The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is officially back in Toronto, kicking off a two-week run packed with food, entertainment and classic summer attractions and good news for commuters: there are no TTC or GO Transit closures standing in the way.
Known simply as The Ex, the annual fair opens this Friday and runs through September 2, promising a mix of new attractions and longtime favourites. As always, food is taking centre stage, with this year’s lineup featuring some bold creations, including deep-fried pickle Oreos, deep-fried butter chicken lasagna and a Kool-Aid deep-fried chicken sandwich.
New to the CNE this year are the EX Games, an extreme sports showcase featuring skateboarding, BMX and in-line skating on a half-pipe. Headlining the show is Andy MacDonald, fresh off his appearance at the Paris Olympics. The event will once again wrap up with the popular Canadian International Air Show on the final weekend.
To help visitors get to Exhibition Place, both the TTC and GO Transit will be running additional service throughout the event.
However, drivers should plan ahead. From 5 a.m. on Saturdays until 11:59 p.m. on Sundays during the CNE, British Columbia Road will be closed between Lake Shore Boulevard West and the Dufferin Street Bridge. Police officers will be stationed at key intersections, with traffic directed north on Dufferin Street toward King Street West. Detour signage will be in place.
Toronto will also be hosting several major festivals and events across the city:
The prestigious King’s Plate, the first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown, takes place Saturday at Woodbine Racetrack. North America’s oldest continuously run stakes race will see top Thoroughbreds compete for a $1 million purse. Festivities include fashion, food and live racing, with doors opening at 11:30 a.m.
The 24th annual Toronto Chinatown Festival will celebrate the Year of the Dragon under the theme “Soaring Dragon Dispensing Splendours.” The two-day event features traditional dance, opera performances, kung fu demonstrations and a wide range of street food, including BBQ squid, bubble tea and bubble waffle ice cream. The festival runs Saturday from noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. along Spadina Avenue between St. Andrew and Sullivan streets.
Marking its 11th year, Taste of Manila returns to the Wilson Avenue and Bathurst Street area, bringing together vendors, performers and artisans from around the world. The festival begins Saturday at 10 a.m. and runs until 5 p.m. on Sunday.
While there are no TTC or GO closures this weekend, several road closures will be in effect due to events and construction. Like – 1. Ongoing Gardiner Expressway closures: One eastbound and one westbound lane closed between Dufferin Street and Strachan Avenue. The eastbound on-ramp from Lake Shore Boulevard at Jameson Avenue remains closed. 2. Dufferin Street: Closed between Billy Bishop Way and Yorkdale Road from 8 p.m. Saturday to noon Sunday for bridge demolition. 3. Mill Street: Closed between Trinity and Cherry streets from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. 4. Wellesley Street: Eastbound lane closed between Church and Jarvis streets from Thursday morning to Friday evening. 5. Spadina Avenue: Southbound lanes closed between St. Andrew and Sullivan streets for the Chinatown Festival from early Saturday to late Sunday. 6. University Avenue and surrounding streets: Lane reductions and closures Sunday for the Panorama India Day Grand Parade. 7. Bathurst Street: Closed between Wilson and Laurelcrest avenues for Taste of Manila from Saturday through Sunday. 8. Danforth Avenue: Closed Saturday for Wheels on Danforth between Byng Avenue and Danforth Road.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and follow posted detours.
With festivals, racing, cultural celebrations and the return of The Ex, Toronto is set for one of its busiest summer weekends yet.
