Lake Ontario · August through Labour Day

Canadian National Exhibition

Toronto's late-summer exhibition near the Lake Ontario waterfront.

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Plan ahead

About Canadian National Exhibition

Toronto's end-of-summer tradition since 1879, "the Ex" fills Exhibition Place for the weeks leading up to Labour Day with a midway, concerts, exhibits and a famously adventurous food hall. Labour Day weekend brings the Canadian International Air Show roaring over Lake Ontario.

The CNE combines fairground attractions, exhibitions and entertainment at Exhibition Place. Pair a visit with a separate waterfront outing rather than assuming fair admission includes lakeside activities. The official program, operating dates and transport advice change by year.

Typical timingAugust through Labour Day
RegionOntario
LakeLake Ontario
Nearby townToronto

Highlights

What draws the crowds.

  • Enter through the Princes' Gates, the grand 1927 entrance to Exhibition Place.
  • Graze the Food Building, a CNE institution since 1954, for the year's novelty treats.
  • Watch the Canadian International Air Show over Lake Ontario on Labour Day weekend.
  • Ride the midway after dark, when the grounds glow beside the waterfront.

Know before you go

Make the day easier.

  • Take transit — Exhibition GO station and TTC streetcars serve the grounds, and parking fills quickly.
  • Weekdays early in the run are typically less crowded than Labour Day weekend.
  • Air show days draw big crowds along the waterfront, so arrive early for a good viewing spot.
Great for Festivals & events Cities & culture Food, wine & orchards

Dates, venues and programs may change. Check with the event organizer before making travel plans. Organizer & current information

Nearby

Pair it with.

Ontario · Lake Ontario

Toronto

Ontario's largest city, with island parks and a changing Lake Ontario waterfront.

Explore place

Ontario · Lake Ontario

Niagara-on-the-Lake

A heritage town where Lake Ontario meets the Niagara River.

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Plan the trip

Make a visit out of it.

Stay for the shoreline.

The event is only the beginning. Explore the towns, parks and maritime stories around Lake Ontario.

Places on this lake

Build a trip around it.

Tell the trip planner what you love and when you can travel, and it will suggest a route that fits around the event.

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Think beyond the date.

Confirm venues, tickets, parking, access needs and weather plans with the organizer before booking.

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