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Vancouver's Showstopping Summer Fair
Vancouver's Showstopping Summer Fair
Located in Hastings Park, Vancouver's Playland and PNE are major summer attractions that are highly anticipated every year. The sprawling amusement park has something for everyone, from the high adrenaline coasters to the large variety of food stalls to the many shows and events happening throughout the day. Outside of the summer, the park has also gained significant notoriety with their yearly Halloween haunted house event, Fright Nights. Recently passing its 100 year anniversary in 2010, Playland and the PNE are together the longest running and best-selling annual event in British Columbia.
Playland Trip Itinerary
Playland Trip Itinerary
10:00 – Depart from Waterfront Station by bus
10:45 – Arrive at Hastings Park and walk to park entrance
11:00 – Park gates open, line up with tickets
11:15 – Free time on rides, meeting place and time will be provided by Activity Leader
3:45 – Meet back up with leaders and walk to bus station
4:00 – Board bus back to Waterfront Station
5:00 – Arrive at Waterfront Station
The Wooden Rollercoaster
The Wooden Rollercoaster
Built in 1958, the Wooden Roller Coaster is Playland's most notable attraction and is recognized as an ACE landmark of historical significance. It is rated as the 7th greatest wooden coaster in the world and reaches 45 mph on its steepest drop. Hop on to 2,840 feet of track and prepare for a wild ride!
Carnival Food Stalls
To help make the most of a long day of exploring the park, there are many food options to grab throughout your visit to Playland. There are standard carnival treats like cinnamon doughnuts, fresh lemonade and cotton candy as well as more filling options like tacos and burgers. Be sure to check out the Beavertails stand for a classic Canadian treat!
The Atmosfear
Towering 218 feet high above the park, this ride takes you up into the sky for a two-seated, swinging spin, rotating a full 360 degrees at around 70 mph. Bring a friend to sit next to you on this high-flying experience!
The Thundervolt
This vividly coloured coaster races along with 1.3 Gs of acceleration through the open air and down into a bright neon tunnel. The Thundervolt seats up to 12 people and also rockets down a heart-pumping 18 meter drop!
Midway Games
Midway Games
If you prefer to stay off the high-intensity rides, there are still many games to enjoy throughout the fair grounds. The rows of booths winding through the park have endless attractions like pinball, fishing minigames, strength tests, ring tosses and many more!
The Beast
The Beast
Playland's most infamous ride, The Beast, is responsible for most of the shrieks of excitement you will hear in the park. This huge pendulum swings in both directions while the seats on the end rotate a full 360 degrees!
PNE (Pacific National Exhibition)
PNE (Pacific National Exhibition)
Connected to Playland and opening in the late summer and early fall, the PNE showcases many events and spectacles for all attendants to enjoy. The stunts of the Superdogs, the talented precision of the Lumberjack Competition and the seasonal ice shows are just a few of the many performances on display as a part of the PNE.
Hellevator
Hellevator
If you ask a Vancouver local about Playland, you are very likely to hear about the Hellevator. Strapping into this ride sends you up a vertical tower at 75 mph where you can see the full expanse of the park for a few moments before rapidly dropping back down. Hold on to your hats!
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