Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver

The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) on the Burnaby/Vancouver border in British Columbia operates Playland in the summer months with dozens of rides from roller coasters to swing rides and the Hellevator which launches riders high into the sky to fabulous views of the Park below and the surrounding mountains, ocean and cities above. CREDIT: Venture Vancouver, SOURCE: www.venturevancouver.com

The highest ride at the PNE is the Hellevator which lifts visitors above the park with spectacular views of the Vancouver Region.

STATS

HOURS

RATES

Type:

Theme Park

Season:

Spring, Summer, Fall, Halloween

Weather:

All Weather

Time:

3 hours

Cost:

What to bring:

Camera, Sense of Humour, Sense of Curiosity

Operating since 1910, the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) encompasses many events throughout the year. The Park is best known for the Fair which opens in August and offers stalls, shops, entertainment and animals. The exhibition grounds also include several attractions such as the Hastings Race Course, Pacific Coliseum and Playland.

The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) located on East Hastings has been in operation since 1910 when it was opened by Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier, providing a place for local Vancouverites to enjoy shows, events, attractions and rides in the summer months.

The exhibition grounds encompass several acres of land and several attractions such as Playland, The Pacific Coliseum (an ice skating pavilion which was used for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games for figure skating and short track speed skating), the PNE Agrodome, Hastings Racecourse, a horse racing track and other buildings which host different events throughout the year.

The most popular event at the Pacific National Exhibition is the Fair at the PNE which occurs at the end of summer and involves shops, stalls ans attractions set up throughout the PNE celebrating the region's agriculture and economy. It was once the second largest Fair in North America and has been the site of the unveiling of many technological firsts such as the rotary phone and rocket demonstrations. With thousands of people attending the fair throughout its two week run, it is one of the most popular events, taking over the exhibition grounds.

Playland is the Pacific National Exhibition's attraction park spanning fifteen acres and filled with dozens of rides from roller coasters to spinning swings. Originally part of the Fair, the Park was known as Happyland from 1926 to 1958 when it was renamed Playland and its most well known attraction, the Wooden Roller Coaster was introduced the same year it was renamed Playland. In October, Playland takes on a more sinister appearance with the arrival of Fright Nights for Halloween where the Park is transformed into a spooky nighttime attraction with haunted houses, mazes and scary actors frightening guests.

The Pacific National Exhibition is one of Vancouver's oldest attractions offers events throughout the year to enjoy.