Photo: letsgototheex on Instagram 

Toronto’s favourite end of the summer ritual is back- the Canadian National Exhibition officially opens today and runs until September 5 at Exhibition Place. Just like all the years before, visitors can treat themselves to classic fair foods and crazy culinary concoctions. With the CNE being known for their notoriously insane menu, 2016 is no exception. This year, the Ex will be featuring the Canadian bacon taco, the churro burger and the poutine dog, among other intriguing and odd delicacies.

Meanwhile, thrillseekers can check out the various rides, from the classic merry-go-round to more exciting amusement park rides. If you’re feeling lucky, you can try your hand at the classic CNE games, which range from ring toss to shooting water guns.

There are many other attractions taking place at the CNE this year, which include celebrity chef demonstrations, international performances, comedy shows and animal shows. Some notable performances include the Aerial Acrobatic and Ice Skating show featuring Olympic bronze medallist Joannie Rochette and Elvis Stojko, the Amethyst Scottish Dancers of Nova Scotia, and Toronto Dance Life.

Also interact with farm animals, park entertainers, and some characters in Kids World. Taking place on September 3-September 5, will be the Canadian International Air Show which will be soaring over Lake Ontario.

This year, the CNE will be launching a new three-day event which is called the Innovation Garage. Taking place August 19 to 21, it will be featuring an Emerging Innovators Pitch Competition where Ontario’s most inventive young inventors will battle it out for prizes. The Innovation Garage will also include an innovation playground and exhibit space, which will showcase current advancements in consumer products as well as meet and greets with the inventors.

Whether you’re in the mood for tempting eats or thrills, try dropping by the CNE as we bid adieu to yet another Canadian summer.