cne 2026 toronto

People in Toronto reveal their money-saving CNE hacks

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) can put a real dent in your wallet, and if you're not the type to spend exorbitant sums of money on Toronto's favourite summer tradition,  you're in good company.

blogTO asked exhibition-goers how they save money at the CNE, and some of their suggestions might help you save a buck or two during your next visit.

Suggestions included buying tickets online, checking for promotions and discounts like work benefits, bringing water and drinks from home to have more money for food and attractions, and sticking to midway games where you're confident you have a shot at winning 

One person suggested bringing food from home and not buying anything to eat at the CNE, though one commenter countered this suggestion, saying, "The guy lost me when he said bring food from home. that's the whole point of the ex to eat there."

@blogto What are your money-saving hacks for the CNE? 💰 🎙️ @emm.ohara 🎥 @betabriii ♬ original sound - blogTO

How do you save money at the CNE? Let us know in the comments.

Lead photo by

Fareen Karim


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Latest in City

Toronto residents weigh in on what they think works well in the city right now

Toronto is getting a new museum all about the city

New polls show Toronto might be getting a new mayor next week

Toronto residents share where they stand on transit ahead of election

Major stretches of TTC subway line will shut down this weekend

Key train route in and out of Toronto will shut down this entire weekend

Toronto art store being forced to close after over 40 years

25 photos of what Toronto looked like in the 2000s