Canadian National Exhibition
210 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3
Late August, 10am to 10pm (excluding Labour Day).
416-263-3607
For additional information please contact TREC at 416-977-5093 or THESI at 416-542-3047.
Torontonians know its the end of summer when the Canadian National Exhibition (the “CNE” or “the Ex”) rolls into Exhibition Place. The ex has been around since 1858, and sits on about 192 acres of parkland, with many historical buildings that are owned by the City of Toronto, some dating back to the early 1900s: the 1929 Automotive Building, the 1912 Arts & Crafts Building, the 1907 Horticultural Building. Starting mid-August and continuing to Labour Day, the CNE brings a midway, with rides and fair food, but also an International Pavilion and the infamous Food Building
There are year-round activities at Exhibition Park, including Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, the National Home Show, Toronto Sportsman’s Show, and the Toronto International Boat Show. There are also a number of sporting events held at Exhibition Park venues:
- the Molson Indy
- Toronto Marlies hockey club, playing at Ricoh Coliseum
- Toronto FC (soccer) play at the National Soccer Stadium
Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament, in the 1912 Arts & Crafts Building, which was transformed into a Medieval castle in 1993, operating a year-round dinner theatre attraction where “knights of the round” regularly entertain crowds. Fascinating dinner fare, great family fun and perfect for groups of any size
Toronto Renewable Energy Cooperative/Toronto Hydro Energy Services Inc.
The first city-sited power generating wind turbine in North America, located just southeast of Liberty Grand in the west precinct of the grounds, has been generating power since early February. The wind turbine has 85 foot blades on a 94 metres high (approximately 320 feet) tower sitting on a concrete base 8 metres across and 3 metres deep, with 8 steel and concrete anchors. The wind turbine will generate an estimated 1.4M kWh-enough electricity to serve the needs of about 250 average homes each year for the term of its lifespan-approximately 20 years.
TTC: 511 Bathurst streetcar from the Bathurst subway station, or the 29 Dufferin bus. GOTrain: take the Lakeshore Line to “Exhibition” stop
From West: take Gardiner Expressway to Jamieson exit onto Lakeshore Blvd. From east, take Gardiner Expressway and follow the signs for Exhibition Place. From North: Dufferin Street south to Dufferin Gate.
CN Tower
301 Front Street West
416-360-8500
The CN Tower (Canadian National Tower) is one of Toronto’s most popular tourist attractions. With approximately two million guests a year, the Tower was the tallest free-standing structure in the world (measuring 1,815 feet, 5 inches), from 1976 until 2007, when it was overtaken by the Burj Dubai, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Built in 1976 by Canadian National, for the purpose of securing distortion-free communication, particularly for TV and radio broadcasters in the Toronto area. Six high-speed glass-fronted elevators provide breath-taking views as your speed to the top is 58 seconds. The Tower’s 4 levels of observation deck and dining areas give spectacular views of southern Ontario (you can see Hamilton and Niagara-on-the-Lake), or look straight down 1122 feet though an unbreakable glass floor. Those who want to go higher-another 33 floors higher– can transfer to the Skypod elevator. The revolving Horizons Café offers casual dining at 1136 feet high, as well as Sunday brunch. In 1998, the Tower added the Edge Arcade, with motion simulator rides, and Momentum, Images of Canadian film.
Open daily Sunday to Thursday from 9 am to 10 pm and Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 11 pm . Admission $$. children ages under 4 free. Rides/events include additional prices (combination prices available). There’s paid parking in lots close to the Tower.
Harbourfront Centre
235 Queens Quay West
416-973-3000
Centred around the Island Ferry terminal, the city has revitalized a formerly industrial waterfront. Harbourfront’s green parkland along the waterfront is open to the public, free of charge. You also can rent bikes, rollerblades, and sailboats. There are a number of arts and theatrical venues for festivals and live performances. In York Quay, you can watch artisans at work or dine at numerous restaurants, cafes and bars. Open 11am-8pm (restaurant hours may differ). Over the summer, there are “Rhythms of the World” weekends, an 11-week series of theme weekends featuring music, dance, film, crafts and food of various cultures and styles, covering Jazz, Blues, Caribbean and other tastes.