During its construction the rumours were rampant: it was going to be an exact replica of Walt Disney World; it was going to be Canada’s Busch Gardens; it was going to be a permanent installation of the Canadian National Exhibition midway (not kidding).

When Canada’s Wonderland officially opened in May of 1981, it was a unique theme park that featured Wonder Mountain instead of Cinderella’s Castle, and The Mighty Canadian Minebuster instead of The Python. Today, Canada’s Wonderland boasts the biggest number of roller coasters in one park outside of the United States.

Arrival

With five kids in tow ranging from age 1 to 15, we trekked to Vaughan, Ontario (just 45 minutes by car from downtown, or take the GO Bus from York Mills Subway Station) to see and do as much as possible. This was a lofty goal, considering that Canada’s Wonderland has over 200 attractions, 65 rides, plus a 20-acre waterpark!

International Street greets you as you make your way through the gates—it’s lined with souvenir shops, fast food outlets and, of course, a Starbucks. I was delighted to see the stunt divers perform their routines off Wonder Mountain into the fountain below, a tradition from Wonderland’s early days.

The Big Kid Rides

Not long after our arrival, the older guys (my nephews) were off like a shot. They covered almost the entire 300-acre park—and rode every single roller coaster and most of the thrill rides. They were not disappointed. This is big praise coming from three boys who live in Florida, with year-round access to all the heavyweight theme parks. Behemoth, Flight Deck, and Wild Beast were tops on their list.

For Little Kids

Planet Snoopy and Kidzville are the areas of the park that cater to little ones. The Ghoster Coaster is just as much fun as I remembered, and my four-year-old daughter loved it. At only 14 months, my little guy loved watching the rides zoom by with people screaming, and spent almost 45 minutes in the maze in the centre of Kidzville.

There’s an outdoor stretch called the Candy Factory which houses a big jungle gym and shaded seating area. This was a great spot to take a break from the sun and let the kids run around and blow off steam.

Taking a Break

There’s more shady spots to sit and eat along International Street by the entrance gates. They were also less crowded than the eating areas further inside the park. Your best bet is to bring your own refillable water bottles and to pack a cooler with lunch and snacks. Outside food is not permitted inside Canada’s Wonderland, but there’s a picnic area just outside the main gates. Make sure your hand stamp hasn’t washed off so you can get back in!

A treat worth splurging for is the funnel cake – fully loaded with ice cream and strawberries, of course. For me it just wouldn’t be a trip to Wonderland without one.

Having grown up in Toronto, Canada’s Wonderland was a big part of my life, and I was the proud owner of a Season’s Pass for most of my teenage years. Judging by my daughter’s repeated requests to return, it looks like there’ll be many trips up Highway 400 in our future.

Canada’s Wonderland is open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. from June to September, and weekends only in May, September, and October. Stroller and wheelchair rentals are available. General admission is $54.99 + tax (a 2-day park pass) and $31.99 + tax for Seniors and Juniors (single visit only, age 3 and up—under 48” tall).