The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is offering brand new VIP tickets for guests this year, but people are calling out the fair for charging hundreds of dollars for the experience.
The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is offering brand new VIP tickets for guests this year, but people are calling out the fair for charging hundreds of dollars for the experience.
The VIP ticket will give guests unlimited access to rides, fast passes to skip lines, front stage access to the Bell CNE concert show, and several more perks.
However, all this comes at a hefty price of $452.99 per person. On top of that, the tickets are only sold in packages of four, which brings the total bill to more than $1,800.
Read More
The passes will also not give holders access to the fair for its entire two-week run; instead, it will only give holders access for a single day.
Guests who choose to purchase the VIP tickets can also expect to be greeted by a dedicated concierge team that will help plan the day, escort guests around the site, and answer any questions they may have.
In addition, they will be given $50 in food vouchers.
The CNE did not specify how many passes are available, but its site does say that packages are available while quantities last.
The fair also did not mention why they chose to price the tickets in the way it did.
The price tag has left community members shocked, many even outraged that access to the fair could cost more than $1000 dollars.
“It’s insane. The CNE is supposed to be affordable and accessible, fun for EVERYONE. They pack up the rides in a duffle bag at the end of the month, they shouldn’t be charging this kinda bread,” an X user said.
“I thought it would at least be unlimited rides and fast passes for the whole time it was open, plus selected food items but for one damn day? HELL NO,” another user said.
“For $453, I should have no lines for food [and] all food included,” another user chimed in.
Some social media users also feel the move is unnecessary during a time when many Canadians are struggling to afford basic necessities.
Read More
While others have said they’d rather go to amusement parks such as Canada’s Wonderland for a more affordable experience.
Besides the new VIP pass, the CNE offers other options of tickets and passes for a cheaper price. Advance Sale Admission Passes start at $25.11 and Advance Sale All-Day Ride passes begin at $47.24.
The CNE will return to Toronto once again from August 15 to September 1.
