Canada's Wonderland introducing strict new policy starting later this month

Compared to recent seasons, summer 2025 could be considered pretty light in terms of problematic incidents at Canada's Wonderland. Even so, park staff still had to deal with their fair share of troublemakers who tampered with rides and caused all sorts of other issues at the GTA attraction over the last few months.

In light of a surge in such incidents across the amusement industry — happening against the backdrop of a terrifying rise in serious crimes perpetrated by teens in general — park management has decided to implement a new policy specifically targeting young people.

Ahead of its busy annual Halloween event that kicks off at the end of the month, Wonderland has updated its conduct policy to include a new chaperone rule.

Under the new guideline, all entrants aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older after 6 p.m. — and yes, IDs will be checked. In addition, adults accompanying youths must stay with them at all times while on the property, must be reachable by phone at all times, and can't oversee groups of more than 10 youngsters each.

The idea is to hold guardians responsible for the actions of their kids, and to ensure "appropriate behaviour" is exhibited at the park at all times — something that hasn't exactly been the case lately. In 2023, for instance, local police actually had to go as far as launching an entire operation to address errant behaviour at Wonderland.

Wild videos continue to emerge from chaotic opening weekend at Canada's Wonderland - 📹 Shared to blogTO #CanadasWonderland pic.twitter.com/UAt7zMQn63

— blogTO (@blogTO) May 9, 2023

As detailed under the new policy on the park's website, "The safety of our guests and associates has always been our top priority at Canada's Wonderland. In response to the increasing incidents of unruly and inappropriate behavior across our industry and at other major entertainment venues, we are taking proactive steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone."

The new directive comes into effect on Friday, September 26 — the first day of Halloween Haunt, which runs through to November 1. 

A spokesperson for Wonderland reiterated to blogTO over email that the change "is to help ensure all guests have a fun and enjoyable experience," as the brand is "always evaluating safety policies and will continue to make modifications based on the needs and behaviors we are seeing in the park."

They would not comment on why the age cutoff of 15 was selected — something that some online seem to be wondering about, though public reaction to the news has been almost completely positive thus far, with many questionin why such an idea wasn't suggested sooner.

It is also worth noting that the chaperone regulation does not apply to those heading to the landmark's Oktoberfest celebrations taking place September 12-14 and 19-21, to the WinterFest to follow later in the year, nor to those entering Halloween Haunt before 6 p.m. on those dates it opens earlier.

Also new to Wonderland's spooky season this year are bundled daytime and evening admission — though this controversially does not include haunted mazes, which now come at an extra charge — as well as a premium experience option based on the Conjuring franchise.