Let’s face it: everyone loves feeling like a kid again.
And this summer, there’s simply no better place to do it than at the Ex. ‘Cause where else can you go from a mechanical bull to an air show to a roller coaster in less than a 100m?
Fine, maybe somewhere in Calgary.
But starting this Friday, August 15th you’ll have two full weeks to get as child-like as possible right here in downtown Toronto.
Time to throw up like nobody’s watching.
1. It’s One of North America’s Largest Annual Fairs
Which means the possibilities are basically endless. We suggest going on rides until you’re sick, eating a candy apple for breakfast (the apple makes it healthy, right?), and allowing yourself to be amazed by magicians rather than pretending you know what they’re doing.
2. The Rides
There’s a 1,100-foot zip-line. What else do you need to know?
3. The International Air show
These guys fly closer to each other than we feel comfortable walking next to someone on the street. Pretty impressive.
4. The Coca-Cola Chicken
Yes, you read that correctly. The Cronut is dead, but Bacon Nation is making sure there’s something equally enticing for anyone out there who can’t stand the idea of healthy eating. Expect a 6oz chicken breast that’s been marinated in Coca-Cola, onion, and garlic for 24 hours, then double bacon-wrapped, grilled, and brushed with a Coca-Cola BBQ sauce.
5. The Northern Comfort Saloon
A new addition to the CNE grounds, not only does this country bar have plenty of food and drinks, but this is where you’ll find the aforementioned mechanical bull. Oh, and probably this song playing.
6. The Casino
A popular annual event that hosts an outdoor patio, live entertainment, and a new $160,000 Hold’em Poker Tournament. Why do people insist on calling it luck?
7. The Flying Wallendas
Remember when that guy walked across Niagara Falls on a tightrope? Yeah, he was one of them.
8. It’s Affordable
Compared to some other amusement parks in the Toronto area, coming in at $18 for general admission (AND they show 10 ways to save on admission here), the CNE can be a pretty reasonable outing.
9. The Food Trucks
19 of Toronto’s best food on wheels operations will be parked in the same place for a full three-day stretch. If this isn’t reason alone to visit the Ex, we’ve overestimated your commitment to great street food.
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