Ontario theme park to open game-changing year-round roller coaster

Canada's Wonderland's forthcoming AlpenFury ride may be among Ontario's most anticipated new attractions for this summer, but another nearby, too-often-overlooked theme park is also gearing up to launch its own big coaster that experts say will rival those at the ever-packed Wonderland.

As flashy as the 130-hectare Six Flags-owned park in Vaughan is, it is known almost as much for its lineups, crowds and chaos these days as it is for its soaring roller coasters and other stellar thrills.

Whether it's all a little much for you or you're just Wonderland-ed out, if you're seeking an alternative destination, you should head about an hour and a half north to the stunning natural scenery of Muskoka — a top cottage locale, yes, but also home to Santa's Village.

Before locals go reflecting on childhood memories they may have of Santa's Village, you should know that, as lovely as those recollections may be, they definitely pale in comparison to what the park is in 2025.

Under new leadership, the property is undergoing a huge multi-year expansion that includes tons of new rides, new on-site accommodations, new food and drink offerings, and even new roads and more generous parking.

This marks the biggest growth spurt in Santa's Village's 70-year history, with the addition of three new rides — Fly Fishin', Moose on the Loose and Falcon's Nest — last year alone. 

And, 2025 brings yet another new coaster, Yeti Trek, which will be the biggest on the property and will run year-round.

Staff have been sharing progress updates on social media, drumming up excitement for a ride that amusement park experts say will level the village up to more strongly compete with Wonderland.

The latest news came this Tuesday, when Santa's Village shared shots of the station structure that guests will line up in as they wait to board, which is, as of the first week of June, just getting its "finishing touches."

 

 

 

 

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Posts from late April show the track being installed (after its arrival earlier in the month) and the queue house being constructed around it, while in May, the eponymous giant Yeti that serves as the ride's mascot arrived on the scene.

As of yet, the park hasn't published a firm opening date for the ride, but management tells blogTO they are expecting it to be sometime in beginning to mid-July after the early works started late last fall — and, speculators agree that the debut is approaching soon, as the ride is quickly taking shape.

Amusement Insiders, a page that shares the latest in North American theme park news with tens of thousands of followers across social media platforms, shared its own drone footage of Yeti Trek last month, along with predictions for the ride and what it will mean for the site.

They purport that it is set to be "Canada's best family roller coaster" and "better than any family coaster at Wonderland."

"Vanguard Industrial has made such quick progress, especially with the lift hill. The turn into the drop is complete, the break run and almost all the supports are in... I'm almost starting to wonder, is Yeti Trek going to finish at the same time as AlpenFury at Canada's Wonderland?" they said in a voiceover on top of the footage that indeed showed impressive headway on the feature.

Speaking to blogTO, the expert behind the account calls the ride "a beautiful and amazing coaster," especially given that it is one of only a couple of new-age installations from Netherlands-based Vekoma to be built in North America, and the first in Canada.

It will also be the first roller coaster in Canada to have a station fly-through.

"It features a stunning setting on a lake, as well as swerving through close calls in the forest. The station is an absolute masterpiece, and the owners of Santa's Village appear to be on a rapid expansion phase," they continued, noting things like new drone shows, a brand-new themed section "with great family rides," and now Yeti Trek, all on unique, lushly forested grounds that are far superior to competitors.

"This no doubt gives Wonderland a run for their money. I can't wait to see Santa's Village have one of its best seasons yet, which could trigger even more investments and expansions to come. Very exciting times for this Canadian-owned theme park."
As for the details of the ride: It will take 20 riders in a 10-car train through twists, turns and drops, including the fly-through, which is "where the coaster actually 'flies through' the roof of the queue house where people are lined up to get on the ride," the village team says.

The peak boasts views of the entire property and the Muskoka River, a scene that perfectly exemplifies what makes this ride truly one-of-a-kind, along with the fact that it can operate in temperatures as low as -10 C, making it perfect for Santa's Village's popular winter season.

"What makes it particularly cool is that it weaves through the pines, something you just can't find almost anywhere," staff say. "On your journey, you have chances to spot the Yeti who makes surprising little appearances in the forested setting, and the queue house will be heavily themed and tell a fun story of Purcival Frostfoot, The World's Worst Yeti Spotter, through fun videos and interesting props while people wait."

While the GTA masses flock to Canada's Wonderland for some summer fun in the coming weeks, you can definitely catch us at Santa's Village, where we're excited to see the new Yeti Trek and all of the other new hits the park has in store.