Canada’s Wonderland teases new ‘first of its kind’ 360-degree ride

Canada's Wonderland is introducing a new 360-degree ride for thrill seekers when it opens this spring - and it's the only one of its kind.

Tundra Twister is a looping ride with rotating gondola arms that will spin and twirl riders in a full 360 degrees and upside-down, according to a news release from the Vaughan amusement park.

The thrill ride will reach heights of 47 metres (154 feet) and speeds of up to 75 km/h.

It's also the first of its kind in the world," the website said. Designed by Dutch rides company Mondial, Tundra Twister is a prototype and will be an experience guests won't find anywhere else."

Tundra Twister will be just outside the entrance to Splash Works, beside Yukon Striker and the Gold Rush Junction funnel cake location.

When Canada's Wonderland opens on May 5, it will also introduce its 18th roller-coaster, Snoopy's Racing Railway, a family-friendly roller-coaster in Planet Snoopy.

Snoopy's Racing Railway will be the first launch coaster that children can ride in the park, accelerating from zero to 50 km/h. Its entrance will be between Lucy's Tugboat and Woodstock's Whirly Birds.

The 2023 season will also see a new food festival. Taste of Brazil is expected to run from Aug. 19 to 20 with Brazilian performers and flavours including grilled meats and chimichurri, bolinho de bacalhau (salt cod fritters), crispy pastel de carne (meat-filled pastries) and feijoada (Brazilian black bean stew).

Taste of Brazil is in addition to the park's Taste of Portugal which runs from Aug. 12 to 13 and Taste of the Caribbean running Aug. 26 to 27.

With files from Manuela Vega

Mahdis Habibinia is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star's radio room in Toronto. Reach her via email: mhabibinia@thestar.ca