaches, the beautiful Toronto Islands, or spend the day at Woodbine Beach in Toronto’s Beaches neighbourhood.

If you are curious about visiting some of Toronto’s other attractions, check out my guide to visiting the CN Tower, my review of Toronto’s Hop on Hop Off Sightseeing Bus, and my overview of the Royal Ontario Museum.