Vancouver's Playland launches new electric roller-coaster

Vancouver amusement park Playland is launching its latest roller-coaster to the public Saturday.

ThunderVolt is Canada's fastest electric launch coaster, according to the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE). The $18 million attraction was constructed by Italy's Zamperla, one of the world's largest manufacturers of rides. 

As Playland opened at 11 a.m., visitors raced  to try out ThunderVolt. The roller-coaster, which carries 12 passengers, blasts off with 1.3 Gs of acceleration into an illuminated tunnel before going up a steep incline and then down an 18-metre drop. 

WATCH | Vancouver thrill-seekers ecstatic after going on newest roller-coaster: 

Vancouver thrill-seekers ecstatic after going on Playland’s latest roller-coaster

5 months ago

Duration 1:42

Dubbed as "Canada’s fastest electric launch coaster," the new ThunderVolt roller-coaster at Playland amusement park opened to eager crowds on Saturday. Some visitors who tried it out said the ride was so exhilarating that they couldn’t resist a second round.

Shelley Frost, president and CEO of the PNE, said in a Friday news release that the new ride will be an "incredible juxtaposition" to the historic wooden roller-coaster.  

"It sets Playland up to thrill many more generations of British Columbians and guests from across Canada and around the world, making it a jewel in the crown of our organization," Frost said. 

The PNE classifies ThunderVolt as "extreme" and requires the park's Thrill Seeker Pass.

The ride is restricted to passengers who are at least four feet three inches tall, and those with visual or hearing impairments must have a companion.