For
most Torontonians the end of summer is officially signified
at Exhibition Place. It is here that many city residents
choose to windup the warmer months by riding wooden
rollercoasters and enjoying the luscious tastes and smells
of waffles, hotdogs and french fries at the Canadian
National Exhibition, more commonly known as "the
Ex", held in August.
At the Ex (which usually opens around the 12th),
you will find much more than a simple carnival. There are
specialty shows, an International Pavilion and the infamous
Food Building—with fare from around the planet.
Outside, and overhead, there is the Canadian
International Air Show—which is best watched while
lounging around the waterfront (Lake Ontario). In various
incarnations, the Ex has been around since 1858, but there
are other notable shows held at Exhibition Place as well.
Other
activities include the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, the
National Home Show and, of course, the Molson Indy.
Exhibition Place is also the home of some landmark
buildings: the Automotive Building (1929), the Horticultural
Building (1907), the Better Living Centre, the new National
Trade Centre, and Exhibition Stadium. This Stadium was home
to the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team before they flew the
coop for the Skydome.
To experience Exhibition Place for yourself, catch the
511 Bathurst streetcar (at the Bathurst subway station) or
the 29 Dufferin bus. If travelling by GO, take the Lakeshore
Line and get off at "Exhibition."
If you’re driving, come down the Gardiner Expressway
and take the Jamieson exit when coming from the west (to
Lakeshore Blvd.), or follow the signs for Exhibition Place
when coming from the east.