Reviving Memories: Exploring the Past Thrills of Canada's Wonderland
Embark on a nostalgic journey with us as we stroll down memory lane, reminiscing about the exhilarating rides that once defined the landscape of Canada's Wonderland. From gravity-defying loops to water splashes and roller coaster adventures, these iconic attractions hold a special place in our hearts.
Join us as we unveil the tales of ten unforgettable rides that have become a part of Canada's Wonderland's rich history.
1. Pharaoh's Eye (1981-1987): A Daring Spin Into the Past
Our list begins with the Pharaoh's Eye, a mesmerizing ride located in Grande World Expo that took thrill-seekers on a stomach-teasing journey. Tilting 90-degrees while spinning, this unique amusement ride stood tall from 1981 to 1987. Its departure paved the way for Racing Rivers in 1988, leaving behind memories of a daring ride that defied gravity.
Photo Credit: Bob Joiner
2. Zumba Flume (1981-1994): A Splash of Nostalgia
Zumba Flume, another original attraction from the park's opening day in 1981, delighted millions in Grande World Expo. Featuring two log flume slides and a 12m drop, Zumba Flume made a splash until 1994, making room for the introduction of Flight Deck (then Top Gun) in 1995.
3. Bedrock Dock (1981-1999): A Flintstone-Themed Water Odyssey
For 80s and 90s kids, Bedrock Dock was a nostalgic boat ride in Hanna-Barbera Land (now Planet Snoopy). Prehistoric boats glided around a circular water track and the ride entertained millions before making way for Boo Blasters on Boo Hill in 2000.
4. Bayern's Kurve (1981-2000): Alpen-Themed Thrills
Bayern's Kurve was a circular roller coaster-like ride next to Wonder Mountain with bobsled-themed cars representing different Olympic countries with Canada leading the pack. As the train picked up speed, the 16 cars would incline towards the centre of the track. The ride featured a mountaineer with an Alphorn that would blast when the ride reached maximum speed. This iconic ride entertained guests until 2000.
5. Racing Rivers (1988-2000): Splash Down Slides
Racing Rivers took water rides to a new level with two water slides, Pharaoh's Falls and The Watersnake. Guests slid down steep angles 9 metres high on plastic sleds, creating splashy memories until 2000, when it closed in order to make room for Psyclone in 2002.
6. Great Whale of China (1981-2003): High Seas Adventure
Navigating the high seas, the Great Whale of China sailed through the Grande Worlde Exposition of 1890. Loved by both kids and adults, this ride’s boats sailed and spinned quickly around a circuit while they sloped up and down along the ocean waves. It closed at the end of the 2003 season, making way for Time Warp in 2004, leaving behind memories of oceanic ups and downs.
Photo Credit: Bob Joiner
7. Jet Scream (1990-2010): Gravity-Defying Loops
Jet Scream, a looping starship ride, provided a 360-degree rotating sensation ten stories high. Riders would sit in rows facing each other in a similar style to Viking’s Rage and hope that the person sitting across had a strong stomach! Its 20-year run came to an end in 2010, making room for WindSeeker in 2011.
8. SkyRider (1985-2014): Canada's Original Stand-Up Coaster
When SkyRider opened, it was Canada's only stand-up looping roller coaster. Guests would go down a 25.6 m drop directly into a giant 360-degree loop and then twist in a 540-degree helix. After 29 years and thrilling 23 million guests, SkyRider made way for the record-breaking Yukon Striker in 2019, leaving a legacy of looping excitement.
9. Action Theatre (1994-2018): A Cinematic Journey
Action Theatre combined 3D and 4D films, offering sensor-equipped motion seats, wind, and mist. This indoor theatre was a great way for guests to take a break from the sun and featured short interactive films like Days of Thunder (1994-1998), James Bond: License to Thrill (1998), Escape from Dino Island 3D (1999), Stan Lee’s 7th Portal (2001), SpongeBob SquarePants 4-D (2003), The Fantastic World of Hanna-Barbara (2006), Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia 3D (2012), Monsters of the Deep 3D (2013), Robinson Crusoe 3D (2016-2017), and Our Canada (2018). Although the theatre still exists, it shifted its focus to education and music events, hosting a haunted attraction called Spirit Manor.
10. Orbiter (1981-2018): Spinning into the Past
Originally known as Sol Loco, Orbiter spun horizontally and lifted vertically, captivating riders from 1981 to 2018. With 15 million entertained guests, Orbiter left a lasting impression on Canada's Wonderland's history.
As we reflect on these iconic rides, we can't help but appreciate the role they played in shaping the thrills and memories of Canada's Wonderland's past. Though these rides are no longer part of the park's landscape, their legacy lives on in the hearts of those who experienced the magic and excitement they once brought to visitors.