NevenR
Google
I wanted to write this review mainly because the biggest concern people have is the long wait in very cold weather. I wasn’t sure what to expect either, but I didn’t want to miss the chance to experience this with my kids.
I bought our tickets online for Sunday since Friday and Saturday were sold out, but tickets can also be purchased on-site - and in hindsight, that might actually be the better option. Because there is almost no advantage to buy them online, there is no queue jumping and if you are limited with time and cannot wait 2-3 hours, you will lose money (If you fail to resell to someone).
On Saturday night after 9 PM, I saw there were very few people, and when I asked if we could use our tickets then, it wasn’t a problem at all.
It was feels like -30°C outside, but honestly, it didn’t feel cold once you’re there and excited - especially for such a unique experience. We end up waiting maybe 15 mins. That said, during the day (this was January 3rd, still peak season and a weekend), the line was constantly 60-80+ people. With kids, waiting that long in the cold isn’t ideal unless you’re "prepared" for it. And definitely will ruin your experience.
The best time by far is after 9 PM. Night rides are even more magical, and they’re open until 10 PM. Anyone who gets in line before 10 PM is guaranteed to ride. In the last 20 minutes, we were able to go down 3–4 times if we wanted to with almost no waiting.
Another great option is to come right at opening (10 AM) - arrive 10–15 minutes early and you’ll be among the first, with no wait. This is exactly what I observed from our hotel window at Fairmont.
Overall, it’s absolutely worth trying, especially if you’re visiting from far away like we were from Toronto. It’s a great value for families - up to four people can ride on one sled - and a fun, unforgettable winter experience if you time it right.