It's that time of year again! The CNE officially opens this weekend and this year they're offering all sorts of sweet deals.
READ: What’s New And What’s Returning To The CNE This Year
Before you purchase your ticket, read on for deals and discounts that are available before the EX officially opens on Friday.
When
The CNE runs from Friday, Aug. 16 to Monday, Sept. 2 at Exhibition Place, north of Lake Shore Blvd. W. between Strachan and Dufferin. Gates to the CNE grounds and on-site buildings remain open between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily. Once the gates and buildings close, attendees can stick around and enjoy the Midway until midnight.
On Labour Day (a.k.a. closing day) the gates will close at 5 p.m. and most buildings will close at 7 p.m. excluding the casino, which closes at 8 p.m. By 9 p.m. on Sept. 2, the rides and grounds will officially close marking the end of summer in Toronto.
Speaking of closed, there will be a ton of road closures during the CNE. Get the complete list here.
How Much?
Admission
General admission from Aug. 16 to Sept. 2: $19.99 at the gate or $22.98 online
65 & Better admission and Children 5-13: $16.99 at the gate or $19.98 online
Family pass (2 adults, 2 kids or 1 adult, 3 kids): $60 at the gate or $62.99 online
Children 4 and under: free!
Guests with disabilities are eligible for 50 per cent off regularly-priced admission. If the guest requires assistance, complimentary admission is available for their support person upon presentation of an Access 2 Entertainment Card.
Rides
General Ride all day plus admission: $65.99 at the gate or $68.98 online
Kids and seniors Ride all day plus admission: $62 at the gate or $64.99 online
Ride all day without admission: $46 available on-site only
Four ride tickets: $5 available on-site only
22 ride tickets: $22 available on-site only
55 ride tickets: $55 available on-site only
Special Deals
Early bird discount: Save 38 per cent off the cost of regular admission and ride all day passes if you purchase your tickets before Aug. 16. This deal is valid at all GO Transit stations, in gift card racks at select grocery stores, Canadian Tire, Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall stores.
$10 Opening Day Deal: Visit the CNE on opening day and only spend $10. Ride tickets will also be discounted on opening day with eight tickets available for just $22.
Toonie Mondays: Children 13 years of age or younger get into the CNE for just $2 when accompanied by a paying adult. Families can also take advantage of 30 coupons for $22 deal on Mondays at the Kiddie Midway.
$9 Nights: Stop by The EX after 5 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and only pay $9 courtesy of Pizza Nova.
EXcelunch Special: Get admission from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekends, excluding Labour Day, for $19.99 at the Saskatchewan Gates, TTC/GO gates and Prince's Gates. Get a refund at the gate if you leave before 2 p.m.
What To Bring
Not a fan of fair food? It happens. Good news is the CNE allows guests to bring their own food (including coolers) onto the fairgrounds. But be warned, coolers are subject to search.
Don't forget your reusable water bottle! There are plenty of water stations on the CNE grounds so you can drink and refill to your heart's desire.
No need to carry your little one around all day. The CNE allows strollers on-site and offers wagons for rent at the Prince's Gate, GO/TTC Gate and Princess Margaret Fountain.
Those in need of wheelchair or scooter service can bring their own or rent from Scouts Canada locations on site.
Finally, you'll want to remember to bring some cash as many vendors at the CNE are cash only. The good news is that if you forget, there are a number of bank machine locations on the fair grounds.
What NOT To Bring
Guests are prohibited from bringing alcohol onto the CNE grounds but don't worry, there are plenty of spots where you can purchase and consume alcohol on site.
Bikes, in-line skates and two-wheel scooters are not permitted on the CNE grounds during the fair. If you are biking to the EX, make sure you lock up your bike before reaching the gates.
Pets (excluding service animals and the President's Choice SuperDogs) are not allowed on site. Please leave your furry friends at home and not in your hot vehicle. If a pet is found alone in a car, it will be reported and rescued by CNE animal services. All animals, including service dogs, are prohibited from fair rides.
Getting There
Drive, bike, take the TTC or GO Train. There are so many ways to get to the CNE.
With the GO Train and TTC buses and streetcars offering direct service to the CNE grounds, you can save yourself the headache of trying to find parking close to the gates.
And don’t forget, children under the age of 12 get to ride the GO Train for free.
