Is Canada’s Wonderland Worth Visiting in 2025?
If you’re planning a trip to the Toronto area and wondering whether Canada’s Wonderland is actually worth a day of your itinerary, you’re not alone. As someone who grew up in Toronto, a summer wasn’t complete without a trip to Canada’s Wonderland.
After visiting Canada’s Wonderland multiple times-with different age groups and during different times of year. I’ve learned what makes it worth it, and when you might want to skip it.
Whether you’re traveling with kids, chasing thrill rides, or trying to make the most of a summer weekend, this Canada’s Wonderland review breaks down what to expect and whether it lives up to the hype-for the cost, the time, and the effort to get there.
☞ If you’re visiting from out of town, don’t miss my guide to the top-rated hotels near Wonderland including budget picks and family-friendly stays. Click here to read it.
Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links. Please see our disclaimer policy here.
What Makes Canada’s Wonderland Special?
✓ Huge amusement park with over 200 attractions, including 18 roller coasters
✓ A 20-acre water park that’s included in the admission price
✓ Rides, attractions, and entertainment suitable for all ages
✓ Just north of Toronto and accessible by public transportation
Who Will Enjoy Canada’s Wonderland Most?
Canada’s Wonderland isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience, but it does have something for a wide range of visitors-especially if you know what to expect.
✓ Thrill-seekers will find plenty to get excited about. With 17 roller coasters-including Leviathan and Yukon Striker. Wonderland is a dream for anyone who loves speed and height.
I’ve done both multiple times, and they’re awesome rides. Yukon Striker especially stands out with its straight-down drop; it’s one of the few coasters that made me pause before getting on, and I love that.
In addition to the roller coasters, you can check out thrill rides like Drop Tower, Riptide, Windseeker, the Psyclone, Riptide, and more!
✓ Families with young kids have a lot to enjoy too, but with caveats. Planet Snoopy and KidZville are well-designed for younger children, with gentler rides and character meet-and-greets.
If your kids are under 42 inches tall, though, ride options are more limited. The most challenging situation is when some children are tall enough to go on the larger rides while others are too small. In those years, we spent more time in the water park!
✓ Teens and tweens are probably the ideal audience. They’re tall enough for the big rides and have the energy to run around the park all day. On a past trip with my nieces and nephews (ages 13–16), they were nonstop from park open to close and still begging to stay longer.
✓ Adults without kids will also find enjoyment, especially if you like rides or nostalgia, or you’re looking for a fun date night. But if you’re not into coasters and don’t have kids with you, the value might depend more on how much you like theme park vibes or events like Halloween Haunt or WinterFest.
So, who’s it not for? If you hate waiting in lines, aren’t a fan of crowds, or find theme parks overstimulating, this might not be your ideal way to spend a day – unless you’re visiting on a quiet weekday or during shoulder season.
What Are the Best Rides and Attractions?
With over 200 attractions and 17 roller coasters, Canada’s Wonderland has no shortage of things to do-but not all rides are created equal. If it’s your first time visiting, here are the standouts (and some honest thoughts based on experience).
Must-Ride Coasters at Wonderland
⭐️ Leviathan is the park’s tallest and fastest coaster-and it’s worth the hype. The first drop feels like it goes on forever, and you get an incredible view of the park (not that you’ll have time to enjoy it at 148 km/h). It’s smooth, intense, and a top choice for adrenaline junkies.
⭐️ Yukon Striker, on the other hand, offers a different kind of thrill. The moment where you dangle over the 90-degree drop is pure suspense. I rode it mid-afternoon when the lines were long, but honestly, it was worth the wait-though I’d recommend hitting it first thing in the morning or using a Fast Lane pass if you hate queues.
⭐️ Behemoth is another fan favourite. It’s less flashy than Leviathan, but the airtime (that floaty feeling as you crest a hill) is unreal. If you’re not quite ready for the tallest coasters, this is a good “starter” for big rides.
Timberwolf Falls and White Water Canyon are also solid choices if you’re visiting on a hot day. Be prepared to get soaked as there’s no “dry spot” on Timberwolf.
We always save these rides for the end of the day when we’re hot and tired and ready to go home!
NEW in 2025: AlpenFury – A Record-Breaking Launch Coaster
If you’re still on the fence about visiting, 2025 might be the year to go-Canada’s Wonderland is debuting AlpenFury, a new launch coaster that’s already grabbing attention worldwide.
AlpenFury will be Canada’s longest, tallest, and fastest launch coaster, with:
- 115 km/h top speed
- Nine inversions (a world record for launch coasters)
- Dual launches, including one that blasts you straight up through the center of Wonder Mountain
- Three unique elements you won’t find anywhere else-including the Fire Serpent Roll and Skyflyer Loop
As someone who loves the coasters at Wonderland, this ride looks like it’s going to be a game-changer-not just for the park, but for coaster fans across North America. If you’ve been holding off on a visit, this might be the reason to finally go.
Splash Works Adds Extra Value
If you’re visiting during the summer months, Splash Works, Canada’s Wonderland’s 20-acre water park, is included at no extra cost with your admission. That means in addition to coasters and rides, you get access to a full water park experience with a giant wave pool, lazy river, and slides for every age and thrill level.
It’s a great way to break up the day, especially if you’re visiting with kids or need a break from the heat. Honestly, it’s one of the best parts of the park’s value—you’re essentially getting two parks for the price of one.
Where to Stay Near Canada’s Wonderland
If you’re visiting Canada’s Wonderland from out of town, choosing the right place to stay can make a big difference – especially if you want to beat the crowds or have easy access to Toronto.
On our last visit, we stayed about 15 minutes from the park, and it was the right call. Not only did we avoid the long drive in the morning, but we also had time to go shopping at Vaughan Mills, the huge shopping outlet mall, during our visit.
Staying nearby is particularly helpful if you’re visiting with kids or planning to do both the main park and Splash Works.
I’ve put together a full guide to the best hotels near Canada’s Wonderland based on location, value, and amenities (like free parking and breakfast – yes, those make a difference on park days). That includes everything from budget-friendly stays to spots with family suites and indoor pools.
☞ If you’re planning to pair your Wonderland day with sightseeing in the city, I also recommend checking out my posts on things to do in Toronto in the summer and things to do with kids in Toronto.
Is One Day Enough or Should You Plan More?
For most visitors, one day at Canada’s Wonderland is enough to hit the highlights. But whether one day feels “worth it” really depends on your group and your goals.
If you’re there for the coasters, you can fit most of the major rides into a single day, especially if you arrive early and head straight for the big ones (Leviathan, Yukon Striker, Behemoth).
Fast Lane passes help, but even without them, we managed to ride the most popular attractions in one visit just by being strategic.
If you’re visiting on a busy summer weekend though, it might be harder to cover the park in one go. With long lines and the heat, you might not get to see as much as you have planned. That’s when a second day – or at least a hotel stay nearby – can make things feel more relaxed.
Splash Works, the onsite water park, is another reason to consider more than one day. It’s included with admission, but it’s practically a full-day experience on its own. On hot summer days, it can be hard to choose between the coasters and the water slides (especially if your kids are pushing for both).
Is a Season Pass to Canada’s Wonderland Worth It?
If you’re trying to decide whether Canada’s Wonderland is worth the cost, it’s important to know that a Season Pass can drastically change the value—especially if you plan to visit more than once.
Even just two visits in one season can make the pass worth it. A season pass can give you:
- unlimited visits during the regular season
- Discounts on food and merchandise
- Bring-a-friend discount tickets
- Early entry and ride times
- The Gold Pass adds unlimited entry to Halloween Haunt and WinterFest.
If you’re local or even semi-local, a Season Pass makes it easier to come for half-days, to watch the firework shows, or just enjoy the park at a slower pace.
We’ve used ours for weekend trips, evening visits, and special events. A season’s pass reduces the pressure to do everything in one day and adds to the enjoyment of the visit.
Verdict: If you think you might visit again this season or plan to attend the seasonal events the pass is 100% worth considering.
Are Fast Lane Passes at Canada’s Wonderland Worth It?
Fast Lane passes are one of the biggest upcharges at Canada’s Wonderland – but also one of the most searched – for. So, are they actually worth it? The short answer: it depends on when you’re going and what your priorities are.
What the Fast Lane Includes
There are two types of passes:
- Fast Lane: Lets you skip the regular line on most rides.
- Fast Lane Plus: Includes all Fast Lane rides plus access to the park’s most popular coasters like Yukon Striker and Leviathan.
Both let you use a separate, usually much shorter line. But it doesn’t mean no wait-on busy days, even Fast Lane lines can get long. They have the most value on the busiest days.
When A Fast Lane Pass is Worth It
From my own experience, the Fast Lane is worth it if:
- You’re visiting on a weekend, especially in July or August.
- You only have one day and want to hit all the coasters.
- You’re going with teens or adults who are mainly there for the rides.
- You hate waiting. (Because some lines can hit 90+ minutes by noon.)
One summer Saturday, we bought Fast Lane Plus on a last-minute whim and ended up riding all the large roller coasters several times and still had time for the shows and other rides. Without it, we might’ve ridden 3 coasters total. It genuinely saved the day.
When It’s Probably Not Necessary
If you’re visiting on a weekday early or late in the season (like May, early June, or September), the regular lines can be totally manageable. I’ve been on a Thursday in early June when the longest wait was 15 minutes.
Families with younger kids likely don’t need Fast Lane at all, since the kid-focused areas tend to have short lines.
Pro Tip: Fast Lane prices vary by date and sell out during peak times so if you think you might want one, book early. It’s cheaper to buy online ahead of time than on-site.
Visiting in Fall or Winter? Don’t Miss the Special Events
Canada’s Wonderland isn’t just a summer destination. If you’re planning a visit in October, check out Halloween Haunt – a spooky after-dark event with haunted houses, scare zones, and themed rides. It’s not for little kids (seriously, it’s intense), but it’s a blast for teens and adults who love Halloween.
Starting in late November and running until early January, the park transforms for WinterFest. Think holiday lights, festive shows, skating, and seasonal treats. Most big rides are closed, but the atmosphere makes up for it – especially for families looking for a magical holiday outing.
These events need separate tickets (unless special events are included in your season pass), and they each have their own vibe. If you’re visiting Toronto during these times, they’re absolutely worth considering.
☞ Looking for more information about these seasonal events at Wonderland? Read my Guide to Halloween Haunt and my Guide to Winterfest for more details.
So, Is Canada’s Wonderland Worth Visiting?
If you enjoy theme parks, roller coasters, or just a day of classic summer fun, then yes, Canada’s Wonderland is worth visiting. It delivers on thrill rides, family zones, and seasonal events, especially if you plan ahead and know what to expect.
But like any major attraction, it’s not for everyone. If you’re not a fan of crowds, lineups, or theme park pricing, it may not feel like a great fit, especially if you’re visiting during peak times or with only younger kids in tow.
That’s why I recommend:
- Going on a weekday if possible
- Considering a Fast Lane pass if you’re short on time or patience
- Purchasing a season’s pass if you plan to visit more than 2 times
- Staying nearby to make the most of your visit (here’s my hotel guide)
- And planning a second day if you want to do Splash Works or explore more of Toronto after the park
Still deciding? Scroll back through the sections to see which ones apply most to your travel style and if you’ve already got tickets booked, check out my Canada’s Wonderland tips post for a smoother day.
