Canadian National Exhibition Grounds

Exhibition Place and the CNE: Toronto’s End-of-Summer Tradition

As we leave downtown Toronto, we pass Exhibition Place, home of the Canadian National Exhibition, better known to most locals simply as “The Ex.”

First held in 1879, the CNE began as a large industrial fair designed to showcase Canadian agriculture, technology, and innovation. Over time, it evolved into one of the largest annual fairs in North America and remains one of Toronto’s biggest end-of-summer traditions.

Today, the grounds are filled with rides, games, shopping vendors, exhibits, live entertainment, and historic buildings that have become familiar landmarks along Toronto’s waterfront.

The CNE is also known for its free concerts and live performances, which attract major Canadian and international artists every year. Many visitors plan entire trips around the concert lineup, making music one of the biggest draws of the event.

Another thing the CNE has become famous for is its over-the-top food creations. Every year, vendors compete to come up with unusual and attention-grabbing menu items — from deep-fried desserts to unexpected food combinations that quickly go viral online. Trying the newest “crazy CNE food” has become part of the tradition for many visitors.

The grounds have also played an important role in Toronto’s history. Over the years, Exhibition Place has hosted sporting events, exhibitions, military training, and even the original location of the Hockey Hall of Fame before it moved downtown.

Today, the CNE continues to blend history, entertainment, food, and culture into one of Toronto’s most recognizable annual events.

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The CNE on Our Toronto to Niagara Falls Route

As we head out of Toronto toward Niagara Falls, Exhibition Place represents a different side of the city; one built around festivals, entertainment, and shared traditions. For many Canadians, the CNE marks the unofficial end of summer and remains one of Toronto’s most nostalgic attractions.