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The 10 Best Theme Parks in Canada

The 10 Best Theme Parks in Canada

Hey there thrill-seekers, buckle up and ready those wide grins because we’re about to take you on a rollercoaster ride through the Great White North. 

We’re dishing the scoop on Canada’s cream of the crop when it comes to pure, unadulterated fun—we’re talking about Canada’s best theme parks, of course! 

From heart-pounding rides that defy gravity (and maybe your bravery) to enchanting fairy-tale settings that’ll make your inner child leap with joy, we’ve got it all covered.

Read on!

Canada’s Wonderland

Website: https://www.canadaswonderland.com/ 

Address: Vaughan, ON L6A 1S6, Canada

Contact details: +1 905-832-8131

Operating hours:

  • Friday – 7 PM to 12 AM
  • Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM, 7 PM to 12 AM
  • Sunday – 10 AM to 8 PM

Prices:

  • Fall Daytime Admission – Starts at $44.99
  • 2024 Gold Pass – $110
  • Funday Bundle – $69.99
  • Bring-a-friend tickets – $29.99

Canada’s Wonderland in Vaughan, Ontario, is so awesome that it’ll make your heart do backflips (literally and metaphorically!). I mean, this fantastic world has over 200 attractions.

For the ones looking for that adrenaline punch, the roller coasters here are, as the kids say, lit! Leviathan and Behemoth: Yes, they’re as monstrous as they sound, promising high-flying turns and heart-dropping twists.

And if you’re thinking “roller coasters aren’t my jam,” then no worries, buddy! There are tons of family-friendly rides around the park, too.

You can test your navigation skills in the “White Water Canyon,” or just take your little tots for the “Peanuts 500.” Of course, we can’t forget about that elephant in the room (or should I say, “in the water?”) at Splash Works Water Park, peeps!

This wet wonderland is the definition of chill—think wave pool, think sunbathing, and think of the thrill of a lifetime when you plunge into the “Black Hole” waterslide. You might consider renting a locker for your stuff, though (see, there’s my 2 cents for you!).

Local Tip: Do your ride-hunting on weekdays, preferably Tuesdays to Thursdays. They are the least crowded, and you’ll squeeze in more fun!

Stanley Park

Website:  http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/stanley-park.aspx 

Address: Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4, Canada

Contact details: +1 604-681-6728

Operating hours:

  •  Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM

Prices(Parking)

  • 2023 Season Pass – $275.00
  • Annual pass – $425.00 

Next up is Stanley Park, nestled in the heart of Vancouver. Now, I hear you crying, “That isn’t a theme park!” Trust me when I say it’s much more than just a park, and it has no admission fee, only a parking fee.

Let’s start with the park’s wide array of recreational facilities. From hiking and biking to swimming and lawn bowling, there’s always something for you. 

And if you’re an adrenaline junkie, you can go rollerblading on the park’s famous Seawall for your daily dose of thrill; you’ll thank me!

The Vancouver Aquarium is another crown jewel at Stanley Park. Home to 50,000 aquatic creatures, it’s a spectacle that’ll leave you awe-struck.

Oh, and it doesn’t end there. Tee off at the mini-golf course, ride the Stanley Park Miniature Train, soak in some culture at the totem poles, or simply take a leisurely horse-drawn tour through the park; you might just find your new favourite pastime!

Local Tip: Grab an early morning bike rental for an uninterrupted ride around the Seawall before the crowds swarm in!

Playland

Website: https://www.pne.ca/ 

Address: 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5K 5J1, Canada 

Contact details: +1 604-253-2311

Operating hours:

  •  Monday to Friday – 10 AM – 6 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM – 7 PM

Prices:

  • Fair Adult Gate Pass (ages 19-64) – $20 in advance, $25 day of purchase
  • Fair Senior Gate Pass ages (65+) – $14 in advance, $16 day of purchase
  • Fair Youth Gate Pass (ages 13-18) – $14 in advance, $16 day of purchase
  • Fair Child Gate Pass (ages 4-12) – $7 in advance, $9 day of purchase
  • Kids 3 and under – FREE

Playland is Vancouver’s amusement headquarters, and for good reason. This place is all about unending rides and fun attractions and is a perfect living testament to why it’s known as the city’s most thrilling attraction.

Jump-start with the classic wooden roller coaster. It’s the granddaddy of all Playland adventures, and it’s been the star of the park since 1958, and trust me, its charm hasn’t aged a bit.

If the rumble-and-tumble of the coaster is not your thing, head on to the “Atmosfear”—a 218-foot creep up in the air, only to swing you at a whopping 70 km per hour—for a stunning 360-degree view of the city!

Not to miss out on the family fun, attractions like the Flutterbye, Dizzy Drop, and Honeybee Express are guaranteed laughter riots. Even the little ones can have a field day at the Balloon Explorers or the Bug Whirled!

Hey folks, Playland in Vancouver is just taking a little breather, but don’t sweat it, they’ll be back with bells on real soon!

Local Tip: Hit Playland in May when it’s slightly less packed; your queue times will thank you!

Galaxyland

Website: https://www.wem.ca/play/attractions/galaxyland 

Address: 8882 170 St NW #2784, Edmonton, AB T5T 4J2, Canada

Contact details: +1 780-444-5300

Operating hours:

  •  Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 9 PM

Prices:

  • General – $64
  • Under 43 inches (110 cm) – $54
  • 2 Day Multi Park Pass – $169
  • Weekday Value Pass – $45
  • Choice Pass – $64

In Galaxyland, you’ll find yourself among 27 gravity-defying rides and attractions that cater to everyone: toddlers, teens, and, well, let’s also say, the young at heart. Craving for high-octane fun? 

Hop onto the Mindbender, one of the world’s largest indoor triple-loop roller coasters—other coasters got nothing on this bad boy! But if you’re not into loops and corkscrews, try the Galaxy Orbiter (twisting, turning, and full of adventure). 

Aside from rollercoasters, there’s a spinning spaceship full of laser-blazing fury! The space-shot ride, Zero Gravity—it’s all in the name. 

However, if you’re up for something more sedate, the 35 unique, handcrafted horses of the Galaxyland Express make for a gentler ride around the facility.

Don’t go thinking it’s just rides, though! The park also showcases some live shows complete with mascots.

Local Tip: Do a double check online for their special “Twilight” pricing on select dates; you could save a few bucks!

Santa’s Village

Website: https://www.santasvillage.ca/ 

Address: 1624 Golden Beach Rd, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1W8, Canada

Contact details: +1 705-645-2512

Operating hours:

  •  Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM

Prices:

  • 2023 Standard Season Pass – $89.95
  • 2023 Gold Season Pass – $119.95
  • Breakfast with Santa – $14.95

Starting with the amusement park itself, Santa’s Village is a total utopia for the kids. Here, children can partake in some “Elf training” at Elves Island, cruise on the Christmas Ball Ferris Wheel, or even enjoy a leisurely float around the Swan Pond.

And let’s not forget the grand Santa’s Summer Sleigh jet boat tour, the North Pole’s first-ever water show! If that’s too tame for you, the Sportsland right next door has got the big kids and adults covered.

You can put your go-kart skills to the test, sharpen those swings at the batting cages, or take to the EuroBungy trampoline with a bounce! Remember to grab your chance to meet Santa!

Local Tip: You might want to bring your bathing suits for the Splash Pad area—it’s a kid magnet!

Website: https://heritagetrainandcarousel.weebly.com/ 

Address: 230 Memorial Dr, North Bay, ON, Canada

Contact details: +1 705-495-8412

Operating hours:

  •  Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 8 PM

Prices:

  • $2.00 per Ride
  • $5.00 for 3 Rides (Train or Carousel)
  • $10.00 for 7 rides

Now, brace yourself for some historical prowess! Heritage Railway & Carousel is home to two of the few remaining hand-carved carousels in existence today. 

It’s like riding a piece of history itself! Listening to the calliope-style music and feeling the wind against your face as you spin—that’s a little slice of old-school fun right there!

But the amusement doesn’t stop with the carousels. The miniature railway train ride around the park is equally engaging.

Take a relaxing seat aboard one of the four 40-passenger coaches and enjoy the lovely views of the surrounding landscapes—it’s quite the scenic spin, if I may say so!

Along with the amusement rides, you have the Discovery North Bay Museum located at the park. It offers interactive exhibits, art shows, and educational workshops for children, providing a fun learning experience.

Local Tip: Visits on weekdays are generally quieter. So, if you’re crowd-averse, that’s your best bet!

La Ronde

Website: https://www.laronde.com/

Address: 22 Chem. Macdonald, Montréal, QC H3C 6A3, Canada

Contact details: +1 514-397-2000

Operating hours:

  •  Saturday – 11 AM to 11 PM
  • Sunday – 11 AM to 7 PM 

Prices:

  • Daily Ticket – Starts at $40
  • 2024 Platinum Pass – $69.99
  • 2024 Diamond Pass – $120.00

La Ronde is the largest amusement park in Quebec and a buzz of unending stimulation! First off, the way they’ve sorted it all out is genius—some 40 rides and attractions conveniently segregated across Family, Thrill, and Kid’s sections.

The Goliath, one of their most exhilarating thrill rides, will make your heart pound like a drum. For daredevils, the ride is a summons you cannot decline! But don’t worry; it’s not all about the adrenaline rush at La Ronde.

For the more faint-hearted or little patrons, rides like Spirale or the Grand Carrousel are the perfect choice. And how about folks looking for a quality family ride?

The Tchoupitoulas Fort or Bateau Pirate should do the trick! Between experiencing all the exhilaration, you can also soak in some wonderfully animated street performances.

Local Tip: Consider visiting the park in October for the famous annual Fright Fest event and enjoy the Halloween-themed attractions!

Calaway Park

Website: https://www.calawaypark.com/ 

Address: 245033 Range Rd 33, Calgary, AB T3Z 2E9, Canada

Contact details: +1 403-240-3822

Operating hours:

  •  Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM

Prices:

  • Regular (3-49 years) – $49.95
  • Fifty Plus (50 years & up) – $39.95
  • Children 2 and under – FREE
  • After 2pm – $33.95
  • Season Pass (3 years & up) – $143.95

Now, let’s talk about Calaway Park in Calgary, Western Canada’s largest outdoor family amusement park. “One full day of fun at one low price” is their motto, and they deliver on that, no doubt!

Here, you’ve got a fair share of 32 mind-boggling rides, iconic games, and unique play areas. Going from the captivating lure of mini-golf to the adrenaline-triggering roller coasters like the Vortex and the Dream Machine, the mix is pretty spot on.

But the fun doesn’t end after the rides. The park houses several high-energy live entertainment venues featuring musical performances, dance, and storytelling.

And for my mini-explorers out there, there’s something incredible too. The CP Spray n’ Play, an interactive water fun zone, or the Haunted Hotel, a spooky fun house, will keep them engaged while you chill out in your bliss corner.

Local Tip: Watch out for their promotional events and entry discounts on the website before your visit!

Fort Edmonton Park

Website: https://www.fortedmontonpark.ca/ 

Address: 7000 143 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 4P3, Canada

Contact details: +1 780-496-7381

Operating hours:

  •  Saturday and Sunday – 12 PM to 4 PM

Prices:

  • Adults (18+) – $26.20
  • Senior (65+) – $20.90
  • Children (2-17) – $20.90
  • Children (under 2) – Free

Taking a turn from conventional theme parks, here’s Fort Edmonton Park in Edmonton, an on-point blast from the past! It offers an extensive, hands-on historical experience like no other.

The park spans four different eras: the fur trading days in 1846, the pioneer years of 1885, the municipality era in 1905, and the metropolitan era in 1920. You can literally stroll through time, experiencing what life was like for Edmonton’s early settlers!

Apart from walking across recreated historical buildings, there’s much more to enjoy. Take a ride on a fully operational steam train, participate in time-honoured Indigenous practices, or jump onto an old-school horse-drawn carriage.

Through the summer months, the park organises a series of special events and celebrations. Attracting crowds from all walks of life, it truly epitomises Edmonton’s evolution.

Before I forget, please take note that Fort Edmonton Park is currently closed. Don’t worry, though; they’ll be returning in the winter with bells on very soon!

Local Tip: Don’t miss the fun-filled Capitol Theatre, showing classics and holding concerts all year round!

Niagara SkyWheel

Website: https://www.cliftonhill.com/attractions/niagara-skywheel 

Address: 4960 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N4, Canada

Contact details: +1 905-358-4793

Operating hours:

  •  Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 1 AM
  • Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 2 AM

Prices:

  • Niagara SkyWheel – Adult – $15.00, Child – $7.00
  • Niagara Speedway – Adult – $13.00 (Driver), Child – $4.00 (Passenger)
  • Zombie Attack – Adult – $9.99, Child – $5.99
  • Movieland Wax Museum – Adult – $12.99, Child – $6.99
  • Wizards Golf Mini Putt  – Adult – $10.99, Child – $6.99
  • Dinosaur Adventure Golf – Adult – $11.99, Child – $6.99
  • Cosmic Coaster – Adult – $6.99, Child – $4.99
  • Ghost Blasters – Adult – $4.99, Child -$4.99

Alright, I agree Niagara is far from your traditional theme park, but the Niagara SkyWheel in Niagara Falls, Ontario, is such an epic attraction, it deserves a hefty shout-out!

Sitting in the heart of Clifton Hill, this gigantic ferris wheel offers an exhilarating way to witness the breathtaking beauty of Niagara Falls. Towering 175 feet above the falls, it provides extraordinary panoramic views of this natural spectacle and the vibrant cityscape beyond.

Night rides on the SkyWheel are no less spectacular. Illuminated by an array of LED lights, it colours the night sky while offering an enchanting sight of the brilliantly lit falls.

Even though Niagara SkyWheel is the main attraction, the vicinity boasts various other amusement experiences. The Dinosaur Adventure Golf or the Zombie Attack are “don’t miss” for some side fun.

Local Tip: Try to time your ride with the evening illumination of the falls for an unforgettable view!
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