Secret History of Canada's Wonderland - Disneyland of the North

Canada’s Wonderland, Canada’s premiere theme park was refered to as Disneyland of the North when the theme park opened in 1981. Today Canada's Wonderland the largest theme park in Canada. Located in Vaughan Ontario, just outside Toronto, the park is owned by Cedar Fair and it’s the most visited seasonal theme park in all of North America. Today it gives thrill seekers their dose of thrill like with Yukon Striker, Leviathan & Behemoth while providing entertainment for the entire family- but in the beginning, not everyone was saying Yabba Dabba doo! Canadians had never seen anything of this magnitude and the park faced a lot of criticism and roadblocks. From initial construction to the days of Paramount Canada's Wonderland and beyond, there's a lot you don't know. So let's explore the secret history of Canada's Wonderland- Disneyland of the North. DON'T FORGET TO LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE!*** ►bit.ly/2mfriBD ◄
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TPMvids is not affiliated with Cedar Fair or Canada's Wonderland in any way. Any opinions expressed are those of TPMvids and do not reflect any other companies or individuals. This video is put together in compliance with fair use under the classification of education and commentary to begin an open conversation. Any opinions expressed are those of TPMvids and do not reflect any other companies or individuals.
Canada's Wonderland

[@TPMvids]

Hope you all enjoy this video! Sharing the Canada’s Wonderland story has been a video I’ve been wanted to do for ages. I’ve been going to the park just as long as I’ve been going to Disney and there’s so much about the beginnings of this park that aren’t widely talked about. I’m having so much fun making these deep dive mini doc episodes so enjoy :)

[@adriangarcia543]

How can I contact Tpmvids?

[@garretgaming5605]

I love to learn the history of any theme park because it’s always very interesting

[@cruthius6154]

Did you know about the little controversy over the name? I found out about it when I moved to BC. A little mini-golf business in Abbotsford BC had a legal battle over the name "Wonderland" with Canada's Wonderland in 1998. Wonderland, now known as Castle Fun Park, had 24 hours to legally change it's name before bigger problems would occur to the mini golf business.

[@SlipperySoap]

I love it, great work TPM VIDS, by the way, can you please do the full history of the Kitchen Kaberet, and the Universe of Energy?

[@melskunk]

Between this video and Bright Sun Films doing Marineland recently, I'm discovering a lot of KZbinrs I follow are local to me

[@TheGreyTurtleEntertainment]

This entire story is fantastic, but I think my favorite part is Roy Disney's brilliance of suggesting Cincinnati - because he effectively gave them what they wanted, while keeping them as far away from the Disneyland market as possible.

[@littytitty5347]

Thank you for making this video! I loved Canada’s Wonderland when I was a kid, I never thought I’d see a theme park KZbinr cover it. Pleasantly surprised!

[@TPMvids]

Hope you enjoy it! I’ve been going to Wonderland since I was a kid as well so this video is really special to me!

[@HunterTheHero]

@@TPMvids What are you, American, or Canadian?

[@HunterTheHero]

@Tahmid Bin Ali What's his real name?

[@ultrasuperman1001]

As a Canadian, and a Canadian who loves Canada's Wonderland, I really happy to see you guys do a video on this! Like you said we have some record breaking rides but more often than not Canada's Wonderland seems to get brushed off.

[@mayganphynix8267]

it shouldn't. I'm so glad I know about it now, since I've really wanted to visit Canada.

[@bartplays3392]

Really want to go here someday. Canada’s Wonderland definitely seems like an amazing park as it seems like all of the rides here are great

[@TPMvids]

It’s such a great park! If you ever get the chance to visit, you won’t be disappointed!

[@bartplays3392]

@@TPMvids Yeah hopefully I can go sometime as Leviathan, Behemoth, and Yukon Striker all seem like awesome rides. Also happy you did another non Disney video

[@JDIASPRODUCTIONS]

Go on a weekday and go right in the morning 10am

[@Daniel_Coasters]

@@JDIASPRODUCTIONS I will if I get to go to Canada

[@maddie-cl4mn]

except for the mighty canadian minebuster and wildebeast, yeah

[@kraftsdodvc]

So awesome to see TPM post about this! I work in vaughan and actually have a family history with Canadas Wonderland. My grandfathers company was the supplier for all nuts bolts and screws for its original construction. Great video as always!

[@TPMvids]

That is such a cool little connection to the park!

[@taniam1976]

I feel so honored that you featured Canada‘s Wonderland on your channel! I actually live two minutes away… L O L! I have been going since it opened in 1981 when I was a small child. I remember this theme park being built in the middle of vast farmland with not a house in sight for miles. Now it’s a very dense and extremely populated city since the founding of the theme Park. Really fun to watch the video and reminisce with the changing times from the past. Thanks again. ❤️🙏🏻 Still, Disneyland and Disney World are significantly better at customer service, park maintenance and theming.

[@Chis64]

CedarFair is basically letting Canada's Wonderland go back in time and rebrand as its own identity while they still own it. Vancouver has its own amusement park, and even so been around since the late 50s. Always great watching these videos.

[@charlesroberts-moses6074]

Playland!

[@danielsociety9234]

I wish Cedarfair would buy Playland in Vancouver. It needs some MAJOR investment. It’s only really good ride is the historic wooden coaster.

[@joedomaille613]

UK visitor here! I visited in 2017 and 2019. Having been to Disneyworld and Universal Orlando resort 5 times over the years, Canada's wonderland has such a unique atmosphere. Great for thrill seekers like me, but also great for families and kids with so much to see and do! I will definitely re-visit when my daughter is older!

[@malloryharack301]

I have visited many times, from back when it was "Canadas wonderland" to "Paramount" and finally cedar fair's version! What a delight to see you cover the whole story. This park will always hold a special place in my heart as its where my Stepdad took us when we first met him. We opened and closed the park, and I will never forget that day and how close it made our family. What a treat to see on my page tonight. Thank you for the trip down memory lane

[@capetune2611]

I’m finally going to Disney again in a couple weeks, and your videos get me even more excited 😁 Thank you for your cool informational videos ❤️

[@maxpaliz6563]

Same

[@adammilks5590]

I love Disney and Universal, but I really love seeing videos like this about other parks. I'd love to see one on Kings Dominion or Valleyfair, as I've been to both. Thank you so much for this!

[@brandonvieira8114]

Wow this brings the nostalgia for the theme park in my neck of my woods! Paramount Canadas Wonderland was such a fun time as a kid 🧒

[@TPMvids]

It was such an iconic part of the 90s in Toronto!

[@Jollysweets08]

This was an amazing video! I live close to Wonderland but I think I always took it for granted because my interests were always in the Disney Parks & Universal but I'm going to appreciate more what we have here down in good old Ontario 😊

[@TPMvids]

Glad you enjoyed it! There is so much to appreciate at Wonderland!

[@watchistoryisanythingbutnormal]

YES I have been going to wonderland since I was a small child. It was my childhood and my everything. Thank you so much for doing a video on it. I will forever be grateful 💖

[@douglascunningham3126]

Went there in 1982 on a family vacation. I’m from Ohio originally and had been to kings island many times so a lot of it was familiar. I really remember the cliff divers.

[@waywardlaser]

I'm from Toronto and while I haven't been there in years, Wonderland still holds a special place in my heart.

[@rileyparadis7978]

As someone who grew up going to this theme park, it’s so nice to see my favourite channel cover it!!! Thank you!

[@Thesquidgee84]

I grew up in maple. On quiet days in the 80’s you could hear the music and see the mountain, and we would watch the fireworks from family’s backyards. It got harder as the town built up. I also worked there as a photographer during summer in high school and college. A lot of us really miss the flume ride and some of the other removed flat rides and the sky rider. Hanna Barbara land is especially missed. There used to be great Smurf content as well. Some of the rides are in need of a little help, like stunt coaster, but we love it just the same. I would really love for them to remove time warp and get something new in that area, but time will tell. Counting down to opening day!

[@DaveOxford-xm8xs]

My two grown daughters & 16 yr . old daughter & myself(69) make a once a year trip C.W. We so look forward to the summer!!!❤️❤️❤️

[@oliviaonyoutube556]

I’m so happy that you covered Canada’s Wonderland theme Park! I love going there. I always love learning about Disney history. And now I can learn about Canada‘s Wonderland history! 💕

[@KeatonWilliamsonGuy]

I have to say, you do a fantastic job on these videos. You always gather a ton of info, which I am sure takes a little while. I love theme park, especially WDW, and am also a huge lover of history. This is by far the best theme park channel I’ve ever found. Keep up the good work, and thanks for the clean family friendly content!

[@Baysidemom2]

Awesome vid!! Canada's Wonderland would be considered our "home park" as we live about 2 hours away in South Eastern Ontario and we actually just took our kids there two weeks ago for the first time ever (they're 5&7) we had so much fun and it was great practice for our first family trip to WDW this winter!

[@kevwwong]

Stumbled across this. Loved it. And I'm always happy when people pronounce "Toronto" correctly in videos...

[@herkyrn]

I don’t know why…but seeing Frontier Canada becoming reality made me a little teary eyed. It’s beautiful when a passion becomes reality.

[@kevinc9528]

Well presented, thanks for recapping the history of Canada's Wonderland. It was my first summer job in high school (during the Paramount era) so it has a special place in my heart.

[@MarcMarshall94]

17:40 emphasis on WERE top notch. Because ever since Cedar Fair purchased the park they gave up on turning on those special effects. There used to be a time where all you'd hear were helicopter noises. Now it's just silence before it continues into the black tunnel 😂 But if the trade-off is getting hyper and giga rides, i'll take it! I love Wonderland. It's definitely no where near Disney-level theme parks, but it's got a massive selection of coasters for thrill seekers and recent efforts into bringing theming back is getting it closer and closer to Disney territory. I'll be curious to see how they expand in the future though since they are quite constrained right now with the urban sprawl around the park. Hopefully one day they'll build a parking garage so the park can expand into the current parking lot area.

[@Puzzles_and_Parks_with_Kyla]

Thanks for this!! I’m a Disney park lover at heart, but Wonderland is my home park between trips to Florida. I have great memories visiting Wonderland as a kid and now as a pass holder adult, it’s a great weekend road trip throughout the summer.

[@AmityGoddess]

Got to be there for the first time in years last month! Canada’s wonderland is honestly so amazing! And I love learning the history! Thank you TPM Videos! Luv ur vids!

[@justylex]

I remember going to Wonderland the first summer they were opened. I was 7 yrs old. My fave attraction at the time was Yogi’s cave. I was terrified of roller coasters and cried while in line for Ghoster Coaster because I did not want to ride it😂

[@colefly1984]

This is one coolest videos I have ever seen regarding Wonderland I love that place I mean I love and to see so much history I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart and I am extremely glad that my friend sent me this thank you for making my night just a little bit better.

[@watchistoryisanythingbutnormal]

Canada wonderland will be ever changing and I’m gonna be there for all of it

[@aislinnwood770]

I have lived near this park my whole life and gone a few times over the years, happy to see a video on it! My parents and their friends all worked at Canada's Wonderland. My parents were costume actors for the Heritage Kids!

[@IsaA127]

I’ve always wanted to go to Canada, and with this video I have one more reason to go 🤍✨

[@emmapavan4949]

This was great! I grew up going to wonderland on a semi-regular basis starting in the 2000s, and I could never understand why there was a castles and a bit of medival themeing going on, so I love that this explains it. I've always been more about the big crazy rides than immersive themeing, but if they're going to introduce awesome rides like Yukon Striker AND do themeing, I'm all for it

[@Ravent69]

I just got back from Canada's Wonderland yesterday. It was my very first time going! It was awesome!! Leviathan was amazing!! Behemoth was epic! My 7 year old loved Dragon's Fyre! The Cirque De Soleil show at the Canterbury Theater was amazing! I loved every bit of it! Thank you for this history lesson about the park!

[@sonyapanangaden3879]

So glad you made this video! Been going to Canada's Wonderland for 40 years or so and now I take my daughter! It's the best :)

[@gabrielaturcios101]

The history of this reminds me of Great America in Santa Clara, California. Back in the 90s, it was bought by Paramount and also had similar renovations Canada's Wonderland had like the Star Trek characters walking around the park, there was also a Top Gun ride, Nickelodeon and Hanna-Barbara cartoon theme. I remember when it was like that back when I was kid, such a great experience. And then it was also bought by Cedar Fairs later on. I wanted someone to do the history of Great America, so this is probably the closest one I'll see. I'm loving these videos you are doing!

[@darthyoutube1914]

Thanks for doing this video. Great idea TPM!

[@michaeltaylor1603]

Love how you released video on Disneyland's 67th anniversary. Funny, the opposition at first. The lovely theming the Paramount "purge" Cedar revitalization. I have a Press kit from the park. It might be 1981. Disney (after Walt) helped Judge Roy Hofheinz with Houston's AstroWorld 1968. Making us the 4th major themed park in America. 5th If you count Knott's (but Knott's didn't have Timber Mountain Log ride yet or Fiesta Village. Great video documentary of the tumultuous road a themed park endures during its life.

[@MicheleKlinger]

I love deep dives like this, especially when it’s about a park like this that I don’t know much about. I went to this park once when my sleep away camp took a trip to Toronto in the early 2000s. I remember having an awesome time but I didn’t remember much else.

[@kevinhearsum9178]

I enjoyed Canada's Wonderland 20+ years ago as a kid and young teenager with my father. Last Tuesday I returned with my girlfriend and our kids and had a blast! I loved it back then and love it as an adult. The kids fell in love with it too! I got some dad time and rode the Yukon Striker- AWESOME!

[@meganvangundy7388]

Thanks for showcasing this park. I didn’t even know it existed. Looks like one to add to my bucket list. 😄

[@WeLoveAttractions]

Wonderland is such a great park. I remember going there in my younger days and getting a t-shirt with all the coasters on it.

[@DeenaTheCat]

I haven't been yet but maybe someday i would love to visit the park! Great video! it's fun to learn about other cultures and parks!

[@littlebair91]

Very much enjoyed this longer video!!

[@Pepperman22]

Your so amazing for these videos and keep it up 👍

[@KingKaosUnkgedOfficial]

Good video TPM Vids! 👍

[@notgracie..]

I’m finally early!! I love all ur videos💞

[@noahbonds4803]

I have been Canada Wonderland since August 2018 the park is one of the best theme park in Canada

[@matane2465]

It's one of the only theme parks in Canada.

[@flaco171ac]

This is awesome. I was born and raised in Buffalo and going to Canada's Wonderland was a big deal. It was awesome in the early 90's.

[@Spiritoom]

Grew up beside this park! In fact, our residential street was adjacent to the main entrance (only separated by a highway). So happy to see it featured! :)

[@unspokentv]

I’m from Canada and been back just before they switch the park to be own by cedar fare and I’m happy to what they added and them to fit for Canada 🇨🇦, you guys rock.

[@cynthiafitton2951]

I grew up going ev yr. Absolutely loved the Flinstones, smurfs and scoot doo parks. Looked forward ev yr and sang in the car our family’s CWL song.

[@Jarift18]

i live so close to canada;s wonderland and i love it there! 10/10 theme park

[@bk31883]

I remember walking into the Frontier Canada general area on Yukon Striker Media Day and even though it wasn't finished completely yet, I just thought man this is long overdue and going to be great. Then going back later that summer and seeing and experiencing it, they did a really great job.

[@blackoutcoasters]

AWESOME VIDEO! So happy to have Wland as our home park!

[@mxry]

I’m months late but it’s so great seeing the history of my home park. I’ve been going to this park for as long as I can remember. I still remember my visits from when I was in kindergarten. Last season was definitely one of my favourite seasons. If not my favourite. Despite all the pushback, I’m glad they created my childhood park. 🥹

[@disneyonthespectrum]

i remember as a kid top gun and the flintstones. i miss that. I even had the little cave man plushie

[@queenofdisney4932]

Yes I haven’t seen a video just about Disneyland in forever ty tpm 👍

[@BasicBerry_]

I wish that I could go check out Canada's Wonderland, but I live in the US...maybe at some point in life. While waiting, I can just watch videos like this :D

[@SlipperySoap]

Such a fascinating story 👏 👌!!!!

[@fawkewe]

It’s interesting how you say at the time there was nothing when due to how Canada (and to a lesser extent Ontario) is populated Canadas Wonderland is really the only major theme park in the entire country even 40+ years after its opening. Its probably part of why its so successful.

[@ravendusk8382]

I'm glad someone covred this this! I briefly worked for Wonderland as A FX makeup artists for Halloween haunt in 2019.. all there staff are give brief history of the park so I knew most of this but its still fascinating to see. Its also nice to see Canada getting a lil recognition. 😁

[@christinareid2285]

Love love LOVE history videos like this!!!!

[@LubinNation]

I miss working here. So many good times as a kid 🔥 dope video

[@Annabelle-fq1ln]

I’m so glad they’re investing money into better theming again, and into more rides. There’s still some rides that are extremely rough due to age but I have faith these will be fixed or replaced. I hope they will re-track their wooden coasters, especially Minebuster now that it’s finally in its themed land.

[@TPMvids]

Minebuster is definitely due for a nice retracking

[@geebee13]

Holy shit I’d never expect you to make a video on Wonderland! I literally live 15 minutes away from the place, I can see it from outside my window x) Very nice to see coverage abt it here!

[@laurenvanderhoven9981]

I've been to Canada's Wonderland twice and I loved every part of the park

[@kaylahille279]

The new intro is on point 👌

[@jackelinmoralesrosales4934]

I love your videos of Disney ♥️♥️♥️👍

[@mdzura117]

As a Canadian living in Toronto, there is so much I did not know about Wonderland. Thanks for sharing!

[@Cavefire76]

“Wasteland? I think you mean WONDERLAND” - agreeable snowman from monsters inc

[@RachelXKnight666]

This just makes me miss Australia’s wonderland :(

[@myopnonmusic5525]

i went there for the first time this year and it absolutely blew me away

[@hufflepuffbeelove6945]

Hi from Aus, Love the channel, you’re awesome Mate 😊 We had a Wonderland in Sydney, Aus. It’s unfortunately an extinct theme park now. But it was themed to Hannah Barbera. We still have Movieworld and Sea World in Queensland though. Wish we had a Disneyland in Aus.

[@sasukexnaruxsakura]

This park looks so much fun. I love the history of it. I might put this on a bucket list. I live in the US and I don't think I will be traveling anytime soon. ^^

[@31EthanBoy]

Woah thanks for posting this I’m learning because I never know this exist

[@rosaliesimard2266]

I finally started to play emoji blitz and, not gonna lie, this is a great game. Thanks TPMvids to make me discover this game

[@glenpreece]

CW is my local park!!! I loved this video.

[@VaxxedStories]

Never knew this existed. Glad to hear Cedar Fair has it now. Here in Calif, we have Knotts (also a Cedar Fair property)

[@yotsubafanfan]

Man watching this makes me want to go to Kings Island, I loved Cedar Point so knowing Cedar fair owns it got me pumped up!

[@chain_sawyer7469]

This park looks awesome!!

[@owenrichardson6133]

I live around 1 hour away from Canada’s Wonderland and I thought TPM Vids would never do a vid on it.

[@robertdegrassi9316]

I love this video

[@blaze12389]

Love your vids

[@aguyfromontario]

i wish i would have been able to meet you ad thank you for your content.. I live less then an hour away from Canadas Wonderland

[@SarahForrest42]

I recently went back to Canada Wonderland after not going for 5 years and it was awesome to be back. It really seems like it's getting better and better everytime I go. But it's hella expensive!!!

[@hanar.563]

I miss going to wonderland! I’m not sure about other schools but in middle school , band and orchestra students went to preform and we got to enjoy ourselves at the park for the rest of the day! (Also went again for grade 8 grad trip) It’s worth it although the food is pretty expensive I recommend getting food in the plaza located outside (dw you can get back in they stamp your hand) if you plan to go and want cheaper options :)

[@tinymittensdesign]

I used to live in Brampton, which was about a 45 minute drive from Wonderland. In fact, on a clear day if you were high enough, you could see Wonderland in the distance. Wonderland was soooooo fun, and I miss it a lot.

[@princesskristan]

I would love to visit this park one day. Yukon Striker is on my coaster bucket list

[@MsDisneylandlover]

Best cartoons back n the day..miss those times.

[@MnMsandOreos]

this is so exciting!! I loved Wonderland as a kid. I just wish it was more plus size friendly. That being said, I will still go to Splashworks!

[@_Wires2102_]

For a Canadian I’ve seen this and love this

[@DavidJordao]

Love this… for as long as I’ve been going to Canada’s Wonderland, even I didn’t know all the facts about it here. 👌🏼 I would still prefer a Disneyland in Canada though lol 😅

[@jameshuot3706]

wonderland is my home park, i can get there on my bicycle (which is nice when parking costs $25 lmao) and have held a season pass for years! i wish i'd had a chance to ride that stand-up coaster before they tore it down, and i'm still nostalgic for the paramount days, but it's still my favourite place in the city :)

[@MadWritter]

Nice one!

[@Clint7777]

Anyone who thinks Canada’s Wonderland rivals Disney World has clearly never been to Disney World 😅 it’s still a great park though. Lots of childhood memories riding the Ghoster Coaster. Great video!

[@yayyay494]

My favorite channel

[@KatelynJewel]

I'm noticing the history of Canada's Wonderland's theming is the same as Carowinds. Both started with Hanna Barbera characters, later switched to Nickelodeon, then were finally taken over by Snoopy.