The Rockton World's Fair, running since 1852
A fall fair that predates Confederation
One of the biggest agricultural fairs in the country, on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend. A bus from downtown Toronto to the gate, your admission in the same ticket, and the whole day to wander. No highway, no parking field, no drive home in the dark.
Rockton started in 1852 as the Beverly Agricultural Society Fair, and has gone by the World's Fair in Rockton since 1878. In all that time it has missed six years: 1917 and 1918, 1942 through 1944, and 2020. Everything else, it has run.
It is now one of the largest agricultural and livestock events in Canada, with roughly fifty thousand people through the gates over Thanksgiving weekend. Their own phrase for what they are doing is bringing urban and rural together, and on a Saturday that means a 4-H beef show at nine in the morning and a demolition derby at seven at night, on the same patch of ground.
In between there is a midway, a giant pumpkin championship, a horse show, a poultry and rabbit barn, a craft centre, and a pie eating contest with a class for couples.
We handle the logistics. You handle the adventure.
Pickup Locations
What is included?
The round trip bus from downtown Toronto and your admission to the fair. Midway rides are separate and are bought at the fair.
Where does the bus drop us?
At the fairground itself, 812 Old Highway 8 in Rockton, not at an overflow lot with a shuttle. You get off and you walk in.
Is this a guided trip?
No. You are dropped at the fair and the day is yours. Come back to the bus at the time your driver gives you.
What sort of bus is it?
A school bus for this one. That means no washroom on board and seats that do not recline, which is a fair trade on a short run but worth knowing before you book.
Can I see the demolition derby?
It starts at 7 PM on the Saturday. Whether the bus is still there is not confirmed yet, so please check the return time before you plan on it.
Is there food at the fair?
Yes, plenty, indoors and out, and a craft show and vendors as well. You do not need to carry lunch the way you would on a park trip.
Is it good for kids?
Very. There is a midway, a poultry and rabbit barn, farm animals, stilt walking and magic around the grounds, and stage shows through the afternoon. The derby in the evening is loud, so bring ear protection for small ones.
How old is this fair?
It started in 1852 as the Beverly Agricultural Society Fair and has been called the World's Fair in Rockton since 1878. It has only missed six years: 1917, 1918, 1942 to 1944, and 2020.
What if I have to cancel?
Cancel more than 14 days before you go and you get 90% back. The other 10% is what the payment processor keeps and we never see it. Inside 14 days we cannot refund, with one exception: a medical emergency in the 48 hours before departure, with a doctor's note. If we are the ones who cancel, you get everything back. The full policy is on our terms of service page.
