This November, discovering, learning, and celebrating over A Century of Champions!
The Royal has evolved into the world’s largest indoor agricultural and equestrian event. With the Royal Horse Show standing as one of the premier equestrian spectacles globally, it draws top athletes from around the world. Winning at The Royal is an achievement that carries weight, whether you’re crafting artisanal jams, raising prize livestock, or competing with six-horse hitches. Each year, 300,000 visitors gather to experience and honor the best in food, farming, and horsemanship that this country has to offer.
A Royal History
Since 1922, farmers, growers, producers, and homesteaders from across Canada have gathered in the city to showcase their finest agricultural products and livestock. After the First World War, a group of influential farmers and horsemen, led by shorthorn cattle breeder W.A. Dryden, came together to plan an exhibition that would highlight Canada’s top agricultural offerings. They were united by a strong belief in Canada’s potential to compete on a world stage. With a bold vision and tireless ambition, they secured full support from all three levels of government and, with royal approval from King George V, were granted the “Royal” designation.
Construction of the Royal Coliseum—an iconic building that still welcomes visitors to Toronto today—began in early 1921 in preparation for the inaugural Fair that November. However, due to delays in construction, the 1921 Fair had to be postponed until the following year. Despite this setback, the 1922 Fair proved to be a tremendous success, surpassing all expectations and firmly establishing The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair as one of the premier agricultural events in the world.