The CNE began it’s history of Ontario summer fun when it was founded in 1879, as the Toronto Industrial Exhibition. Today, as the Canadian National Exhibition, the ex is one of Ontario’s great annual traditions, drawing over 1.3 million visitors. Want to make the most of your time at the Ex? Here are a few of our tips and tricks for the CNE.
How to get there
Leave your car at home and avoid spending time looking for parking. One of the most convenient ways to travel to the CNE is by GO Train. Travel one stop west of Toronto’s main hub, Union Station to Exhibition Station on the GO Train’s Lakeshore West Line. The trip takes about 8 minutes, and round trip costs under $10. Another handy trick? Beat the lines at the fairgrounds, and buy your ticket at the GO Station!
The Rides
Plan your rides out ahead of time with our sneak preview of what to expect. Love to scream? These ones will have you thrilled or make you smile.
The Zip Line – New this year! The Zip Line starts at the top of a 126-foot tower with a bird’s eye view of the CNE grounds. This gives you just enough time to prepare for the ride of your life as you zip down more than 1,100 feet. The Zip Line is a separate ticket and is not included in the CNE’s Ride All Day Pass, but you can save time and get your ticket ahead of time. Online ticket buyers can add a Zip Line ride to CNE online ticket orders. Want to save a little money? Ride the zipline Monday-Thursday for only $20.
Here's the zip line at the #CNE2013: https://t.co/LmCGIVRL22
— Destination Ontario (@OntarioTravel) August 23, 2013
The CNE Classics – Fans of the Ex come back year after year for these rides that make your stomach drop. From the Swing Tower, to the Mega Drop and much more these ones are for the thrill seekers, and all of them are included in the CNE’s Ride All Day pass.
Love the rides that make you scream? Here's you've got to ride at @letsgototheex this year https://t.co/P8CP3XkvPZ
— Destination Ontario (@OntarioTravel) August 23, 2013
Which of these #CNE2013 rides is your favourite? https://t.co/ROlcppKvxH
— Destination Ontario (@OntarioTravel) August 23, 2013
The Family Favourites – If you’re headed to the CNE with the kids, it’s the perfect chance to revisit some of your own childhood favourites, like the classic Ferris Wheel, the Euroslide or for older kids, the quirky Crazy Mouse Roller Coaster.
The Shows
Each day the CNE has a huge range of shows, from the Air Show, to live music, to street performers. A must see is the famous acrobatic family, the Flying Wallendas. One of the greatest acts in circus history, The Flying Wallendas family act dates back generations to the 18thcentury. The current generation performs daily at the CNE.
Seven Generations of daredevils! The Flying Wallendas https://t.co/31oTwpY97f
— Destination Ontario (@OntarioTravel) August 26, 2013
Bonus tip: Each day, after 5 P.M. tickets to the CNE are only $5! Check out all the details here.
You’ve heard our insider tips for a day at the CNE – what are yours? Let us know in the comments below.