#1 Trade Show & Convention
A total of 1.36 million people visited the 18-day fair in 2013, ranking it among the top 10 exhibitions in North America by attendance. New in 2013 were the PC Financial Zip Line and the Flying Wallendas high-wire performers. Next: August 15-September 1, 2014
#3 Trade Show & Convention
The world’s largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show welcomes 300,000 visitors annually and sees 5,000 animals compete in hundreds of events. New in 2014: the Royal Buttertart Competition and the return of the Christmas Tree Competition. Next: November 7-16, 2014
#4 Trade Show & Convention
Almost 300,000 car enthusiasts, and more than 1,000 media representatives, checked out the show’s new and unusual rides in 2014. The official host this year was Chrysler Canada, and C.E.O. Sergio Marchionne was the keynote speaker at the opening ceremonies. Next: February 15-24, 2015
#5 Trade Show & Convention
Can Expo Canada celebrates its 20th year in 2014. About 120,000, or 20 percent more, fans are expected, and the number of exhibitors will increase to 1,000 at the mecca of all things pop culture, also referred to as Comicon North. Next: August 28-31, 2014
#6 Trade Show & Convention
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, One of a Kind expects 140,000 art, craft, and design lovers to attend its 2014 Christmas show, where 800 Canadian artisans will sell their unique wares. Next: November 27-December 7, 2014
#8 Trade Show & Convention
More than 80,000 attended Canada’s biggest outdoors show in 2014 at the Direct Energy Centre. New this year were the Marvelous Mutts dog show and the Outdoor Adventure Pool, sponsored by the Hamilton Halton Brant Tourism Association. Next: February 5-8, 2015
#9 Trade Show & Convention
The spring Cottage Life Show set an attendance record in 2014—the second year in a row—with almost 34,000 cottagers and would-be cottagers taking in 575 exhibits at the International Centre. Next: October 24-26, 2014
#10 Trade Show & Convention
Despite the fact that frigid weather helped drive attendance down by 11 percent in 2014 to 72,000, more than one million square feet of space at the Direct Energy Centre was sold out and crowds flocked to Winter Wake Fest at the indoor lake in Ricoh Coliseum. Next: January 10-18, 2015
#11 Trade Show & Convention
The three-pronged expo—International Home Show, Better Living Boomer Show, and Interior Decorating Show—grew to 450 exhibitors in 2013 with 2,000 home experts on hand over four days. Next: October 10-13, 2014
#12 Trade Show & Convention
The three-day event for emerging and established designers, sponsored by National Bank, attracted 50,000 visitors in 2014 and named Patrizia Moroso, creative director of Italian design house Moroso, as International Guest of Honour. Next: January 22-25, 2015
