Get your barf bags ready and parking change ready; the PNE Fair opens for another run this weekend in Vancouver, and we wanted to reflect on how the city’s only theme park has changed in recent years and over its century-plus run.
The historic PNE Fair has been running for well over 100 years now. How one reflects on the changes entirely depends on what generation we’re talking to.
For millennials and some Gen Z folks, they’d remember rides like the Music Express and the Crazy Beach Party, both of which were forcibly retired in 2022.
They’ll also probably remember The Revelation, arguably one of the best rides at Playland, despite the fact that it cost a bit extra on top of your rides pass. They might also remember another ride, The Drop Zone, which also cost an additional fee to ride.
AM1528-S1-F127-: 2008-127.03070 | City of Vancouver Archives
Both the Revelation and The Drop Zone were forced to close in 2023 to pave the way for the ThunderVolt.
Speaking of the Drop Zone, right next to it was once another coaster. Some riders might remember the Corkscrew, another coaster that was retired and was featured in Final Destination 3. The Corkscrew closed in 2019.
AM281-S8-: CVA 180-3849 | City of Vancouver Archives
The Corkscrew wasn’t the only Playland ride featured in a film. There’s a risque scene that was filmed on the iconic wooden coaster in the ’90s flick Fear starring Mark Wahlberg and Reese Witherspoon.
Older riders will remember the Wild Mouse, a ride that hurt your joints and bones. Just as much as it made you want to scream for joy, it made you want to scream in pain.
Last year, someone had posted a picture of the Wild Mouse to the “Old Vancouver” Facebook group, writing, “Who amongst us has *not* had a near-death experience on the old Wild Mouse ride?”
Despite the pain, many said they missed the ride.
Another coaster that only older generations might remember is the Jet Star II, a coaster that was featured at Playland in the ’80s. It closed in the ’90s.
Thankfully, there have also been some new additions at Playland in recent years, and some long-standing favourites are still around.
Some of those favourites include the Enterprise and the timeless Pirate Ship. The Wooden Roller Coaster is still alive and well after some timely upgrades. Some of the newer rides include Atmosfear and The Beast. The Beast is a bit like the Crazy Beach Party.
For Atmosfear, Playland says, “Sitting in a double swing, you’ll be raised 218ft up to the sky while spinning 360° at 70km/hr. Depending on who you talk with, this is a breathtaking experience that offers you an unparalleled panoramic view of the entire city, or on the flip side, a height-defying, dizzy blur that leaves you begging for solid ground!”
Atmosfear (Playland at the PNE)
Some new rides also join the lineup during the PNE Fair. This year, the Playland website lists Himalaya, which looks a little bit like the Music Express, as well as the Zero Gravity.
There are also some programming changes to the PNE Fair in Vancouver this year. The 17-day event will welcome the British Columbia Military Tattoo on opening weekend. Folks will also be able to get up close to the NFL Super Bowl Lombardi Trophy on opening weekend. As usual, there’ll be lots of fair food, and the SuperDogs are celebrating 50 years this year.
And, obviously, there will be mini donuts.
Are you going to check out the PNE Fair in Vancouver this weekend? Shout out your favourite ride in the comments.