As someone who’s gotten lost in the CNE food building three years running (those pickle cotton candy lines are no joke), let me tell you—this year’s fair is shaping up to be wild. From August 15 to September 1, Exhibition Place transforms into Canada’s ultimate summer playground. Forget calling it just “The Ex”—locals know it’s where farm animals, death-defying cne roller coasters, and yes, whispers of a cat show cne collide. I’ve spilled poutine on my shoes so you don’t have to—here’s everything that matters.

What IS the CNE? (Spoiler: It’s Not Just Tilt-A-Whirls)

It’s 1879. Horses trot past prize-winning pumpkins while inventors show off electric lights (mind-blowing back then!). Fast-forward 146 years, and that humble ag fair became the CNE—North America’s longest-running annual fair. Today? It’s a glorious chaos of:

• Agriculture: Goats judging YOUR outfit in the Farm Building

• Innovation: VR roller coasters beside butter sculpture contests

• Culture: Ukrainian dancers beside K-Pop cover bands

• Food: Where “deep-fried” is a food group (RIP my diet)

2025’s Can’t-Miss Attractions (Cat Show CNE Rumors Debunked)

Let’s settle the Cat Show CNE mystery once and for all: Yes, it’s happening! The Annual Cat Show returns on August 23–24 at Café Soleil (Enercare Centre), featuring over 100 pedigreed and rescue cats—from elegant Siamese to fluffy Maine Coons. But felines aren’t the only stars. Don’t miss the dog show CNE spectacle, SuperDogs: Wild Wild Woof, where talented pups perform jaw-dropping tricks like backflips through flaming hoops daily at Enercare Centre Hall D.

For thrill-seekers, the CNE roller coasters deliver adrenaline rushes, especially the new Skyhawk (dangling riders 100 ft upside down) and classics like the Polar Express. Foodies, grab the CNE food map to navigate the food building’s 100+ vendors—think butter chicken corn dogs and 15-inch donuts—or track CNE food trucks near Princes’ Gates for gourmet grilled cheese. 

Elevate your experience (literally) with dinner in the sky, suspended 150 ft above the midway ($110+; sunset slots sell fast!). Cap your visit with the Cold Lake Air Show (Aug 30–Sept 1), featuring CF-18 Hornets and the Snowbirds soaring over Lake Ontario—best viewed from Ontario Place’s west side.

Animal Encounters—The REAL Cat Show CNE Scoop

There’s no formal cat show cne. But! The farm buildings are where magic happens:

• Alpacas that spit (ask me how I know)

• Newborn piglets snoring in piles

• Dog show cne royalty: The legendary SuperDogs (these pups jump through flaming hoops!)

• Beehives behind glass (watch honey-making live)

Fun fact: My attempt to pet a prize-winning chicken = security escort. Don’t be me.

Foodie Wars: Building vs Trucks vs Court

Listen, the food building is where diets go to die. But with 100+ vendors, here’s my survival strategy:

Must-tries:

• Peameal bacon sandwich (Toronto’s soul food)

• Tiny Tom Donuts (eat hot or go home)

• Pickle cotton candy (yes, it’s weird). Yes, try it.

• cne food trucks by the lake: Gourmet grilled cheese & lobster rolls

• cne food court secret: Upstairs seating = AC + lake views

Your CNE Survival Guide (Learn From My Mistakes)

As a Toronto local who’s survived 10 CNE seasons (and made every error possible), here’s how to conquer the chaos. First, download the official map of the CNE before arriving—it’s your lifeline for shortcuts between the food building, animal exhibits, and rides.

Enter via Saskatchewan Gate for shorter lines. For tickets, snag discounts early: Kids 5–13 get free admission (download pass by Aug 14), while PRESTO cardholders save 47% on entry. If riding cne roller coasters, buy the $47.24 Ride All Day Pass upfront—it pays off after just 4 attractions. Food strategy is critical: 

Beat lunch crowds at the CNE food court’s upstairs seating (AC + lake views), or use the CNE food map to locate vegan pitas and $5 ice cream waffles. Transit wins over driving: Take the GO Train to Exhibition Station ($10 weekend pass) or TTC streetcars 509/511. Finally, avoid my 2024 blunders: Wear sneakers (you’ll walk 10 km+), refill water bottles inside the Enercare Centre (free stations!), and never leave valuables in your car—thieves targeted my sedan at Ashburton Lot.

Getting There Without Losing Your Mind

As a downtown resident, trust me: DRIVING = parking nightmare ($45/day!). Better options:

• GO Transit: $10 weekend pass to Exhibition Station

• TTC Streetcar: 509 from Union Station (pack patience)

• Bike: Free racks at Princes’ Gates (bring a lock!)

• Uber Drop-off: Near Bandshell Park (less walking)

• Map of the CNE tip: Saskatchewan Gate has the shortest lines.

FAQs

Q: Seriously—any cat show at the CNE this year?

A: Still no dedicated cat show cne, but farm building animals > cats anyway. Fight me.

Q: Is Dinner in the Sky worth $200?

A: Ate there last year. View? 10/10. Food? 6/10. Instagram? Priceless.

Q: Best spot for the Cold Lake Air Show?

A: Ontario Place West Island (Aug 30-Sept 1). Bring binoculars!

Q: Can I re-enter after leaving?

A: YES! Get that hand stamp. I forgot once—a $25 mistake.

Why Limo Beats Streetcar (Especially After Midnight)

Look, after 8 hours of eating fried butter and running from alpacas, that TTC ride feels like torture. That’s where Top Gear Limo saved my sanity last year. Their SUV showed up exactly when the fireworks ended—cold water bottles waiting, no sticky seats. For events like the cat show, CNE area, or late-night exits? Absolute game-changer.

Skip the Chaos: Book Your CNE Limo Here

(Tell them “CNE Butter Chicken” sent you—inside joke from ’24).