PNE’s new $9 million roller coaster will be fastest in Canada

Vancouver’s Pacific National Exhibition is getting a brand-spanking new roller coaster that will be the fastest in the country.

“The $9 million ride is designed and built by Zamperla of Italy, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of rides and attractions. Zamperla is known the world over for quality, innovation and service,” according to a press release issued by the PNE.

The new linear synchronous motor launch coaster will occupy the previous location of the retired Corkscrew Coaster. Construction on the new coaster will begin in 2023 with opening targeted for 2024.

This is the largest single attraction investment made by Playland, according to the press release.

“This is an incredibly exciting day,” says PNE President and CEO Shelley Frost, in the press release.

“Despite the financial effects of the COVID pandemic, the PNE has displayed its resiliency and innovation by not only surviving the pandemic, but by pivoting our business throughout it to emerge in a place to invest in this spectacular ride and into Playland’s future. We know that the new coaster will be an impressive addition to Playland’s ride roster and we are looking forward to introducing it to our guests in 2024.”

Featuring an opening tunnel, 18-metre first drop, airtime hills, helices and sweeping turns, the ride’s name and theme are still in development. The coaster will be 380 m in length, 18 m in heigh and has a launch acceleration of 1.3 G.

This year, Playland also opened a Gryphon, called Skybender, which was a huge success.

For more information, visit the PNE's website.

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