Bellingham — Canada’s fastest electric launch roller coaster can now be found at Playland, an amusement park in Vancouver, less than two hours from Bellingham.
The new roller coaster, ThunderVolt, opened on July 6, adding a new thrill ride to the park’s lineup of roller coasters and attractions.
“The ThunderVolt carries 12 passengers at a time through a themed environment with extraordinary graphics and lighting that pulses as the ride system charges. The three-car train blasts off with 1.3 G’s of acceleration through an illuminated tunnel, up a steep incline before an 18-metre drop,” a news release from the amusement park states.
The new roller coaster was built by Zamperla, an Italian attraction manufacturer, and cost $18 million. The ride took one year to build at Playland. Zamperla has also built attractions for Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Hershey Park, Knott’s Berry Farm, Legoland parks and SeaWorld.
ThunderVolt includes 1,247 feet of track, a maximum height of 59 feet and an acceleration of 1.3 Gs.
Playland is operated by the Pacific National Exhibition, a nonprofit organization owned by the city of Vancouver.
“This is a very significant and exciting day for our park,” PNE President and CEO Shelley Frost said in a news release. “Adding this ride shows the commitment of the PNE to investing in Playland and this ride, one of the best of its kind in North America, will be an incredible juxtaposition to our beloved historic Playland Wooden Coaster. It sets Playland up to thrill many more generations of British Columbians and guests from across Canada and around the world, making it a jewel in the crown of our organization.”
Riders must be at least 52 inches tall to ride ThunderVolt, and individuals with both visual and hearing impairments are not permitted to ride. Riders must also have a minimum of two functioning legs and one functioning arm to ride, according to the park’s website.
Tickets for the amusement park range from $33 to $55 per day depending on age and type of pass. Tickets may be purchased online in advance or at the park. The park features over 25 rides and activities.
Playland is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday until Aug. 16. Select Fridays and Saturdays are open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. From Aug. 17 to Sept. 2 it becomes a part of the PNE Fair.
Playland amusement park is at 2901 E Hastings St., Vancouver, B.C., in Canada, about 75-minute drive from downtown Bellingham.
