2901 East Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC
V5K 5J1 Web Site
Map to the Playland at the PNE
PNE Switchboard
604-253-2311
Monday - Friday
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Closed on statutory holidays
One of the most popular attractions at the PNE site is Playland
Amusement Park, the 15-acre amusement park (open from April through
October) has hosted millions of thrill seekers of all ages since it
opened in 1910.
The Park was named "Happy Land" in 1926 and remained on the original
site until 1958, when it was moved to its present site and re-opened
under the name, Playland. Previously owned by a number of parent
companies, Playland became a division of the Pacific National Exhibition
family in July, 1993.
Playland's marquee attraction, the beloved 1958 Wooden Roller Coaster
remains the most popular ride on the site and one of the most highly
regarded wooden coasters in the world. Designed by the legendary ride
construction team, Carl Phare and Walker LeRoy, the Playland Wooden
Coaster rides over half a million thrill seekers annually.
In 1910 Canadian Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier officially opened
the first annual Pacific National Exhibition, known at the time as "The
Industrial Exhibition." The Fair was seen as a showcase of British
Columbia to the rest of Canada and the world, and was the second largest
event of its kind in North America, behind the New York State Fair.
Since the first Fair, the annual event has become the largest annual
ticketed event in the province, and continues to draw in excess of
900,000 visitors during its 17 days.
Many significant events in the history of this province occurred during
the annual Fair at the PNE. Throughout the Fair's long life numerous
technological firsts debuted at the PNE, including the first rotary
telephone in the Pacific Northwest, and aircraft and rocketry displays.
Many of today's largest consumer shows got their start as a part of the
annual Fair including: the Vancouver Boat Show, the BC Home Show and the
Pacific International Auto Show, which all began as displays at the PNE.
Over the past decade, the PNE has evolved from its role as an industry
showcase into a centre for entertainment and family fun. World class and
award-winning shows such as Cirque Pop, City Rhythm and Bring on the
Night were all created especially, and exclusively for the PNE.
Traditional favourites such as the Eukanuba
Superdogs Show, created at the
PNE in 1984 continue to thrill over 300,000 fair-goers annually.
The PNE at Hastings Park is conveniently located at the corner of
Hastings Street and Renfrew Street in beautiful Vancouver, British
Columbia! |
