When most people think of Downtown Toronto, agricultural excellence does not usually come to mind. However, since 1922, for a few days in November, the best in agriculture from across Canada is showcased at The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (The Royal) at Exhibition Place.
After the First World War, a collective of notable farmers and horsemen got together to plan an exhibition of Canada’s finest agricultural wares. Led by shorthorn cattleman W.A. Dryden, the group believed strongly in Canada’s ability to compete at a world-class level. The group solicited and received full support from all three levels of government and was granted the Royal moniker by King George V. During its 104-year history, several members of the Royal Family have visited the fair.
The Royal, with no pun intended, is really the crown on the yearly series of agricultural fairs across Ontario that begin in late spring and continue to late fall. Farmers from across the province and Canada bring livestock and other farm products to The Royal every year competing for top titles on everything from dairy cattle to honey. In the past, local honey producers, including McCaig and Stewart’s of Glengarry, have competed and won top prizes at The Royal.
The Royal Horse Show has been a feature of the fair since the beginning and remains the signature event. The Royal also includes the entertaining Animal Theatre, Agricultural Shows, butter sculptures, educational displays, demonstrations of agricultural food products, and sales of artisan-made merchandise. Live entertainment is also featured during the fair.
While it may not have the midway, grandstand shows, and outdoor festivities associated with the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) or agricultural fairs in dozens of communities across Ontario, The Royal is a fair that puts high-quality agricultural products and practices first, making it a destination for farmers, but also for people who respect agricultural excellence and appreciate the people, animals, and processes that get food from fields and barns to stores and plates.
The Royal Coliseum adjacent to the CNE grounds, which today has the corporate sponsorship name of The Coca-Cola Coliseum, was built for the purpose of hosting the first edition of The Royal. Construction began early in 1921 in anticipation of the event in November. However, construction delays resulted in completion in 1922, and the first fair was held that year instead. When the Coliseum is not being used for fairs and other shows, it is also the home ice for the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies, the Toronto Sceptres of the Professional Women’s Hockey League, and the Toronto Tempo of the Women’s National Basketball Association.
For the complete schedule of the 2026 edition of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, and to purchase tickets online, go to https://www.royalfair.org.
