Swing, soar and splash into summer at these can’t-miss rides at Toronto’s top amusement parks
Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-filled thrill rides or chill glides with million-dollar views, Toronto area amusement parks deliver. Here are 10 rides worth lining up for at Canada’s Wonderland, the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) and Toronto Islands’ Centreville.
Chase an adrenaline rush at Canada’s Wonderland
A top destination for thrill seekers, Canada’s Wonderland (just north of Toronto in Vaughan) is home to 200+ rides and experiences, including 18 roller coasters, a huge water park, and two children’s areas.
Accessibility tip: browse Canada’s Wonderland Guest Assistance Guide for information on wheelchair accessibility and rentals, food and sensory accommodations, services for visually and hearing impaired guests, ride ratings and rider safety requirements.
Ride #1: Leviathan
Named after the mythical sea creature, Leviathan is Canada’s tallest and fastest mega roller coaster, with a top speed of 148 km/h (91.9 mph)—literally faster than most Canadian trains!
Grab your ride partner’s hand and get ready to scream as you prepare for the heart-stopping 90-degree drop. Best for: thrill seekers, roller coaster aficionados
Ride #2: Muskoka Plunge
You know the Muskoka Plunge is going to be intense when you realize it has a no-jewellery rule.
The waterslide complex features four speed slides that depart from an 18.2 m (60 ft) high tower. You will stand inside an enclosed launch chamber until the floor beneath you drops, plummeting you into a free-fall where you’ll whip around corners up to 40 km/h (24.8 mph).
Pro tip: it’s intense, so wear your sportiest swimsuit instead of flimsy beachwear. Best for: thrill seekers, water park fans
Ride #3: Yukon Striker
Considered by many to be the ride of a lifetime, the Yukon Striker holds the world record for the fastest, longest and tallest dive coaster.
The experience includes a 90-degree drop down 73.1 m (245 ft) into an underwater tunnel at speeds of 130 km/h (80.7 mph). There’s also a 360-degree loop, four full inversions and epic views of the park’s magnificent skyline.
As much a legend as a ride, Yukon Striker has its own merch and cool toy collection! Test your fear factor by watching this video. Best for: thrill seekers, roller coaster aficionados
Ride #4: SlingShot
Defy gravity with your bestie on the SlingShot, a two-person capsule propelling you over 90 m (300 ft) into the air.
The SlingShot is not included in park admission. But can you really put a price tag on rotating head-over-heels and bouncing up and down at speeds up to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) heading straight to the sky?
As you experience weightlessness and are catapulted just like a slingshot, you will likely be screaming until you zoom back toward the launch point. Best for: thrill seekers
Ride #5: Antique Carrousel
Need a time-out between adrenaline rides? Take a whirl on the elegant Antique Carrousel. This century-old family favourite features 64 original hand-carved horses and chariots.
Manufactured in 1928, the merry-go-round is slow enough that babes in arms are allowed on chariot seats. (Service animals can also join their humans for a spin.)
This extremely Instagrammable ride has been delighting families since the park opened in 1981. Best for: a relaxed ride with scenic views
Discover classic midway rides at the CNE
The Canadian National Exhibition (also known as The Ex, August 16 to September 2, 2024) dates back 145 years. Their midway ride lineup is filled with blasts from the past, conjuring nostalgic memories for many locals, with options for littles and grownups alike.
Accessibility tip: browse the CNE Accessibility Guide for information on wheelchair accessibility, policies regarding service animals and guides, and rider safety requirements.
Ride #6: Sky Ride
For a bird’s eye view of Toronto’s skyline, glide across the CNE in a two-seater chairlift at over 12 m (40 ft) up.
Travel from one end of the grounds to the other over eight leisurely minutes, with aerial views of BMO Field, the midway, the iconic Giant Wheel and the Crazy Mouse Coaster.
Scout your next snack from above, including colossal blooming onions, arm-length burritos and other outrageous carnival foods. Best for: a relaxed ride with scenic views
Ride #7: Niagara Falls Flume
On hot, sunny days, cool off on this splashy log flume ride, where you are guaranteed to get west.
Named after the majestic waterfalls that tourists flock to year-round, this fun, family-friendly ride has two lift hills and drops that won’t leave you totally soaked—just refreshed. Best for: a relaxed ride, water park fans
Ride #8: Polar Express
If you love loud music, swaggering DJs, flashing lights and travelling backward at lightning speed, add the Polar Express to your midway list! Hang on tight and remember the biggest person sits on the outside.
This iconic ride first arrived at the CNE in 1980, and the energy here is contagious. It’s a local tradition for the ride operator/DJ to tease, “Do you want to go faster!?” and for riders to scream and cheer out their answer. Best for: thrill seekers, a fast ride with scenic views
Introduce your little ones to Centreville
Just a 15-minute ferry ride from downtown, Toronto Islands’ charming Centreville Amusement Park is an old-school fair and rite of passage for kids growing up in the 6ix.
Although some rides are strictly for the youngest riders, these two are perfect for families.
Accessibility tip: Browse the Centreville Accessibility page for information on wheelchair accessibility, rentals, and policies regarding service animals and guides.
Ride #9: Swan Ride
Centreville’s classic Swan Ride is a low-key way to paddle along the shores of Lake Ontario. The glorious (and oh-so photogenic!) white swans have been welcoming guests for five decades and are a landmark fixture here.
The perfect first ride for littles, each motorized swan is steered individually within a contained area of the lake to prevent runaway riders. Be on the lookout for real swans swimming by. Best for: a relaxed ride with scenic views
Ride #10: Haunted Barrel Works
Haunted Barrel Works is always good for a scream or two with its spooky sound effects, jump scares and clanky track. Withstanding the test of time, this decades-old haunted house is a great entry-level scary ride for youngsters.
It features skeletons, goblins and ghosts around every turn in a dark, eerie tunnel. Consider this your warning, and brace yourself! Best for: thrill seekers
