The CNE (or the Ex as most people refer it as) has become a staple in my family.
It is a must to signal the end of summer and the beginning of fall. There are a lot of staples that we go through every year as a family and we look forward to it every year.
Let's start with the food court. Yes, it's over priced and you'll probably eat your way through your caloric intake for the year, but in most cases it is well worth it. There is the Mac and Chesery which has pretty killer deep fried mac and cheese. But what you are looking for here are the novelty foods, sure you COULD go to the Pizza Pizza stall, but why over pay for Pizza Pizza when you could have a SUSHI BURRITO, or a Ramen Burger, or an ice cream Churro Cone (You read that correctly). It's worth trying your hand at something new, just for the sake of trying it.
There is also the Arts and Crafts building where there are a lot of vendors with artisinal offerings like beer jelly, hot sauces or wine bottle cheese boards (these would wine boards made out of reshaped wine or spirits bottles.
There is the International enter where there are an unholy amount of vendors pushing different products for sale. I'd be surprised if you couldn't find anything there to buy. Trust me, I've tried.
But the 3 main things that keep me coming back EVERY year (and I'm embarrassed to admit it) are:
1) The Ferris Wheel - A family MUST for every visit to the Ex
2) Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches - The Line might be out around the corner....but I don't care....I need one.
3) The Corn - Fresh Ontario corn, covered in Butter with Cajun spice sprinkled all over it....This in my opinion is the definition of Summer.
Parking is a severe pain......get there early