aventuro Back to map A
Amusement parks #13 in North Vancouver (city)

Playland Amusement Park

4 · 9,889 reviews
Nostalgic, high-energy, and festive.
Playland Amusement Park, 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5K 5J1, Canada
Interesting facts
1

The wooden roller coaster was constructed using over 300,000 board feet of Douglas fir and relies on gravity rather than modern chain-lift mechanics for much of its momentum.

2

Playland's site has hosted the Pacific National Exhibition, an annual fair, since 1910.

3

The park is home to the AtmosFear, a 219-foot-tall swing ride that offers panoramic views of the North Shore Mountains and downtown Vancouver.

4

Parts of the park are frequently used as a filming location for television shows and motion pictures due to its authentic vintage carnival appearance.

Overview

Playland is a historic amusement park located on the grounds of the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver, British Columbia. It features the Wooden Roller Coaster, a classic structure built in 1958 that remains a focal point of the park. The park offers a mix of high-intensity thrill rides, family-oriented attractions, and midway carnival games. During the autumn months, the site is transformed into Fright Nights, a specialized horror-themed event featuring haunted houses and scare zones. The park maintains a retro aesthetic reflecting its long history as Western Canada's oldest amusement park. It operates seasonally, generally opening in the spring and concluding operations in late summer or early fall. The grounds contain a variety of concession stands offering traditional carnival fare such as mini donuts and cotton candy.

Photo spot

The mid-way path facing the wooden roller coaster provides the most iconic wide-angle shot of the park's structure.

Insider tips

Purchase tickets online in advance to bypass potential queues at the gate.

Check the park's official website for height requirements for specific thrill rides before arriving to plan your day.

Wear comfortable, secure footwear, as many rides require shoes to be kept on or tightly strapped.

What to avoid

Do not wait until the final weekend of the season to visit, as park attendance peaks and ride wait times can be significant.

Good to know

Operates seasonally from late spring through early autumn; closed during winter months.

Etiquette

Shirts and shoes are required at all times; guests must follow all ride safety instructions and height restrictions provided by operators.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
4-6 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday afternoons in July or August to avoid the heaviest weekend crowds.
Address
Playland Amusement Park, 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5K 5J1, Canada
Website
49.282, -123.036
Get directions
Details
Signature Attraction1958 Wooden Roller Coaster
Seasonal EventFright Nights

Frequently asked

Plan for about 4-6 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday afternoons in July or August to avoid the heaviest weekend crowds..

The mid-way path facing the wooden roller coaster provides the most iconic wide-angle shot of the park's structure.

Close by you'll find Pacific Coliseum, PNE Forum, Gastown Steam Clock.