In 1981, the Taft Broadcasting Company, along with Great West Life, opened up Canada’s first theme park, Canada’s Wonderland in Vaughan (Maple), Ontario. Other regions were considered for the park such as Niagara Falls, Cambridge and Milton. Maple was decided on due to its proximity to Toronto and the access via the 400 highway.
1981 – June 8 – View of Canada’s Wonderland main entrance
A dozen construction companies began building Canada’s Wonderland in April of 1979 and they completed it 2 years later. For the opening ceremony, on the 23rd of May in 1981, special ceremonies included 10,000 helium balloons, 13 parachutists, 350 white doves and a pipe band. Children that were representing four regions of Canada, the Arctic, Pacific, Atlantic, and Great Lakes regions of Canada, brought water from their homes to pour into the fountain at the park’s entrance. Wayne Gretzky was also a special guest. Over 12,000 people attended opening day for the park that cost $120 million to build.
While browsing the archives this week I found some photos from from a few days after the park opened and thought they would be good to share.
1981 – June 8 – Overhead view of water feature1981 -June 8 – Overhead view of grounds1981 – June 8 – Overhead view of grounds1981 – June 8 – Overhead view of ground including band stand, water features1981 – June 8 – Slight overhead view of roller coaster tracks1981 – June 8 – View of castle on grounds1981 – June 8 – View of castle on grounds and surrounding area including parking lot1981 – June 8 – View of Dragon boat sailing in pond1981 – June 8 – View of flying swing ride, windmill and other rides1981 – June 8 – View of rocking boat and pond1981 – June 8 – View of roller coaster and grounds from Wonder Mountain1981 – June 8 – Entrance to Klockwerks1981 – June 8 – View of carousel and surrounding flower beds1981 – June 8 – View of detail of temple entrance1981 – June 8 – View of Labatt’s stage at Canada’s Wonderland1981 – June 8 – View of roof detail1981 – June 8 – View of sculpture and castle1981 – June 8 – View of water fountain and sculpture in front of castle at Canada’s Wonderland1981 – June 8 – View of architectural details on fountain at Canada’s Wonderland1981 – June 8 – Close view of water fountain at Canada’s Wonderland1981 – June 8 – View of swing carousel at Canada’s Wonderland1981 – June 8 – View of Wonder Mountain at Canada’s Wonderland
1981 – June 8 – View of Canada’s Wonderland main entrance
