Celebrating Toronto's Canadian National Exhibition

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), often called "The Ex," is an annual event in Toronto, Ontario. Its origins are rooted in Canada's efforts to promote agriculture, technology, and industry during a time of rapid development and growth in the country. It features one of the largest and most popular amusement parks in Canada. This beloved fair, which runs for the 18 days leading up to and including Labour Day, makes a grand but bittersweet finale to the summer in Toronto.

If you grew up in Toronto, you've probably got a lot of memories of your favourite things and events. As a kid, I loved the food building and all the free samples, and later, as an adult, I played the racing camel game with my kids. Who doesn't know someone who worked at the Ex for a summer? My sister-in-law was a "barker," attempting to attract patrons to entertainment events, such as a circus or funfair, by exhorting passing public members to come to their booth and buy their wares. She demonstrated all the different ways you could tie and wear a scarf, complete with a headset mike, which was back in the 70s.  

The CNE Art Show was a definite highlight of the summer art show season. Our featured artist, David Crighton, was a regular attendee from the mid-70s until sometime in the 1990s. He considered The CNE show one of the main shows on the art circuit, including the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibit and One of A Kind. Undoubtedly, this beautiful image of the Princes Gates was created during one of the years he had a booth.

Let's look back at the origins of this once-agricultural fair.

Reasons for Establishing the CNE

1. Agricultural and Industrial Promotion: The CNE provided an ideal platform for farmers, manufacturers, and innovators to display their goods, share knowledge, and showcase the latest advancements in the agricultural and industrial sectors. This exhibition highlighted the progress made in these areas and facilitated the exchange of ideas and technologies, contributing to the modernization of agriculture and industry in Canada. The event became a meeting point where the latest innovations could be shared with a broader audience, helping to drive economic growth and development in the country.
2. National Unity and Pride: The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) was conceived to foster national pride and unity. It aimed to bring people from across the country together, showcasing Canadian achievements in various fields such as agriculture, industry, and technology. This event played a significant role in helping Canadians feel connected to the broader nation, reinforcing a sense of shared identity and community. The CNE also provided a platform for celebrating Canada's progress and cultural diversity, making it a significant part of its history and social fabric.
3. Economic Development: The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) significantly stimulated Toronto's economy. By attracting a diverse range of visitors, including tourists and potential investors, the CNE helped generate economic activity in the city. This influx of people created demand for local businesses, from hospitality to retail, and provided opportunities for networking and investment in various sectors, thereby contributing to overall business growth in the region. The event not only served as entertainment but also as a catalyst for economic development.
4. Education and Innovation: The CNE has a rich history rooted in education and showcasing advancements in various fields. Originally conceived as an event to educate the public, it focused on agriculture, industry, and technology. Through demonstrations, lectures, and displays, the CNE aimed to highlight innovation and progress, offering visitors a chance to engage with the latest developments and learn about emerging trends in these critical sectors. This emphasis on education and advancement has been a defining feature of the CNE since its inception.

The Inauguration of the CNE

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) has a rich history, beginning with its inaugural event on September 1, 1879, known as the Toronto Industrial Exhibition. The event took place at the Exhibition Grounds, a site developed specifically to host this grand display. Over time, the CNE evolved into one of Canada's most significant annual events, drawing visitors from across the country and beyond to experience the showcase of agriculture, technology, entertainment, and culture.

The CNE has expanded to include various attractions, such as entertainment, food, rides, sustainable living exhibits, and cultural events. It remains one of North America's largest and most popular fairs, blending its historical roots with modern trends and interests.

Entrance to the Canadian National Exhibition Fair Ground

Toronto's Princes' Gates are a significant historical and architectural landmark. Constructed in 1927, these grand gates were named in honour of the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) and his brother, Prince George (later King George VI), who officially opened them. The gates were built to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation and have since served as a symbolic entrance to the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) grounds.

The CNE, first held in 1879, is one of Canada's oldest and largest fairs. It showcases Canadian innovation, culture, and community and offers diverse entertainment, including music, food, and carnival rides. The Princes' Gates, with their beautiful sculptures and intricate designs, is an iconic part of the CNE and a cherished piece of Toronto's architectural heritage.

The Queen Elizabeth Building

The Queen Elizabeth Building is a notable venue in Toronto with a rich history connected to the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE). Initially constructed in 1951, it was named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II, reflecting the strong ties between Canada and the British monarchy. Over the years, the building has hosted many events, including exhibitions, trade shows, and cultural activities, making it an integral part of Toronto's event scene. Its historical significance and continued use underscore its importance as an iconic landmark in the city.

This is where all that famous free food is available to the public.

The Queen Elizabeth Theatre

There is also the Queen Elizabeth Theatre

which has recently been refurbished, and the acoustics have been updated. This theatre opened in 1956 and is a significant cultural landmark within the grounds of the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE). Designed to host a wide range of performances—from theatrical productions and concerts to other live events—it has become a cherished venue for locals and visitors.

The theatre's seating capacity of around 1,250 provides an intimate atmosphere, allowing audiences to feel close to the performances while still enjoying the space and comfort of a larger venue. Its blend of historic charm with modern amenities continues to make it a popular destination for arts and culture enthusiasts.

I saw David Bryne and St. Vincent there and was blown away. I had yet to learn this music venue existed. It's something to experience for those who have yet to go! 

Amusement Park Features:

The CNE features one of Canada's largest and most popular amusement parks.

Rides: The CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) amusement park is known for its wide range of rides catering to visitors of all ages. Some of the popular attractions include:

1. Ferris Wheel: A classic ride offering panoramic views of the park and surrounding area.
2. Roller Coasters: For thrill-seekers, the CNE features several roller coasters with twists, turns, and drops.
3. Log Flume: A water ride that combines gentle floating with exciting drops, perfect for a refreshing experience.
4. Bumper Cars: A family-friendly ride where visitors can drive and bump into each other for fun.
5. Spinning and Swinging Rides: These include various rides that spin, swing, or twist, providing excitement and a bit of a thrill.

These attractions are part of the vibrant atmosphere that makes the CNE a must-visit destination for locals and tourists.

Midway Games: Alongside the rides, there is a bustling midway filled with games of chance and skill. Visitors can try to win prizes by playing classic carnival games like ring toss, balloon darts, and whack-a-mole. My favourite is the camel races, where I have won many awards for my kids.

Food Stalls: The amusement park is famous for its diverse and often extravagant food offerings. From traditional fair foods like cotton candy, corn dogs, and funnel cakes to more adventurous options like deep-fried butter and bacon-wrapped everything, there's something for every taste.

These attractions are part of the vibrant atmosphere that makes the CNE a must-visit destination for locals and tourists.

Midway Games: Alongside the rides, there is a bustling midway filled with games of chance and skill. Visitors can try to win prizes by playing classic carnival games like ring toss, balloon darts, and whack-a-mole. My favourite is the camel races, where I have won many awards for my kids.

Food Stalls: The amusement park is famous for its diverse and often extravagant food offerings. From traditional fair foods like cotton candy, corn dogs, and funnel cakes to more adventurous options like deep-fried butter and bacon-wrapped everything, there's something for every taste.

(Credit: Dave Bunger)

Some standout crazy foods include a watermelon burger, which offers a mouth-watering twist on the classic fair treat, and a Krispy Creme Blueberry Chicken Sandwich. You heard right—this is really a chicken sandwich with blueberry sauce and a Krispy Creme Donut bun. Another unique dish making waves is the pink Malibu mac & cheese, a colourful and indulgent take on a comfort food favourite.

The lineup of crazy food for the 2024 Toronto Exhibition sounds just as nutty! Wasabi ice cream and deep-fried pickle Oreos headline the list of must-try crazy food combos that are a signature of this fun fair.

These quirky creations are part of what makes the CNE a must-visit event for food enthusiasts looking to try something completely out of the ordinary​ (Visit Toronto | Destination Toronto)​ (torontojourney416)​ (blogTO).

Unique Attractions: The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is well-known for its dynamic approach to entertainment, and it introduces new attractions each year to keep visitors coming back. Some of the exciting features they've introduced in recent years include:

1. Stunt Shows: The CNE often showcases thrilling stunt performances, from motorcycle shows to daring acrobatic feats, which draw large crowds looking for adrenaline-pumping experiences.
2. Interact ve Exhibits: Hands-on exhibits are a staple, offering guests the chance to engage with technology, science, art, and culture in innovative ways. These exhibitions are designed to be educational and entertaining, appealing to visitors of all ages.
3. Virtual Reality (VR) Experiences: The CNE has embraced cutting-edge technology with VR attractions, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in different worlds or experience extreme scenarios in a safe, controlled environment.
4. Themed Areas: Themed zones or pavilions often reflect current trends or cultural moments. These areas might focus on specific countries, periods, or pop culture phenomena, offering unique food, decor, and entertainment that transport visitors to another world.
5. Art Installations: The CNE often features large-scale art installations or galleries that showcase the work of local and international artists, adding a creative and reflective element to the event.
6. Competitions: There are a number of competitions that take place each year at "The Ex".  

These attractions and the traditional rides, games, and exhibits ensure that the CNE remains a must-visit destination each year.

Other Highlights of the CNE:

Entertainment:

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) has been a significant platform for showcasing diverse musical talent. It has hosted various genres, including rock, pop, country, R&B, and more. This diversity in musical offerings has helped the CNE maintain its status as a significant cultural event in Toronto, attracting emerging artists looking to make their mark and established stars who draw large crowds.

Over the years, the CNE has seen performances from some of the biggest names in the music industry, making it a must-visit event for music lovers. The variety of genres ensures something for everyone, contributing to the rich cultural experience that the CNE provides. This mix of musical performances adds to the festive atmosphere of the exhibition, alongside its other attractions like rides, games, and food vendors, making it a well-rounded entertainment destination.

Classic Acts (1960s-1980s)  

• The Rolling Stones (1965)
• The Beach Boys (1971)
• Jimi Hendrix (1968)
• Led Zeppelin (1969)
• The Who (1967)
• Johnny Cash (1969)
• Diana Ross & The Supremes (1968)
• The Monkees (1967)
• The Guess Who (1969)
• Neil Diamond (1967)

1990s to Present

• Shania Twain (1995)
• Barenaked Ladies (1997)
• Our Lady Peace (1997)
• Alanis Morissette (19 5)
• Drake (2011)
• The Tragically Hip (2000)
• Arcade Fire (2005)
• Maroon 5 (2004)
• Nelly Furtado (2001)

Shopping:

The event also features a massive shopping area with vendors selling everything from handmade crafts and clothing to home goods and international products.  

Agricultural Exhibits: The CNE has historically focused firmly on agriculture, and this tradition continues with exhibits showcasing farm animals, horticulture, and other agricultural displays.

CNE Air Show:

The Canadian International Air Show (CIAS) highlights the Labour Day weekend in Toronto, captivating audiences with thrilling aerial displays. Since its inception in 1949, the event has become a tradition, attracting aviation enthusiasts and families to the city's waterfront.

The show features a variety of aircraft, from historic warbirds to modern military jets, performing breathtaking maneuvers over Lake Ontario. The roar of supersonic jets and the sight of aerobatic teams executing precision formations create an exhilarating atmosphere. The CIAS celebrates aviation history and technology, making it a must-see event for those in and around Toronto during the Labour Day weekend.

One of the highlights of the Air Show is the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, a military aerobatics team that has been entertaining Canadian audiences since 1971. The nine pilots take their Canadair CT 114 Tutor jet trainers through precision flight routines that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. In July of 2024, Bill Blair, Canadian Defense minister, said that the vintage Canadair jets had been in service too long. He has asked the Air Force commander to consider replacing the plane.

Whether you're drawn by the nostalgia of classic planes or the awe of cutting-edge fighter jets, the Canadian International Air Show offers something for everyone, continuing its legacy as one of Toronto's most exciting annual events.

The Food Building  

 The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is famous for its Food Building, where vendors often offer samples and giveaways to attract visitors. While the specific giveaways can vary from year to year, some of the best ones typically include:

1. Free Food Samples: Many booths offer bite-sized samples of their products, ranging from unique snacks to new food products. These might include cheese, chips, chocolate, or specialty meats.
2. Coupon Booklets: Some vendors provide coupon booklets that can be used at the CNE or in stores after the event. These coupons often offer discounts on popular products.
3. Condiments and Sauces: Small packets or bottles of condiments, such as hot sauces, mustard, or ketchup, are popular giveaways, especially from Canadian brands.
4. Reusable Bags: Branded reusable shopping bags are commonly handed out by companies to carry other giveaways or purchases.
5. Beverage Samples: Vendors frequently offer small cups of juices, soft drinks, or even samples of new types of alcoholic beverages like cider or beer.
6. Branded Merchandise: Items like pens, keychains, and stickers with company logos are often handed out, particularly from more prominent food brands.
7. Cooking Demos and Recipes: Some booths offer recipe cards, or host live cooking demonstrations, and attendees can sometimes take home the recipes or even small kits of ingredients.

These giveaways are a great way to experience new products and learn about Canadian food brands.

As you can see, there is a lot to do at today's Canadian National Exhibition.

How to get to "The Ex"

If you're anything like me, you love it when you can find most of the information you need to have to figure out how to "go" somewhere so I've complied some handy details about how to get to "The Ex" from a couple of different sources: the Toronto Transit Commission and "The Ex" itself.

We're all getting ready for the start of this year's exhibition on Friday, August 16. Here is a schedule for the daily events

So there is only one thing left for us to do. In Toronto, we say - Let's Go To The Ex!!!! Have a fabulous time!