Amusement Park in Ontario

Canada’s Wonderland is a popular amusement park in Ontario is located in Vaughan, just north of Toronto. It is the largest theme park in Canada, spanning 134 hectares, and features over 200 attractions, including 18 roller coasters, making it the third-most roller coaster-rich park globally. 

The park is divided into various sections, catering to different age groups and preferences. For thrill-seekers, Canada’s Wonderland offers a wide range of roller coasters, such as Yukon Striker, Leviathan, and Behemoth, known for their speed, height, and adrenaline-pumping experiences. 

Additionally, the park features a 20-acre water park, Splash Works, which offers a variety of water slides, a wave pool, children’s splash stations, and cliff jumping at Mountain Bay Cliffs.

The park also caters to families with young children, offering two family-friendly areas, KidZville and Planet Snoopy, which feature more than 25 rides and attractions, as well as meet-and-greets with the Peanuts gang.

Canada’s Wonderland is not only a summer destination but also offers year-round entertainment, with special events like Halloween Haunt and WinterFest, ensuring that guests can enjoy the park’s attractions and live shows throughout the year.

In addition to its physical attractions, Canada’s Wonderland has an official YouTube channel that showcases videos of the park’s rides, events, and behind-the-scenes content, providing a virtual experience for those who cannot visit the park in person.

Canada’s Wonderland is a must-visit destination for amusement park enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of attractions, roller coasters, water slides, and live entertainment, catering to visitors of all ages and preferences.

Planning of the Canada’s Wonderland

Initially proposed in 1972, the Taft Broadcasting Company, under the leadership of Kelly Robinson, intended to construct a 134-hectare (330-acre) amusement park in Maple, Ontario, which was a small village situated in Vaughan, Ontario, directly north of Toronto at the time. 

Several alternative locations in Ontario, including Niagara Falls, Cambridge, and Milton, were considered, but Maple was ultimately chosen due to its proximity to the 400-series of highways and the City of Toronto.

Several individuals, including the Conklin family, who operated Conklin Shows, had contemplated the Greater Toronto Area. Conklin Shows built and operated midways throughout North America, including Exhibition Place’s Canadian National Exhibition midway in Toronto. 

Walt Disney also contemplated the notion before finalizing the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. 

However, he rejected Toronto primarily due to the city’s seasonal climate, which would have rendered the operational season unprofitablely brief.

There were opposition to the park’s construction on numerous fronts. Numerous Toronto cultural institutions, including Ontario Place, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the Canadian National Exhibition operators, believed that the city’s market was insufficient to sustain additional competition. 

An additional organization that opposed the construction of Wonderland was SAVE, a Vaughan residential association that believed the increased traffic would depreciate property values. 

Regional residents were apprehensive that the aesthetics of the new park might resemble those of a midway or carnival. 

The company made several concessions, including the construction of a landscaped berm around the park to mitigate pollution and the alteration of the appearance of the expansive parking lot. 

A group of opponents and regional councilors were flown to Mason, Ohio (near Cincinnati) by Taft Broadcasting to demonstrate the positive influence that one of its theme parks had on the local community. This action was taken in response to opposition.

Canada’s Wonderland was additionally accountable for the modification of the provincial master development plan for Ontario. 

The objective of the provincial government was to promote residential and commercial growth in the Durham Regional Municipality, encompassing Pickering and Oshawa, to the east of Toronto. 

Simultaneously, the government aimed to preserve the agricultural lands to the north of Toronto as Greenbelt areas. The promoters of Wonderland successfully persuaded the province to modify its planning policy for the area. 

In exchange, the park obtained expanded and constructed-out infrastructure enhancements, such as a highway overpass and sewage systems. This infrastructure facilitated the expansion of regional development.

Throughout the park’s development, a decision was made to feature Wonder Mountain as its focal point, in contrast to its sibling parks Kings Island and Kings Dominion which feature replica Eiffel Towers.

Cultural implications were also cited as causes for concern regarding the opening of an American amusement park in Canada. 

Numerous individuals believed it could serve as a “Trojan Horse” for American culture. Taft intended to open Frontier Canada, a section of the park devoted to the history of Canada, in response to the criticism. 

The region that presently comprises Splash Works, White Water Canyon, the Action Theatre, and the southern portion of Kidzville is depicted on early park maps. Taft later suggested the incorporation of a steam passenger train. 

Despite the fact that a different owner did not propose Frontier Canada until 2019, a number of its original concepts remain in the vicinity. 

In contrast to its sibling parks, Kings Island and Kings Dominion, an early decision was made to not feature a replica of the renowned Eiffel Tower in its centrepiece. 

Conversely, the architects of the park opted to erect a formidable structure called Wonder Mountain atop International Street. A large cascade and interior pathways led visitors to a vantage point atop Wonder Mountain. 

Since then, the interior pathways have been and continue to be closed. The park declared intentions to eventually construct a hotel bearing the Hyatt House and Hyatt Place brand in 2018.

Construction and opening of Canada’s Wonderland

Premier Bill Davis of Ontario depressed the plunger on an electronic detonating device located at St. Lawrence Hall in downtown Toronto on 13 June 1979, thereby inciting a detonation at the location. 

Immediate construction commenced and persisted until the beginning of 1981. Canadian corporations collaborated with them during the project’s preliminary design and engineering phases.

Twelve local firms were contracted to construct the mountain, working under the direction of engineer Curtis D. Summers of Cincinnati. The public was granted access to Canada’s Wonderland in May 1981.

After a span of two years, on May 23, 1981, Dudley S. Taft Sr., president of Davis and Taft Broadcasting, formally inaugurated Canada’s Wonderland for the general public. 

In addition to a pipe band, 10,000 helium balloons, thirteen parachutists, and 350 white doves participated in the spectacular inauguration ceremony. 

In order to symbolize the Arctic, Pacific, Atlantic, and Great Lakes regions of Canada, four children poured water from their respective native regions into the fountain in the park. 

In addition to being present as a distinguished guest, hockey superstar Wayne Gretzky assisted in the raising of the Canadian flag. 

On this occasion, the park welcomed 12,000 visitors for the very first time. In 2021 dollars, the park will have cost $343 million, or $120 million.

Rides At Canada’s Wonderland: Amusement Park In Ontario

Canada’s Wonderland is a popular amusement park in Ontario, Canada, known for its thrilling rides and attractions. The park features a variety of roller coasters, including the Leviathan, which dominates the skyline at 306 feet and is the ninth fastest in the world. 

The park’s newest ride, Yukon Striker, is a floorless coaster that sends riders over a 90-degree drop, reaching speeds of 80 miles per hour and featuring four inversions.

In addition to roller coasters, Canada’s Wonderland offers a water park called Splash Works, which features a wave pool, water slides, children’s splash stations, and cliff jumping at Mountain Bay Cliffs. 

The park also has two family-friendly areas, KidZville and Planet Snoopy, where children can enjoy over 25 rides and attractions, as well as meet and greets with the Peanuts gang.

The park’s roller coasters cater to a range of thrill levels, from the tamer Ghoster Coaster and Silver Streak, designed for young children and families, to the more intense Vortex, which features a suspended track that hugs the ground and offers a thrilling ride experience. 

The park’s wooden coaster, Mighty Canadian Minebuster, is a rough-and-tumble ride that is popular among adults and children alike.

Canada’s Wonderland also offers live entertainment, including the Ultimate Thrill Circus, Fall Out Stunt Dive Show, and dance parties with the Peanuts Gang. 

The park’s Splash Works water park is a popular destination during the summer months, offering 20 acres of refreshing fun, including slides, water playgrounds, a lazy river, wave pool, and exhilarating cliff jumping at Mountain Bay Cliffs.

Canada’s Wonderland is a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers and families looking for a fun-filled day out. With its variety of roller coasters, water park, family-friendly areas, and live entertainment, the park offers something for everyone to enjoy.

Most Recent Additions To Canada’s Wonderland

Canada’s Wonderland has recently announced a new addition to Splash Works, their water park. 

The new slide adventure, Moosehorn Falls, is set to open in 2024 and will take guests on a wild raft expedition down a rushing river cascade of twists, turns, and drops before being propelled to the summit of a zero-gravity wall. 

This new slide promises to offer a unique and thrilling experience for visitors, adding to the park’s already impressive lineup of attractions.

Reviews Of Canada’s Wonderland

The reviews of Canada’s Wonderland highlight the park’s diverse attractions, including a wide range of roller coasters, family-friendly rides, and a water park. 

Visitors praise the park for its thrilling rides like Leviathan, Behemoth, and Yukon Striker, as well as the family-friendly areas like KidZville and Planet Snoopy. 

The park’s Splash Works water park is also a popular attraction, offering a variety of water slides, a wave pool, and cliff jumping at Mountain Bay Cliffs. 

Additionally, Canada’s Wonderland is known for its live entertainment, shows, and special events like Halloween Haunt and WinterFest, providing a fun experience for visitors of all ages

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Amusement Park in Ontario:

Where is Canada’s Wonderland located?

Canada’s Wonderland is located in Vaughan, Ontario, just north of Toronto, Canada.

What are the main attractions at Canada’s Wonderland?

The park features over 200 attractions, including 18 roller coasters such as Leviathan, Behemoth, and Yukon Striker. It also has a 20-acre water park called Splash Works, family-friendly areas like KidZville and Planet Snoopy, and various live entertainment options.

When did Canada’s Wonderland open?

Canada’s Wonderland officially opened its gates to the public on May 23, 1981.

What are the special events held at Canada’s Wonderland?

The park hosts special events such as Halloween Haunt and WinterFest, providing guests with seasonal entertainment beyond the regular park offerings.

Is Canada’s Wonderland open year-round?

While Canada’s Wonderland is primarily a summer destination, it offers year-round entertainment with special events and limited operations during certain seasons.

What are the recent additions to Canada’s Wonderland?

The latest addition announced is Moosehorn Falls, a new slide adventure in Splash Works, set to open in 2024, promising a thrilling raft expedition down a rushing river cascade.

What are the park’s operating hours?

Operating hours vary depending on the season and special events. It’s best to check the official website or contact the park directly for up-to-date information on hours of operation.

Are there accommodations available near Canada’s Wonderland?

While Canada’s Wonderland itself doesn’t offer accommodations, there are various hotels and lodging options available in the surrounding area of Vaughan and Toronto for visitors to stay during their visit.

Is there transportation available to Canada’s Wonderland from Toronto?

Yes, there are various transportation options available including public transit, shuttle services, and driving. Visitors can check the park’s website for recommended transportation methods and directions.

Are there any age or height restrictions for rides at Canada’s Wonderland?

Yes, some rides have height restrictions for safety reasons, and certain attractions may have age or weight restrictions as well. It’s advisable to review the park’s guidelines and regulations before planning your visit, especially if you have young children or individuals with specific needs.