Meet the New Park President of Canada’s Wonderland

For Christopher Mortensen, returning to Canada’s Wonderland as Park President is more than a new leadership role – it’s a homecoming.

Christopher first joined the park in 2002 as a ride operator at Drop Zone and Wilde Beast, earning $6.85 an hour and spending his summers helping create memorable guest experiences. Over the next decade, he worked his way through the ranks, serving as a team lead, supervisor, area manager, rides manager, and later in maintenance leadership, gaining hands-on experience across nearly every aspect of park operations. After leaving Wonderland in 2014, Christopher continued to build an impressive career in the attractions industry, leading operations at West Edmonton Mall, helping oversee the construction and opening of DreamWorks Water Park at American Dream, and most recently serving as General Manager of Noah’s Ark Waterpark in Wisconsin.

Now, more than 20 years after first stepping onto the midway as a seasonal team member, Christopher is back where it all began – leading Canada’s Wonderland into its next chapter. From favourite rides and park traditions to his hopes for the future, we caught up with Christopher to learn more about the person behind the title and his plans for Canada's premier amusement park.

Christopher began in ride operations at Canada’s Wonderland in 2002.

Q: What was your first thought when you walked into the park on day one of this new role?

Christopher: You know, it was a bit of a pinch-yourself moment. Canada’s Wonderland has been a part of my life for so long – as a guest, as a seasonal team member, and as a full-time leader. Coming back and having the opportunity to lead a place that means so much to me, our guests, and our team members was both exciting and humbling. And I have to admit, it was pretty surreal walking through those front gates on my first day knowing I was coming back as Park President.

Q: What's changed the most since the first time you worked at the park?

Christopher: The biggest change is the ride portfolio. When I started in 2002, rides like Xtreme Skyflyer, Top Gun, Drop Zone, and The Bat were the park’s headline attractions. Since then, we’ve added an incredible collection of world-class rides and coasters that have elevated the guest experience to another level. I’ve also enjoyed seeing the park embrace more Canadian theming. Areas like Frontier Canada and the effort to celebrate the park’s original themes help create a stronger sense of place and identity. Also, the food offerings. Our culinary team really has raised the bar on delivering a diverse menu of unique, quality items beyond staple amusement park foods. Not to mention the fantastic event menus like Brew & BBQ, Oktoberfest and WinterFest.

Q: What’s something about Canada’s Wonderland that feels exactly the same as you remember it?

Christopher: The excitement of the guests. When they arrive and they’re seeing Wonder Mountain and the fountains for the first time or when a kid rides a major coaster for the first time. Those moments of joy and anticipation are timeless. The rides may change, but we’re still here to do the same thing – to create unforgettable memories for our guests.

Q: Has anything surprised you since stepping into the role?

Christopher: I wouldn’t say surprised as much as reaffirmed. Returning has reminded me just how talented and dedicated our team is. Reconnecting with people I worked alongside years ago and building relationships with new leaders has reinforced what I already believed – Canada’s Wonderland has an exceptional team of people who care deeply about the park and our guests.

Christopher chats with Games team member Avaia while on one of his daily park walks.

Q: What excites you most about the future of Canada’s Wonderland?

Christopher: The opportunity to help create the next generation of memories. Whether it’s introducing guests to new attractions, enhancing the overall experience, or continuing to strengthen our connection to the community, there’s so much potential ahead. It’s not just about rides – it’s about being part of people’s lives and making Canada’s Wonderland a place they return to year after year.

Q: What role do you believe Canada’s Wonderland plays in the lives of our guests?

Christopher: It’s an escape. It gives people a chance to step away from their screens and everyday routines and immerse themselves in an experience that simply can’t be replicated at home. From our rides and water attractions in Splash Works, to the live entertainment and great events – there’s so much for everyone. And there’s something special about sharing thrills, laughter, and memorable moments together in person.

Q: When friends or family visit the park, what's the first thing you tell them they have to experience?

Christopher: Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the park. When you visit or work here often, it’s easy to overlook just how impressive the surroundings are. From the landscaping and fountains to Wonder Mountain itself, Canada’s Wonderland is a truly unique destination, and the atmosphere is part of what makes it special. Our massive fireworks display is also something people should make a point to see – and soon people will have more opportunity than ever before, to catch a show.

At front gate, Christopher assists a guest with a photo.

Q: What's your all-time favourite ride and why?

Christopher: That’s a tough one because I have personal connections to so many of the rides that opened during my time here. But if I had to choose, I’d say Leviathan. The scale, speed, and overall experience are incredible. It was also the last major attraction opening I was involved with before leaving the park, and it remains one of Canada’s Wonderland’s signature rides more than a decade later.

Q: What's your go-to park snack or food?

Christopher: I’m a big fan of popcorn, but if I’m picking a signature Canada’s Wonderland treat, it has to be funnel cake. It’s become a tradition for so many guests, and I love seeing the creative new varieties our Food & Beverage team comes up with each year.

Q: What's one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

Christopher: I collect pins from places I’ve visited around the world. Whether it’s an attraction, a city, or a special destination, I like having a small keepsake that reminds me of the experience. It’s become a fun tradition over the years. Maybe we’ll get a pin program here one day.

Christopher has some of his pin collection featured at his new park office.

Q: If you could describe your vision for Canada’s Wonderland in three words, what would they be?

Christopher: Community, Memories, and Innovation.

Community because Canada’s Wonderland is about people – our team members, our guests, our passholders, and the communities we serve. Building strong connections with all of them is incredibly important.

Memories because that’s ultimately why we’re here. We have the privilege of creating experiences and moments that families and friends will remember for years to come.

And Innovation because we can never stop improving. We need to keep growing, evolving, and finding new ways to deliver exceptional experiences, ensuring Canada’s Wonderland remains the very best at what we do.