Canada's Wonderland
Canada’s Wonderland is located in Toronto, Ontario. It is Canada’s premier theme and Ride Park with over 200 shows and attractions and 65 rides. It is located in Vaughn, which is just 30 minutes north of Toronto. The park is open May to November- typical amusement park hours. This huge park might take more than one visit- there is so much to do and see. There is 370 acres of fun as well as live entertainment on multiple stages.
Canada’s Wonderland Rides, Tickets, Coupons and Reviews
In the last decade Fearfest and Spooktactular, Halloween-themed rides and costume contests and treasure hunts have been introduced to keep the park open until November.
Canada’s Wonderland is famous for its thrill rides. There are 19 of them! They offer various ranges of thrill and are guaranteed to make you scream! The Behemoth is the newest, biggest tallest and fastest roller coaster in Canada! It is not for the faint of heart. With names like Wild Beast, Vortex, Riptide, and Thunder Run, the idea is to take you high and fast and leave you shaking and wanting more.
For the children and those wishing a more sedate experience the park offers slower, cartooned themed rides where the emphasis is on laughing and travelling at slow speeds. The park is also home to a giant pool and splash park called Splash Works, which has a multitude of slides waves, pools and The Lazy River for those who just want to float along peacefully.
Canada’s Wonderland Concerts, Music, Dancing, and Stages
There is live entertainment as well-internationally acclaimed performers, musicians, dancers and acrobats occupy a multitude of stages. Check the website for the latest acts and buy tickets early to avoid disappointment. Shopping and dining are also located within the site so there is no need to go hungry or leave without a souvenir.
Plan to spend at least 2 days at Canada’s Wonderland- there is simply too much to see and do to do it all in one day. Or choose one day and see a show or just go swimming. Whatever you choose- you will want to go back again and again!
Complete directions and details on rides and attraction are available at:
http://www.canadaswonderland.com/index.cfm#action
History of Canada’s Wonderland
The history of Canada’s Wonderland dates back to 1972 when the city decided they needed and amusement park to accommodate their growing population. Several locations in and around the Metro Toronto area were considered, including Niagara Falls, and the final location in Vaughn, just north of Toronto was chosen as the site.
Initially there was resistance to the building of a theme park so close to a residential area. Residents were concerned about noise and the park‘s presence lowering their property values. The Royal Ontario Museum was worried that increased attendance elsewhere would lower their popularity. The company that built Canada’s Wonderland, Taft Broadcasting went as far as to fly the opponents out to Cincinnati, Ohio to show them that an amusement park and residential housing could co-exist in peace and harmony.
Construction began in 1979 and Canada’s Wonderland opened in 1981. To offset concern about the park being too "American" in theme, designers included many Canadian theme venues as well. Paramount Pictures purchased the park in the 1980’s. Many more children’s themed rides and attractions were added.