Canada’s Wonderland is one of those places that instantly brings you back to summer. Whether you grew up racing to The Bat, working up the nerve for Behemoth, eating your way down International Street or begging your parents to stay just a little bit longer, the park is packed with memories.
Of course, a great day at Canada’s Wonderland also takes a little planning, especially during peak summer months. We spoke with Grace Peacock, Director of Marketing, Sales and Communications for Canada’s Wonderland, to get her best insider tips on making the most of your visit, from avoiding long lines to keeping families and teens safe. Whether it’s your first time or twenty-first time visiting, she provides you with all of the details that you need to get the most out of your day.
What are your top insider tips for guests who want to maximize their day at Canada’s Wonderland, especially during peak summer months?
There’s so much to do here at the park, so being organized is critical! Plan ahead. Before you arrive, look at the park map online, check show times and event schedules in our mobile app and identify your must-do attractions. Canada’s Wonderland is a large park with more than 200 attractions, so having a game plan can help you make the most of your day.
Be sure to download the Canada’s Wonderland app before your visit. It provides ride wait times, show schedules, dining information and maps right at your fingertips. If you’re planning to enjoy both the theme park and Splash Works, consider dedicating part of your day to each experience.
Insider tip: Many guests don’t realize is that International Street opens at 9:30 a.m., giving you a chance to get through the gates and get ready for the day ahead.
Which rides or attractions tend to have the longest wait times, and what strategies do you recommend for avoiding lines?
Our biggest roller coasters, including AlpenFury, Leviathan, Yukon Striker and Behemoth, can have longer wait times due to their popularity.
The best strategy to maximize ride time is to arrive early and head to your top-priority attractions first. Guests visiting on weekdays while school is still in session will generally experience lighter crowds as well. Passholders can also take advantage of Early Ride Times on select days, which provides exclusive access to certain attractions before the park opens to the general public.
Another tip is not to overlook days with less-than-perfect weather. Light rain often results in smaller crowds and shorter wait-times throughout the park.
Are there any hidden gems, lesser-known attractions, shows, dining options, or experiences that visitors often overlook?
While the park is best known for its world-class roller coasters and 20-acre water park, many guests are surprised by the variety of live entertainment, seasonal events and specialty food offerings available throughout the season.
Beginning in late June, guests can enjoy a full lineup of live entertainment throughout the park, as well as special events (like Celebration Canada and KidZfest), fireworks and limited-time menu items. These experiences are a great way to take a break between rides and add another dimension to your visit. All showtimes and event details can be found in the app.
What should families with young children know before they visit to make the experience easier?
Families can make the most of their visit by reviewing our height and safety requirements online before arriving. This helps parents identify which attractions their children can enjoy and plan their day accordingly.
For parents or caregivers who are unable to leave a child, service animal or personal item unattended, our Rider Swap program makes it easy for everyone to experience the rides. Simply let the ride associate know when you reach the front of the line. One person can ride while the other waits at the exit with the child, service animal or item, then they can swap so the second person can ride without waiting in the queue again.
While outside food is generally not permitted, we do allow food for babies and small children, and it is strongly recommended to bring a refillable water bottle for the day. We also have parent comfort stations for baby changing and nursing. Check the app for locations.
What are the most important safety rules guests should be aware of before visiting, and why are they so critical to ensuring everyone has a safe and enjoyable day?
The safety of our guests and team members is a top priority and we encourage everyone to review our Code of Conduct before visiting. The policy is available on our website and is strictly enforced to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests.
Some of the most important rules include respecting others in the park, refraining from line jumping and following all ride safety requirements. Guests should also be aware that loose articles (phones, keys, sunglasses etc.) are not permitted on many attractions for safety reasons.
We also encourage visitors to stay hydrated, apply sunscreen regularly and dress appropriately for the weather. For those looking to capture their experience, it’s important to note that most cameras and action cameras are not permitted on rides. Currently, Meta Glasses are the only exception, provided they are with a safety strap.
Many teens visit Canada’s Wonderland with friends rather than their families. What steps does the park take to help ensure their safety, and what advice would you give parents before dropping them off for the day?
We want every guest to have a safe, fun and memorable experience – including teens visiting with friends.
Parents know their children best and can determine whether they’re ready to spend the day independently. To support a safe environment, Canada’s Wonderland strictly enforces its Code of Conduct and Chaperone Policy (new this year). It’s a good idea for parents to review this information and discuss it with your child before they come to the park.
We also remind teens that if they ever need assistance while visiting the park, our team members are always available to help.
How does Canada’s Wonderland train ride operators and staff to prioritize guest safety, and what measures are in place to respond to emergencies or changing weather conditions?
Safety is the foundation of everything we do at Canada’s Wonderland. Six Flags has one of the most comprehensive safety programs in the amusement industry and has played a leading role in the development of safety standards used throughout North America.
All ride operators receive extensive training before operating attractions, and our rides are inspected, maintained and operated in accordance with or above manufacturer requirements and industry standards.
Our teams are also trained to respond to changing conditions throughout the day, including weather-related impacts, to help ensure the safety of our guests and associates. We have devices that alert us to these changes and help us implement protocols meant to keep everyone safe. We ask that all guests follow instructions and be patient if it means a temporary ride delay.
What items should (and can) guests bring and what items should they leave at home to ensure a smooth visit, from footwear and hydration to prohibited items and park policies?
Guests should come prepared for a full day outdoors. Comfortable footwear, sunscreen, hats, refillable water bottles and weather-appropriate clothing can go a long way toward making your visit more enjoyable.
We encourage guests to review our Code of Conduct before arriving for a full list of prohibited items. It’s also important to note that some attractions, including Yukon Striker and AlpenFury, do not permit bags in the queue or on the ride. Guests planning to ride these attractions should consider renting a locker before joining the line or find a friend to hold them!
One lesser-known tip is that we offer a picnic area located just outside the front gates. Guests who wish to enjoy a picnic lunch can leave a cooler in their vehicle and take advantage of that space during their visit.
