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Canada's Wonderland is a 330-acre (130 ha) theme park located in Vaughan, Ontario. Opened in 1981 by the Taft Broadcasting Company and The Great-West Life Assurance Company as the first major theme park in Canada, it remains the country's largest amusement park. More than 45 attractions including rides, stores, and restaurants have been removed or renamed over the years.
Former attractions
The following are attractions which have been removed or replaced:
| Name | Opened | Closed | Description/Fate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wonder Mountain Walkway | 1981 | 1986 | Prior to the addition of Thunder Run, visitors could walk a pathway that led to an observation deck on the top of the mountain. It was closed to make way for relocated mechanical equipment which was taken from the inside of the 'mountain' and placed in the public areas, and because a danger was caused to people riding Thunder Run due to garbage being thrown from the walkway onto the track below. Another portion of the walkway, which went behind Victoria Falls, remained open for a number of years afterwards, being closed in the mid-1990s because of accidents due to slippery walkways. |
| Pharaoh's Eye | 1981 | 1987 | Pharaoh's Eye Round Up was removed to make way for the Racing Rivers water-slide attraction, which currently is the site where Psyclone and Sledge Hammer are located. Swing of the Century was also located in that area at the time when it was known as the Swing of Siam, but it was moved to its current location to make way for the Racing Rivers. |
| Zumba Flume | 1981 | 1994 | Zumba Flume was a classic log flume ride. It was removed to make way for Flight Deck (Top Gun). |
| Snail Trail | 1981 | 1997 | Snail Trail (formerly, Boo Boo's Buggies 1981–1983, Lazy's Snail Trail 1984-1992) was a small circular kiddie ride where children could ride in their own snail-drawn carriage. It was removed at the end of the 1997 season and was replaced by Swing Time, which opened in 1998. |
| Bedrock Dock | 1981 | 1999 | Bedrock Dock was a small boat ride, removed in 1999, to make way for Scooby Doo's Haunted Mansion, as well as the ongoing removal of everything Flintstones-related from the park. It was later located at Carowinds, as Snoopy's Yacht Club (formerly Little Bill's Cruisers, until the end of the 2009 season). It was removed following the 2017 season in preparation for Camp Snoopy. |
| Bayern's Curve | 1981 | 2000 | Bayern's Curve was a 16-car attraction (Schwarzkopf) which ran in a circle many times, situated next to Wonder Mountain. It closed at season's end in 2000. This ride was most famous for the massive horn as part of the set, and the blast the horn sounded as the ride reached its maximum speed. Klockwerks replaced Bayern's Curve, as it was moved 'across the street' to accommodate Shockwave the next year. As of 2008, Bayern's Curve was said to have been shipped to Kings Dominion, where it sits in storage. |
| Bedrock Aquarium | 1981 | 2002 | Originally called "Saltwater Circus", this marine show tent was closed in 2003 when Nickelodeon Central replaced the northern section of Hanna-Barbera Land. In 2002, it was renamed the "Bedrock Event Tent." It was shut down after the last of the Flintstones-themed elements were eliminated from the park. After nine years of being in a state of disrepair, the Aquarium was finally demolished in September 2011, to make way for Dinosaurs Alive!. |
| HotRock Raceway | 1981 | 2002 | HotRock Raceway was closed in 2002 due to difficulty in maintaining the ride and increasing downtime. |
| Flintstones Flyboys | 1981 | 2002 | Flintstones FlyBoys was rider-controlled round ride, similar to Aerofield, removed in 2002 along with the ongoing removal of everything Flintstones-related from the park. |
| The Fury | 1981 | 2003 | The Fury (Originally Shiva's Fury 1981–2001) was removed at the end of the 2003 season to make way for Time Warp (Tomb Raider: The Ride). It was later sent to Kings Island to be used as spare parts on its identical ride. |
| The Great Whale of China | 1981 | 2003 | The Great Whale of China was removed at the end of the 2003 season to make way for Time Warp (Tomb Raider: The Ride). It was in storage behind Kingswood before being relocated to Carowinds where it is now known as Peanuts Pirates (formerly Revenge of the Flying Dutchman until the end of the 2009 season). |
| SkyRider | 1985 | 2014 | SkyRider closed on September 1, 2014, to make room for future expansion. It was sold to Cavallino Matto an amusement park in Tuscany where it operates as Freestyle. |
| Smurf Forest | 1984 | 1992 | A funhouse-like building that featured scenes of Smurfs in their "natural" habitat. This attraction was actually converted from Yogi's Cave in Yogi's Forest (1981–1983) before the area was changed to Smurf Forest for the 1984 season. Also featured near the end was a section of Gargamel's house where Gargamel would be playing his organ. Gargamel's house was formerly the Ranger's Cabin during its use in Yogi's Cave. Smurf Village was removed and replaced by an arcade until 1998 where it housed Meet-and-Greets with the Rugrats. Currently, it functions as KidZville Candy, KidZville Guest Services (Security) and mini-arcade in the Zoom Zone area. |
| Pharaoh's Falls | 1988 | 2000 | Two of the Racing Rivers water slides that had riders sitting on plastic runners (sleds) and descended at a very steep angle starting at 30 feet, it was removed for an unknown reason. However, the loading tower remained standing until its removal at the end of the 2001 season for Psyclone. |
| Watersnake | 1988 | 2001 | The other two Racing Rivers water slides that were tubular, enclosed, and twisted, and had riders sitting on inner-tubes, it was removed at the end of the 2001 season for Psyclone. |
| Jet Scream | 1990 | 2010 | Jet Scream was a looping star ship ride Manufactured by Intamin, which spun riders in a 360-degree rotation 10 stories high. It was removed to make way for the new WindSeeker ride at the end of the 2010 season. |
| Wipe Out | 1992 | 2004 | Wipe Out (originally Drop Zone (1992-1996)) was a large near vertical waterslide known internally as the "70" for being 70 feet (21 m) tall, was closed by the end of the 2004 season. |
| Pipeline | 1992 | 2001 | Pipeline was a short criss-crossing covered waterslide, was removed to make way for Riptide Racer. |
| Body Blast | 1992 | 2016 | Body Blast was a water slide complex in Splash Works that consisted of three winding body slides that emptied into a pool. It was removed to make way for Muskoka Plunge. |
| Jumbo Bumps | 1993 | 2000 | Jumbo Bumps was a large slide located in the Kid's Kingdom playground, now known as The Candy Factory, it was removed to make way for the new Zoom Zone area including Silver Streak, Blast Off, and Jumpin' Jet. |
| Pro Putt | 1993 | 2016 | Pro Putt was a mini golf course located in International Festival, was removed to make way for Soaring Timbers. |
| A-maze-ing Adventure | 1998 | 2015 | The A-Maze-Ing Adventure was a small obstacle course maze set up in Kidzville, was removed to make way for Flying Eagles. As of 2018, the parts sit in storage behind Wilde Beast. |
| Launch Pad | 2003 | 2017 | Launch Pad was an up-charge attraction located in White Water Canyon where the Days of Thunder 4D ride was formerly located. It featured six trampolines, was removed to make way for Flying Canoes. The ride now sits in storage. |
| Orbiter | 1981 | 2018 | Orbiter (formerly Sol Loco) was a HUSS Enterprise that was dismantled in February 2019 due to low popularity and high maintenance costs. The ride is currently for sale. This ride was removed and a pathway is now connecting the new Frontier Canada and Action Zone areas. |
| Peanuts Putt-Putt | 1993 | 2019 | Peanuts Putt-Putt was a children's mini golf course that was removed after the 2019 season to make way for Beagle Brigade Airfield. |
| Xtreme Skyflyer | 1996 | 2023 | Xtreme Skyflyer was a ride that featured an arch that held a cable to which the riders were attached and two towers that lifted the riders. Riders first step onto a scissor lift, where they are raised into the loading position. Operators then hook the riders onto a cable that brings the riders to the top of the tower and a cable that holds the riders during the free-fall. After operating for 27 years, the ride closed down at the end of the 2023 season to make way for future attractions. |
Former shows
| Name | Opened | Closed | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| School of Rock | 2005 | 2006 | The show was based on the 2003 Jack Black movie School of Rock, featuring live music and dancing. |
| Hollywood's Stunt Spectacular | 2006 | 2006 | The show was an action show with explosions, weapons and vehicular stunts. The show was located in the park's parking lot. |
| The Eruption | 1998 | 2001 | A nighttime Pyrotechnic Show with 40 ft flames smoke ash geysers and even more special effects, the park removed this show as it became very expensive to produce due to the park using liquid propane for large flame effects with minimal smoke.
the show consisted of 3, 5-10 minute segments consisting of a 20/30 minute show, while the show lasted it drew large crowds to the front of the park. one of the most notable shows on International Street besides Starlight Spectacular the "new version" of eruption using modern day technology now available |
| Snoopy Rocks On Ice | 2010 | 2011 | Similar to rotational stage shows on a cruise ship this show contained a mashup of music that ice skaters and characters performed to in Wonderland Theatre |
| The Nickelodeon Parade | 2006 | 2006 | Nickelodeon characters, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and
a cast of over 100 performers, the award-winning Nickelodeon Celebration Parade brings families to their feet as they find themselves face to face with the stars of Nickelodeon. From tossing jellyfish with SpongeBob SquarePants and his friends, to beating drums with Donnie from the Wild Thornberrys, to playing Pin the Tail on the Donkey with Little Bill, kids become the stars of the show with interactive games that take place during stops along the parade route. But this event isn't just for the kids. Adults have a chance to get in on the action as we "let the pie fly." As with anything Nickelodeon, someone may end up with a face full of whipped cream! The Nickelodeon Celebration Parade, winner of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions' (IAAPA) 2004 & 2005 Big E Award for Best Production: Parade Performance, was presented daily at 6:00pm |
Former restaurants and shops
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| New York Fries | The New York Fries at the park became Hot Potato. |
| Mr. Sub | Mr. Sub was replaced by Subway in 2012 |
| Bubble Tease | The Bubble Tease behind Wonder Mountain was converted back to Cookie Cafe. |
| You Go Grill | You Go Grill was replaced by Chicken Shack for the 2013 season. |
Renamed attractions, restaurants, and shops
A number of rides and attractions have been renamed to correspond with area theme changes.
| Description/Former Name/Reason For Name Change | |
|---|---|
| Spinovator | Spinovator in Medieval Faire was originally called Quixote's Kettles. It was renamed for the 1997 season. |
| Klockwerks | Klockwerks in International Festival was originally called Klockwurker. It was renamed for the 1991 season. |
| Wilde Knight Mares | Wilde Knight Mares in Medieval Faire was originally called Wilde Knight Mares. It was renamed Night Mares for the 1997 season. However, it was reverted to Wilde Knight Mares for the 2019 season. |
| Viking's Rage | Vikings Rage in Medieval Faire was originally called Viking's Rage. It was renamed The Rage for the 1997 season. However, it was reverted to Viking's Rage for the 2019 season. |
| The Orbiter | The Orbiter in the Grand World Exposition of 1890 was originally called Sol Loco. It was renamed in 2002. During the 2006 season, the ride was slated to be dismantled and relocated to another park. After Cedar Fair Entertainment Company acquired the Paramount Parks chain, the decision was reversed. The ride was rebuilt and re-opened later that year. The ride was removed after the 2018 season. |
| Wilde Beast | Wilde Beast in Medieval Faire was originally called Wilde Beast. It was renamed Wild Beast for the 1997 season. However, it is reverting to Wilde Beast for the 2019 season. |
| Dragon Fyre | Dragon Fyre in Medieval Faire was originally called Dragon Fyre. It was renamed Dragon Fire for the 1997 season. However, it is reverting to Dragon Fyre for the 2019 season. |
| Splash Island Waterways | Splash Island Waterways in Splashworks was called Scooby Splash Island. It was renamed during the 2002 season during the phase-out of Hanna-Barbera characters. |
| Swing of the Century | Swing of the Century was known as Swing of Siam and was located where Psyclone and Sledge Hammer are today with a different theme. It was relocated to its current location for the 1988 season and received its current name in 1989. |
| The Fury | The Fury was known as Shiva's Fury until 1998. In 2003, the ride was demolished. |
| Thunder Run | Thunder Run in the International Festival was called Blauer Enzian, and was located roughly where The Fly is currently located. It was moved into Wonder Mountain, extended, and renamed Thunder Run in 1986. |
| Courtyard | The Courtyard group catering facility in Medieval Faire was called King's Courtyarde Group Catering Facility. The exact date of the name change from King's Courtyarde Group Catering Facility to King's Courtyard Group Catering Facility for the 1993 season. Then the name was changed yet again to its current day name in 2000. |
| Canterbury Theatre | The Canterbury Theatre in Medieval Faire was called The Paramount Theatre prior to the sale of Canada's Wonderland to Cedar Fair. It was originally called The Canterbury Theatre when it was built. The date of the name change was during the 2008 season to Wonderland Theatre. The original name was changed in 1994 when the theatre's name was changed to The Paramount Theatre. However, it was reverted to The Canterbury Theatre for the 2019 season. |
| Jokey's Jalopies | Jokey's Jalopies in Kidzville was originally called Wonder Tour from 1981–1997. |
| Kidzville Station | Kidzville Station in Kidzville was originally called Scooby Choo from 1981–1997. |
| Frequent Flyers | Frequent Flyers in Kidzville was originally called Balloon Race from 1981–1997. |
| Swan Lake | Swan Lake in Planet Snoopy (Formerly Hanna-Barbera Land) was originally called Happy Landing from 1981–1997. |
| Snoopy's Space Race | Snoopy's Space Race in Planet Snoopy was originally called Scoobyville Rocketport from 1981–2000. Then from 2001-2009 it was known as Jetson's Rocketport. |
| Snoopy Vs. Red Baron | Snoopy Vs. Red Baron located within Planet Snoopy was known as Aerofield from 1981–2009. |
| The Backlot Cafe | The Backlot Cafe restaurant in the Grand World Exposition of 1890 was formerly called Southside Grille from 1992–2005. Southside Grille was renovated in 2006 and was re-opened as The Backlot Cafe, featuring large screen TVs, gourmet food stations and an improved decor. As a result of the name change, the Wonderland staff cafeteria (which used to be called The Backlot Cafe. The Staff Cafeteria was also once called "The Lemon Lounge") was renamed Oscar's. Oscar's was then renamed Cornerstones Cafe after the new company, Cedar Fair's commitments to its cornerstone philosophy in 2007. Also, before Southside Grille, it was called Ginza Gardens from 1981–1986, and then also had the name Oriental Gardens from 1987–1991, which explains the former Japanese façade it had. |
| Traveler's Roadside Cafe | Traveler's Roadside Cafe restaurant between the Vortex and White Water Canyon used to be Tucker's Roadside Cafe. The name was changed in 1997 to prevent confusion due to the opening of the Tucker's Marketplace buffet restaurants across Ontario. |
| International Street Pizza Pizza | International Street Pizza Pizza used to be called Ristorante, an Italian-themed restaurant. Wonderland Food Services stopped serving its own pizza and Italian food after the introduction of Pizza Pizza into the park. |
| International Street Starbucks | International Street Starbucks used to be La Cantina, a Mexican-themed restaurant which closed in 2005. |
| International Marketplace | International Marketplace was once Arthur's Pizza Pizza which was also Arthur's Pub & Grille. |
| SuperStar Recording Studios | SuperStar Recording Studios were removed from the park at the end of the 2004 season due to removal of the concession from the park. The video studio in Expo was replaced with a Hot Press tee-shirt stand, and then in 2007 by the new Coasters restaurant, and the audio recording studio in International Festival was renovated and replaced with a "Multi-Faith Space" prayer room. |
| Backlot Stunt Coaster | Backlot Stunt Coaster was called Italian Job: Stunt Track until after the 2007 season, due to Viacom's sale of the park to Cedar Fair. |
| Flight Deck | Flight Deck was called Top Gun until after the 2007 season due to Viacom's sale of the park to Cedar Fair. |
| Riptide | Riptide was called Cliffhanger until after the 2007 season due to Viacom's sale of the park to Cedar Fair. |
| Time Warp | Time Warp was called Tomb Raider: The Ride until after the 2007 season due to Viacom's sale of the park to Cedar Fair. |
| Drop Tower | Drop Tower was called Drop Zone until after the 2007 season due to Viacom's sale of the park to Cedar Fair. |
| Treetop Adventure | Was originally named Chopper Chase from 1998–2015. It was renamed during the 2016 season. |
| Sugar Shack | Originally named Flavourator from 1998–2015. It was renamed during the 2016 season. |
| Maple Park Treehouse | Was originally The Candy Factory and before that Kids Kingdom from 1998–2015. Was renamed during the 2016 season. |
| Snoopy Snacks | Snoopy Snacks is in the KidZville area. This used to be called Scooby's Snacks before the park changed from Nickelodeon to Peanuts. Scooby's Snacks in the Scoobyville section of Hanna-Barbera Land (now KidZville) was originally called Granny's Sweets before Scooby's Snacks was renamed in July 2008. Scoobys Snacks became Snoopy Snacks in 2010 when Planet Snoopy was introduced. |
| Tacos/Nachos | A Mexican/Mayan themed restaurant located in Grande World Exposition Of 1890 (Now Action Zone) from 1981–1996. The building was then used for various attractions. Eventually, the building was demolished during the off-season of 2006/2007 and Coasters had opened for the 2007 season. |
See also
References
- Malcolm, Andrew H. (24 May 1981). "A Theme Park Called Wonderland Opens Near Toronto". The New York Times. Retrieved 17 August 2015.
- "Top 10 Theme Parks is Canada". Archived from the original on 11 September 2015. Retrieved 17 August 2015.
- Cowan, Chris. "Theme Park Timelines: Paramount Canada's Wonderland". Archived from the original on 2011-07-13. Retrieved 2011-05-22.
- Karstens-Smith, Gemma (August 7, 2014). "After 29 years, SkyRider's ride comes to an end". The Toronto Star. Archived from the original on September 2, 2014. Retrieved September 1, 2014.
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