One-Tank Trip for
April 20/19
(c) By Jim Fox
Look, up in the sky!
It’s the fastest,
tallest and longest dive roller coaster in the world.
Hang on to your
hats – or better yet, don’t wear one – if you dare take a ride on Canada’s
Wonderland Yukon Striker.
It’s ready to roar
when the park in Vaughan, north of Toronto, opens for the season on May 3 (closed
on May 4 for a special event).
 |
| The Yukon Striker
is the latest hair-raising coaster at Canada’s Wonderland. |
Here’s the hype:
“Be exhilarated by
Yukon Striker’s epic journey high above the park’s skyline where you'll hang
over a 90-degree drop for three breathtaking seconds, staring 245 feet (75
metres) down into an underwater tunnel.
“Then suddenly you
dive, reaching speeds of 130 km/h and soaring through four dynamic inversions,
including a complete 360-degree loop – the only one of its kind for a dive
coaster.
“It
requires 42 support columns and features floorless trains with stadium-style
seating in three rows of eight.
“Be
prepared for the ride of a lifetime,” says the park’s publicity.
They’re getting
ready for a hot summer of fun at the Cedar Fair Entertainment Co.-owned 300-
acre (122-hectare) theme park.
It has more than
200 attractions including 17 rollercoasters and is the home to Splash Works, a
20-acre (8.1-hectare) water park.
For
details on operating hours, rides and admission prices, go to canadaswonderland.com or
call (905) 832-8131.
A howling good time
They say that
“family fun never ends at Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls.”
This “kid-friendly”
indoor water park resort means fun inside or outdoors.
After splashing
round the pools, there’s great food, shopping options, arts and crafts and activities
that change on daily.
Just add water and
enjoy as the accommodation options are growing this summer to include a “new
level” of rustic Northwood’s-themed luxury cottages.
 |
| Rustic luxury
cottages are being added to Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls. |
These “exclusive
and secluded accommodations” will comprise 15 two-bedroom cottages that provide
accommodations for up to 10 people.
Each
cottage comes with a master suite and ensuite with a king-size bed and walk-in
rainforest shower.
The
included loft bedroom with a treehouse feel includes
a bathroom, two double beds and two twin bunk beds.
Each
cottage has a fully equipped kitchen, floor-to-ceiling fireplace, large covered
patios, rustic hand-crafted decor antiquities, modern retro appliances and cozy
oversized furniture.
There will
be five single-family buildings and 10 semi-detached units with lock-off doors
between adjoining units available.
All units
have access to a central forested patio area with communal barbecue and
fire pit. greatwolf.com/niagara;
1-800-605-9653
Ho, ho, ho
Santa’s adding some
fun attractions to his summer getaway spot in Bracebridge.
The off-season escape
for the jolly gent and Mrs. Claus is Santa’s Village located halfway between the equator and the North Pole on the 45th parallel.
 |
| Bumper boats are the
newest attraction at Santa’s Village. |
This
“kinder, gentler” amusement park for youngsters is set on the scenic banks of
the Muskoka River.
New for this 64th
season starting on May 18 are Santa’s Jolly Bumpers (bumper boats) that hold
one or two passengers and “whimsical tractors” that can be ridden around
Santa’s on-site farm.
Suited for
young children, adults can go on the village’s rides with their children.
For older
kids, there’s Sportsland with go-karts, bungee
trampoline, a rock wall, mini-golf, batting cages, a bowling and soccer game
and arcade.
There are also the Muskoka Zip-Lines and Aerial Park, and on-site
camping with cottages, rustic cabins, RV sites and tenting. santasvillage.ca; (705) 645-2512
-30-
