CNE 2024 – Toronto

CNE 2024 is back which is known as “The Ex” is a hallmark of Canadian summer festivities, located in the heart of downtown Toronto. It is Canada’s largest fair held annually which offers a delightful mix of entertainment, food, activities, cultural and traditional experiences, attracting millions of visitors each year.

What is CNE?

Toronto’s cherished Exhibition Place hosts the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), a beloved event that captures the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Renowned as a haven for food enthusiasts, the CNE offers more than just a fair experience. It’s a tapestry of cherished memories and shared moments. This iconic festival goes beyond mere entertainment. It embodies the spirit of Toronto, where every corner of the event celebrates and embraces the city’s rich cultural diversity and traditions. The CNE is not just a fun fair; it’s a heartfelt celebration of community and multiculturalism.

Important Dates and Tickets

Canadian National Exhibition 2024 Dates

August 16 – September 2, 2024

Canadian National Exhibition Tickets

https://www.theex.com/tickets/

Attractions & Activities in CNE

1. The Midway Fun

The heart of the CNE is midway rides which give pure joy and excitement to all. There are variety of rides for everybody right from kids to adults. They have divided the section for kids and the adult rides. The Mega drop and the Merry Go round gives a scenic view of the CNE grounds.

In 2023, I experienced my first visit to the CNE, and I was filled with a blend of excitement and apprehension, especially since I was unfamiliar with the rides. Upon arrival, security scanned our tickets at the entrance. We then had to head to a booth to present our day passes and receive wristbands, which granted us access to all the fun and attractions awaiting inside.

After entering the CNE, I tried the Merry-Go-Round in the kids’ section. Though it was a bit slow, it was still enjoyable and brought back some childhood nostalgia. Feeling braver, we then ventured into the adult zone and took on the Mach 3 ride. This thrill ride was both exhilarating and terrifying, flipping us upside down and spinning us at dizzying speeds. Standing at an impressive 55 feet tall, it pushed my fear to the limit as my heart raced with each intense movement.

2. Food Extravaganza

The CNE featured an array of food stalls and trucks, each offering a tantalizing variety of culinary delights from different cuisines. The vibrant and enticing food options, especially the creative fusion dishes, were truly mesmerizing. We sampled an intriguing blend of Italian corn seasoned with chat masala and enjoyed a flavorful wrap. Although I was eager to try more, I held back, knowing I wanted to save room to explore the wide assortment of delectable foods available throughout the fair.

The Food Building was the centerpiece of the CNE, a bustling hub dedicated to celebrating a vast array of food cultures. With over 100 cuisines represented, it was a true paradise for food enthusiasts, offering a delightful journey across global flavors. Visitors could indulge in diverse delicacies, from savory Indian dishes to crispy fried foods, and tantalizing Korean, Italian, and Mexican specialties. We couldn’t resist sampling some of the highlights: nachos and fries, creamy yogurt ice cream, refreshing fruit juice, and a “Taste of Mumbai” featuring rich paneer khurchan paired with garlic naan. The variety and vibrancy of the food made every bite an adventure.

3. Carnival games

The carnival games at the CNE are a beloved tradition, offering a fun-filled chance to win plush stuffed animals. The fairgrounds are bustling with a variety of games, including classics like muckers, balloon shooting, ring toss, and basketball. Among the many attractions, there are also Pokémon-themed games, where winning means taking home a large stuffed toy of your favorite Pokémon. Whether you’re aiming for a prize or just enjoying the thrill of the game, these lively activities add a nostalgic charm to the CNE experience.

4. Fun & Rides

The Ring of Fire ride at the CNE was an exhilarating experience. It was continuously looping in a circular motion with a heart-pounding pause at the top for about three seconds before descending. The thrill was unmatched! Another ride was the Haunted Mansion, where we boarded a cart that took us on a spooky tour through the eerie, dimly lit rooms, providing a perfect blend of fun and fright. We also enjoyed the Crazy Mouse roller coaster, which offered a thrilling ride combined with stunning panoramic views of the entire CNE, making it a memorable highlight of our visit.

5. Arts & Crafts

Wandering around was incredibly captivating, as they showcased a unique array of items perfect for arts, crafts, and hobbies. From beautifully crafted home décor and stylish accessories to an assortment of delightful souvenirs, there was something to pique everyone’s interest and inspire creativity.

6. CNE Air Show

The CNE Air Show is one of Canada’s most eagerly anticipated events, drawing immense popularity every year. Last year marked its 76th anniversary, celebrating with a breathtaking showcase of aerial acrobatics. The spectacular performances in the sky were truly a sight to behold, making it an unforgettable highlight of the CNE

How to get Tickets or Passes for CNE ?

CNE offers several options for purchasing tickets and passes, catering to discount rates for students and kids.

OnlinePurchase

1. The easiest and convenient option is to buy ticket online through offical website.
2. Buying legitimate tickets using authorised vendors.
3. Buy tickets from specific Kiosks and retail outlets around toronto.
4. During the event, tickets can be purchased on the gate.

Discounted tickets

1. Student discount are available both at the gate and online. You have to show the valid ID card at the entry.
2. Group discounts are available for bulk purchases.
3. Keep an eye on promotional codes or coupons via internet, local businesses, or on promotional pages.
4. College students can buy the passes within their own organization at the discounted price.(I bought it for 20$)
5. Advance tickets are often cheaper than those who bought at the gate.
6. Season passes often provide unlimited rides and entry throughout the event duration(For a day)