Categories: Lifestyle

Going to the CNE? Here’s what you need to know before visiting Toronto’s beloved fair

Photo via @letsgotothecne on Instagram

Canada’s largest fair and Toronto’s beloved end-of-summer celebration, the CNE is back and bigger than ever, for its 146th year. If you’re like us, you’ve probably already started counting down the days until you can stuff your face with Tiny Toms and ride on the Polar Express. Though your favourites are making a return this summer to the CNE, there are a ton of new additions to this year’s fair and believe us when we say it’s going to be epic.

Whether it’s your first time hitting up the CNE or your hundredth, you’re in for a whole lot of fun. That being said, we’ve put together a guide to make sure your experience is worry-free.

Here’s everything you need to know before making your way to the CNE in Toronto.

CNE 2025 guide: What to know

When is the CNE?

The beloved annual event kicks off on Aug. 15, 2025, and runs until Labour Day weekend on Sept. 1, 2025.

Where is it held?

The CNE is held at the Exhibition Place every year. It’s north of Lake Shore Boulevard West between Strachan Avenue and Dufferin Street. It is accessible directly from the Gardiner Expressway, so if you’re travelling into the city, it’s pretty convenient.

How do I get there?

Thankfully, the CNE is super accessible whether you decide to walk, bike, take transit, or drive there.

Let’s start with transit! You can take the GO Train directly to the CNE when you get off at Exhibition GO Station. If you’re travelling via the TTC, there are a number of routes you can take depending on where you’re travelling from:

511 Bathurst Streetcar
504B King Streetcar
29 Dufferin Bus
509 Harbourfront Streetcar

If you’re hoping to get some cardio in and plan to ride your bike to the CNE, follow the Martin Goodman Trail. It’s located along the waterfront to Lake Shore Boulevard and British Columbia Road. Parking for bikes can be found outside the Saskatchewan Gate and the Princes’ Gates.

If you do decide to face traffic and drive to the CNE, there is parking:

Lot 850 (underground parking inside the Enercare Centre), accessed on the east side via Strachan Avenue to Canada Boulevard.
Lot 852 (south end of the grounds), enter CNE grounds at Ontario Drive

A daily parking rate ranges from $40 to $45, depending on the day.

How much are tickets?

At the time of writing, advance sale tickets and select VIP ticket packages are available.

These are priced at:

Advanced Sale Admission Pass – $25.11
VIP ticket – $452.99 per person (here’s everything included with the price)

More ticket prices will be revealed closer to the big day.

Is there anything new this year?

Now to my favourite part. There are lots of new things coming to the CNE this year.

There’s a thrilling new Dinner in the Sky experience where you can enjoy a delicious dining experience 150 feet in the air. Each course is prepared and served in front of the group, seating up to 22 people. Several “flights” will take place daily on the grounds near Hotel X, starting every day from 3 p.m. onwards. The experience starts from $110 per person.

Love a good drag brunch? I sure do! The CNE brings its first Drag Brunch EXtravaganza featuring mimosas and a reunion of some Queens from season 1 of Canada’s Drag Race. Expect BOA, Juice Boxx, Kyne, Lemon and Tynomi Banks to keep you entertained. The event, hosted by Devine Darlin, takes place on Sun. Aug. 17, at 11:30 a.m. at Annabel’s next to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Tickets are $100 per person.

Here’s what else is new:

Canadian premiere of Mythos – A visually stunning immersive experience featuring journeys through the Chinese zodiac tale of The Great Race; the divine spirit of Oshun, the revered goddess of Nigeria’s sacred river; and the Haudenosaunee creation story, beginning with Sky Woman’s fall to Earth. (Daily inside Enercare Centre, Hall G.
Aerial Balloon Show “Evolution” – Aerial acrobatics show featuring a 20-foot-diameter balloon floating over 40 feet in the air. Daily performances at the Princes’ Gates.
CNE Coffee Party, presented by Nabob: free Tiny Tom Donuts, and fresh brew from Canadian-made Nabob Coffee – Aug. 24, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Bandshell Park
Goat Yoga at The Farm: Daily at The Farm, Better Living Centre
Powwow Dance Workshops: Aug. 18 to 21 and 25 to 28 at Kids’ World Park
Chocolate Sculpture and Cake Decorating Competitions: Daily at Kitchen Stage, Enercare Centre Hall A.

What about my favourite attractions? Are they still happening?

Don’t worry, the 76th Annual Canadian International Air Show will surely be back, along with the beloved Bell CNE Bandshell Line-Up (which is going to be huge), Food Truck Frenzy and Craft Beer Fest, and the Classic Championship Wrestling will be back.

Are you ready for the CNE? We’ll see you there!