Canada’s Wonderland has something for everyone this week! Read the park’s media release and my thoughts below.
Newly reimagined roller coaster, KidZfest, annual SickKids Fundraising Day and fireworks highlight an exciting week at the park
VAUGHAN, ON (July 20, 2026) –– There’s never been a better time to visit Canada’s Wonderland. Beginning this week, guests can experience the debut of The DareDeviler, an exciting new take on one of the park’s most iconic roller coasters, celebrate summer at the return of KidZfest, and help mark the park’s 40th year of supporting SickKids during its annual SickKids Fundraising Day. The excitement continues after dark Saturday with the park’s spectacular summer fireworks display lighting up the night sky.
Opening to the public on Thursday, July 23, The DareDeviler (formerly Flight Deck) gives new life to the park’s beloved inverted coaster with an all-new theme inspired by the daring stunt pilots and barnstorming air shows of the 1920s. Featuring new and refreshed trains, enhanced ride elements, new colours and theming, guests will step into the role of a fearless aviator, soaring through a whirlwind of twists, inversions and near-miss maneuvers [sic] as they perform gravity-defying aerial stunts high above the crowds below.
“The DareDeviler reflects our commitment to continually reinvesting in the guest experience and finding new ways to bring fresh energy to classic attractions,” said Christopher Mortensen, park president. “Its opening kicks off one of the most exciting weeks of the summer, with families also able to enjoy the return of KidZfest and join us in supporting our annual SickKids fundraising day, creating memorable experiences both in the park and throughout our community.”
Families with young children can also enjoy the return of KidZfest, running July 22 to August 3 [NOTE: I’ve confirmed with the park the final day will actually be August 2], featuring 12 days of live entertainment, interactive games, character meet-and-greets, dance parties and kid- friendly activities throughout Planet Snoopy and KidZville. The festival is included with park admission and offers entertainment designed especially for younger guests.
The week concludes with SickKids Fundraising Day and fireworks on Saturday, July 25, continuing a tradition that has spanned four decades. To support life-changing care, research and innovation at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Canada’s Wonderland will donate:
- $1 for every admission ticket purchased for July 25
- $1 for every Season Passholder or Member who visits the park that day
The SickKids Foundation Impact Ambassador Team will also be on-site welcoming guests, hosting interactive activities and accepting additional donations throughout the day. Fireworks take place at 9:45 p.m. Saturday and are included with admission.
Whether guests are chasing thrills aboard The DareDeviler, making memories with little ones at KidZfest or helping support an important cause, Canada’s Wonderland offers something for everyone this summer.
For more information, park hours and tickets, visit www.canadaswonderland.com
Could This Year Get Any Better?
My recent visits have been getting better and better, with this week looking to be even more exciting than any other this year!
I’ve been so eagerly awaiting The DareDeviler‘s opening and now we finally have a date! I’ll be there on Thursday to check out the festivities and get my first ride(s) on this new, smoother experience. Fitting with the park’s increased live entertainment offerings this year, the park has confirmed this ride’s opening will be more of a dramatic ceremony than most. This is wonderful and fills me with so much joy!
I’m especially excited for this year’s KidZfest because, due to some rescheduling with my friends, I’ll be attending the event with a child for the first time! She’s a little young to be familiar with the characters, but the live entertainment and decorations are sure to make her first non-WinterFest visit extra special! Again, the park’s emphasis on increased live entertainment this summer is extra encouraging to me since KidZfest is already a flurry of activity! Could this year be even bigger than ever!?
Those who have followed me for a while probably know SickKids Foundation is near and dear to my heart. I’m always thrilled to see the park partnering with this incredible organization and this year’s fundraiser is simpler than ever. That’s a good thing in my opinion, with fewer resources going to organizing an event (e.g. staffing ERT, purchasing ribbons, cleaning rubber ducks out of the Royal Fountain) and virtually no effort needed on the part of guests. Plain and simple, if you show up at the park this Saturday, you’re supporting a non-profit organization which provides lifesaving treatment to children in need. I was likely already going for the fireworks that evening, but now I’m planning to spend a full day in the park, feeling good the whole time, knowing every single guest I see is another dollar for SickKids Foundation. The Impact Ambassador Team will hopefully ensure guests realize how their simple act of walking through Front Gate is making a difference.
Moving the fireworks up to 9:45 is an interesting decision. I believe the fireworks have always been at 10:00 p.m. and although putting this news in a media release will help, I’m concerned by how many guests may be unaware of the new time and feel unprepared when the fireworks begin. Perhaps they’ll be stuck in line for a ride or waiting for food under the assumption the fireworks will start at their usual time. However it certainly gives more time for post-fireworks rides in Medieval Faire so I may personally really enjoy this change. I’ll withhold full judgment until I see how things go on Saturday.
Which event are you most excited about this week? Is it The DareDeviler having its opening ceremony and giving its first smooth rides? KidZfest with all its characters and live entertainment? Seeing the fireworks at a new starting time on Saturday? Or supporting SickKids Foundation by visiting the park on SickKids Fundraising Day?
I know the other events are exciting, but I hope you can stop by the park this Saturday, even if only for a few minutes. Every person who walks through Front Gate is another dollar for SickKids Foundation, and every dollar counts.
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