New to Canada’s Wonderland this year is the Yukon Striker Roller Coaster! If you are brave enough to embark on this 90-degree drop for three breathtaking seconds while staring 245 feet down into an underwater tunnel then you are one brave soul. Either that or you must live for the thrill and this coaster is just for you! The Yukon Striker reaches speeds of 130 km/h and includes a complete 360-degree loop (the only one of its kind for a dive coaster). While I do suspect the wait times will be long this year since it is the first year running, I can confirm that it will be well worth the wait.
What’s better is that with every season’s pass holder you can ride unlimited all season long too. Spend the day and work up the courage to go on this ride, seems it isn’t for the faint of heart. I just love roller coasters and even though my ageing body can’t take them like it once did, I’m totally in awe of the work that went into making this beauty. For that reason alone I will give it a try (maybe) and force myself to ride.
From the Canada’s Wonderland Page:
Yukon Striker: The Story
It’s 1897 and a flood of men and women are venturing into the untamed wilderness of northwestern Canada, fueled by little more than rumour of limitless gold. The headwaters of the Yukon spread beyond an unforgiving landscape, tempting newcomers with the promise of riches that lay buried in ice-cold riverbeds throughout the Klondike.
Most prospectors are doomed to fail. The journey is treacherous along the Chilkoot Trail, a steep and punishing climb high into the coastal mountain range. The seasons are extreme and the backcountry, for all its raw beauty, is unyielding.
Among the lawless boom towns and outposts, only a few will succeed in this quest for glory. A Golden Eagle soars high on the winds watching the perilous hunt. Who will endure the longest journey? Who will conquer the tallest mountain pass, the treacherous terrain and rise worthy of the name YUKON STRIKER….
Talk about a backstory, looks like this ride is all about the thrills and waiting for all who dare. I can’t wait to visit Canada’s Wonderland next week and (possibly) try the ride for myself. Yes, I do love the rush of unexpected twists and turns but I’m not sure I will have many candidates to come along with me either.
Ride Stats
Designed by: Bolliger & Mabillard
Coaster type: Dive
Height of drop: 245 feet (75 metres) *includes underground tunnel
Top Speed: 130 km/h (80 mph)
Inversions: 4
Length: 3,625 feet (1,105 metres)
Duration: 3 minutes, 25 seconds
Trains: 3
Riders per Train: 24
Yes that’s right folks – I am a Canada’s Wonderland AMBASSADOR!! I can’t wait to take you along our journey this summer and fill ya’ll in on all the fun!
Either way, I will keep you all posted. Let me know your thoughts if you have experienced the ride for yourself.
**EDIT** Today I rode the Yukon Striker and I can confirm that it is pure craziness! Upon looking at the faces and reactions from the previous people who were on the ride before us, I knew I was in for a surprise. Buckled in and ready we took off down the scariest drop of my life, through a tunnel that seemed too low to accommodate our heads. Ducking, we made it through and continued on through twists, turns and a whole lot of uncollected moments of chills, eye closures and thrills. This ride is far from boring, I could probably ride it a bunch of times before ever getting used to it. Makes the heart pump and the views from up top are breathtaking. If you get a chance to ride let me know your thoughts because i’m still shaking from all the heart pumping excitement! If you are a true thrill seeker then look no further than this roller-coaster!
