The Ex is how Toronto says goodbye to summer

For a certain kind of Torontonian, the CNE is the calendar. When the lights go up over Exhibition Place, the season's officially winding down, and that last stretch before Labour Day belongs to the fair. The Canadian National Exhibition runs from mid-August through the Labour Day long weekend, and it's still one of the biggest annual gatherings this city throws. And the scale behind the scenes is worth a mention too. The CNE got more than 49,000 online job applications this year and hires over 5,000 seasonal workers, which tells you both how big the operation is and how competitive a summer job in this city has become.

So here's how to make the most of a day, or an evening, at The Ex in 2026.

The Food Building is the main event

Let's be honest about why a lot of people come. The Food Building is a Toronto institution in its own right, a warehouse of deep-fried ambition where the vendors compete every year to out-do each other with something you didn't know could be battered. The classics hold their ground: Tiny Tom donuts by the bag, corn on the cob rolled in butter, and a Bacon Nation stall that takes bacon further than it needs to go.

But the real draw is the rotating cast of novelty items, and each year brings a fresh crop of over-the-top mashups. Come hungry, bring friends so you can split, and pace yourself. The smart move is to graze across a few stalls rather than commit to one giant plate. And cash still moves faster at some counters, though most vendors take tap now.

Rides, games, and the midway

The midway is the beating heart of the fair, a wall of noise and neon that stretches along the grounds. You'll find everything from gentle spinners for the little kids to the tall drop rides that give the whole waterfront a scream soundtrack. The Ferris wheel? That's the shot everyone takes home.

If you're planning to ride more than a couple of times, a ride pass or all-you-can-ride wristband is almost always better value than buying tickets one at a time. Check the CNE website for the current pass options before you go, since the terms shift year to year. And weekday afternoons early in the run have the shortest lines, so that's when to hit the big-ticket rides.

The Air Show over the long weekend

The Canadian International Air Show is the CNE's signature spectacle, traditionally staged over the Labour Day weekend with performances in the sky above the waterfront. Here's the thing: you don't need a ticket to the grounds to catch it. The show's visible from much of the central waterfront, so anywhere with a clear view south over the lake will do. That said, being inside the grounds puts you right under the action.

A few tips. The jets are loud, so bring ear protection for the young kids. Skies over the lake can shift and the flying schedule depends on conditions, so check the timing the day of.

Bandshell concerts, shopping, and the exhibits

Beyond food and rides, The Ex is a full day out. The Bandshell hosts free live music throughout the run, and honestly, the tribute acts and legacy bands there are a genuinely good reason to stick around into the evening. The shopping and exhibit halls are where the fair shows its range, from the as-seen-on-TV gadget pitches to artisan vendors, the farm and agriculture displays, and the horse and livestock shows that connect the whole thing back to its roots.

If you like a packed cultural summer, The Ex slots neatly onto a Toronto calendar that already runs hot in August. For more of what's happening around town, browse our events coverage, and if you missed the earlier festival season, our guide to Caribana is a good look at how this city does a large-scale celebration.

Practical tips for getting there and getting in

Don't drive. Parking at Exhibition Place is limited and pricey, and the grounds sit right on transit anyway. The GO Train stops at Exhibition Station on the Lakeshore West line, which is your fastest option from the west end and the suburbs. From downtown, the 509 Harbourfront and 511 Bathurst streetcars drop you at the gates, and the TTC runs added service during the fair.

On timing, weekdays are calmer than weekends, and going early in the run beats the Labour Day crush. Opening hours and admission vary by day, and advance online tickets are usually cheaper than the gate, so buy ahead when you can. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a refillable water bottle, and budget more time than you think you'll need. The Ex has a way of swallowing an afternoon whole, which is exactly the point.