CNE food guide: how to eat your way through the Ex

For many Torontonians, summer ends at the Ex. The Canadian National Exhibition, held at Exhibition Place on the waterfront, is one of Canada's largest annual fairs, with rides, shows, concerts, an air show and, above all, food. Its Food Building is famous for outrageous creations that make headlines every year. Here is how to eat your way through it.

When is the CNE?

The CNE runs for about 18 days at the end of summer, traditionally from the third Friday in August through Labour Day. For 2026, it ran from August 21 to September 7. Dates follow the same pattern each year, but check the official site for hours and tickets.

What is the CNE Food Building?

The Food Building is a large hall filled with many vendors selling everything from classic fair food to international dishes and deliberately wild novelties. Each year brings a new lineup of headline-grabbing items, often deep-fried, sweet-and-savoury mash-ups or giant portions. It gets very crowded, especially on weekends and evenings.

What classic CNE foods should you try?

Food	Why
Mini doughnuts	Hot, fresh and coated in cinnamon sugar, a CNE tradition
Corn dogs	Classic fair food
Fries and poutine	In countless varieties
Candy floss and caramel corn	Pure nostalgia
Funnel cake	Fried batter with toppings
Butter tarts and Ontario treats	Local favourites
International stalls	Dishes from around the world in the Food Building

How do you plan your food at the CNE?

1. Look at this year's food list online before you go, and pick a few must-tries.
2. Go with friends and share, so you can try more without overeating.
3. Visit the Food Building early in the day or on a weekday to avoid the worst crowds.
4. Pace yourself: alternate rides, shows and food.
5. Drink water; late August in Toronto can be hot and humid.
6. Bring a card and some cash, since most vendors take cards but not all.

Is CNE food expensive?

Fair food is not cheap, and novelty items can cost more than a meal at a restaurant. Sharing is the best way to manage costs. Admission is separate, and buying tickets online in advance has often been cheaper. Ontario's 13 percent HST applies to prepared food. Tipping at food stalls is optional.

Is there food for dietary needs at the CNE?

The Food Building and grounds usually have some vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal options, but choices are more limited than at restaurants, and cross-contact is common at busy stalls. If you have a serious allergy, check vendor information and ask staff directly.

How do you get to the CNE?

Exhibition Place is on the waterfront west of downtown. Take the Exhibition GO station on the Lakeshore West line, or the 509 Harbourfront and 511 Bathurst streetcars. Parking is limited and expensive, so transit is easiest.

What else is there to eat near Exhibition Place?

Liberty Village, just north, has restaurants, cafés and breweries, and King Street West is a short ride east. If you want a sit-down meal before or after the fair, book ahead on busy days.

What is the CNE's history?

The Canadian National Exhibition began in 1879 as an agricultural and industrial fair and has been held at Exhibition Place on the Toronto waterfront for well over a century. For generations, it has marked the end of summer for Toronto families. Its Food Building has been part of the fair for decades and has become known for showcasing new food trends and novelties each year.

Is there an air show at the CNE?

Yes, the Canadian International Air Show has traditionally been held over the Labour Day weekend during the CNE, with aircraft performing over the lake. It is a popular time to visit, and the grounds and waterfront are especially busy, so plan your meals around the crowds.

How do you save money on food at the CNE?

CNE food is part of the fun, but it adds up quickly for a family. A few ways to keep it in check:

• Set a budget before you go through the gates, and pick two or three must-try items.
• Share the novelty foods, which are often large and very rich.
• Bring water bottles to refill.
• Eat a proper meal before you arrive, and treat the fair food as snacks.
• Go on a weekday, when lines are shorter and you waste less time queueing.

Check the CNE's current rules on bringing your own food and drink before you pack anything.

Is the CNE good for kids?

Yes. It is a classic family day out, with rides, games and food kids love. Go early in the day, set a meeting point, and plan breaks in the shade.

On Mosey, you can rate the stalls and dishes you tried at the Ex, with photos, and keep a list of the creations that were genuinely worth it, so next year you know what to skip.

More guides to read next:

• Mississauga and Brampton food guide: Punjabi, Pakistani and Caribbean food in Peel Region
• Date night in Toronto: how to choose the right restaurant and neighbourhood
• Distillery District food guide: eating, drinking and the Winter Village

More in the Canadian food guides and the ranked lists of places.