Located in Vancouver’s Hastings Park, Playland is the oldest amusement park in Canada. Its annual fair in late August draws in tremendous crowds, while the rest of the year, it relies on classic rides, both old and new.
Playland features the typical array of adrenaline-pumping amusement park rides, including a log flume, a swinging pirate ship and the thrilling Hellevator vertical tower drop. There are three roller coasters on site, including the figure-eight Kettle Creek Mine, the aptly named Corkscrew and the park’s pioneer attraction, its original 1958 Wooden Roller Coaster. The August fair brings all manner of merriment to the park, including animal races, talent shows, demolition derbies and a host of carnival snacks, as well as other rides from West Coast Amusements.
Just off Highway 1 West, Playland is easily accessible by car, with parking across from the main gate. The park, however, strongly encourages visitors to use alternative transportation and provides a bike rack near the gate. There are also bus stops within walking distance.
Playland has garnered a fair amount of pop culture attention over the years. Its signature Wooden Roller Coaster served as the Bullet in the 2004 horror flick Riding the Bullet, while the Corkscrew has been featured in Smallville, Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Final Destination 3.