Canada's Wonderland Opens with New Covid-19 Safety Protocols

I didn't know it was possible to miss a mountain.

But I could have honestly cried going through the gates at Canada's Wonderland yesterday. 

It had been more than 18 months since we last visited the park for Winterfest 2019, which seems like a lifetime ago. But the re-opening signalled so much more for me: a chance to go back to "the way it was", familiarity, fun, joy, people smiling. 

There are many new protocols and policies, due to Covid-19, so if you're planning on visiting the park this year, or, if you are already a Season's Pass Holder (Gold Passes for 2021 are also valid for 2022), take note:

• First of all, you need to make reservations. This is all done online or on the Mobile App. Schedule the date and time you want to attend. You cannot enter the park prior to your reserved time, but you can stay as long as you wish.
• If you want to go to Splash Works (it opens July 12), you need to specify that on your reservation -- there is a different booking for Park+Splash Works, versus only the park.
• There is hand sanitizer readily available throughout the park, and at the entrance to every ride. You can also bring your own, which we did.
• I liked the ground demarkations for traffic flow and to ease congestion throughout the park. (A great idea for any time, if you ask me!)
• In terms of cleaning rides, it happens frequently, but I don't know the exact time -- I think it depends on the ride. During our visit, we were paused at least twice for regular cleaning of seats and handrails. I also saw staff cleaning fences and touch areas, separate from the ride area. 

• Lines: many people asked me about lines. There ARE lines, and wait times are likely about the same as prior years. While there is a LOT of room in the park (I never felt crowded), the rides are also operating at 50% capacity, and sometimes less. Keep that in mind and hit up your favourite rides at off-peak times. You can also check the Ride Wait Times on the Mobile App.
• Masks: Masks are required for everyone 2+ in all areas where socially distancing is not possible, on all rides and in all indoor facilities. Indoor restaurants are closed, but the stores are open. Masks are not required at SplashWorks or while eating.

All in all, we had a wonderful day. The new protocols did not hinder or affect our visit, and while I'm sure it can get uncomfortable on an extremely hot day, I believe Canada's Wonderland has done a great job to protect visitors while complying with safety guidelines. 

Seeing the joy on my kids' faces, the smiles above the masks and the shrieks of happiness makes up for it all. 

They deserve it. We deserve it. We have had an unbelievable 18+ months, but we're on our way back.

Thanks, Canada's Wonderland. 

Disclaimer: I am a 2021 Wonder Crew member. The opinions expressed on my blog are my own.