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Historic Park Facts
The Park, that entertains millions annually, first opened for guests in 1981.
Following an extensive site selection process by the Park’s developers, Maple (Vaughan) was finally chosen as the ideal location, due to its close proximity to Toronto and 400 series highways.
Initial construction of the Park commenced in April, 1979. During construction, Canadian companies partnered on the preliminary design and engineering of this massive project that involved 12 architectural and engineering firms and over 700 trades people. The Park sits on a 379 acre plot, 300 of which are currently developed.
Two years later, on May 23, 1981, Canada’s Wonderland was officially opened by then Premier of Ontario, William Davis, during a spectacular ceremony that included 10,000 helium balloons, 13 parachutists, 350 white doves, a pipe band and 4 children representing the Arctic, Pacific, Atlantic, and Great Lakes regions of Canada.
In 1993, Canada's Wonderland was acquired by Paramount Communications Inc., becoming part of its Paramount Parks division. Shortly thereafter, Canada's Wonderland became Paramount Canada's Wonderland, reflecting the Park's new association with Paramount Parks.
On 14 May 2006, it was announced that Cedar Fair Entertainment Co. was interested in acquiring Canada's Wonderland. The acquisition was completed on 30 June 2006. As a result, in early January 2007 the Park referred back to its original name, "Canada's Wonderland".
Cedar Fair's dedication to providing the best in family entertainment and guest service has kept guests coming back year after year. Today, with eleven amusement parks, six water parks, and one indoor water park, Cedar Fair is one of the largest and most successful amusement park operators in the world.
Each season, Canada's Wonderland has introduced new attractions and features, investing an additional $250 million since the Park first opened.
In 1983, Wonderland built the Kingswood Music Theatre, a state of the art 15,000 seat amphitheatre that has played host to many of music’s major artists. Currently, Kingswood hosts more than 20 Cultural Festivals each season, featuring world renowned acts from across the globe.
In 1992, Canada's Wonderland became two parks in one with the addition of Splash Works, a 20 acre water park. Splash Works boasts Canada’s largest outdoor wavepool and over two million gallons of heated water attractions, including 18 speed slides and interactive water features.
And most notably, throughout the Park’s first quarter century of operation, Wonderland has introduced some of North America’s most popular ride attractions, including such favourites as FLIGHT DECK, The Fly, DROP TOWER, The Bat, SkyRider, Vortex, Psyclone and Silver Streak. BEHEMOTH®, the Park’s 15th coaster experience, which premiered in 2008, sets the stage for thrills with a climb to a height of 230 ft (70.1m), followed by an adrenaline pumping 75 degree drop with speeds reaching 125 kilometers per hour in 3.9 seconds, and a track length of over 5,300 ft (1,616m).
Canada’s Wonderland is also a leader in the live show entertainment industry, casting up and coming Canadian stars in high-energy song and dance revues for 25 years. This season, back by popular demand is Endless Summer Ice Show! World class skaters whip up a confection of twirls, jumps and spins to hot music, getting you in the mood for summer fun! 2009 also brings the début of two new shows! Relive the magic of the 50's and 60's through the songs that you forgot you loved in Sign, Sealed, Delivered, playing daily at International Showplace! For those traveling with children, join us at Putz Headquarters for Marty’s Party where the wacky inventions of boy genius Marty and the outrageous outfits of Fiona the fashion queen take over the Playhouse Theatre in KidZville.
Currently, the Park employs over 4,000 seasonal staff annually to assist with its operation. Predominantly students, Canada's Wonderland is Canada’s largest single location employer of youth and York Region’s top employer.
With over 200 attractions, more than 65 rides, Splash Works, great live shows and more, Canada's Wonderland is the perfect summer destination!
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