The Canadian National Exhibition, lovingly called The Ex, is Canada’s largest annual fair and a beloved Toronto tradition that marks the end of summer. It runs for 18 days every August, wrapping up on Labour Day weekend, and attracts more than 1.4 million visitors each year.

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WHEN & WHERE
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- Dates: August 14 - September 7, 2026

- Location: Exhibition Place, Toronto, Ontario

- Admission: Kids under 4 are FREE. Buy advance tickets to save up to 41% on rides & entry.

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MUST- SEE ATTRACTIONS
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- Kids’ World - Rides, puppet shows, arts & crafts, and character meet-and-greets.

- Midway Fun - Gentle rides just for little ones, thrilling rides for older kids and teens.

- Farm & Animal Encounters - Petting areas, cow milking demos, mini tractor pulls, and goat yoga.

- Canadian International Air Show - Labour Day weekend skies filled with aerobatics.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

SuperDogs Show - Fairy Tails, featuring incredible canine stunts

Acrobatic Ice Skating Show - Combines skating with aerial stunts.

MUSIC AND PARADES

Nightly concerts at the Bandshell

Parades include the Warriors’ Day Parade and the Labour Day Parade

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FOOD & SHOPPING
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- Food Building – 100+ vendors with both classics and crazy creations.

Creative Eats: From rainbow grilled cheese to deep-fried treats, plus family staples like pizza, corn dogs, and ice cream.

- Food Truck Frenzy and Craft Beer Fest

- Garden Show, arts and crafts halls

- Historic Scadding Cabin

- Shopping Pavilions


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CNE DEALS & FAMILY TIPS
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SAVE ON YOUR TICKETS

Advance tickets are available until August 20 at 11:59 PM and can save you money.

- PRESTO cardholders can check PRESTO Perks for additional savings.
- Save up to 22% on regular admission.
- Save up to 39% on Ride All Day tickets when purchased before August 20.

KIDS CAN VISIT FOR FREE

- Kids 4 and under are FREE with admission.
- Kids ages 5-13 can get a FREE Kids' Pass.
- The Kids' Pass includes CNE grounds admission plus shows and exhibits.
- Download the Kids' Pass before visiting.

RIDES ARE EXTRA

CNE admission includes the grounds, shows, and exhibits, but Midway rides are separate.

- If your kids want to enjoy lots of rides, consider the Ride All Day Pass.
- Compare the Ride All Day option with individual ride costs before purchasing.

MORE THAN JUST RIDES

Your CNE admission includes access to many family-friendly attractions and entertainment, including:

- Bell SOUNDSTAGE
- SuperDogs: Fairy Tails
- CNE Farm
- Kids' World
- Garden Show
- Urban Edge: Ice Skating & Acrobatic Show
- Exhibits and interactive experiences
- Live entertainment and performances

DON'T MISS THE AIR SHOW

The Canadian International Air Show takes place September 5-7, 2026.

- Plan your CNE visit around the Air Show if your family wants to see the aerial performances.

- Additional viewing and event details may apply.


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GOOD TO KNOW
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- Children aged four and under are free

- Families with kids 5-13yrs enrolled in GTA schools can download the free School Kids Passes for free admission. Admission only, rides are not included.

GETTING THERE

Public transit is a convenient option, particularly on busy CNE days.

- Exhibition GO Station is located beside the CNE grounds.
- TTC services the Exhibition Loop.
- Consider taking pu