Everything You Need to Know About the CNE 2026
Plus how to not blow your whole paycheque there. History, rides, food, money-saving tips, and two deals nearby to stretch your day even further.
You know that smell: funnel cake, fried everything, a little bit of lake air, and the faint whiff of "I shouldn't have gone on that ride after eating." That's the CNE. Or "The Ex," if you're a local and you say it like you've been going since you were in a stroller.
Every year around mid-August, Toronto quietly starts counting down. Summer's winding down, the kids are dreading the word "September," and somehow that all turns into one big excuse to go stuff your face and ride the SkyRide at golden hour. This year the Ex runs August 21 to September 7, 2026, and honestly, it's shaping up to be a big one: 147 years running, a brand new coffee shop, a music partnership with NXNE, and a signature hot sauce that's apparently going on everything. Let's get into it.
A (very) quick history of the Ex
Here's the thing about the CNE, it's older than basically everything else in this city that isn't a building. It started in 1879 as the Toronto Industrial Exhibition, and it wasn't about corn dogs and Ferris wheels back then. It was farmers, engineers, and inventors showing off the latest and greatest, literally the place Canadians first saw a telephone. Imagine standing in a field in 1879 watching some guy named Mr. Potter demonstrate a telephone for the first time. That's wild.
The name changed to the Canadian National Exhibition in 1912, and it's basically run every single summer since then, except during World War II, when the grounds got taken over for military use, and a two-year gap during COVID. Even the site hasn't moved. It's been at Exhibition Place on the shore of Lake Ontario the entire time.
And it's grown up a lot. What started as a showcase for radios and early televisions turned into the carnival, food, and music extravaganza that pulls in over a million and a half people every year, making it the largest annual community event in Canada. Not bad for something that started as a farm show.
↑ Back to top of sectionThe rides: 60+ ways to regret your lunch
The Midway is the heart of the whole thing, and it's not small. We're talking 60+ rides ranging from "gentle enough for a toddler" to "why did I agree to this."
A few you'll want on your list
- The SuperWheel: this thing is genuinely massive. Nearly 14 stories tall, it's North America's tallest travelling Ferris wheel, and it takes a convoy of 20 tractor-trailers just to move it across the country. Each gondola is climate-controlled and seats up to 8 people. Go at night for the skyline views.
- The SkyRide: the gondola that glides you over the whole Midway. Less "thrill ride," more "let someone else do the walking while you take pictures." One of the best photo ops at the whole fair, and a nice break for your feet.
- Polar Express, Crazy Mouse, Zero Gravity, Mega Drop, Orbiter, Ring of Fire: pick your poison. These are your classic loud, fast, "why is my stomach in my throat" rides.
- Kids' World and the Kiddie Midway: if you're bringing little ones, this is where you'll actually spend most of your day. Scaled-down rides, a playground, live shows, and enough farm-animal cuteness to buy you a solid hour of peace.
And don't sleep on the carnival games. Yes, they're a bit of a money pit, but there's something very satisfying about walking away with a stuffed animal the size of a golden retriever.
↑ Back to top of sectionThe food: because of course you're going for the food
Let's be honest, for a lot of us, the rides are just the thing we do between snacks. The CNE Food Building is legendary for a reason, and this year's lineup keeps the tradition of "why would anyone make this, and also give me two" alive and well.
New for 2026, the fair rolled out its own signature hot sauce, and vendors are dousing it on everything they can. The headline grabber so far is the Cotton Candy Wafflelicious from Jerk Dogs, a waffle battered jerk chicken hot dog with mango mustard, pineapple relish, jerk BBQ sauce, the new CNE hot sauce, and a pile of cotton candy on top. It's a lot. That's kind of the point.
Worth hunting down this year
- Butter-themed everything: after Deep-Fried Butter got inducted into the CNE's first-ever Food Hall of Fame, expect butter burgers, butter soft serve with caramel and pecans, and even "Butter Soda" (a root beer float, but the ice cream is swapped for butter foam).
- Pizza on a stick from Pizza Pizza, in Creamy Garlic, Hot Honey, or Sweet & Spicy.
- Craig's Cookies stuffed with chicken nuggets and a BBQ dip on the side, because someone at the CNE food team clearly has no fear.
- Ali's in the Food Building for something a little more grounded: Trinidadian doubles, rotis, and curries if you need a break from the deep fryer.
- BeaverTails, obviously. It's not a CNE trip without one.
- The Drip: CNE Coffee Shop, brand new this year, plus the official merch store if you want a hoodie to prove you survived.
Basically, come hungry, come with low expectations for your arteries, and share everything with a friend so you can try more.
↑ Back to top of sectionHow to actually save money at the CNE
The CNE can get pricey fast if you're not paying attention. Admission, rides, food, games, it adds up. Here's how to keep it from wrecking your budget.
! Buy before August 20th
Advance sale pricing is noticeably cheaper than gate prices. Right now, an Advance Sale Admission Pass runs $25.11 and the Advance Sale Ride All Day Pass (unlimited midway rides included) is $51.66. Wait until you're standing at the gate and you'll pay more.
Free and discounted kids' tickets
Kids 4 and under are free, and there's a Kid's Pass for ages 5 to 13 that's completely free to download, up to 10 per person, available until August 20th at 11:59pm.
Skip driving if you can
GO Transit runs directly to Exhibition Station. Weekday Group Passes start at $30 for two people, and One-Day Weekend Passes are $10, with kids 12 and under riding free. Check GO Transit's CNE page for adjusted schedules, or TTC.ca for streetcar and bus routes.
Know your ride style
If you know you'll ride a lot, the Ride All Day Pass pays for itself fast. Mostly there for food and the vibe? Skip it. Individual tickets add up quicker than you'd think.
Split your food
Food Building portions are often huge on purpose, vendors know people are going for the photo. Bring a friend, split three or four items, taste more for less.
Parking info for 2026 had not been finalized as of this writing. Historically it is not cheap, and traffic around Exhibition Place during CNE season is rough, so public transit is worth the small hassle of planning ahead.
↑ Back to top of sectionTwo WagJag deals to stretch your day further
Since you're already heading down to Exhibition Place, might as well save a bit more on either side of your visit. Here are two current WagJag deals worth a look.
Plush Cafe & Bar
3-course weekend dinner for two with wine at Plush Cafe & Bar, Trinity-Bellwoods
34% off, a $135 value
Sits at 897 Queen St W in Trinity-Bellwoods, an easy trip from Exhibition Place, and makes a nice sit-down finish to a day at the fair. Valid Friday to Sunday for dinner, dine-in only, reservation required.
Get this deal
Great Lakes Schooner Company
2-hour sightseeing cruise aboard the Kajama Tall Ship on Toronto Harbour
20% off, a $47.46 value
Departs from Queens Quay, a short trip from Exhibition Place, so it is an easy way to see the skyline from the water before or after your day at the fair. Sailings run through October 4, 2026.
Get this dealWagJag deals rotate daily and availability can change, so double-check pricing and voucher terms on WagJag before you buy.
↑ Back to top of sectionWhere it is
The CNE runs at Exhibition Place, right on the Lake Ontario shoreline, between Strachan Avenue and Dufferin Street.
↑ Back to top of sectionEverything else you need to know before you go
- DatesAugust 21 to September 7, 2026, running 18 days through Labour Day.
- LocationExhibition Place, north of Lake Shore Blvd W, between Strachan Ave and Dufferin St.
- Getting there without a carGO Transit to Exhibition Station skips parking entirely. TTC streetcars (511 Bathurst, 504B King, 509 Harbourfront) and the 29 Dufferin bus drop you right at the gates too.
- BikingBike parking is available at both the Dufferin Gate and Princes' Gates, with dedicated bike lanes along Strachan Ave, Fort York Blvd, and Wellington Ave.
- Kids under 4Free admission, no ticket needed.
- Advance ticket deadlineAugust 20th at 11:59pm. After that, prices move to gate rates, so don't wait.
- What to bringComfortable shoes, a portable charger, tap or cash for smaller vendors, and a light layer for the evening as lakefront air cools fast after sunset.
- Best time to goWeekday afternoons and evenings are noticeably less packed than weekends. Aim for early evening on a weekday for golden hour views and shorter lines on the SuperWheel and SkyRide.
- Big-ticket extrasBandshell concerts, the Air Show over Labour Day weekend, and Front Row VIP add-ons are separate purchases from general admission. Check what's included before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
What dates does the CNE run in 2026?
The 2026 CNE runs August 21 to September 7, 2026, 18 days total, ending on Labour Day.
How much are CNE tickets in 2026?
The Advance Sale Admission Pass is $25.11 and the Advance Sale Ride All Day Pass is $51.66, both available until August 20th at 11:59pm. Gate prices are higher, so buying ahead through theex.com saves money.
How do I get to the CNE without driving?
GO Transit runs directly to Exhibition Station on the Lakeshore West line. TTC streetcars 511 Bathurst, 504B King, and 509 Harbourfront, plus the 29 Dufferin bus, all stop right at the gates.
Is the CNE free for kids?
Kids 4 and under get free admission with no ticket needed. Ages 5 to 13 can use a free Kid's Pass, up to 10 per person, downloadable until August 20th at 11:59pm.
Where exactly is the CNE located?
The CNE takes place at Exhibition Place in Toronto, north of Lake Shore Blvd W, between Strachan Ave and Dufferin St, right on the Lake Ontario shoreline.
At the end of the day, the CNE isn't really about any one ride or any one weird food mashup, it's the whole chaotic, slightly sticky, end-of-summer tradition of it. Go hungry, wear shoes you don't mind getting funnel cake sugar on, and don't overthink it. That's kind of the whole point.