cne toronto

The CNE was just ranked as one of the top fairs and carnivals in North America

Whether you love it or hate it, you can't deny that the CNE is a quintessential end-of-summer ritual in Toronto.

Whether it's eating your way through all the outrageous food (ketchup-flavoured ice cream anyone?), hopping on all the classic carnival rides, or trying your luck at the casino, the CNE is a nostalgic event for anyone who grew up in the city. 

Although the CNE has changed significantly over the years, it continues to be one of Ontario's greatest annual traditions and attracts approximately 1.5 million visitors each year. 

It seems like the sentimental charm of Canada's largest annual fair has received international recognition, as it's been named as one of the best fairs in North America by Carnival Warehouse

The website was founded in 1997 by industry enthusiast Matt Cook to share carnival photos and discuss the industry with fellow fans. Now, it's become the "industry's most comprehensive source for carnival, fair, and festival news." 

Recently, the website released the "Carnival Warehouse's 2022 Top 50 Fairs" list and two Canadian fairs made the top 10. 

The CNE managed to place 5th, while the Calgary Stampede placed 8th. 

Other Canadian fairs on the list include K-Days in Edmonton at #23, and the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver at #32. 

The top 10 fairs on Carnival Warehouse's 2022 Top 50 Fairs list are: 

  1. State Fair of Texas - Dallas, Texas
  2. Houston Livestock Show and Exhibition - Houston, Texas
  3. Minnesota State Fair - St. Paul, Minnesota 
  4. Eastern States Exhibition - West Springfield, Massachusetts 
  5. Canadian National Exhibition - Toronto, Ontario
  6. Arizona State Fair - Phoenix, Arizona 
  7. San Antonio Livestock Show and Exhibition - San Antonio, Texas 
  8. Calgary Stampede - Calgary, Alberta 
  9. Fort Worth Stock Show - Fort Worth, Texas 
  10. Tulsa State Fair - Tulsa, Oklahoma 

You can find a full version of the list here

Lead photo by

Jack Landau


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

Canada is seeing one of the worst standard-of-living declines in 40 years

Tributes pour in after death of Toronto City Councillor Jaye Robinson

It's going to get way easier to pay transit fare in Toronto with your phone

TTC literally just gave CEO Rick Leary an award days after chaotic subway shutdown

An aggressively spreading invasive species is completely taking over a Toronto park

50 tourist attractions in downtown Toronto you need to visit at least once

Stunning new lookout point overlooking Toronto wetland opens this summer

Stunning new Toronto transit station will link several TTC and GO lines