To assist you in your planning for your 2024 visit to the CNE, this section of the website will provide you with some tools that we hope will assist in making your experience at the CNE better.
Moving Around the Grounds
Surfaces
The CNE is staged on 192 acres of land at Exhibition Place, in downtown Toronto. There is a combination of outdoor and indoor spaces, with gradual changes in elevation.
Indoor
Flooring throughout the grounds is a combination of hard surfaces such as concrete and terrazzo; and soft surfaces, which include carpeting, rubber matting, and individual retail booth materials. In some areas electrical cords are secured via channeled matting or tape. CNE safety personnel diligently monitor the status of all flooring to minimize potential trip hazards.
Outdoor
Surfaces are more varied and include asphalt, concrete, grass, wood chips, rubber matting, cable channeling, and cement curbs. With low level lighting, such as during evening hours, it can be more challenging to see and navigate these changing surfaces. As with the indoor venues, safety personnel monitor outdoor surfaces for possible hazards.
Easiest Route
The easiest route for travelling across the grounds is along Manitoba Drive. The road is flat, paved, direct and supports sidewalks for the majority of the path. Although this road has the least amount of foot pedestrians, vehicle traffic is still present on the route. It is possible to connect with various buildings and outdoor CNE elements via several routes running off of Manitoba Drive. This route gets busy during the Warriors’ Day Parade which takes place on August 19, and proceeds along Princes’ Boulevard.
Manitoba Drive can become quite busy where it crosses the TTC/GO Transit admission gate area.
Note: This route becomes very crowded when there are events taking place at BMO Field. BMO Field will be used on:
- August 22 for the Argos Game
- August 27 for the TFC game
- August 31 for the TFC game
Note: If you go all the way from West to East on Manitoba Drive, you will require a hand stamp to re-enter the grounds.
Québec Street and South of Food Building
Another easy route for travelling is Québec Street and south of the Food Building. The road is flat, paved, direct and support sidewalks for most of the path. Vehicle traffic is not present on this route. It is possible to connect with the Queen Elizabeth Building, Food Building and Midway from this route.
EXpress Trains
There are five EXpress Trains that operate on the site, traveling from the east end of the grounds, to the west end and back again. Each of these trains is accessible with four designated places for wheelchairs, scooters, or strollers. These spots on the EXpress Trains are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. They are located in the front row of each of the first and middle cars.
The CNE EXpress Train stops in five spots along the route. One scheduled stop is near the Wheel-Trans drop-off area, east of the Enercare Centre.
Trains run from 10:00 am to approximately 9:30 pm, with a break on August 17 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm to accommodate the Warriors’ Day 103rd Anniversary Parade. EXpress Train service begins at 12:00 pm (noon) on the first Friday (August 16) and 12:30 pm Saturday (August 17) of the fair.
The accessible EXpress Train will run until 9:30 pm daily (on Labour Day, September 2 they will run until 4:00 pm). For those requiring assistance after 9:30 pm, please call: 416-263-3330.
The trains are equipped with ramps, and have staff members who can assist with loading and unloading, as needed. Refer to maps for train stops & routes.
Ramps, Lifts and Elevators
Ramps, lifts and elevators are available to accommodate a variety of needs. Please inform a staff member during your visit if you require a specific accommodation for accessibility.
We also encourage you to contact us in advance to discuss any specific requests you might have at: 416-263-3330.
Mobility Devices
The CNE accommodates wheelchairs, walkers, scooters and other mobility devices.
You are welcome to arrive with your own personal device or to rent a wheelchair or scooter on-site. It is recommended to book these ahead of your visit.
Please visit Wheelchair & Scooter Service page for details on the wheelchair and scooter rentals.
Wayfinding
A variety of tools are available to help you navigate the CNE, including:
• Schedule with map
• Pedestal signs with maps
• Directional signage
• Program signage
• Information booths and helpful staff
If vision loss restricts your ability to read signs, locate landmarks or recognize potential hazards, the CNE Guest Experience staff would be pleased to read aloud any information that would enhance your visit. Unfortunately, our services do not include Braille material.
Scouts Canada (which supplies wheelchairs to guests during the CNE) also have a limited number of members on-site that are available to assist guests that require a read-out-loud service. Reservations must be made in advance by calling 416-263-3090 (July 10 to August 15, 2024), or 416-649-2296 during the fair.
Services & Amenities
Information Booths
There are 11 Information Booths at the CNE, with six outdoor, and five indoor locations. The booths are open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily (with the exception of Labour Day Monday). Guest Experience staff within the booths are trained and ready to assist guests so that they can enjoy their time at the fair.
If you have a hearing or speech disability, Information Booths are well-stocked with pen and paper, and staff are happy to communicate via the written word.
Note: The Bell Relay Services phone number for communicating prior to visiting the CNE is 1-800-855-0511.
Washrooms, Adult Change Table & Water Stations
Indoor Washrooms
All CNE exhibit buildings offer accessible washroom facilities.
Outdoor Washrooms
Unisex washrooms are available in a number of temporary locations throughout the grounds.
Baby Change Tables
There are many washroom locations across the exhibit buildings and grounds that offer baby change tables in men’s, women’s, and unisex washrooms.
Adult Change Table
An adult change table is available in the Guest Services & Paramedics area, in the Better Living Centre (north-west corner), at the west end of the CNE grounds. It is available from 10:00 a.m. to midnight daily, and until 7:00 p.m. on Labour Day Monday.
Water Stations
Ten water bottle refill stations are located throughout the grounds.
Quiet Zone & Quiet Days
If you are looking for a break from the crowds, spend some time at our outdoor Quiet Zone at the west end of the grounds.
Bandshell Park
Bandshell Park is a large, outdoor space at the west end of the grounds. It contains trees, benches, an ample grassy area and food locations. It is a perfect location for enjoying open space, having a picnic or just relaxing.
Below are times you can expect a louder atmosphere in Bandshell Park:
August 16 to September 1 after 7pm
Airshow Practice and show times:
August 30 to September 2 at 12:00pm to 3pm
Quiet Days
The CNE is typically busy with visitors enjoying the fair. If you would like to experience the fair at a quieter time, you may prefer to visit on a weekday morning, since the crowds build as the day progresses. The lightest traffic days (especially during the mornings) are:
Monday, August 19
Tuesday, August 20
Monday, August 26
Tuesday, August 27
Note: The CNE is particularly noisy and crowded on the final weekend of the fair (August 30 to September 2), due to the Canadian International Air Show practice day (Friday) and performances (Saturday, Sunday & Monday).
Animal Relief Areas
The CNE has established two Animal Relief Areas for guests with service animals.
These fenced-in sites are located at both ends of the grounds, and provide privacy from other CNE guests. Please bring bags and other required supplies to care for your animals.
The relief areas can be found:
• East end – grassy area east of the Beanfield Centre, inside and south of the Princes’ Gates
entrance
• West end – grassy area south of the Scadding Cabin, close to the large white turbine
Charging Stations
Unfortunately, the CNE does not have charging stations throughout the grounds; however, there are a number of outlets throughout the grounds that may be used for charging mobility devices. Should you need assistance in finding a space, please ask any of the Guest Experience staff in the Information Booths.
Medical/First Aid
The CNE has significant medical resources on-site to ensure our guests are safe and well. Both Toronto Paramedics and St. John Ambulance personnel service the grounds daily until 11:00 pm.
| Location | Description | Medical Professionals |
| Guest Services & Paramedics Area west side of the Better Living Centre | Main on-site medical facility for CNE at the west end of the grounds | Toronto Paramedics |
| Galleria outside Hall B in the Enercare Centre | Satellite medical office at the east end of the grounds | St. John Ambulance personnel with Toronto Paramedics oversight |
| Throughout the grounds | Bicycle paramedics | Toronto Paramedics |
Note: For a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Midway Ride Guidelines
Please check-in at North American Midway Entertainment Guest Services booths on-site at the CNE to learn more about the Ride Accessibility Policy. Additionally, we have the North American Midway Attraction Guidelines PDF for more details.
Venue Descriptions
| Queen Elizabeth Building | |
| Specific Area within Venue: | Arts, Crafts & Hobbies Pavilion (east side of building) |
| Ease of Access: | Easy |
| Excessive Crowds: | Yes |
| Line-ups: | Occasionally |
| Seating: | Limited bench seating |
| Loud Noises and/or Flashing Lights: | No |
| Specific Area within Venue: | Withrow Common Art Gallery & Guest Services (west side of the building) |
| Ease of Access: | Easy |
| Excessive Crowds: | Moderate |
| Line-ups: | Occasionally |
| Seating: | No seating inside |
| Loud Noises and/or Flashing Lights: | Depends on crowds |
| Ball Park | |
| Specific Area within Venue: | Baseball Tournaments (Coronation Park) |
| Ease of Access: | Moderate due to terrain. See ‘Notes’ |
| Excessive Crowds: | No |
| Line-ups: | No |
| Seating: | Bleachers with additional space for wheelchairs and scooters |
| Loud Noises and/or Flashing Lights: | No – there is a sound system for announcing games |
| Notes: | Must cross two (2) city streets (across Strachan Avenue near Princes’ Gates and Lake Shore Blvd.) plus grassy area to access Coronation Park. *Remember to obtain a hand stamp for re-admittance when leaving the main CNE grounds. |
| Bandshell Park | |
| Specific Area within Venue: | Food & Drink area and Concert Area |
| Ease of Access: | Moderate. There are a mixture of hard and soft surfaces including grass, woodchips, mud and asphalt |
| Excessive Crowds: | Yes during concerts & Air Show |
| Line-ups: | Yes during concerts |
| Seating: | Yes – picnic tables, accessible seating area for concert viewing |
| Loud Noises and/or Flashing Lights: | YesConcerts – Loud noise and flashing lights possibleAir Show – Loud noise will be present |
| Better Living Centre | |
| Specific Area within Venue: | The Farm (west side of building) |
| Ease of Access: | Easy |
| Excessive Crowds: | Often |
| Line-ups: | Occasionally |
| Seating: | Bench and bleacher seating for demonstrations |
| Loud Noises and/or Flashing Lights: | No |
| Specific Area within Venue: | Casino (east side of building) |
| Ease of Access: | Easy |
| Excessive Crowds: | Often |
| Line-ups: | Occasionally |
| Seating: | Accommodations for seating as required |
| Loud Noises and/or Flashing Lights: | No |
| Notes: | Must be 19+ years of age |
| Specific Area within Venue: | Guest Services & Medical Centre (far west side of the building) |
| Ease of Access: | Easy |
| Excessive Crowds: | No |
| Line-ups: | No |
| Seating: | Limited chair seating available |
| Loud Noises and/or Flashing Lights: | No |
| Coca-Cola Coliseum | |
| Specific Area within Venue: | ACTION! Aerial & Acrobatic Ice-Skating Show |
| Ease of Access: | Moderate due to crowds |
| Excessive Crowds: | Yes |
| Line-ups: | Yes |
| Seating: | No |
| Loud Noises and/or Flashing Lights: | Yes. Flying drones and flashing lasers/lights. |
| Enercare Centre | |
| Specific Area within Venue: | Hall A – At Home Pavilion / Shoppers’ Market Hall B – International Pavilion & International Stage Hall C – Warehouse Outlets Galleria Heritage Court |
| Ease of Access: | Easy |
| Excessive Crowds: | Often |
| Line-ups: | No |
| Seating: | Limited Bench Seating / additional space for wheelchairs & scooters at the International Stage |
| Loud Noises and/or Flashing Lights: | No |
| Notes: | Hall B – seating for wheelchairs and scooters on the west side of the International Stage. Seating based on a first-come, first-served basis. Always crowded. |
| Specific Area within Venue: | Hall D – SuperDogs Pawvengers Show |
| Ease of Access: | Easy |
| Excessive Crowds: | Yes |
| Line-ups: | Yes |
| Seating: | Bleachers. Staff will make accommodations for wheelchairs and scooters as needed |
| Loud Noises and/or Flashing Lights: | Yes – music, crowds, barking dogs, spot lights and dark room |
| Notes: | Line-ups are expected at every show and lineups for shows begin an hour before show time. Seating is based on a first-come, first-served basis. |
| Specific Area within Venue: | Hall B – CNE Gaming Garage Powered by AMD |
| Ease of Access: | Easy |
| Excessive Crowds: | At certain times of the day |
| Line-ups: | Some |
| Seating: | Chair Seating with space for wheelchairs and scooters. |
| Loud Noises and/or Flashing Lights: | Occasionally |
| Notes: | Competition times may lead to crowding |
| Specific Area within Venue: | Guest Services (Salon 101) Services include: Baby Care Centre, Found Children, Lost & Found, Prayer Room |
| Ease of Access: | Easy |
| Excessive Crowds: | No |
| Line-ups: | NO |
| Seating: | Limited chair seating available |
| Loud Noises and/or Flashing Lights: | No |
| Specific Area within Venue: | First Aid in the Galleria outside of Hall B |
| Ease of Access: | Easy |
| Excessive Crowds: | No |
| Line-ups: | No |
| Seating: | Limited chair seating available |
| Loud Noises and/or Flashing Lights: | No |
| Notes: | St. John Ambulance personnel with Toronto Paramedics overseeing |
| Food Building | |
| Specific Area within Venue: | Food court |
| Ease of Access: | Moderate – often crowded but accessible entrance/exit |
| Excessive Crowds: | Yes |
| Line-ups: | Yes |
| Seating: | Limited accessible seating available. Seating includes picnic tables with accessible seating, which is marked by a ceiling sign and signage on the table. |
| Loud Noises and/or Flashing Lights: | Yes due to large crowds |
| Kids’ World & Children’s Midway | |
| Specific Area within Venue: | Attractions for children |
| Ease of Access: | Moderate due to crowds and grassy surfaces |
| Excessive Crowds: | Yes |
| Line-ups: | Yes |
| Seating: | Benches, picnic tables, and lawn chairs with additional space for wheelchairs and scooters. |
| Loud Noises and/or Flashing Lights: | Moderate – rides, games, entertainment stage, and activities. |
| Midway (Adult) | |
| Specific Area within Venue: | Rides & Games |
| Ease of Access: | Moderate to difficult depending on crowds |
| Excessive Crowds: | Yes |
| Line-ups: | Yes |
| Seating: | Benches and picnic tables |
| Loud Noises and/or Flashing Lights: | Yes – rides, games, vendors, and radio stations |
| Notes: | Very crowded. Visibility more challenging in the evening hours. |
| Waterfront | |
| Specific Area within Venue: | Canadian International Air Show Practice – August 3, 2024. Show Dates – August 31 to September 2, 2024. |
| Ease of Access: | Very difficult due to terrain |
| Excessive Crowds: | Yes |
| Line-ups: | Yes |
| Seating: | Bleachers with additional space for wheelchairs and scooters |
| Loud Noises and/or Flashing Lights: | Extremely loud; sound can be disorienting and triggering |
| Notes: | Wheelchair access requires navigating a bridge and a steep hill, plus a long walk. Wheelchair accessible entrance via the Ontario Place West Bridge (south of BMO Field and the Northern Comfort Saloon) *Air Show can be seen and heard throughout the CNE grounds. Not recommended for people with hearing sensitivities. |