The Orbitor ride at the Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto (© James Hackland/Alamy Stock Photo)

Toronto's summer ritual rolls in today—big wheels turning, bands tuning up and crowds filing through the gates. The Canadian National Exhibition is back, and it's bringing the full line-up with it. From the gravity-defying Orbitor ride, seen in today's image, to deep-fried everything, The Ex blends nostalgia with new thrills each year. First held in 1879, it started as a showcase of agriculture and technology. While these themes still feature in areas like the Farm Pavilion and Innovation Garage, the exhibition now also includes large-scale entertainment and sports programming.