Vancouver PNE: 98 Years Old and Still Going Strong

Fondly referred to as “the PNE” by Vancouverites, the Pacific National Exhibition is a fair like no other. Much more than just rides — and what rides! — the PNE serves up a cornucopia of entertainment.

Toffee apple time at Vancouver’s PNE Pacific National Exhibition

Fondly referred to as “the PNE” by Vancouverites, the Pacific National Exhibition is a fair like no other. Much more than just rides — and what rides! — the PNE serves up a cornucopia of entertainment.

Beginning 92 years ago as a five-day agricultural and industrial exhibition in Hastings Park, the PNE has grown dramatically in the years since and now has over 700 attractions, shows and events.

While it operates all year, the summer months when Playland and the Fair are running are by far the PNE’s busiest. The Fair alone, which runs for 17 days, attracts close to 1 million people.

The Fair includes events such as the Lumberjack Show (which has axe throwing, wood chopping and spar pole climbing competitions), Superdogs, the Jungle Book, the Flying Canucks and the award-winning Rollin’Thunder.

One of the biggest crowd pleasers at the Fair is a show called the Peking Acrobats, says Fair president and CEO Mike McDaniel.

“This is a group we got last year and they’re back this year with a brand new show. There are four shows a day and every show is full. It’s an amazing world class show.”