
Leviathan Canada’s Wonderland: Height, Speed & G-Force Guide
Anyone who’s walked through the Medieval Faire section of Canada’s Wonderland knows the feeling of looking up at a massive blue steel track that disappears over a 306-foot drop. That’s Leviathan — the tallest and fastest coaster in Canada, opened in 2012. But here’s the thing: despite its record-breaking height, many riders say it’s one of the smoothest and least intimidating thrill rides in the park. This guide breaks down the specs, the experience, and whether it’s a good fit for first-time coaster riders.
Height: 306 ft (93 m) ·
Speed: 92 mph (148 km/h) ·
Length: 5,486 ft (1,672 m) ·
Opened: May 6, 2012 ·
Type: Giga coaster ·
Location: Canada’s Wonderland, Vaughan, Ontario
Quick snapshot
- Tallest and fastest roller coaster in Canada (Wikipedia (park attraction encyclopedia))
- Height: 306 ft (93.3 m) (Coasterpedia (roller coaster database))
- Speed: 92 mph (148 km/h) (Coasterpedia)
- Opened May 6, 2012 (Canada’s Wonderland official POV (YouTube))
- Exact G-force figures not published by the park; estimates vary among rider reports
- Whether Leviathan qualifies as the “scariest” ride is subjective and depends on rider preference
- Opened in 2012 as a major new attraction (Canada’s Wonderland official POV)
- Currently operating for the 2024 season with seasonal maintenance schedule (Canada’s Wonderland official POV)
- Leviathan remains the park’s flagship giga coaster; likely to continue drawing thrill-seekers
- Possible future record updates? No official announcements regarding modifications
Six key specs, one pattern: Leviathan delivers giga-coaster scale without the extreme G-force that often scares off casual riders. The numbers below come from multiple verified sources.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 306 ft (93 m) |
| Speed | 92 mph (148 km/h) |
| Track length | 5,486 ft (1,672 m) |
| Ride duration | 3 min 28 sec (EnjoyOntario (Ontario tourism site)) |
| Opened | May 6, 2012 |
| Type | Giga coaster (Bolliger & Mabillard) (CoasterCritic (ride review outlet)) |
How Tall and Fast Is Leviathan?
Leviathan height in feet and meters
- At 306 feet, Leviathan stands taller than any other coaster in Canada (Wikipedia). That’s about 93.3 metres — roughly the height of a 30-story building.
- The first drop plunges the full 306 feet, giving riders an instant sense of free fall (Coasterpedia).
Leviathan top speed in mph and km/h
- Leviathan reaches a top speed of 92 mph (148 km/h), making it the fastest coaster in the country (Coasterpedia).
- That speed puts it in the same league as many American giga coasters, but with a notably smoother acceleration curve (according to Captain Coaster (enthusiast review site)).
Comparison to other Canadian coasters
- Canada’s second-tallest coaster, Behemoth (also at Canada’s Wonderland), stands at 230 ft. Leviathan beats it by 76 feet.
- Yukon Striker, a dive coaster that opened in 2019, reaches 68 mph — 24 mph slower than Leviathan.
Is Leviathan a Scary Roller Coaster for Kids?
G-force experience on Leviathan
- Riders describe Leviathan as “ultra smooth” with “comfortable seats” (Captain Coaster). The G-forces are moderate compared to other giga coasters — many enthusiast forums estimate around 3.5 Gs, but the park does not officially publish that number.
- Unlike Behemoth, which delivers aggressive airtime, Leviathan focuses on sustained high speed and smooth transitions.
How many G’s do you feel on Leviathan?
- No official data is available from the manufacturer or park. Based on rider reports and coaster analysis, the maximum G-force is believed to be around 3.5 Gs, which is relatively mild for a 300-foot drop.
Appropriate age and height for riders
- The minimum height requirement is 54 inches (137 cm) with a maximum of 84 inches (EnjoyOntario).
- Many families with children aged 10 and up find Leviathan manageable, especially compared to more intense rides at the park.
Leviathan’s smooth B&M design and moderate G-force make it a safer “first big coaster” choice for kids than Behemoth — the 54-inch requirement ensures only taller children ride, but the experience emphasizes speed rather than violent forces.
What Is the Scariest Ride at Canada’s Wonderland?
Leviathan vs Behemoth vs other thrill rides
- Leviathan is taller and faster than Behemoth, but Behemoth has stronger airtime moments that some riders find more intense (CoasterCritic).
- Yukon Striker, a dive coaster that holds riders over a 90-degree drop, is widely considered the park’s scariest ride due to its vertical hang time.
- Among traditional coasters, Leviathan often ranks in the top three for perceived fear, but many regulars say it’s less intimidating than its stats suggest.
Three coasters, one decision point: each delivers a different kind of thrill. The table below compares the key fear factors.
| Ride | Height | Speed | Airtime / Intensity | Scare factor (rater consensus) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leviathan | 306 ft | 92 mph | Moderate airtime, smooth | Medium-high |
| Behemoth | 230 ft | 75 mph | Strong airtime | High |
| Yukon Striker | 245 ft | 68 mph | 90° drop, inversion | Very high |
The pattern: Yukon Striker’s vertical hang time delivers the highest fear factor, while Leviathan’s smooth speed offers a less intense alternative to Behemoth’s aggressive airtime.
Rider ratings and reviews
- On Captain Coaster, Leviathan receives consistently positive reviews for its “strong sustained speed” and “insane first drop.”
- Tripadvisor (user reviews) users describe it as “amazing” and often recommend it for first-time thrill riders.
Best for first-time coaster riders
- If you’re new to coasters, Leviathan is a better choice than Yukon Striker or Behemoth. Its smooth ride and lack of inversions make it a strong introduction to giga coasters (CoasterCritic).
Where Can I Find Leviathan Reviews and Videos?
Official POV on YouTube
- Canada’s Wonderland published an official on-ride POV on YouTube that shows the full 3-minute-28-second experience.
Coaster critic and Reddit reviews
- CoasterCritic calls the layout an “out-and-back design with multiple airtime hills” and notes the high capacity of three trains.
- Reddit communities like r/rollercoasters regularly discuss Leviathan’s smoothness and ranking among Canada’s best coasters.
RCDB database stats
- The Coasterpedia entry lists full technical data, including track length (5,476 ft), trains (8 cars, 32 riders each), and manufacturer (Bolliger & Mabillard). Note: the park officially advertises 5,486 ft; minor variance exists between sources.
If you’re looking for more context on attractions in the region, check out our guide to Parc de la Jacques-Cartier: Fees, Trails & Camping Guide or Cineplex Odeon Windermere VIP: What to Know Before You Go for other Ontario experience ideas.
Timeline of Leviathan’s History
- 2012: Leviathan opens at Canada’s Wonderland on May 6 (YouTube POV). Instantly becomes the tallest and fastest roller coaster in Canada.
- 2012–present: Remains the Canadian record-holder for height and speed, despite the addition of newer coasters like Yukon Striker (2019).
- 2024: Currently operating with seasonal maintenance. No major changes announced.
Leviathan’s decade-plus reign shows how a well-designed giga coaster can stay relevant even as parks add newer attractions. Its moderate intensity keeps it accessible, while its records keep it a must-ride.
Clarity Check: What’s Confirmed vs. Unclear
Confirmed facts
- Leviathan is the tallest and fastest roller coaster in Canada (Wikipedia).
- Height: 306 ft; Speed: 92 mph (Coasterpedia).
- Opened May 6, 2012 (YouTube).
- Minimum height requirement: 54 inches (EnjoyOntario).
What’s unclear
- Exact G-force figures are not officially published; estimates vary.
- Whether Leviathan is the “scariest” ride is subjective; many rate Yukon Striker higher.
What Riders Are Saying
“Leviathan is the tallest and fastest roller coaster in Canada, standing at 306 feet and reaching speeds of 92 mph.”
— Wikipedia (community encyclopedia)
“The ride has an out-and-back layout with multiple airtime hills and runs three trains for high capacity.”
— CoasterCritic (ride review outlet)
“Riders praise the ‘strong sustained speed’ and ‘ultra smooth’ experience of the coaster.”
— Captain Coaster (enthusiast review site)
For Ontario visitors planning a trip, the choice between Leviathan and other park attractions comes down to what you want from a coaster. Leviathan delivers a smooth, record-breaking speed experience that doesn’t punish you with violent forces. It’s the rare coaster that impresses enthusiasts while still welcoming families. For parents of kids who meet the 54-inch requirement, Leviathan is a safer bet than Behemoth or Yukon Striker. For thrill seekers, it’s a must-ride that holds its own against newer additions.
en.wikipedia.org, coasterpedia.net, youtube.com, youtube.com, coaster101.com, instagram.com, youtube.com
For a detailed breakdown of the ride’s stats and rider experience, check out Leviathan at Canadas Wonderland.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Leviathan at Canada’s Wonderland?
Leviathan is 306 feet (93.3 metres) tall, making it the tallest roller coaster in Canada (Coasterpedia).
How fast does Leviathan go?
Leviathan reaches a top speed of 92 mph (148 km/h), the fastest of any coaster in Canada (Coasterpedia).
What is the height requirement for Leviathan?
Riders must be at least 54 inches (137 cm) tall and not exceed 84 inches (EnjoyOntario).
Is Leviathan a giga coaster?
Yes, because its first drop exceeds 300 feet (306 ft exactly). It is a Bolliger & Mabillard giga coaster (CoasterCritic).
Does Leviathan have a lot of airtime?
The ride offers moderate airtime moments, but it is known more for sustained speed and smooth transitions than for violent pops of weightlessness (Captain Coaster).
Is Leviathan open during the winter?
Canada’s Wonderland operates seasonally, typically May through October. Leviathan is closed during winter months. Check the park’s official calendar for 2024 exact dates.
Can I bring a GoPro on Leviathan?
Canada’s Wonderland generally prohibits loose articles on rides. GoPros must be secured in a pocket or left in a locker. The park’s policy should be confirmed before your visit.
How does Leviathan compare to Behemoth?
Leviathan is taller (306 vs 230 ft), faster (92 vs 75 mph), and smoother. Behemoth delivers stronger airtime. Leviathan is often considered less intense (CoasterCritic).