Playland at the PNE is open on weekends and will soon be open during the week, so we thought we’d revisit the best and worst rides, in addition to the ones we’ve lost over the years.
Many iconic rides have gone the way of the dinosaur, but there are still many to be excited about.
The best rides
The Pirate Ship
Playland at the PNE
The Pirate Ship is like a good peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It’s reliable and will never let you down (unless you’re allergic to peanuts).
What makes The Pirate Ship extra fun is having a shouting match with riders sitting across you to see who’s louder.
Age: In operation since 1984
Nausea scale: 6-7
Note: Everyone’s stomach is different, so consider the nausea scale a general guideline.
Enterprise
Playland at the PNE
People don’t tend to talk much about the Enterprise, so it enters our list as a dark horse. It is one of the best rides at Playland and a marvel to look at while it’s in operation.
It also makes for a great date night ride, as you can get comfy with your partner inside one of the cars.
Age: In operation since 1984
Nausea scale: 8
Atmosfear
Playland at the PNE
If being raised 218 feet in the air isn’t your idea of a good time, the Atmosfear probably isn’t for you.
Combine that with spinning 360˚ at 70 km/h speeds, and you’ve got yourself a hell of a ride.
The Atmosfear is one of Playland’s relatively newer attractions. From the top, you can see the surrounding area in stunning detail.
Age: In operation since 2010
Nausea scale: 9
The Beast
Playland at the PNE
The Beast fills the gap that the Crazy Beach Party leaves behind.
It feels like a mix between the Pirate Ship and the Crazy Beach Party without the added peace of mind of the deck below. You’re literally hanging in the air by your seat. The Beast is worth lining up for.
Age: In operation since 2015
Nausea scale: 9
Hellevator
Playland at the PNE
Hellevator-style rides are typical at theme parks around the world for a reason.
The sense of excitement, suspense, and pure fear you feel as you wait for the Hellevator to launch up the 202-foot-tall tower is exhilarating.
Age: In operation since 2000
Nausea scale: 5
The Wooden Roller Coaster
Playland at the PNE (Facebook)
Placing the Wooden Roller Coaster among the best rides at Playland is obligatory.
While the ride has had its fair share of maintenance troubles, it reopened with improvements in 2022.
You owe it to yourself to ride the wooden coaster; it’s a part of Vancouver’s history.
Age: In operation since 1958
Nausea scale: 4
The worst rides
Now that you’ve seen the best Playland offers, it’s time to look at the rides that pale in comparison.
Breakdance
Coasterpedia
Even Playland’s description of the Breakdance tries to oversell the ride, saying, ” This crazy flat ride, with its insane lateral forces and multi-directional variable speed, can really boogie!”
Nice try, Playland. This ride is… fine.
Age: In operation since 2005
Nausea scale: 9
Sea-to-Sky Swinger
Playland at the PNE
It’s charming to look at while it’s in motion, and it’s one of the first rides you will see when you enter Playland’s gates.
It’s a decent date night ride but nothing to write home about for thrill-seekers. It also rates highly on the nausea scale.
However, the art on the ride is excellent and celebrates Vancouver. It is also a fun, family-friendly ride.
Age: In operation since 2019
Nausea scale: 9.5
Rides we miss
Playland has lost many of what people considered to be iconic rides.
The Revelation and Drop Zone
Playland at the PNE
The Revelation was closed to make way for a brand new coaster, which should open this July.
In our original story about its closure, some suggested it was their favourite ride.
The Drop Zone, located next to The Revelation, faced the same fate. However, there wasn’t as much dismay about its closure.
The Music Express and Crazy Beach Party
The Music Express and Crazy Beach Party, both fan favourites, were forced into retirement.
They weren’t decommissioned to make way for new rides; they were just recycled, which disappointed many Playland enthusiasts. Playland visitors loved The Music Express.
Playland is now open on weekends and will open during the week in July. Click here for more information on hours and tickets.
Let us know your picks for the best or worst rides at Playland in the comments.