Let's Go to The Ex
All photos shot by Jeanpaul Teselink. Corduroy Jacket by Lucky Brand Jeans. Leather Belt Bag by Coach. Glasses by Oliver Peoples.
Since 1879, The Canadian National Exhibition has been a Toronto staple. For some, the Ex is the epitome of summer break, but for most, it marks the seasons’ end. I haven’t been to the CNE in years so a comeback was imperative. Primarily attending to capture photos, I quickly realized that the memories created that night simply could not be captured in any photograph.
This year, I went with my creative director, Jeanpaul. Since it was his first time attending the CNE, I ensured our visit went smooth and that we were looking fly. After a glass of wine at his château, we took the subway to Union and hopped on the Lakeshore West GO to Exhibition Station. We waited in line at the Exhibition gates for about 10 minutes to purchases entry tickets. I recommend purchasing tickets online, prior to your visit, to bypass lines.
Once inside, we wanted to figure out the best spots to shoot, particularly places with colourful backdrops illuminated with carnival lights. The best place to asses the premises was 40 feet above ground from the Sky Ride. It was my first time on the Sky Ride and for a ride people may find “boring”, I had a blast. Not only were Jeanpaul and I scouting locations, but we were laughing hysterically and shouting utter nonsense to fair-goers below us. Reflecting on my entire visit, I would say the Sky Ride would be my highlight of the night.
From the Sky Ride, we decided the vibe we wanted to achieve in our photos would be in front of various rides. We experimented with flashing lights and even hopped on some rides for our shots. We loved how the the moving lights glared and blurred the quality of the images. While posing on the Merry-Go-Round, one of the children’s mothers began to hype us up even more by screaming “Yaaas” and “Werrrk” as the ride spun faster. Since posing on a spinning ride left me nauseous, Jeanpaul decided this was the perfect opportunity to meet up with our friends Alannah and Victoria to chill.
We had several drinks at the Northern Comfort Saloon where we were serenaded by a country artist I’ve never heard of… I mean he did country renditions of today’s current pop hits so I guess it was alright. After shouting lyrics to several songs and having a few drinks spilled on me, I knew the night was about to turn up even more. Dare I say it, I felt like I was back in university living life to the fullest. We roamed around the carnival games and captured more photos as the night progressed.
After more laughs and finesses, we ended the night by sliding down the Euro Slide. I am not a ride warrior, so I thought the slide wouldn’t be so bad, but walking up at least 100 feet up to the top, looking down at the view, and sliding down terrified me. I felt like I was sliding to my death. After pushing off the ledge, I was shook with how fast I was going. I was nervous I would tip over into the other lane and cause several accidents or my glasses would fly off. However, it became such a fun memory to think that these children not even half my age weren't even phased by the height, yet I was screaming like an idiot.
On our way home, I told Jeanpaul that this night will be one to remember. Foolishly, I was so fixated to capture fire pictures, but the fun I had and the memories I created simply triumphed any photo that could have been taken. They say a picture says a thousand words, but the photos from that night could not even summarize a million words. After years of not attending the CNE (since I was 12), I can definitely conclude that attending next year is a priority. If you have the chance to visit the Ex this year, I highly recommend it. Below, are my tips to maximize your visit.
Tips for your visit:
Have a game plan. Figure out how you’re getting there and how you’ll be getting home. The CNE is accessible by both TTC and GO. Getting there might be no problem, but leaving may pose problems, especially if you’re fighting with a bunch of other people to get on the last train. The CNE doesn’t close until midnight, but if you’re extremely tired and not in the mood to deal with oversized stuff animals and loud children, then leave a bit earlier to catch an emptier train.
Be charged. Ensure ALL your devices are charged and have a portable charger with the appropriate cord. Sure you can purchase these from one of the on-site vendors, but why spend money on something you simply left at home. Furthermore, the Ex is extremely social media friendly, so why waste the opportunity to share fun pics and boomerangs to the world… because I mean, pics or it didn’t happen?
Go as a group. The cliché “the more the merrier” couldn’t be more true. If you’re single like me, life is already lonely. Therefore, this time around, I had so much fun going with friends, but with the right friends. Definitely select people in your inner circle that are down for anything. You don’t want a complainer or someone who is easily tired to be a dark cloud ruining your visit.
Have ID. Who knew that I would be carded at the CNE? I guess it’s my youthful asian glow? There are many bars (and other alcohol friendly zones) at the Ex and you will be required to show a driver’s license or photo card upon arrival. Entrance to these zones are crucial if you want to relax away from the busy fair streets.
Dress appropriately. It gets pretty cold at night, especially being by the water. Make sure to bring a light sweater that you can easily remove and tie around your waist in the odd event it gets hot. It happened during my visit. Around 11 pm, the temperature suddenly picked up and we were sweating buckets.
Have fun. Honestly, I hate when advice columns save the last tip to some cheesy cliché. But seriously, have fun. It’s the last few moments of summer and the CNE only happens once a year. Don’t waste the memories and your visit there!
Shout out to my best friend/photographer, @jeanpaul_t, and my new friends @alannahcristales and @viclizcri for the fun time. I swear, I’ve never laughed so hard in my life. Until next year.
Candidly,
Jonah
