During my recent visit to the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), I had an incredible experience. We started by booking tickets using our Presto transportation card, which gave us a nice discount. We took the subway to downtown and then the street car to reach CNE. The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) takes place annually in Toronto, Ontario, at Exhibition Place, a large venue near the city's waterfront. The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) happens at Exhibition Place, a large venue located along Toronto's waterfront, west of downtown. Exhibition Place covers about 192 acres and is bounded by Lake Shore Boulevard to the south, Strachan Avenue to the east, and Dufferin Street to the west.
It is one of the largest fairs in North America, showcasing a mix of rides, games, food, live entertainment, and cultural exhibitions. The event typically runs for 18 days, starting in mid-August and ending on Labor Day, drawing millions of visitors each year. The CNE is organized by the Canadian National Exhibition Association (CNEA), a non-profit organization that oversees its planning and operation.
After entering the sprawling grounds of the CNE, we realized just how large the space was, so we made our way to the help desk to grab a map. This turned out to be essential in helping us navigate the wide array of activities and attractions. Our first stop was the shopping area, where we wandered through several stores, browsing unique items and enjoying the lively atmosphere. From there, we decided to head toward the rides section, eager to start the more thrilling part of our day. We began with the Sky Ride, a peaceful but exciting way to see the CNE from above. The view of the sunset from above was also beautiful. As we glided through the air, we even got a sneak peek at a baseball game happening inside the nearby BMO field, which was an unexpected bonus. I also came across the Toronto FC Wall of Honour at BMO Field which recognizes and celebrates key players and contributors who have made a lasting impact on the club’s success and legacy.
After the Sky Ride, we were feeling hungry, so we explored the food stalls and decided on some potato twisters and strawberry pancakes—both were delicious! With our energy restored, we purchased tickets for more rides and continued exploring the food areas, where we saw a tempting variety of stalls offering everything from fries, pizzas, and mozzarella sticks to donuts and classic Canadian poutine. It was hard to resist trying them all!
Next, we headed to the game zone, which was filled with carnival-style games where visitors could win soft toys and other fun prizes. Although we gave it our best shot, luck wasn’t on our side, and we didn’t manage to win anything. Still, the atmosphere was lively and fun, making it an enjoyable part of the day. Now for the rides—this was where the real excitement began! We started with a ride called ‘Ring of Fire.’ This ride was an absolute thrill, taking us on a full 360-degree loop and even suspending us upside down for a few seconds. The speed and adrenaline rush made it one of the highlights of the day. Next up was the ‘Hurricane,’ which lived up to its name. This ride had us spinning around a central point at high speed, generating intense centrifugal force. It was fast, dizzying, and exhilarating, leaving us both breathless and exhilarated by the end.
As we wandered around, we saw other popular rides like Zero Gravity, the Wave Swing, the Giant Wheel, and the Mega Drop, each offering its own unique excitement. There was also a dedicated Kids World area, where children could enjoy rides and activities designed just for them. One of the most memorable aspects of the visit was the stunning view of the CN Tower from the CNE grounds. Seeing the iconic landmark in the background of all the fun and action added an extra layer of magic to the experience, reminding us of Toronto’s vibrant skyline.
In the end, our day at the CNE was a perfect blend of excitement, fun, and great food, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a fantastic day. We ended our day by having dinner at 'The Three Brasseurs' restaurant at Dundas square.
Whether you're a thrill-seeker, a foodie, or just someone looking to have fun, the CNE offers something for everyone.
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