Is Canada’s Wonderland Worth Visiting in 2024?
⭐️ Canada’s Wonderland opens weekends starting May 3, 2024, and daily starting May 16, 2024. ⭐️
Yes! Canada’s Wonderland is absolutely worth visiting in 2024. Growing up in Toronto, visiting Canada’s Wonderland was always, and continues to be, one of the highlights of my summer!
Meeting up with friends, trying out the latest and greatest rides, eating funnel cake, watching the cliff divers and shows, riding the water slides in Splash Works, or experiencing the thrill of finally being tall enough to finally ride the biggest roller coasters all make for a thrilling day at the best amusement park in Canada.
If you are looking for an honest review of Canada’s Wonderland, I’ve got you covered! Keep reading to learn all the details.
Canada’s Wonderland Amusement Park
Canada’s Wonderland is a huge amusement park located just north of Toronto. It has over 200 attractions, including 18 roller coasters, live shows, and a 20-acre water park called Splash Works. There are rides for everyone, including kids, families, and thrill seekers.
Canada’s Wonderland also continues to update its park every year. In 2023, two new rides, Tundra Twister and Snoopy’s Racing Railway, were added. And for the 2024 season, the brand new water slide, Moosehorn Falls, will open for visitors.
Canada’s Wonderland is Located Just Outside of Toronto
Canada’s Wonderland address is: 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Maple, ON L6A 1S6
Canada’s Wonderland is located in Vaughan, Ontario. Vaughan is about 45 kilometres north of Toronto, or about a 45-minute drive from downtown Toronto.
It is easy to drive to Canada’s Wonderland, as it’s right off the 400 highway and close to the 407 toll highway.
Is Canada’s Wonderland Worth the Cost?
Canada’s Wonderland is a fun day trip and worth every penny, especially when you compare the cost of admission to other amusement parks around the world, such as Disney World. That being said, the costs can add up quickly.
Keep reading to read my top tips for saving money at Canada’s Wonderland while you are visiting the park.
The park is also easily walkable. It is very convenient to leave items in your car (such as a cooler, towels, and rain gear) and go back and forth from the rides to the car park.
Canada’s Wonderland vs Disney World
It’s important to realize, however, that Canada’s Wonderland does not really compare to the Disney theme parks or Universal. Wonderland is a fantastic amusement park for rides and roller coasters, but it doesn’t have the same Disney “magic” or ambiance.
Consider Wonderland a fun-filled day of thrilling roller coasters, a wide variety of rides, and exciting water slides for a reasonable amusement park admission close to Toronto. It is not, however, “the most magical place on earth.”
When does Canada’s Wonderland Open in 2024?
Canada’s Wonderland is open from May to October every year. Canada’s Wonderland opens on weekends starting May 3, 2024. Wonderland opens daily starting May 16, 2024. Splash Works is scheduled to open on June 1, 2024.
In addition to the summer season, Wonderland hosts two popular holiday events: Halloween Haunt in October and WinterFest at Canada’s Wonderland November to January.
Canada’s Wonderland is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (although it’s always best to confirm dates with the official website as they can change without notice). Splash Works water park, is open from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Canada’s Wonderland Ticket Prices
Canada’s Wonderland tickets are available for purchase at the entrance and online. The best ticket price is online. Currently, the one-day regular admission online is $49.99. However, if you want to visit the park after 4 p.m. the price drops to $39.99. The rate is also $39.99 for children and seniors.
There is also a “bring-a-friend” ticket where season’s ticket holders get a discounted entrance ticket if they bring a friend without a season’s pass.
Wonderland ticket prices do fluctuate, however. For example, if you buy before the season starts, tickets may be less, or they sometimes offer special ticket prices for a week with low attendance.
➤ Pro Tip: When you go to check out online, a $9.99 processing fee will be added to your order. This fee is per order, not per ticket, so it’s best to buy all your tickets at once.
Corporations also sometimes offer discount tickets, and CAA also has discount ticket options. For the cost of $45, this has to be one of the best deals going for all that this amusement park has to offer visitors.
The most expensive way to purchase your Canada’s Wonderland tickets is at the gate. This will cost about $80.00 per person.
What is Included in the Ticket Admission?
All the rides, including the roller coasters and the water park, are included in the cost of admission. Parking and food are not included in the ticket price.
However, there are many ticket pricing options, and there are often promotions and discounts for tickets to Canada’s Wonderland, including group sales, special promotions, two-day passes, and season passes.
Should I buy a Canada’s Wonderland Season Pass?
If you plan to go to Canada’s Wonderland more than twice in the season, then yes, you should absolutely purchase a Season Pass. A season pass costs $99 (although prices can fluctuate at different points in the year) and gives you unlimited visits to Wonderland in the regular season.
Essentially, if you visit Canada’s Wonderland more than twice, you will recover the cost of your Season Pass.
There is also a Gold Pass. This pass includes unlimited visits to Halloween Haunt and WinterFest. The cost in 2023 for this pass is $135. But keep an eye on prices online or through the app. As you get closer to the end of the season, the cost of a season pass may drop, and there are some real bargains to be had!
Seasons Pass Benefits
There are also additional benefits for Season Pass holders, such as “bring-a-friend” discounts, food and merchandise discounts, and exclusive early ride times.
If Season Pass holders choose to renew their pass before the start of the season, there are usually additional cost savings or incentives to renew early. Season passes are not transferrable.
What is the Prestige Pass?
New in 2024 is the Canada’s Wonderland Prestige Page. For a cost of about $325. In addition to unlimited visits to the park and special events, the Prestige Pass includes:
- free general parking in a preferred lot
- preferred entrance
- 20% off food and merchandise
- 1 single-lane fast pass per visit
- 2 free bring-a-friend passes annually
- access to VIP area
If you plan to visit Wonderland several times and park there, the cost of this pass along with the extra perks may just make this pass worth the additional costs.
Using Your Canada’s Wonderland Season’s Pass
You can purchase your season’s pass online and upload a photo of yourself when you buy the pass. You can then access your season’s pass through the app or the Wallet on your phone. All of this can be done online. No more waiting in long lines to get your photo taken for your annual pass! You can not share your pass with anyone else.
Purchasing a Season Pass is a great option if you plan to visit the park a couple of times in a season and if you want some of those additional park perks.
With a Season Pass, you can also visit both the amusement park and Splash Works on different days. You don’t have to feel rushed or try to do too much in one day.
Personally, I found the Season Pass to be the best option for tween/teens who wanted to go to Wonderland with friends several times throughout the summer.
Canada’s Wonderland Parking
The cost of parking at Canada’s Wonderland is currently $30 per vehicle.
Canada’s Wonderland has a huge parking lot, and I have never experienced it getting full. It is located right beside the entrance and is easily walkable.
Some visitors may be tempted to park in the parking lots of local businesses in the area, but there are posted signs in those lots warning Canada’s Wonderland visitors not to park here. These lots are private property and they have tow truck companies on speed dial! I would not risk parking in these lots if your plan is to visit Wonderland.
Wonderland Passenger Pick-up and drop-off Location
There is also a convenient pick-up and drop-off location in the parking lot for those who want to drop off family or friends and just pick them up at the end of the day. The entrance is off of Jane St.
The passenger pick-up and drop-off is especially great for those parents or guardians who want to drop their teens, family, or friends off for the day but don’t want to spend all day at the park themselves!
Please do not park in this location, however! It backs up traffic and can cause some traffic chaos.
Is the Canada’s Wonderland Fast Lane Pass Worth It?
If you hate waiting in lines, you do have the option to purchase a Fast Lane Pass. Fast Lane Passes let you bypass the regular line. Currently, there are two options. You can purchase a Fast Lane Pass that allows riders to by-pass 21 specific rides.
The Fast Lane Pass Plus allows riders to by-pass the 21 rides and lets you by-pass the most popular roller coasters (Yukon Striker, Leviathan, and Behemoth). Canada’s Wonderland does limit the sale of these passes, and they will sell out on some dates.
The Fast Lane Pass’ costs an additional $80 per ticket per person. For some, this additional cost may be worth every penny. For others, they may not mind waiting in lines with their friends and family or arriving at the park early to get on the most popular rides first.
There is also an option to get a Seasons Pass Fast Lane Plus. This will add the Fast Lane Plus pass to every visit. What’s great about the Fast Lane Pass is that the option to purchase it is there. Depending on your needs, time, and budget, the Fast Lane Pass can be a great option for those looking to maximize their time in the park.
Finally, there is an option to buy a single fast pass for the Yukon Striker in 2023. The cost of the single fast pass is about $15.00
The fast pass will allow you to get on significantly more rides in the day than without, particularly on a busy summer weekend. There really is a big difference between the regular lines and the fast-pass lines.
Ultimately, there are many Fast Pass pricing options for you to consider. You can splurge for the day, the season, or a single ride!
Can you take Food and Drinks into Canada’s Wonderland?
No. Unfortunately, outside food and drink are not permitted in Canada’s Wonderland. You can, however, bring in bottled water.
There are lots of food options in Canada’s Wonderland, although the prices certainly reflect amusement park prices. Visitors can, however, exit and re-enter the park.
Some visitors choose to pack a cooler with food and refreshments, which they leave in the car. At lunch, for example, you can exit the park, have a picnic lunch, and then return to the park and head right back to their rides.
There is a picnic area outside of the entrance to the park with picnic tables that visitors are welcome to use. It’s one way to save money on food.
On the other hand, some visitors just factor in the cost of food and treats (you must try the funnel cakes!) into the experience of the day.
Can I Take Public Transportation to Canada’s Wonderland?
Yes! You can take public transportation all the way to Canada’s Wonderland. You can take the Yonge-University subway line to Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station on the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and then transfer to the York Region Transit (YRT) Bus, 20 Jane St. Northbound, and get off at the Avro Road stop. It’s a 5-minute walk to Wonderland from there.
You can use a Presto card to ride both the subway and the bus. The total cost will be about $7.00 each way, and it will take you about 1.5 hours total travel time each way from downtown Toronto.
Another option is to take the subway to Vaughan Station and then take an Uber or taxi from the subway station to the park, making the ride a little faster but still affordable.
What Rides are there at Canada’s Wonderland?
There are over 200 attractions at Canada’s Wonderland in total. For young children, they can ride the Antique Carrousel, the Ghoster Coaster, Mini Swings, Treetop Adventure, and more.
Families can ride Timberwolf Falls, White Water Canyon, Swing of the Century, Spinovator, and more.
For thrill seekers, there’s the Drop Tower, Riptide, Windseeker, the Psyclone, Riptide, and more. There are so many options and different types of rides that it’s a fun day out for any age!
3 Best Roller Coasters at Canada’s Wonderland
Canada’s Wonderland has some of the best roller coasters in the world. There are 18 roller coasters in total, making Canada’s Wonderland truly worth visiting in 2023.
Here’s a description of the 3 best roller coasters at Canada’s Wonderland: the Leviathan, the Yukon Striker, and the Bohemoth.
1. Leviathan Roller Coaster
The Leviathan is Canada’s tallest and fastest roller coaster. Riders climb 306 feet to make their way to the highest peak in the park. From there, riders experience a steep 80-degree drop. This roller coaster reaches speeds of up to 148 kilometres per hour!
2. The Bohemoth Roller Coaster
The Bohemoth roller coaster has no upper-body restraints, which makes for quite a thrilling ride as you climb 230 feet before a 75-degree angle of descent with speeds reaching 125 kilometres per hour in just 3.9 seconds! This one is my personal favourite!
3. The Yukon Striker Roller Coaster
The Yukon Striker riders hang over the ride’s 90-degree drop at the start of the ride for three seconds before plummeting into an underwater tunnel followed by a giant loop.
The Yukon Striker roller coaster reaches speeds of 130 km/h while soaring through four dynamic inversions, including a complete 360-degree loop.
Does Canada’s Wonderland have a Water Park?
Yes! Splash Works is Canada’s Wonderland’s water park. Splash Works features 17 different water slides and water attractions in it’s 20-acre park.
Splash Works also includes a lazy river and one of the largest wave pools in Canada. The park provides life jackets free of charge for use throughout the water park.
Splash Works is open daily from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Where to Stay Near Canada’s Wonderland
There are a number of hotels close to Canada’s Wonderland. Novotel Toronto Vaughan and Aloft Vaughan Mills are the closest. These are my top picks. Read about the 10 best places to stay near Canada’s Wonderland for even more options.
#1 TOP PICK
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Element Vaughan Southwest
✔️ Convenient Location
✔️ Large, ground-level, indoor pool
✔️ Excellent breakfast included
✔️ Highly rated
#2 PICK
Novotel Toronto Vaughan Centre
✔️ Closest to Canada’s Wonderland
✔️ Salt Water Pool
✔️ Walking distance to Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre
#3 PICK
Residence Inn Marriott Vaughan
✔️ Budget friendly for the area
✔️ Kitchen in room
✔️ Walking distance to subway
Tips for Saving Money at Canada’s Wonderland
By the time you pay for tickets, food, parking, and more, a day at Canada’s Wonderland can add up! Here are some tips for saving money at Canada’s Wonderland.
- Watch for discounted tickets (like CAA or pre-season) or buy a Season’s Pass.
- Buy your tickets together online, not individually, in order to save on the online processing fee.
- Carpool and only park one vehicle at Canada’s Wonderland, OR have someone drop you off and pick you up at the pick-up/drop-off location and avoid parking all together.
- Pack a cooler and leave it in your car. Pack your lunch, cold drinks, and snacks. Leave the park at lunch and/or dinner and eat outside at the picnic tables.
- Bring bottled water with you to the park, as you can take this in with you. Use the water fountains to fill up your water bottle or return to your car to pick up more cold water.
- If you are going to the water park, wear your bathing suit under your clothes. Have one person watch your valuables as you enjoy the water park.
- Pack everything you need, like an umbrella, bathing suit, sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen. Buying those items at the park will cost a lot more money! Remember, you can leave them in your car until you need them.
- Buy your ice cream or treats at a local store when you leave Canada’s Wonderland! There are lots of stores very close to Wonderland where you can buy a slushie, ice cream, candy, or a soda, so if you can resist the temptations as you walk out of the park, you can save yourself a few dollars.
Canada’s Wonderland Events
In addition to the regular season, Canada’s Wonderland hosts two special events: Halloween Haunt and WinterFest.
Canada’s Wonderland Halloween Haunt
During the Halloween season, Canada’s Wonderland is transformed into a spooky and haunted experience for visitors known as Halloween Haunt. Halloween Haunt features a variety of haunted attractions, monsters, scare zones, and live shows.
One of the main attractions at Halloween Haunt are the mazes, which are designed to be challenging and terrifying. Monsters, ghosts, and other creatures lurk around the park, and visitors can expect to be scared and thrilled by the truly spooky atmosphere.
It is important to note that this is not an event for young children. It is quite a scary atmosphere and is not recommended for ages under 13.
Canada’s Wonderland WinterFest
During WinterFest, the park is transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and holiday-themed attractions. WinterFest usually starts in November and runs until the end of December.
Visitors can enjoy ice skating on Snow Flake Lake, relax around the outdoor fire pits, and enjoy many different holiday shows and performances throughout the park.
Visitors can also enjoy holiday treats like hot chocolate, candy canes, and gingerbread cookies. Over 20 rides are also open during WinterFest, making Canada’s Wonderland’s WinterFest a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions?
No. Outside food and drink (with the exception of bottled water) can be brought into Canada’s Wonderland. There is a picnic area just outside the entrance that visitors can use.
Yes. Bottled water can be brought into Canada’s Wonderland. Bottles must be soft plastic. Glass and cans are not allowed into the park.
The current cost for parking at Canada’s Wonderland is $30.00 per visit.
Final Thoughts: Is Canada’s Wonderland Worth Visiting?
Canada’s Wonderland has an amazing selection of amusement park rides, especially thrill rides and roller coasters. The price of your ticket includes unlimited rides on dozens of attractions, access to one of the largest water parks in Canada, entertaining shows, and fun amusement park games.
Once you factor in the cost of the tickets, parking, food and drinks, locker rental, and other incidentals, the day can get expensive, especially for a family. The best advice I can give is to plan your day. If you are going to splurge on just one day at Canada’s Wonderland, I recommend going as soon as it opens and getting the most out of your day.
You will go home happily exhausted after a day filled with thrilling amusement rides and water park slides at Canada’s Wonderland. Ultimately, it’s good value for the amount of fun and excitement you will have with your friends and family.
For all of these reasons and more, Canada’s Wonderland is absolutely worth visiting this year!
Read More About Ontario
If you are looking for more interesting things to see and do around Ontario, visit one of these related posts.
- 10 Best Places to Stay Near Canada’s Wonderland
- Beat the Heat at Canada’s Wonderland Water Park: Splash Works in 2023
- Your Guide to Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland
- The Best Pick Your Own Tulip Farm near Toronto 2023
- 10+ Stunning Sunflower Fields in Ontario 2023
- 9 Best Drive-In Theatres in Toronto and Across Ontario
