Wet and wild summer fun at Canada's Wonderland, Great Wolf Lodge Niagara and Santa's Village

   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

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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com

For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca