Canada's Wonderland to Build Behemoth Roller Coaster for 2008

Canada's Wonderland, located in Vaughan, Ontario, has been in operation since 1981. After thirteen years as a Paramount Park, the park was acquired by Cedar Fair last year. Fans who were concerned about the park's new ownership should be encouraged by the recent news of a new roller coaster coming to Canada's Wonderland in May 2008. Cedar Fair will be spending $26 million dollars to build Canada's tallest, fastest, and largest roller coaster at Canada's Wonderland.

Behemoth By the Numbers
Behemoth will be a Bolliger & Mabillard hyper coaster, as the 'Net rumors suggested. Hyper coasters feature drops of 200 feet (20 stories) or greater and offer consecutive, airtime packed, hills where riders are gently lifted out of their seats. Behemoth's lift hill will be a 230 foot (70 meter) tall steel peak rising above Canada's Wonderland. After cresting the top, riders will face a steep 85 degree drop resulting in speeds of 77 mph (125kmh). Throughout the 3:10 ride the 32-person trains will traverse 5,300 feet (1600 meters) of bright orange track. Behemoth will eclipse the former Canadian record holder Goliath at La Ronde by 55 feet (16 meters).

The Bolliger & Mabillard Experience
Swiss geniuses Bolliger and Mabillard have designed a number of ground-breaking and critically acclaimed roller coasters. Behemoth has a chance to become another in a growing list of B&M masterpieces. What makes their roller coasters so special? Their installations are known for their smooth as glass ride, comfortable seats and restraints, and above average ride capacity. Behemoth's three 32-person trains should keep the line moving. Ride capacity will be key as this will undoubtedly be a very popular attraction for years to come. My first impression after looking at Behemoth's layout is that it resembles the popular Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure. Although they are in different places, the hammerhead turn and helix elements appear to be borrowed from Nitro.

The Debut of Open Air Seating
One important distinction will be the roller coaster's unique open-air trains. With a kind of wing formation, each car will have two seats in the middle-front and two on either side. This will likely allow an unobstructed view for every seat. The view should be a memorable one as Behemoth will sit on the edge of a pond in the Action Zone section of the park. To the other side of the train riders will have an awe-inspiring view of the rest of the park including the Splash Works water park and the Mighty Canadian Minebuster.

Behemoth looks to be a fun, action-packed roller coaster and that unique seating arrangement could really set it apart. Consider yourself very lucky if you live in the Toronto area. If you can't wait until May and want to experience Behemoth, take a virtual ride here.