Visiting the PNE Fair is a long-standing Vancouver tradition, and it’s still just as exciting to visit, year after year. 

Here’s some easy tips to save when visiting the PNE Fair this summer, and don’t forget to drop by the TransLink Zone during your visit for free fun. 

1. Take transit to the PNE Fair

Parking is available for $25 at the PNE — if you can find a spot. Save the parking fee by taking transit and leaving the car at home! We’ve got extra service to the PNE. 

It’s easy to ride transit — simply tap your Interac Debit or contactless credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express) on our Compass Card readers to pay an adult fare. This includes Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

Remember that all trips across the system starting after 6:30 p.m. on weekdays and all travel on weekends and holidays are a 1-Zone fare. Kids 12 and under ride transit for free! 

2. Tap into 2-for-1 admission on TransLink Fridays 

Friday, Aug. 22 and 29 are TransLink Fridays at the PNE Fair!

Ride transit to PNE and show your Compass Card or proof of fare at the entrance gate to receive 2-for-1 admission. 

3. Bring a friend or two — or three! 

There’s a ton of great food to try at the PNE Fair, so much that you may not even get to it all.

Instead of buying multiple different food items, choose a few you’d be willing to split with a friend or family member. This helps get a little taste of everything without actually spending a full entree’s worth of cash. They buy one, you buy one, and you split it, allowing both you and them to try something new. Some dishes can be so large you’d likely be wanting to share anyways, so get menu browsing! 

4. Decide whether the ride pass is right for you

Just being at the PNE Fair is an adventure in itself, but the Playland portion can be tempting if you’ve got the entire day. Playland has a few different options for tickets, so instead of paying for a ride pass and only visiting a handful of rides, you can choose the ride pass that will work best for YOU, your crew and your must-do rides. 

You can purchase individual ride coupons for a few rides, or purchase a ride pass for unlimited rides. 

There are two kinds of ride passes available for purchase that determine what you’ve got access to. 

The Fun Pass includes kid-oriented rides for $39 online, and kids 3 and under ride free. This is a good option if you plan on accompanying children who won’t have interest in, or be able to ride the large rides to begin with. If you’re visiting at a time where you won’t get a chance to ride the thrill seekers, this is the one for you. 

The Thrill Seeker Pass, which includes every ride in the Fun Pass, along with access to rides like the Log Flume, the Wooden Rollercoaster, and Hell’s Gate. This might be your go-to if you’re visiting with a large group who may need to share childcare or with no children in your party. It still allows you to enjoy the smaller rides when needed, but gives you access to all of the major thrill rides that Playland has to offer, 

5. Purchase tickets online or visit the PNE Fair in the evening

Purchase tickets in advance online and save up to $5 on admission or a ride pass. Skip the line and secure your spot at the same time!

You can also plan to visit the PNE Fair between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. and receive 50 per cent off admission at the gate each night of the Fair. This could be a good opportunity to revisit some things you may have missed during your first visit, or a short visit for those who’ve been to the PNE each year. Pair this tip with the first one about travelling on transit after 6:30 p.m. and you’ve got a great deal. 

For more ways to save, visit pne.ca. Any wallet-friendly tips we missed? See you at the PNE Fair this year!