When Canada’s Wonderland opened on May 23, 1981, the park featured five themed areas: International Street, Medieval Faire, Hanna-Barbera Land, International Festival, and The Grande World Exposition of 1890 (often shortened to World Expo or just Expo). As the park grew and changed, World Expo’s presence became less and less pronounced, finally resulting in its removal from the park map in 2007.

But in 2019, Canada’s Wonderland redesigned its map once again, returning the coloured pathways distinguishing each themed area (including the new Frontier Canada section) and bringing back the World Expo label. Located between International Street and Action Zone, World Expo features: rides such as Flight Deck, Antique Carrousel, and Swing of the Century; an extensive games collection including Whack-A-Mole and the classic Fool the Guesser; and dining locations with international cuisine (available at Backlot Cafe) and delicious desserts (Fightertown Funnel Cakes).

With the reintroduction of The Grande World Exposition of 1890 in 2019, I started thinking about the history of this original themed area at Canada’s Wonderland. What’s the inspiration? What’s the story? What’s with the flags?

If you’re like me, you may be familiar with the term “world expo,” but you’ve never experienced one firsthand or really understood what type of exhibits they have.

In short, world expos are large-scale events featuring pavilions from any eligible country who wishes to present their latest innovations and discoveries. Because of the broad international appeal of such events, countries often feature iconic architecture, art pieces and other displays which give a small glimpse into their unique national identity and culture.

World expos have a long history, with 2021 marking the 170th anniversary of the original event: “The Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations,” held in London, England in 1851. Just like Canada’s Wonderland’s regular operating season, this original expo ran from the beginning of May through October.

To host the 17,000 exhibitors from 25 participating countries, a brand new facility was built, known as the Crystal Palace. At 563 metres long and 124 metres wide (1,847 feet by 407 feet), the Crystal Palace would cover nearly a third of the Canada’s Wonderland parking lot! And with a height of 39 metres (128 feet), the iron and glass building would stand taller than Minebuster, Flight Deck, and even The Bat! Within World Expo, Canada’s Wonderland pays homage to this original facility with the Crystal Palace Arcade, located directly in front of Swing of the Century.

The Crystal Palace Arcade at Canada's Wonderland.

Now that we know the inspiration, what’s the story?

Officially, there was no world expo in 1890. Unofficially (and completely fictionally), The Grande World Exposition of 1890 was held in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada, on the site of what’s now Canada’s Wonderland. Due to some strange magic called “theming,” guests are now able to step back in time and see these pavilions in person.

Much like other world expos, countries from around the world brought a small sample of their culture to fill their allotted pavilion space. Some chose innovative mechanical rides, others brought delicious dishes, and nearly all brought full-scale samples of their unique architecture. (More on that in an upcoming post.) Seems like a lot of effort, but there’s a good reason for it.

For people in the 19th century who couldn’t afford or weren’t able to spend the weeks (or months) travelling to exotic locales, they had to rely on sketches and illustrations in newspapers and journals to see how something looked. As such, a world expo allowed countries to bring their architecture to millions of people who would otherwise never experience it. I distinctly remember being in awe of the architecture at the entrance to The Great Whale of China until it was removed at the end of the 2003 season.

Thank goodness photography became possible! Speaking of which, Mr. George Eastman was able to secure a spot in the Morocco pavilion to show off his 1889 invention, the “Kodak” film camera. If you visit the location today, you can get an “Old Time Photo” as a souvenir of your time at the 1890 expo in the park.

I don’t know about you, but I now have a much better understanding of what a world expo is, generally speaking. Now if only I could figure out what all those flags at the entrance represent….

To be continued...

Originally posted to canadaswonderland.com on September 9, 2021.