If you’re planning a trip to Canada’s Wonderland, you’re in for a treat! I’m Zahid from Theme Park Brandon, and today I’m sharing all the secret tips, must-know advice, and my personal plan of attack to help you save time and money while experiencing the best of Canada’s largest amusement park. Whether you’re a tourist, immigrant, student, or local visitor, this guide will help you make the most out of your visit.
Table of Contents
- Arriving Early: Your First Step to a Great Day
- Is Purchasing Fast Lane Worth It?
- Top 5 Must-Ride Non-Roller Coaster Attractions
- Where to Eat: Top 5 Food Spots at Canada’s Wonderland
- Best Time to Visit Canada’s Wonderland
- How Many Days Do You Need?
- Slowest and Fastest Moving Lines
- Best Night Rides at Canada’s Wonderland
- Where to Stay Near Canada’s Wonderland
- How to Cool Off on a Hot Day
- Travel Tip: Avoid Highway 407 Tolls
- Canada’s Wonderland with Kids
- Seasonal Events and Live Entertainment
- Where to Use the Restrooms
- Season Pass Perks
- Parking Tips
- My Canada’s Wonderland Plan of Attack
- FAQ
Arriving Early: Your First Step to a Great Day
One of the most important tips for Canada’s Wonderland is to arrive early—at least an hour before the park opens. This gives you enough time to get through parking, walk to the entrance, and breeze through security checks. The front gate area can get pretty crowded right when the park opens, so beating the rush means you’ll have a smoother start to your day.
Did you know Canada’s Wonderland is the most visited seasonal amusement park in North America? It actually attracts more visitors annually than Kings Island and Cedar Point! So arriving early is key to enjoying everything without feeling rushed.
If you’re a season pass holder, check out the park’s Early Ride Time (ERT) schedule. On select days, you can get on some rides even before the official opening—what a great way to kick off your adventure!
Is Purchasing Fast Lane Worth It?
If you’re wondering about Canada’s Wonderland tickets and whether the Fast Lane add-on is worth it, let me tell you—it absolutely is, especially if this is your first visit. Fast Lane helps you skip the long lines at some of the park’s most popular rides, which is a huge time saver given the park’s popularity.
For those who love roller coasters, Canada’s Wonderland has some world-class thrill rides that you’ll want to experience more than once. Fast Lane ensures you get to ride more without spending hours waiting in line.
Top 5 Must-Ride Non-Roller Coaster Attractions
Not everyone is into massive roller coasters, so here are my favorite non-coaster rides that you shouldn’t miss when visiting Canada’s Wonderland:
- Sledgehammer – The only HUSS Giant Jumping Machine on the planet! It’s a must-ride. Pro tip: head here first thing in the morning because it tends to have downtime during the day.
- Wild Nightmares – The only Plus UFO ride in North America. It’s unique and definitely worth trying.
- Shockwave – A Mondial Top Scan ride that’s rare in the U.S. and super fun!
- Drop Tower – Standing 230 feet tall, this Intamin Giant Drop offers breathtaking views of the Greater Toronto Area. For the best view, ride in a car facing south, especially stunning at night.
- Lumberjack – A swinging axe ride by Zamperla that looks like a giant axe. It’s one of the coolest flat rides you’ll find anywhere.
Canada’s Wonderland boasts the best flat ride collection in the world. Other rides to check out include Skyhawk, the first Gerstlauer Sky Roller in North America, and Windseeker, a 300-foot-tall ride with fantastic views of the park and surroundings.
Where to Eat: Top 5 Food Spots at Canada’s Wonderland
Wondering where to grab a bite? Canada’s Wonderland offers a surprising variety of food options beyond typical theme park fare:
- Backlot Cafe – Don’t let the name fool you; this spot serves Mexican, Mediterranean, Canadian, Italian, and Indian dishes. Perfect for those craving diverse flavors.
- Alpine Cheesery – If you love mac and cheese, this is your go-to place. It’s comfort food at its finest.
- Roadside Chicken – Always one of the best picks for a hearty meal. Try the Mango Inferno chicken tenders and fries—they’re amazing!
- Pizza Pizza – Located on International Street near Wonderland Mountain, this place serves the best pizza in the park.
- New Restaurant Venue – Opening soon, this multi-level restaurant will offer various food options and great views of Yukon Striker.
Big thanks to my friend Quentin, who visits Canada’s Wonderland weekly and helped put this list together. You can follow him on social media for more insider tips!
Best Time to Visit Canada’s Wonderland
To enjoy the park with fewer crowds, plan your visit during the week in May, early June, or the last two weeks of August. Weekends tend to be busier, so if you can only visit then, consider purchasing Fast Lane—it’ll be worth every penny.
How Many Days Do You Need?
If it’s your first time, I recommend spending at least two days at the park to cover all the major attractions without rushing. Without Fast Lane, two days will help you avoid long lines. If you do have Fast Lane, one full day should be enough.
Planning to visit Splash Works, Canada’s Wonderland water park? Then definitely budget two days. Splash Works is a clean, 20-acre water park included with your park admission, featuring plenty of attractions for all ages.
Slowest and Fastest Moving Lines
If you hate waiting in line like me, here’s a quick rundown:
- Slowest Lines: Wonder Mountain’s Guardian (unique but low capacity), The Bat (a boomerang coaster), Whitewater Canyon rapids, Silver Streak (kids’ inverted coaster), and Ghoster Coaster (family wooden coaster).
- Fastest Lines: The park’s three B&M coasters—Yukon Striker, Behemoth, and Leviathan. Fun fact: Canada’s Wonderland currently has more roller coasters than Kings Island and Cedar Point combined!
Best Night Rides at Canada’s Wonderland
Riding coasters at night offers a whole new experience. Here are my top picks for night rides:
- Mighty Canadian Minebuster – Great when the park lights and Splash Works are off.
- Vortex – Cool nighttime views from Wonderland Mountain.
- Yukon Striker & Behemoth – Both offer fantastic views of Toronto’s skyline at night. Yukon Striker especially is a dark ride with minimal lighting around it, making the drops and turns feel even more intense.
- Leviathan – A solid giga coaster by day and even better at night, with the tunnel eyes lighting up.
Where to Stay Near Canada’s Wonderland
Looking for a place to stay? I recommend the Novotel Toronto Vaughan and Aloft Vaughan Mills. Both are modern hotels within walking distance of the Vaughan Mills Shopping Center. There’s also a bus terminal at the mall with direct connections to Canada’s Wonderland and the Vaughan Metropolitan Center subway station, linking you easily to downtown Toronto.
It’s clear the park could benefit from its own hotel, but these options are convenient and comfortable for visitors.
How to Cool Off on a Hot Day
Summer days at Canada’s Wonderland can get hot, so be sure to purchase a drink plan with your tickets. It’s super handy because you get refills every 15 minutes at numerous drink stations throughout the park.
There are also three water rides to help you cool off: Whitewater Canyon, Timberwolf Falls, and the unique Riptide. Plus, if you’re visiting during warmer months, Splash Works is included with your admission and is an excellent place to beat the heat.
Travel Tip: Avoid Highway 407 Tolls
If you’re driving to Canada’s Wonderland, try to avoid Highway 407 if you can. The tolls can be expensive, and Toronto traffic near the airport can be brutal during rush hour. Plan your route to avoid these areas for a smoother drive.
Canada’s Wonderland with Kids
Canada’s Wonderland is fantastic for families. The park has two excellent kids’ areas: Kidsville and Planet Snoopy, located side by side. There are three coasters designed especially for younger thrill seekers, plus plenty of rides suitable for all ages.
It’s considered one of the top five kids’ areas in the world, and once you visit, you’ll see why!
Seasonal Events and Live Entertainment
Throughout the year, Canada’s Wonderland hosts some amazing seasonal events:
- Halloween Haunts: Haunted houses, scare zones, and rides in the dark for thrill seekers.
- Camp Spooky: A daytime Halloween event perfect for kids.
- WinterFest: A festive celebration with only a few coasters open (Taxi Jam and Thunder Run).
The park also offers live entertainment like the Victoria Falls High Diver show, acrobatic performances at Arthur’s Bay in Medieval Fair, and Daredevil’s Dive from Wonderland Mountain.
Where to Use the Restrooms
If nature calls, avoid restrooms near the main gift shop—they tend to be crowded. Luckily, the park has many restroom locations spread out to make it convenient no matter where you are.
Season Pass Perks
If you plan to visit multiple Cedar Fair parks in a year, the Platinum Pass is a great deal. For Canada’s Wonderland fans, the Gold Pass offers perks like Halloween Haunt and WinterFest discounts, merchandise and food discounts, and options to add parking, dining plans, and drink plans.
Parking Tips
Parking at Canada’s Wonderland is straightforward. You can access the main gate from anywhere in the lot, but the south end tends to be busier than the north. If you’re spending the whole day, park near the exit to avoid traffic jams when the park closes.
My Canada’s Wonderland Plan of Attack
- Arrive at least an hour early.
- Head straight to Wonder Mountain’s Guardian for your first ride.
- Then hit Behemoth and Yukon Striker while lines are still short.
- Next, enjoy Backlot Stunt Coaster and work your way to Mighty Canadian Minebuster.
- Skip Flight Deck and Time Warp; their lines and thrills aren’t worth it.
- Try Leviathan later in the afternoon when the line dies down, around 5 pm.
- Eat lunch before 11:30 am or after 2 pm to avoid the crowd.
- Spend the afternoon enjoying Splash Works, kids’ areas, or other coasters.
- Stay late for amazing night rides.
Follow this plan and your day at Canada’s Wonderland will be smooth, fun-filled, and memorable.
FAQ
What are the Canada’s Wonderland opening hours?
Opening hours vary by season, but it’s best to arrive at least an hour before the official opening to beat the crowds. Check the official website for daily schedules.
How to get to Canada’s Wonderland?
The park is located just north of Toronto. You can drive (avoid Highway 407 tolls if possible), take public transit via the Vaughan Metropolitan Center subway station, or use bus connections from nearby malls.
How long should I spend at Canada’s Wonderland?
For first-time visitors without Fast Lane, two days is ideal. With Fast Lane, one day can be enough. If you want to enjoy Splash Works water park, plan for two days.
Are Canada’s Wonderland tickets expensive?
Ticket prices vary depending on the day and add-ons like Fast Lane or drink plans. Buying tickets online in advance usually saves money.
Is Splash Works included with admission?
Yes! Splash Works water park is included with your Canada’s Wonderland tickets. It offers a variety of water attractions for all ages.
What are the best rides for kids?
Kidsville and Planet Snoopy are the best areas for children, featuring three coasters and many family-friendly rides.
How can I avoid long wait times?
Arrive early, consider purchasing Fast Lane, and prioritize popular rides like Wonder Mountain’s Guardian, Behemoth, and Yukon Striker early in the day.
Where is the best place to park?
Parking near the north end or close to the exit is recommended to avoid heavy traffic when leaving the park.
With these tips and insider knowledge, you’re all set to have the BEST day at Canada’s Wonderland. Remember to stay hydrated, wear comfortable shoes, and most importantly—enjoy every thrilling moment!
