A First Visit to the Royal Experience

For nearly a century, The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, affectionately known as “The Royal,” has been a cherished annual tradition held every November at Exhibition Place in Toronto. Established by farmers to connect, share, and showcase their harvests and livestock, The Royal has evolved into an event that offers educational, entertaining, and commercial opportunities for the entire community.

During our visit to The Royal, we documented our experience in a video for our Let’s Discover ON YouTube Channel:

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It was a delightful surprise to witness firsthand the buzz of excitement and the attention both domestic and international that The Royal garnered through its visitors, exhibitors, and sponsors. As a first-time attendee, I developed a real appreciation for the hard work and science that modern agriculture entails.

During our one-day visit to The Royal, we aimed to see, do, and taste as much as possible. Some of the highlights included the Pizza Pizza Petting Zoo, the President’s Choice Animal Theatre, where we watched the Superdogs showcase their talents, and the Burnbrae Farms Food & Lifestyle Stage, where we learned about food distribution, conservation, and preparation during World War II.

Getting There

You have two transportation options:

1. Public Transit – The nearest station is Exhibition, found on the Lakeshore West line of GO Transit. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) also provides specialized routes to and from The Royal.
2. Driving – Be prepared for traffic on the QEW and expect to pay around $15-20 for parking, depending on your visit time.

Cost

1. $25 for Adults, $19 for Seniors (65+), $16 for Children (4-17)*

To save some money, consider purchasing a Family Pass for $56, which includes admission for two adults and two children. CAA Members receive a 20% discount, and showing your Presto Card earns you a $5 discount.

*These prices reflect our visit in 2016 and may change in future years.

Photo Mosaic

Important Things to Keep in Mind

1. Entry to certain evening horse shows and competitions is not included, but you can upgrade your ticket.
2. Parking costs may vary between weekdays and weekends.
3. Many school groups visit the Fair during the week, contributing to higher attendance.

Must-Try Experiences

1. Visit the Petting Zoo.
2. Watch a live animal care demonstration, including cattle and goat milking, as well as sheep shearing at specific times.
3. Snap a photo with The Royal’s mascot, Turbo (@turbo_goat).
4. Cheer on competitors during a horse jumping event. The skill of the jockeys is impressive, but it requires years of training to reach that level.
5. Indulge in the food – there are countless options available to satisfy your hunger after all the walking!

Your Quick Checklist for a Great Visit

1. Wear comfortable shoes, as there will be plenty of walking if you want to explore.
2. Bring your phone or camera to capture memorable moments.
3. Consider packing hand sanitizer or disinfecting wipes; however, hand-washing stations are conveniently located near the animal exhibits.
4. Mark your calendars – The 2018 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair takes place from November 1-11, 2018.

Have photos or videos from your visit? Please share them with us at @LetsDiscoverON.

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