The Tundra Twister spinning swing ride, which is the only one of its type in the world when it opens on May 5, will be one of the new attractions at Vaughan’s amusement park.
Two new rides and a Brazilian food festival, as well as the return of long weekend fireworks, Celebration Canada and KidZFest, mark the 2023 season at Canada’s Wonderland, opening May 5.
Frontier Canada’s new Tundra Twister will be a thrill-seeker’s delight. This giant spinning swing ride is 360 degrees and comes to Frontier Canada. Tundra Twister, the only one of its kind, will see guests spin, twist and twirl upside down at heights up to 47m (154ft) and speeds up to 75 km/h.
Families will enjoy Snoopy’s Racing Railway, a launch coaster coming to Planet Snoopy. Snoopy’s Racing Railway is the park’s 18th roller coaster and will accelerate from zero to 50 km/h in a matter of seconds before taking guests through the dips and turns of a wild railway adventure.
“We’re proud to offer such a diversity of experiences to our guests,” said Norm Pirtovshek, general manager. “Through four seasons we have more than 200 attractions at the park, rides for guests of all ages and world-class events and entertainment that can’t be missed.”
The 2023 event program includes:
- Fireworks (May 21, July 1, Aug. 6, Sept. 3) – Witness spectacular fireworks display choreographed to a lively soundtrack. New this year, guests will be able to purchase VIP fireworks viewing and dining packages at Lazy Bear Lodge, where they’ll have the best seats in the house for the big show. Only limited availability
- Splash Works (opening May 27) – Spend the summer poolside in the 20-acre water park, featuring 17 slides, cliff jumping, water playgrounds, and the Lazy River.
- Celebration Canada (July 1-9) – Enjoy live music, street entertainment, cultural performances, family games and authentic Canadian foods from across the country like beef sliders, poutine, and Halifax donair.
- KidZfest (July 15-30) – Presented in partnership with Treehouse, enjoy special guest appearances from TV characters like Bluey, get moving at a dance party, enjoy interactive games, activities and live entertainment.
- Taste of Portugal (Aug. 12-13) – Returning for its second year, this festival celebrates the charm of Portugal, with lively street entertainment and traditional foods, including succulent roast chicken and the sweet, rich and perfectly crisp Portuguese custard tarts.
- Taste of Brazil (Aug. 19-20) – New for 2023, this food festival features the lively and fresh Latin American flavours of Brazil, including grilled meats and chimichurri, bolinho de bacalhau (salt cod fritters), crispy pastel de carne (meat-filled pastries) and feijoada (Brazilian black bean stew). Enjoy the traditional Brazilian music and styles as you browse the food stalls looking for the perfect dish or drink.
- Taste of the Caribbean (Aug. 26-27) – Back for its second year, enjoy island flavours at this festival from jerk chicken to specialty seafood, rum cake and coconut sweets, plus fruity summer drinks while the sounds of steel drum music fill the air.
- Oktoberfest (Sept. 9-10, 16-17) – For two weekends, guests will be treated to German-themed food, drink specials and traditional festival bands in Medieval Faire. Bavarian pretzels and classic sausage will be on offer, as well as schnitzel and schnitzel.
- Camp Spooky (weekends Sept. 23-Oct. 29) – This family-friendly Halloween event returns with trick-or-treating, mazes, costume parades, live shows with The Peanuts gang, interactive games, rides and more.
In addition to these events, Canada’s Wonderland will also feature live entertainment through the summer, including the return of the daring Ultimate Thrills Circus, the stunt dive show Fall Out, the Victoria Falls High Divers, Woofjocks and performances with Snoopy and the Peanuts gang. The cirque-style show, Cirque Ambiente, returns after first debuting 10 years ago.
All shows and events mentioned above are included in the park admission
Halloween Haunt is back on select nights, Sept. 22-Oct. 29. It features eight mazes with expanded immersive areas, hundreds of creatures, and live entertainment such as the Day of the Dead Festival’s return. The Dark Ride maze will feature four new mazes where guests will have to face the horrors of an abandoned carnival attraction.
WinterFest is a magical holiday celebration that takes place in the park on select nights from Nov. 17 through Dec. 31.
Guests can get unlimited access to all four seasons of fun with a gold pass for $125 or seven payments of $17.85. Click here for more information about events and hours of operation.