Canada's Wonderland Travel Information - Facts, Location, Best time to visit

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Make your child’s dream come true in a premier amusement park – Canada’s Wonderland

Face your fears and see if you can keep your lunch down on soaring roller coasters, have fun-in-the-sun pleasures in the water park, and make you child’s dream come true in a premier amusement park – Canada’s Wonderland. It’s really no wonder that this wonderland is an all-in-one entertainment package with thrills for every guest. From Ferris wheels to roller coasters, light & sound shows to water sports, it is deservedly one of the most visited amusement parks in North America.

History

Construction of this park began in June 1979 and continued till 1981. The park was officially opened to public on May 23, 1981.

Facts about Canada’s Wonderland

The park is spread over an area of 330 acres.Having 200 attractions (including games) with over 69 rides, it is the largest amusement park in Canada.With 16 roller coasters, it has the second-most roller coasters in an amusement park. It has about 6,000 trees and 75,000 shrubs. Halloween Haunt, a Halloween event, runs after the regular operating hours on evenings from Friday to Sunday in October. At 1,672 meter, Leviathan is the longest roller coaster in the park.

Things to Do in Canada’s Wonderland

Canada’s Wonderland Rides – This park has the most exhilarating collection of adrenaline-inducing rides and roller coasters in the country. Some of the themed sections are: International Street, Medieval Faire, Action Zone, KidZville, and more. Rides are categorized according to low, mid, moderate, high, and aggressive thrill levels of one to five.

Thrill Rides – While the Backlot Stunt Coaster twists and turns through a helix and takes a series of quick drops, it takes riders up to 70 meters and descends at a 75° angle with a speed reaching nearly 80 miles per hour. Other major thrill rides include SlingShot, Sledge Hammer, Time Warp, WindSeeker, and Drop Tower – which provides panoramic view of the park. While Leviathan is among the tallest roller coasters in the world, Flight Deck is the only inverted looping jet coaster in Canada.
Family Rides – A variety of relaxing rides awaits for those who prefer milder thrills. Hop on the hand-carved horses of the Antique Carousel; soar through the air on Swing of the Century, and tame the powerful rapids through caves in White Water Canyon. Klockwerks, Silver Streak, The Rage, and Timberwolf Falls are moderate level rides that suit best for all age groups.
Kids Rides – If you want your kids to fly, whirl, and swoop through entertaining rides then Planet Snoopy and KidZville are the places to be! Take a leisurely boat ride in Swan Lake or go on a trip in an antique car on Jokey’s Jalopies. Blast Off!, Chopper Chase, Jumpin’ Jet, and Peanuts 500 are ideal for little riders.

Splash Works Water Park – Comprising an area of 20 acres, this aquatic playground is the ultimate shelter in humid summers. Whitewater Bay (the largest outdoor wave pool in Canada), 400-m-long Lazy River, body flumes, tube rides, and water slides make sure visitors have a splashing day. Do not miss out on the thrill rides such as Barracuda Blaster, Pumphouse, Riptide Racer, and Super Soaker.

Starlight Spectacular – It’s a light & sound show that takes place in the Royal Fountain near the Wonder Mountain. It is presented every night from June to September. You can also watch a concert in a 15,000-seat amphitheater – Kingswood Music Theatre.

Dinosaurs Alive – Step back in time and stand face-to-face with animatronic dinosaurs. This section, with over 40 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, provides an educational experience about the “Age of the Dinosaurs.”

Wonder Mountain – Built with over 1,000 tons of steel, this is the centerpiece of Canada’s Wonderland. Wonder Mountain’s Guardian, an exciting interactive roller coaster, begins with a climb to the top and with a descent to its core. On this 300-m-long ride, encounter mythical creatures and observe five different layers of a 4-dimensional medieval world.

Shopping – Both sides of the International street, near the park entrance, are lined with souvenir shops, clothing stores, candy stores, and restaurants. Splash Surf Shop sells swimwear, flip flops, hats, and towels. For pop culture merchandise, popular gifts and toys head to Fun Shoppe in Medieval Faire.

Canada’s Wonderland Map

Canada’s Wonderland Location

This theme park is located in Vaughan, approximately 25 miles (40 km) north of Toronto in Ontario.

Canada’s Wonderland Address: 1, Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Maple, ON L6A 1S6.

How to Reach?

By Air – Toronto Pearson International Airport, 14 miles northwest of downtown Toronto, is the gateway to this theme park.

By Train – York University GO Station and Maple GO Station are the nearest commuter rail stations to the park. GO, TTC, & YRT bus stops are conveniently located close to the park’s main entrance.

By Road – Rent a car from Toronto and follow Highway 400 to Vaughan and then take Exit 33 at Rutherford Road. A bus route – 165A Weston Rd North – operates to the park on weekends and holidays. A pick-up and drop-off service, accessible on all operating days, is provided on the east side of the main parking lot, off of Jane Street.

Accommodations

There are some luxurious hotels that provide shuttle services to the park. Best Western Parkway Hotel, Sheraton Parkway Toronto North, Courtyard Toronto Vaughan, and Residence Inn Toronto Vaughan are good options for mid-range accommodations. Budget travelers should check out Sakura Homestay, All Days Hostel, and The Planet Traveler Hostel.

Restaurants in Canada’s Wonderland

Restaurants and fast food joints in Canada’s Wonderland serve a wide variety of gluten-free and healthier food. Backlot Café, Funnel Cakes, Coasters Diner, BeaverTails, and The Marketplace International Buffet are some of the most sought after places to eat.

Best Time to Visit

It is a seasonal theme park that opens in summer season (May through October) every year. Usually, it operates daily until the Labor Day and then only on weekends until Halloween.

Nearby Attractions

The LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Toronto, Black Creek Pioneer Village, McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Aviva Centre, and Royal Ontario Museum.

Things to Remember

A ‘Fast Lane’ wristband enables visitors to skip the queue for 19 rides and attractions.
Purchase a season pass to enjoy unlimited summer and fall visits and free season-long parking.
The park has ample parking spots including disabled parking. Parking for car costs $20 and for RV campers costs $25.
Check height restrictions on rides prior to arriving at the park.
Dining plans from single meal to all season meals are available.
Pets, outside food, and beverages are allowed inside.
Cameras, selfie sticks, and other filming devices are not permitted on any ride.
You can keep swimsuits, towels, and other belongings in your personal locker.
Tickets for VIP Tours must be reserved in advance.