Team with army and police special forces rescue hostages in NATO wargames training.C-S/Shutterstock
Consider the following scenario. There’s a ransomware attack, enhanced by AI, which paralyses NHS systems – delaying medical care across the country.
Simultaneously, deepfake videos circulate online, spreading false information about the government’s response. At the same time, a foreign power quietly manipulates critical mineral markets to exert pressure on the economy.
The scenario is not just a theory. It is a situation waiting to be rehearsed. And research suggests an old tool called wargaming – an exercise or simulation of a threatening situation – provides the method to do exactly that. Researchers are indeed calling for a new research agenda for experimental design for such games, applied to modern scenarios.
In a world of compounding crises, the UK government has published its first-ever chronic risks analysis, delivering a stark warning. It says the threats of the 21st century are already here and they’re deeply interconnected.
From AI-driven cybercrime to biodiversity loss and demographic shifts, the report maps 26 chronic risks that are slowly eroding national security, economic resilience and social cohesion.
The analysis rightly calls for a broader response, urging collaboration across government, industry, academia and society at large.
If chronic risks are the century’s slow burns, then wargaming is the fire drill we haven’t run. In brief, wargaming is a centuries-old tool to explore “what if” scenarios by simulating real-world crises.
In a wargame, participants take on roles, usually in opposing teams, and make decisions in response to unfolding events. Depending on the scenario, participants are recruited to act in a way that would be characteristic for the military, government, industry or humanitarian organisations.
By revealing gaps, stress points and unexpected outcomes, wargaming helps decision-makers plan smarter and respond faster when the real thing hits. Ignoring these feedback loops risks turning slow moving challenges into sudden, systemic shocks.
Historically limited to traditional warfighting, it increasingly offers a way to stress-test systems against cascading threats, from resource scarcity driving geopolitical tensions to digital exclusion fuelling misinformation.
Beyond war
Wargaming is still popular among organisations across the world. The Pentagon uses red team exercises to anticipate hybrid warfare. Red-teaming includes modelling of the adversary and attempting to predict their reasoning, planning and actions.
Nato’s “locked shields” exercises simulate cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. And the EU runs tabletops, exercises that help help stress-test defence capability development plans.
A computer-assisted wargame sponsored by the US Air National Guard (February 2015). wikipedia, CC BY-SA
At a recent Rand Europe wargame examining the governance of AI in healthcare, players were asked to act as policymakers deciding whether to impose strict, moderate or minimal regulation on new AI tools such as automated transcription of doctor visits. They had to balance this with concerns about safety, privacy and equitable access.
The game illustrated how competing priorities, such as innovation speed versus regulatory oversight, shape real-world decisions. Despite the complexity of the topic, participants typically reached a consensus within minutes, revealing not only preferred policies but also the trade-offs that were revealed under pressure. The results of the game showed that regulation has to adapt to emerging risks, rather than be rigid.
Exercises like this demonstrate how wargaming can expose underlying assumptions and offer policymakers, practitioners and the public a structured way to debate difficult choices before or as they appear in the real world.
Depending on the scope of the game, you could choose to play one round or scenario, or extend it to more in-depth questions. The game results are the most relevant for those who will have to make such decisions, but it’s also very telling to provide them with pathways chosen by the public.
So what games should we be playing? The rapid evolution of crypto-based scams could be explored through a matrix game that includes financial regulators, banks and tech companies. A matrix game allows for a quick role-play of specific agendas with proposed actions judged by an expert facilitator. Participants would be divided into groups of criminals, law enforcement, industry and financial sector. They would then simulate a scenario where fraud spreads faster than enforcement can respond, revealing regulatory blind spots and communication failures.
In another exercise, policymakers could model how a terrorist group might weaponise AI-generated deepfakes. Participants from law enforcement, public health and social media platforms would need to determine how quickly they could identify and respond to the threat while maintaining public trust.
A third scenario could focus on geopolitical competition over critical minerals. A simulated trigger event involving European, Chinese and African actors would allow players to explore the impacts on trade policy, infrastructure security and diplomatic engagement.
These simulations would not predict the future, but would reveal how different people might behave when systems come under stress. Indeed, research into wargaming shows that while these tools aren’t perfect, they are extremely useful.
Wargaming offers a range of techniques suited to different risks. Matrix games allow multiple actors to make decisions in an evolving scenario. This makes them ideal for exploring uncertainty and conflicting interests. Red teaming helps organisations see their systems from the perspective of an adversary, exposing vulnerabilities that may go unnoticed in internal assessments. And tabletop exercises can help policymakers trace the second- and third-order effects of a crisis.
We conduct fire drills, flood drills and emergency alerts for physical disasters. It is time we have more opportunities to do the same for digital blackouts, deepfake terrorism and financial manipulation. These risks are not theoretical. They are already beginning to reshape our world – governments must take heed.
Reports like the chronic risks analysis are vital for naming and describing the dangers ahead. But they must be matched with tools that prepare us to navigate them. Wargaming gives us a chance to practise the future — to uncover the gaps in our systems, to rehearse our collective response, and to build the resilience we will need in the years to come.
We might not be able to predict the future perfectly given the speed of change. But we can test the options for potential futures. Wargaming is how we start.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
There’s a rather fabulous Facebook group called The Darker Side of Science which describes itself as ‘Bad experiments, worse scientists, studies you wish to god…
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-woman-sitting-on-the-centerline-of-a-scenic-road-surrounded-by-forests-and-mountains-along-canadas-route-66-right-a-woman-s.jpg?id=56562824&width=1200&height=600&coordinates=0%2C36%2C0%2C36"/><br/><br/><p>If you're suddenly considering cancelling or changing <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/government-travel-advice-winter-2025">your travel plans</a> this year — for whatever reason — and are instead thinking of a Canadian staycation, look no further!</p><p>Canada is jam-packed with <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/air-transat-montreal-spain">jaw-dropping destinations</a> that'll make you feel like you've been transported to another place, whether that's Hawaii, The Hamptons, <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/magic-for-canadians-disney-discount-deal-from-canada">Disney World</a>, or somewhere else.</p><p>From Canada's answer to Route 66 to "Little Hawaii" and beaches that'll remind you of Florida, these Canadian destination dupes are perfect if you're looking to blow your travel budget at home this year.</p><p>Even better, you won't need to fork out for an international flight or pack your passport. Perfect!</p><h3>The Grand Canyon of the North</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B3AsJTZhPpv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B3AsJTZhPpv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Address: Stikine River Provincial Park, Stikine Region, BC</p><p>The Nickname: "The Grand Canyon of the North"</p><p>Why You Need To Go: You don't have to catch a flight to Arizona to witness a breathtaking canyon. Canada has its own Grand Canyon of the Stikine, and it's just as spectacular as its famous southern counterpart.</p><p>Located in Stikine River Provincial Park in northern B.C., this 80-kilometre-long canyon was carved by the Stikine River, creating towering cliffs, deep gorges, and dramatic rock walls that mirror its famous U.S. look-alike.</p><p>Unlike the bustling Grand Canyon in Arizona, the Canadian version remains pretty under the radar, promising rugged, untamed beauty with a fraction of the tourists. </p><p><a href="https://bcparks.ca/stikine-river-park/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Stikine River Park website</a></p><h3>Little Hawaii</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWHBiY-v46l/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWHBiY-v46l/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Address: Tribune Bay, Hornby Island, BC</p><p>The Nickname: "Little Hawaii"</p><p>With powdery-soft sand and aquamarine waters, this B.C. gem could easily be mistaken for a tropical escape. </p><p>Tribune Bay Beach on Hornby Island is nicknamed "Little Hawaii" by those who've visited, thanks to its shallow, sun-warmed sea and postcard colours. While there are no palm trees swaying in the breeze, vibrant wildflowers and lush greenery make for their own island charm. <br/></p><p>On a sunny day, you'll easily be transported to Honolulu — no passport required!</p><p><a href="https://bcparks.ca/tribune-bay-park/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tribune Bay Park website</a></p><h3>The Coney Island of the Great Lakes</h3><br><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CeJJiBBLyO8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CeJJiBBLyO8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Address: Port Stanley, ON</p><p>The Nickname: "The Coney Island of the Great Lakes"</p><p>Why You Need To Go: If you want to spend your travel budget in Canada this year, forget Brooklyn and add Ontario to your bucket list.</p><p>For a taste of Coney Island's boardwalk charm, head to Port Stanley —dubbed "The Coney Island of the Great Lakes." Located just a few hours from Toronto, Port Stanley is best known for its soft sandy beaches and sparkling blue waters, making it perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or just unwinding by the shore. </p><p>While the town's amusement park heyday — complete with a roller coaster, casino, and Ferris wheel — is long gone, you can still stroll through its quaint streets lined with boutiques and cafes, hop aboard the Port Stanley Terminal Rail for a scenic ride, or enjoy fresh-caught fish at one of the local restaurants. </p><p><a href="https://www.elgintourist.com/portstanley" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Port Stanley tourism website</a></p><h3>The Hamptons of the North</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAbKENXJBe4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAbKENXJBe4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Address: Muskoka, ON</p><p>The Nickname: "The Hamptons of the North"</p><p>Why You Need To Go: Located in Ontario, this celeb hotspot is <a href="https://www.narcity.com/muskoka-ontario-has-so-many-resorts-known-as-hamptons-of-the-north" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Canada's answer to The Hamptons</a>, and it's not hard to see why.</p><p>With glistening lakes, charming villages, upscale communities and lavish cottages, this little slice of Canadian paradise draws comparisons to its transatlantic inspiration, which is situated on the eastern tip of Long Island, New York.</p><p>Like its American counterpart, Muskoka is a favoured vacation spot for rich and famous travellers. A bevy of celebrities, including Justin Bieber, David Beckham, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, <a href="https://www.narcity.com/toronto/celebs-that-spend-summer-in-ontario" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">have been known to either vacation or own property in Muskoka</a>, which means you'll be in good company if you do decide to visit.</p><p><a href="https://www.discovermuskoka.ca/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Muskoka tourism website</a></p><h3>Daytona of the North</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DC1qUYfR8Qs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DC1qUYfR8Qs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Address: Sauble Beach, ON</p><p>The Nickname: "Daytona of the North"</p><p>Why You Need To Go: You don't have to head south to find sunshine, soft sandy shores, and warm water this summer. Sauble Beach, tucked along the shores of Lake Huron, promises a tropical getaway vibe right here in Canada.</p><p>Nestled in Ontario, this sandy stretch has earned its title "Daytona of the North," and it's not just a catchy nickname. With velvety-soft sand, crystal-clear waters, and a lively summer atmosphere, this destination easily rivals its sun-soaked southern counterpart.</p><p><a href="https://saublebeach.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sauble Beach website</a></p><h3>Canada's Big Apple</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CmwY9-MtyHK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CmwY9-MtyHK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Address: Toronto, ON</p><p>The Nickname: "Canada's Big Apple"</p><p>Why You Need To Go: New York may be the city that never sleeps, but Toronto can be every bit as electric — without the exchange rate headache.</p><p>Occasionally dubbed "Canada's Big Apple," this bustling metropolis delivers the same skyscraper-studded skyline and diverse neighbourhoods that make NYC an international icon. World-class shopping? Check. Michelin-star dining? Check. Iconic sports teams? Check.</p><p>In fact, Hollywood loves using Toronto as a stand-in for New York, filming movies and TV shows like <em>Suicide Squad</em>, <em>American Psycho,</em><strong> </strong><em>The Incredible Hulk</em>, and <em>Suits, </em>among others, in the Canadian hub. </p><p>If Hollywood doesn't bother splurging for the real deal, why should you?</p><p><a href="https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/visitor-toronto/" target="_blank">Toronto tourism website</a></p><h3>Canada's Route 66</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CsHqP8Tv7c9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CsHqP8Tv7c9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Address: Trans-Canada Highway, Canada</p><p>The Nickname: "Canada's Route 66"</p><p>Why You Need To Go: If an iconic road trip is on your 2025 itinerary, you don't necessarily need to cross the Canada-U.S. border.</p><p>Considered <a href="https://www.narcity.com/canadas-version-of-route-66-charming-towns-natural-wonders" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Canada's answer to Route 66,</a> the Trans-Canada Highway stretches an epic 7,821 kilometres from the Atlantic to the Pacific, showcasing the country's most breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities and cozy small towns along the way.<br/></p><p>While Route 66 takes travellers from Chicago to Santa Monica, the Trans-Canada Highway highlights some of Canada's most iconic cities, including Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal. The journey also weaves through everything from the towering peaks of the Rockies to the golden prairies and rugged Atlantic coastline, offering a front-row seat to Canada's diverse beauty.</p><h3>Canada's Jurassic Park</h3><br><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfNbKetFo2-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfNbKetFo2-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Address: Dinosaur Provincial Park, AB</p><p>The Nickname: "Canada's Jurassic Park"</p><p>Why You Need To Go: If you want a staycation that'll transport you out of Canada — and maybe this world entirely — look no further.</p><p>Tucked away in the heart of Alberta's Badlands, <a href="https://www.narcity.com/calgary/alberta-small-town-dinosaur-capital-of-the-world-jurassic-park" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dinosaur Provincial Park</a> is a prehistoric wonderland that feels like it was ripped straight from a Spielberg film, minus the rampaging raptors. </p><p>Don't stress about visiting Orlando's Universal Studios for your dino fix, though. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the richest fossil beds on Earth, home to over 50 species of dinosaurs that roamed these lands millions of years ago. </p><p>Visitors can walk in the footsteps of real dinosaurs, join guided fossil digs or hike through the surreal terrain where paleontologists are still unearthing ancient bones.</p><p><a href="https://albertaparks.ca/parks/south/dinosaur-pp/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dinosaur Provincial Park website</a></p><h3>The Canadian Disney World</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CjOHyn8OQIX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CjOHyn8OQIX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Address: Canada's Wonderland, Vaughan, ON</p><p>The Nickname: "The Canadian Disney World"</p><p>Why You Need To Go: For thrill-seekers and theme park lovers, <a href="https://www.narcity.com/tag/disney-world" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Disney World</a> might be the gold standard, but <a href="https://www.narcity.com/places-in-canada-like-disney-world" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Canada has its own amusement park powerhouse</a> packed with just as much excitement. </p><p>Just north of Toronto, Canada's Wonderland is the country's largest theme park, boasting over 200 attractions, 18 roller coasters, and an entire water park.</p><p>While it may not have Cinderella's Castle, Wonderland makes up for it with record-breaking rides. The park is home to <a href="https://www.canadaswonderland.com/rides-experiences/leviathan" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Leviathan</a>, Canada's tallest and fastest roller coaster, towering at 306 feet and hitting speeds of 148 km/h. If that's not enough adrenaline, there's <a href="https://www.canadaswonderland.com/rides-experiences/yukon-striker" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Yukon Striker</a>, the world's longest, fastest, and tallest dive coaster, featuring a 90-degree drop straight into an underwater tunnel. </p><p><a href="https://www.canadaswonderland.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Canada's Wonderland website</a></p></br></br><em>Before you get going, check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/responsible-travel-guidelines" target="_blank">Responsible Travel Guide</a> so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.</em>
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