Behemoth

Development and Opening

Canada's Wonderland announced the development of Behemoth on 27 August 2007. The ride represented a capital investment of approximately 26 million Canadian dollars, which was the single largest investment in the park's 27 year history at that point. The project involved 17.5 months of planning and construction, with the steel track and support structure completed on 22 January 2008. Behemoth was officially unveiled to media representatives on 24 April 2008 during a dedicated Media Day event, and it opened exclusively to season pass holders the following evening on 25 April 2008. Its public opening occurred on 4 May 2008, adding the fifteenth roller coaster to the park's extensive lineup of attractions. The addition of Behemoth was strategically intended to complement the park's existing roster of over 200 rides, shows, and attractions with a world class coaster that would position Wonderland as a premier amusement park. For the 2014 operating season, a minor but significant modification was made to the ride vehicles with the addition of seat belts to the existing lap bar restraint system, aligning its safety features with the newer Leviathan coaster.

Design and Technical Specifications

Behemoth is a hypercoaster, a model known for its emphasis on speed, height, and airtime rather than inversions. The ride is rated a five out of five, or double black diamond, on Canada's Wonderland's Attraction Rating System, which specifies experiences with high speeds and heights, aggressive and unexpected forces, and rapid directional or elevation change. Riders must be at least 137 centimetres tall to board the attraction, and this rule applies to passengers of any age. The steel track stretches 1,620.9 metres in length and features a lift hill that ascends to a height of 70 metres. The first drop from this peak is set at a steep 75 degree angle, and the track layout incorporates both trim brakes and magnetic braking systems to control speed and ensure a smooth deceleration throughout the circuit.

The ride's station is a two storey sheltered structure, with the loading and unloading platform on the upper level. The ground floor houses the ride's power supply, programmable logic control system, and a maintenance area equipped with radiant heaters for the trains. At the boarding area, the station features three colour coded cabinets for loose belongings, with one designated for each of the three trains to streamline operations. The operator's booth is located on the front right side of the platform, overseeing the dispatch and safety procedures.

Train Design

Behemoth introduced a prototype train design for Bolliger & Mabillard roller coasters. The three trains feature a v shaped, staggered seating arrangement that ensures every rider has a clear, unobstructed forward view, a first for a coaster of this type. This innovative design was later reproduced for other B&M hypercoasters, including Diamondback at Kings Island, Intimidator at Carowinds, and Shambhala at PortAventura Park. Each train is composed of eight cars, with each car seating four riders for a total of 32 passengers per train, and the trains are constructed from open air steel and fibreglass.

The trains are distinguished by their coloured fronts, being red, orange, and yellow. Riders are secured by a lap bar harness combined with a seatbelt, a restraint system identical to that used on the park's later coaster, Leviathan. The design does have limitations, as some individuals over a certain weight or waist size may not be accommodated by the restraints. The ride maintains a high operational throughput, capable of handling approximately 1,545 passengers per hour, making it one of the most efficient roller coasters in the park and a key asset for managing guest flow on busy days.

Ride Experience and Layout

The complete Behemoth ride experience lasts approximately three minutes from dispatch to return. After departing the station, the train turns right and begins a slow ascent up the 70 metre chain lift hill. From the summit, riders have a panoramic view that includes the CN Tower to the left and an overview of the entire park to the right. The train then drops from its peak at a 75 degree angle, reaching its maximum speed of 124 kilometres per hour in just 3.9 seconds. At the base of this first drop, the train banks slightly to the right and climbs the first air time hill, delivering a moment of weightlessness as it descends.

The layout is designed to deliver multiple moments of airtime through a specific sequence of elements. Following the initial hill, the train climbs up to a hairpin 180 degree hammerhead turn to the left. After descending from the height of this turn, the train travels up and over three more consecutive air time hills. It then climbs a steep slope into the mid course brake run, where speed is momentarily reduced. After this pause, the train turns to the right and descends into a downward 540 degree helix, immediately followed by a climb into an upward 270 degree helix to the left.

The final phase of the ride includes a small descent and a final hill after the second helix. The train climbs from this final hill into the terminal brake run, where it waits until cleared for return by the station operator. The train then proceeds forward and executes a 180 degree turn to the left to align with the station platform for unloading. The entire course, with its five air time hills, hammerhead turn, and two helixes, provides a sustained thrill experience that has proven popular with a wide demographic, from young children to senior citizens.

Key Ride Statistics and Features

Behemoth is a steel roller coaster located at Canada's Wonderland in Vaughan, Ontario. It was designed and developed by Swiss manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard. The ride opened to the public in May 2008 as the tallest and fastest roller coaster in Canada, a claim it held until 2012. Behemoth features a steel track that is 1,620.9 metres in length and a lift hill approximately 70 metres high. Its first descent is at an angle of approximately 75 degrees.

• Track Length: 1,620.9 metres (5,318 feet).
• Lift Hill Height: 70 metres (230 feet).
• First Drop Angle: 75 degrees.
• Maximum Speed: 124 km/h (77 mph), achieved in 3.9 seconds.
• Number of Trains: 3, each with a capacity of 32 riders.
• Hourly Passenger Capacity: Approximately 1,545 people.
• Number of Airtime Hills: 5.
• Specialty Maneuvers: 1 hammerhead turn and 2 helixes.

The ride lasts for approximately three minutes and reaches a maximum speed of 124 km/h in less than 3.9 seconds. It features five air-time hills, a hammerhead turn and two helixes. Behemoth has a high throughput and accommodates approximately 1,545 passengers an hour. The station features three colour-coded cabinets for loose belongings, one designated for each of the three trains. The ride is rated a five out of five according to Wonderland's Attraction Rating System.

Awards, Reception, and Park Role

Upon its debut, Behemoth received significant recognition within the amusement industry. It was ranked third in the category of Best New Ride for the 2008 Golden Ticket Awards. These awards are presented annually by the industry publication Amusement Today based on an international poll of park enthusiasts and professionals. The ranking acknowledged Behemoth's immediate impact as a major new attraction and its successful introduction of innovative design elements. The ride has enjoyed a great deal of success since its establishment and remains one of the most popular attractions at Canada's Wonderland.

Park staff have noted that the ride's appeal spans generations, with both young children and senior citizens regularly lining up for the attraction. Its high passenger capacity contributes to its popularity by helping to manage queue times effectively. Unlike most of the park's other attractions, Behemoth has a dedicated gift shop that sells ride specific memorabilia and displays the on ride photos captured by the attraction's camera system. This integration of merchandise enhances the guest experience and provides a tangible memento of the ride.

Historical Context and Comparison

Behemoth opened to the public in May 2008 as the tallest and fastest roller coaster in Canada. This claim was held until 2012 when Leviathan opened at the same park. The estimated C$26 million ride represented the single biggest investment in the 27-year history of Canada's Wonderland. When completed, Behemoth became the 15th roller coaster at the park. The ride was officially opened on 24 April 2008 for Media Day.

Behemoth is one of the most popular attractions at Canada's Wonderland and it has enjoyed a great deal of success since its establishment. The ride appeals to a wide demographic with both young children and senior citizens lining up for the attraction. Behemoth is similar to Diamondback at Kings Island and Thunder Striker at Carowinds. Its introduction with the staggered seating arrangement was a first for a Bolliger & Mabillard roller coaster of this type.

Operational and Guest Features

Behemoth's operation is supported by several technical and guest service features designed for efficiency and safety. The ride's control systems, including the programmable logic controller, are housed on the ground floor of the station alongside the maintenance bay. The use of magnetic brakes on the track provides a smooth and consistent deceleration, enhancing rider comfort. The addition of seat belts in 2014 complemented the existing lap bar system, creating a dual restraint mechanism that is now standard for the park's major coasters.

For guests, the experience is streamlined by the colour coded loose article cabinets on the platform, which correspond to the red, orange, and yellow trains. This system reduces boarding time and minimizes the risk of lost items. The gift shop, located near the ride exit, offers a range of souvenirs from apparel to collectibles, capitalizing on the ride's status. The on ride photo system captures riders during the descent of the first drop, and these images are displayed for purchase in the shop, adding a personalized element to the visit. These combined features ensure Behemoth operates as a high capacity, guest friendly attraction that continues to be a centrepiece of the Canada's Wonderland experience.

Coasters Featuring the Prototype Design

Behemoth's three trains feature a prototype v-shaped staggered seating arrangement to ensure an unobstructed view for every rider. This prototype design is a first for Bolliger & Mabillard roller coasters. The design was later reproduced for Diamondback at Kings Island. It was also reproduced for Intimidator at Carowinds and Shambhala: Expedición al Himalaya at PortAventura Park.

• Diamondback at Kings Island, Ohio, United States.
• Intimidator at Carowinds, on the border of North and South Carolina, United States.
• Shambhala: Expedición al Himalaya at PortAventura Park, Salou, Spain.

The prototype seating arrangement ensures an unobstructed view for every rider. Each passenger is seated in a bucket seat restrained by a lap bar harness and a seatbelt, identical to Leviathan's restraint system. The trains are coloured red, orange and yellow, distinguished by their coloured fronts. Each train comprises eight cars, seating four guests each for a total capacity of 32. For the 2014 season, seat belts were added to the trains.

Questions about Behemoth

How tall do you have to be to ride Behemoth?

Riders must be at least 137 centimetres, or 54 inches, tall to experience Behemoth. This height requirement is strictly enforced at the ride entrance and is consistent with the park's safety regulations for its most intense attractions. The ride is rated a double black diamond, the highest intensity level on the park's rating system, indicating high speeds and aggressive forces. The restriction ensures all passengers can be properly secured by the lap bar and seatbelt restraint system.

What is the top speed of Behemoth?

Behemoth reaches a maximum speed of 124 kilometres per hour, which is equivalent to 77 miles per hour. This top speed is achieved in less than 3.9 seconds during the coaster's first drop from its 70 metre peak. The rapid acceleration is a key part of the thrill, leading directly into a series of airtime hills. The entire ride duration, from lift hill to final brakes, lasts approximately three minutes.

When did Behemoth open at Canada's Wonderland?

Behemoth opened to the general public on 4 May 2008. Its development was announced in August 2007, and construction was completed in early 2008. A media preview event was held on 24 April 2008, followed by an exclusive preview for season pass holders on 25 April 2008. The opening marked the addition of the fifteenth roller coaster to the park's collection and represented its largest single investment at the time.

What makes Behemoth's train design unique?

Behemoth introduced a prototype v shaped, staggered seating arrangement for Bolliger & Mabillard hypercoasters. This design ensures that every rider in the eight car train has a completely unobstructed forward view, as no passenger sits directly behind another. This innovation was a first for a coaster of this type and was later adopted for other B&M hypercoasters like Diamondback and Intimidator. Each of the three trains seats 32 riders and is distinguished by a coloured front in red, orange, or yellow.

How many people can ride Behemoth per hour?

Behemoth has a high passenger throughput, capable of accommodating approximately 1,545 riders per hour. This efficiency is due to its three trains, each holding 32 passengers, and a streamlined loading and unloading process. The high capacity helps manage long queue lines, especially on busy days, making it one of the most efficient roller coasters in the park. The station features colour coded bins for loose articles to speed up the boarding process.

What was added to Behemoth's trains in 2014?

For the 2014 operating season, seat belts were added to the existing lap bar restraint system on all of Behemoth's trains. This modification brought the ride's safety restraints into alignment with those used on Leviathan, the park's other B&M hypercoaster. The addition was a proactive safety enhancement and did not alter the fundamental ride experience. The combination of a lap bar and a seatbelt secures riders throughout the coaster's layout of hills, turns, and helixes.

Sources and further reading

• Behemoth (Wikipedia)
• Steel Roller Coaster | Behemoth | Canada's Wonderland (sixflags.com)

Checked by the Novello Desserts desk. Last updated 2026-10-31.