WinterFest - never have I uttered an event name with such wariness.
Freezing rain had postponed our planned 2019 visit not once but twice, making its reappearance two years later that much more cherishable.
Freezing rain had postponed our planned 2019 visit not once but twice, making its reappearance two years later that much more cherishable.
Ticketing was a confusing task in itself, where the posing of burning concerns were restricted to website-only Contact Forms and general inquiry line operated by limited staff. Over three weeks of planning and several more days to finalize the pre-visit preparations, the date was confirmed at long last.
Our original date preference had resided with Saturday, though the Bring-a-Friend incentive quickly shifted focus to the day after. Schedules were arranged to maximize the discount. The swap would entail comparatively damper driving conditions, along with a glorious dusting of fluffy snow - an unexpected fringe for festivity.
Our original date preference had resided with Saturday, though the Bring-a-Friend incentive quickly shifted focus to the day after. Schedules were arranged to maximize the discount. The swap would entail comparatively damper driving conditions, along with a glorious dusting of fluffy snow - an unexpected fringe for festivity.
I proposed a detour for M Cha Bar to take advantage of a BOGO offer. My faith in the Roasted Oolong Milk Tea was reinstated, exposing the inaptitude if the bubble tea shop's Scarborough location.
 |  |
Prior to entering the gates, we made the last-minute decision for skate rentals. Tickets were purchased exclusively through the Wonderland website and redeemed in the form of wristbands beyond the security gates. Waivers were also required for each reservation.
We then proceeded through the gates, which comprised of bag inspection, ticket-scanning, and the additional step of vaccination verification.
We then proceeded through the gates, which comprised of bag inspection, ticket-scanning, and the additional step of vaccination verification.
 |  |
Once within, the snowcapped perspective of the park came into view. It was a wholly wonderful sight to behold: The embellished trees, gleeful tunes, colourful decorations, and soft shower of snowflakes all alluded to one thing - the oncoming arrival of the winter holidays. The park embodied the essence of The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.
 |  |
We roamed the grounds with fervent excitement - me more so than the local, long-time ally. Weaving underneath the Medieval Faire, a mini stage was spotted. "Bah Humbug" the sign read, followed by its hourly performance times.
 |  |
View the full album HERE !
 |  |
Opting not to stay, our footsteps progressed onto the path towards the Christas Market. Occupying two enclosed establishments were vendors retailing gifts and seasonal food items. Layered fudge blocks, chocolate, and even overpriced seasonal churros were amongst the assortment.
Immediately outside the candy cane-lined laneway was an outdoor lounge area. Wooden seating, fire pits, and even a swing set had been positioned before the now-frozen, standalone U-shaped inlet. At its edges were the Viking's Rage - one of the handful of rides remaining operational during the event - and a beverage stand by the name of The Naughty Elf. A small stage for band performances had also been installed, complete with a vinyl veil for wind protection.
 |  |
Our arrival in Elf Village coincided with the Cool Yule Christmas performance. On a drum-like pedestal rested a very straight and very tall tree - just one of the numerous ones we would gaze upon that evening. It was decked with blue and white ornaments, and finished with a thin lining of Mother Nature's wintry bestowing. One by one, the cast emerged, donning attire of the same colour scheme. A small crowd began to gather in witness of the spectacle. Joyous tunes filled the air; corresponding to these spirited sounds were synced dance steps of the cast as well flittering light configurations on the tree behind them. At times it would show travelling streamers pivoting about its pinnacle, while dashing red dots and hearts at others.
|
| ||||
 |  |
We continued onwards through to Tinsel Town and the multitude of other WinterFest-exclusive attractions. The Splash Works and Frontier Canada sections had been closed off for the seasonal event, but the park hadn't felt any more compact due to the array of activities available. I excitedly darted from one area to the next, periodically pausing to capture the action happening or marveling at the plethora of snowcapped decorations.
All felt fantasy-like, and more breathtaking than the familiar brick-and-cobblestone scenery of the Distillery I had strode across not too long ago.
The park environment had been transformed completely! From our typically humid summer visits and seemingly endless queue-joining, an utterly new image had emerged. Surreal was the metamorphosis, and consequently the overall atmosphere. Colourful Christmas trees were found at every corner, and buildings edged with string bulbs and sparkly spheres. There was absolutely no shortage of lights either: Dusk served to preface the dazzling scenery that would await us after sundown.
The park environment had been transformed completely! From our typically humid summer visits and seemingly endless queue-joining, an utterly new image had emerged. Surreal was the metamorphosis, and consequently the overall atmosphere. Colourful Christmas trees were found at every corner, and buildings edged with string bulbs and sparkly spheres. There was absolutely no shortage of lights either: Dusk served to preface the dazzling scenery that would await us after sundown.
With nature's warm glow receding to reveal a hushed grey-mauve, the delicate strands of waterfall LEDs became more apparent. Adjacent was a red disc-like installation - an exposed cross-section of an ornament featuring a bench within for photo-taking.
 |  |
The Tree Lighting Ceremony was held at 5:30 PM.
With roughly ten minutes left, we looped through the gift shops quickly before establishing our viewing perspective in International Village. Nightfall introduced chills and harsh gusts, delivering rigidity to our already trembling fingertips. I had foregoed my trusty gloves for rapid setup of my tripod; it was an undoubtedly vexatious task, especially seeing as I could not see through lens condensation.
With roughly ten minutes left, we looped through the gift shops quickly before establishing our viewing perspective in International Village. Nightfall introduced chills and harsh gusts, delivering rigidity to our already trembling fingertips. I had foregoed my trusty gloves for rapid setup of my tripod; it was an undoubtedly vexatious task, especially seeing as I could not see through lens condensation.
 |  |
Preceding the ceremony was a series of brief performances. Then came the illumination of trees on both sides of the stage. The bulbs would illume from the bottom, surging upwards and saturating the evening sky with unrivalled brilliance. Spotlights and animated LED configurations would also appear behind the dancing performers and on the mountain.
Our skating reservation was slated for 6:40 PM. I had proposed rounds about Snoopy Planet in search of holiday-themed souvenirs, namely plush ornaments. These were not to be found, thus we made haste and navigated to the rink. I had failed to allocate the twenty-minute buffer to obtain skate rentals, trimming our slot by roughly ten minutes. That said, the allocated period was deemed sufficient for the both of us.
 |  |
While looseness prevailed in one pair of rentals, compression-induced pain emerged in another. We took advantage of the opportunity to refresh our skills, though prolonged laps proved difficult with a coarse surface. The experience was best enjoyed in observation of the installations around the perimeter: the lamps flickered in time with the background music as the strings of lights provided endless radiance.
 |  |
Advanced skaters zipped ahead of us, hockey skates laced on their feet. For the less confident folks, support devices were available for adults and children alike. The younger participants had the luxury of choosing between seals, whales, and reindeer, whereas thin wired structures could be obtained for taller partakers.
As we hobbled back to gather our shoes, I was compelled to explore the remainder of the park. "Let's go to globe!" I announced to a confused partner-in-crime.
Our footsteps trailed along the paths already traversed, leading us back to the Cider House we had passed at our time of entry. As the clock neared 8 PM, I admitted defeat to finding the globe, and instead suggested obtaining an overpriced Mulled Wine to share. To ensure a safe state of mind for vehicle operation, I also took to a Pretzel.
Our footsteps trailed along the paths already traversed, leading us back to the Cider House we had passed at our time of entry. As the clock neared 8 PM, I admitted defeat to finding the globe, and instead suggested obtaining an overpriced Mulled Wine to share. To ensure a safe state of mind for vehicle operation, I also took to a Pretzel.
 |  |
Both were mediocre at best: the pretzel dry and stiff and the wine lukewarm with subtle notes of bitterness. The cup had cooled steadily in the outdoor environment; thankfully heat lamps had been positioned for warmth.
 |  |
Piquing my curiosity were three styles of craft beer spotted within the Cider House's refrigerator. They were named after the amusement park's notable rollercoasters: Yukon Striker, Behemoth, and Leviathan. I learned of the collection being an exclusive collaboration between Etobicoke's Great Lakes Brewery, along with the dismal news that purchase required in-park consumption. In other words, the cans would not be retailed beyond Wonderland, nor would they be served in any other apparatus besides disposable cups.
In consideration of my partner-in-crime's early morning work schedule, I made haste and opted out of further investigitation for location the Season of Lights display, otherwise known as "the globe". I hadn't realized that the fixture that lied behind it was none other than the Northern Starlight tunnel I had direly wished to visit. The area itself was quite small, or it appeared as such on the map anyway, though it remained a shame to be left unexplored.
Departing the parking lot ensued a hunt for sustenance. An initial suggestion of pho (mine - go figure!) led us in a loop to a mostly deserted plaza. A second attempt was made for a Chipotle pickup, only to be denied via the app and rewarded with the sight of a dimmed storefront upon arrival.
In the distance was a joint Wendy's and Tim Hortons - the nearest and, unfortunately, most reliable alternative in the given circumstances.
In the distance was a joint Wendy's and Tim Hortons - the nearest and, unfortunately, most reliable alternative in the given circumstances.
 |  |
We polished about half of our meals: A Turkey Bacon BLT and small Chili for myself and Large Chili for the one across the plastic booth. Several words were exchanged before a member of staff came up to us. "Just wanted to let you know that we are closing soon." she stated.
Eyes wide, I inquired further, "What time do you close?"
"9:30"
The display on my left wrist lit up: 9:27 PM.
With a chuckle from across me, we gathered our things and inched back to the breezy outdoors. The day had concluded on the rather unexpected note of fast food.
Eyes wide, I inquired further, "What time do you close?"
"9:30"
The display on my left wrist lit up: 9:27 PM.
With a chuckle from across me, we gathered our things and inched back to the breezy outdoors. The day had concluded on the rather unexpected note of fast food.
 |  |
Nonetheless, flurries and low wind speeds had rendered the visit highly enjoyable, moderating drops in mercury levels until the absence of sunlight. In spite of a rushed ending, WinterFest had been worth every penny and every ounce of effort. Expectations had been grand, reasonably so, and I am ecstatic to declare the event had not disappointed in the slightest.
I recommend it, even, as a venture fit for all ages. And I guarantee it'll bring out the cheer in everyone - "Bah Humbug!" we say not, and promptly replace with a merry "Happy Holidays!"
I recommend it, even, as a venture fit for all ages. And I guarantee it'll bring out the cheer in everyone - "Bah Humbug!" we say not, and promptly replace with a merry "Happy Holidays!"
RSS Feed