Touring Plan for Canada's Wonderland?

[ottawamom]

My son and his girlfriend are planning on going Monday June 2. What are the crowds (wait times) likely to be. Will they be able to get to ride more than 3 or 4 rides

 

[Bertie9396]

I wouldn't do CW and the Blue Jays game on the same day either. You'd be missing out on too much and worrying about getting to the game on time. Don't forget even if you get all the rides done, you can head over to the waterpark at Wonderland - it's pretty good.

Do the game on Tues and spend the day doing the Hockey Hall of Fame or CN Tower, which are both within walking distance to Roger's Centre and then do CW on Wednesday.

Sounds like a fun trip.

I agree with this. There is so much to do close to Rogers Centre. The new Ripley's Aquarium is even right next door and if you've never done it, CN Tower is cool!!! But be warned, with the Jays game, everything will be very busy so go early and try to beat some of the crowds. I'd honestly much rather spend the day in TO than go to CW, but that is just me. But I'm going to CW on Saturday. And you just reminded me that I haven't gotten tickets to a Jays game this year. So thanks! LOL

 

[Misha72683]

My son and his girlfriend are planning on going Monday June 2. What are the crowds (wait times) likely to be. Will they be able to get to ride more than 3 or 4 rides

It's a weekday and school is still in session, so it shouldn't be as bad. I've been in June a few time (and will be going in a couple weeks) and generally the lines haven't been too bad.

 

[anorman]

I agree with this. There is so much to do close to Rogers Centre. The new Ripley's Aquarium is even right next door and if you've never done it, CN Tower is cool!!! But be warned, with the Jays game, everything will be very busy so go early and try to beat some of the crowds. I'd honestly much rather spend the day in TO than go to CW, but that is just me. But I'm going to CW on Saturday. And you just reminded me that I haven't gotten tickets to a Jays game this year. So thanks! LOL

I wouldn't do CW and the Blue Jays game on the same day either. You'd be missing out on too much and worrying about getting to the game on time. Don't forget even if you get all the rides done, you can head over to the waterpark at Wonderland - it's pretty good.

Do the game on Tues and spend the day doing the Hockey Hall of Fame or CN Tower, which are both within walking distance to Roger's Centre and then do CW on Wednesday.

Sounds like a fun trip.

With the baseball game as a factor, I'd go on the Weds.

I'm not sure CW is worth it if you're only there for 4 or 5 hours, as some lines are really long.

To get back to the Rogers Centre in time for the game you're going to be battling traffic and it can be horrendous. I'd say 1-1.5 hours from Wonderland to downtown to be safe.

My only concern is that Wednesday is our last day in TO and I'm not sure that my daughters will be able to wait that long to get their roller coaster fix !!!

We plan on getting the Toronto City Pass which will give us access to the CN Tower, ROM, Toronto Zoo, Casa Loma, and the Ontario Science Centre. We've already got tickets to a Blue Jays game and to the One Direction concert. Plus I am going to buy the three day City Sightseeing bus tour and Harbour Cruise. It's going to be a busy week before we head off for 4 days in Niagara Falls where I plan on getting the Clifton Hill pass in addition to Marineland, the Greg Frewin Magic Show, and of course the Falls themselves.

It's going to be a very busy 12 day trip! I'm tired just thinking about it....

 

[Misha72683]

My only concern is that Wednesday is our last day in TO and I'm not sure that my daughters will be able to wait that long to get their roller coaster fix !!!

We plan on getting the Toronto City Pass which will give us access to the CN Tower, ROM, Toronto Zoo, Casa Loma, and the Ontario Science Centre. We've already got tickets to a Blue Jays game and to the One Direction concert. Plus I am going to buy the three day City Sightseeing bus tour and Harbour Cruise. It's going to be a busy week before we head off for 4 days in Niagara Falls where I plan on getting the Clifton Hill pass in addition to Marineland, the Greg Frewin Magic Show, and of course the Falls themselves.

It's going to be a very busy 12 day trip! I'm tired just thinking about it....

I don't know if the Friday would be too bad. If you don't want to wait until Weds, then it's probably you best bet as I think it would be less crowded than the Monday or either of the weekend days.

 

[LSmith]

My only concern is that Wednesday is our last day in TO and I'm not sure that my daughters will be able to wait that long to get their roller coaster fix !!!

We plan on getting the Toronto City Pass which will give us access to the CN Tower, ROM, Toronto Zoo, Casa Loma, and the Ontario Science Centre. We've already got tickets to a Blue Jays game and to the One Direction concert. Plus I am going to buy the three day City Sightseeing bus tour and Harbour Cruise. It's going to be a busy week before we head off for 4 days in Niagara Falls where I plan on getting the Clifton Hill pass in addition to Marineland, the Greg Frewin Magic Show, and of course the Falls themselves.

It's going to be a very busy 12 day trip! I'm tired just thinking about it....

The zoo and Wonderland are full days when you factor in driving time. There is no way you are going to get even half of that itinerary done in 6 days. I would cut out the site seeing bus and harbour cruise for starters.

 

[Alliecat and Rabbit]

Another quick question for anyone who lives in the area......how long does it typically take to drive from downtown (next to the Rogers Centre) to CW? I like to be early before rope drop so this would help with my planning. While googlemaps say 35 minutes, I know that traffic is definitely going to be a factor.

I actually live within walking distance to wonderland and when I drive downtown to see a soccer game at BMO field, it takes over an hour.
there is a lot of construction now on highways and the Gardiner Expressway is a total mess. I would suggest taking city streets and going up to highway 400. go North on 400 to Rutherford Road - you drive straight into the roadway for Wonderland directly from the off ramp.
I usually drive along King St. W. and then it turns into the Queensway (NOT QEW) and go up the South Kingsway to Bloor, a hop and a skip on Bloor to Jane Street and up Jane to the 401/400 Highway ramp. It sounds like a lot of this and that but I find it to be a pretty direct route with little interruption.

From downtown you could Take Lakeshore to Spadina and up Sapdina to King (turn left onto King and continue as above) or take Lakeshore across to Windermere Ave, take Windermere up to Bloor, turn left on bloor to Jane and up Jane to the highway.

that's just my suggestion.

And for sure, don't go on a long weekend. Tuesday or Wednesday would be best then!!!!

 

[anorman]

The zoo and Wonderland are full days when you factor in driving time. There is no way you are going to get even half of that itinerary done in 6 days. I would cut out the site seeing bus and harbour cruise for starters.

Really? We are there for 6 full days. I figure a full day for CW, a full day for the Zoo, maybe the ROM and CN Tower in one day, The Ontario Science Centre coupled with the Harbour Cruise for another day. Add in the Blue Jays and One Direction on two evenings. I'm putting Casaloma in the "might do if we have time" column.

Am I being unrealistic?

I figured the bus tour might provide some interesting information in addition to being a mode of transport for the three days we have it. We did this last year when we went to New York City and found that it really added to the experience. The tourguides were very interesting/entertaining and provided lots of local history and even some quirky facts.

And you just reminded me that I haven't gotten tickets to a Jays game this year. So thanks! LOL

You are most welcome

there is a lot of construction now on highways and the Gardiner Expressway is a total mess. I would suggest taking city streets and going up to highway 400. go North on 400 to Rutherford Road - you drive straight into the roadway for Wonderland directly from the off ramp.
I usually drive along King St. W. and then it turns into the Queensway (NOT QEW) and go up the South Kingsway to Bloor, a hop and a skip on Bloor to Jane Street and up Jane to the 401/400 Highway ramp. It sounds like a lot of this and that but I find it to be a pretty direct route with little interruption.

From downtown you could Take Lakeshore to Spadina and up Sapdina to King (turn left onto King and continue as above) or take Lakeshore across to Windermere Ave, take Windermere up to Bloor, turn left on bloor to Jane and up Jane to the highway.

And for sure, don't go on a long weekend. Tuesday or Wednesday would be best then!!!!

We will be staying on Wellington St W near Spadina Ave. Your advice should be very helpful! Thanks!

 

[Muskrat191]

It's going to be a busy week before we head off for 4 days in Niagara Falls where I plan on getting the Clifton Hill pass in addition to Marineland, the Greg Frewin Magic Show, and of course the Falls themselves.

In Niagara Falls, check out the Falls boat tour. On the Canadian side, it is a new company this year - Hornblower Niagara Cruises (previously it was the Maid of the Mist, which still operates on the US side). Note that Clifton Hill is kinda tacky and VERY expensive, both attractions and food. Even the Subway restaurant at the top of Clifton Hill is significantly more expensive than a normal Subway in Ontario. You may want to look for places to eat that are away from the tourist areas.

If it is a weekday, Marineland likely will not be too busy. Unless it has changed this year, Skyscreamer (the drop ride) does not open until noon, and involves a walk up a large hill. However, the view from the top is awesome. Ask to be on the side of the ride that has a view of the Falls.

ETA - I agree on skipping Casa Loma. It is pretty (I got married there), but not particularly exciting.

 

[LSmith]

Really? We are there for 6 full days. I figure a full day for CW, a full day for the Zoo, maybe the ROM and CN Tower in one day, The Ontario Science Centre coupled with the Harbour Cruise for another day. Add in the Blue Jays and One Direction on two evenings. I'm putting Casaloma in the "might do if we have time" column.

Am I being unrealistic?

I figured the bus tour might provide some interesting information in addition to being a mode of transport for the three days we have it. We did this last year when we went to New York City and found that it really added to the experience. The tourguides were very interesting/entertaining and provided lots of local history and even some quirky facWe will be staying on Wellington St W near Spadina Ave. Your advice should be very helpful! Thanks!

I would definitely skip Casa Loma. Especially in August. There is no air conditioning in there and it's brutal, plus it's just not that interesting IMO.

You could get a TTC family pass for Saturday, Sunday and Monday, which is good for 2 adults and up to 4 children. You cannot get a family pass during the week unless it's a statutory holiday, which Monday is. The family pass is $11 per day. The subways and streetcars downtown are fast, comfortable (and air conditioned), safe and very easy to navigate. Sitting on top of a hop on hop off bus in Toronto in August can be very unpleasant due to the high humidity we usually have during that time.

Since you are staying in the Wellington/Spadina area (Residence Inn? If so excellent choice) you will be able to walk almost anywhere downtown. Head north on Spadina Ave one day and be fully immersed in Chinatown. If you like Chinese food, Spadina Gardens at Dundas St. and Bay St is excellent. Also, walk West on Queen Street for great, unique shops and restaurants.

Keep in mind you will be visiting during Caribana Toronto. For this reason alone I do not recommend an evening harbour cruise (Fri, Sat, Sun or Mon) nor do I recommend visiting the Toronto Islands, especially on the Sunday, Aug. 3. In fact, plan to do the zoo on Saturday, August 2 because the downtown area will be taken over by the parade and party revellers. It gets pretty rowdy.

For Wonderland, first off head straight to Leviathan at rope drop since you have coaster fans.

Have fun!

 

[anorman]

I would definitely skip Casa Loma. Especially in August. There is no air conditioning in there and it's brutal, plus it's just not that interesting IMO.

You could get a TTC family pass which is good for 2 adults and up to 4 children for Saturday, Sunday and Monday. You cannot get a family pass during the week unless it's a statutory holiday, which Monday is. The pass is $11 a day and includes everyone. The subways and streetcars downtown are fast, comfortable (and air conditioned), safe and very easy to navigate. Sitting on top of a hop on hop off bus in Toronto in August can be very unpleasant due to the high humidity we usually have during that time.

Since you are staying in the Wellington/Spadina area (Residence Inn? If so excellent choice) you will be able to walk almost anywhere downtown. Head north on Spadina Ave one day and be fully immersed in Chinatown. If you like Chinese food, Spadina Gardens at Dundas St. and Bay St is excellent. Also, walk West on Queen Street for great, unique shops and restaurants.

Keep in mind you will be visiting during Caribana Toronto. For this reason alone I do not recommend an evening harbour cruise (Fri, Sat, Sun or Mon) nor do I recommend visiting the Toronto Islands, especially on the Sunday, Aug. 3. In fact, plan to do the zoo on Saturday, August 2 because the downtown area will be taken over by the parade and party revellers. It gets pretty rowdy.

For Wonderland, first off head straight to Leviathan at rope drop since you have coaster fans.

Have fun!

I have said it before and I will say it again now....."I LOVE Disboards!!!!!"
I had no idea about Caribana Toronto! Parades and everything.....it's gonna be crowded and busy!

We actually have a condo rented....a little more space and a balcony

 

[anorman]

In Niagara Falls, check out the Falls boat tour. On the Canadian side, it is a new company this year - Hornblower Niagara Cruises (previously it was the Maid of the Mist, which still operates on the US side). Note that Clifton Hill is kinda tacky and VERY expensive, both attractions and food. Even the Subway restaurant at the top of Clifton Hill is significantly more expensive than a normal Subway in Ontario. You may want to look for places to eat that are away from the tourist areas.

We are actually going to be staying right in the middle of Clifton Hill.... That being said, my tweens will probably love it there, right in the middle of things. As for the cost of things......well, in for a penny, in for a pound, I guess ! We do plan on getting the Clifton Hill pass so hopefully that will help. I am looking forward to seeing the Falls though. We are Canadian but we have never actually vacationed in Canada for our summer trips. I am really looking forward to seeing Toronto and Niagara Falls .

 

[dltodaro]

Do you think tomorrow 5/31 will be busy at Canada's Wonderland?

Thanks,
Deb

 

[Bertie9396]

Do you think tomorrow 5/31 will be busy at Canada's Wonderland?

Thanks,
Deb

Yes, it will. There is a Girl Guide Rally there tomorrow. The weather is also supposed to be spectacular so it will be very, very busy there.

 

[dltodaro]

Thanks for letting me know about the event tomorrow.

Deb

 

[mastersd]

Canada's Wonderland in NO FUN if its busy. The lines are miserable, terribly boring and hot. When you get in a line you really have no idea how long you will be there. I would buy the front of the line pass--it is better than spending 2 days there because the lines are miserable the first day but even more miserable the second day. You can definately get it done in 1 day--even with splash works if you have the fotl. You can get cheaper tickets from Costco. Have fun.

 

[dltodaro]

We went yesterday. It was a perfect day. We did get Fast lane passes. It was slower in the morning....things got busy when they let the 10,000 girl scouts into the park. The passes were expensive but worth it.

 

[Bertie9396]

We went yesterday. It was a perfect day. We did get Fast lane passes. It was slower in the morning....things got busy when they let the 10,000 girl scouts into the park. The passes were expensive but worth it.

It was the perfect day weather-wise to go there. We really had no issues with lines at all until after 4 when the Girl Guides came out. Even then though, we still managed to get on more rides than I thought we would. My only complaint is their food policy and their horrible "picnic" area under a massive loud roller coaster in the parking lot.

 

[kimber11]

We have season passes every year for Canada's Wonderland. I would NEVER go to Wonderland in July or August. If you go on a weekend in May, September or October or a weekday in June the line ups are WAY shorter. Wait times are ridiculous at Wonderland especially for the awesome coasters like Leviathan and Behemoth (both must dos). When we went on a weekend in May we got to go on Behemoth 3 times in a row without getting off.

 

[mort1331]

My 2cents ( not that we have pennies anymore ), don't do CW. I do have seasons pass, but I can be there for rope drop, do the kids area and be gone by 12noon, or show up at 6pm after work, stay for 2 hours and be gone. You will pull you hair out with the waiting.
I would look at doing more things downtown, love the zoo (pass there too, get there for RD and go right to the Pandas then everything is golden) CN tower, and don't forget the new Aquarium ( with the money saved without going to CW you can stay a night in the shark tunnel, very cool), I would go over to the Islands during the weekday, maybe the day of the Jays game, it doesn't even feel like your in TO.
You can head down to the Distillery District for a half day and great food.
The harbor tours are relaxing but not my thing.
Have a great time and welcome.