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Burning Springs Wax Museum Attraction Type: Wax Museum Location: Niagara Falls, Ontario Years Operational: 1963-1991 Designer(s): Lynch Display Creation/Dorfman Studios, Waxattract In 1790, a natural gas spring was discovered in the Dufferin Islands which could be ignited for continuous flame. After the War of 1812, entrepreneurs began charging to see the "Burning Spring", but when the Ontario Power Company took over the land in 1924, an artificial "Burning Spring" (which modern gas technology now permitted) re-opened in the Fallsview area at the corner of Buchanan (present day Fallsview Blvd.) and Dunn. Attached to it was a small observation tower, overlooking Table Rock and Queen Victoria Park down the hill. In the area, several cabin courts and motels had established themselves as well by the 60s, coming up around the same time as the developments over on Clifton Hill. Turn of the century artist's drawing of the original, natural Burning Spring in the Dufferin Islands. 1930's postcard of the Burning Spring "relocated" to the Fallsview area, now run by a gas burner. The entire Burning Spring complex was reimagined in 1962, when it was purchased by Malcolm Howe and Arthur White. The long out of date observation tower was demolished, in lieu of the over 325 foot tall Seagram Tower being built next door. The Burning Spring exhibit was revamped as well, becoming the Burning Springs Wax Museum after a large wax museum containing 35 historical scenes was added to the building, opening in March of 1963. The "Burning Spring" itself was now incorporated into a historical scene in the museum depicting the 1790 discovery of the spring, as the novelty of the artificial "spring" itself (that was essentially a large Bunsen Burner), was by this point long faded. The museum was the first (and subsequently only) Canadian franchise of National Historical Wax Museums Inc., who owned the National Historical Wax Museum in Washington, D.C. and had their figures supplied by Lynch Display Creation (owned by Earl Dorfman of Dorfman Studios.) Howe and White had exclusive rights to the National Historical Wax Museums brand in Canada. There was also a large emphasis placed on American history as well as Canadian due to the franchising of the American chain. The attraction in it's opening year, 1963. Marquis L. J. De Montcalm and General James Wolfe, 1963. The "Burning Spring" scene complete with real flame, 1963. Among the museum's 35 scenes were the aforementioned Burning Spring, Lincoln on his deathbed, Davy Crockett at the Alamo, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a variety of both Canadian and American generals, and more. It ended with an observation deck on the roof at the end of the attraction, which while perhaps a little redundant with the massive Seagram Tower right next door, was more a free addition than a selling point. In addition to the wax museum, a large outdoor fountain next to the Tower would be constructed, but this fountain would be unlike any other that existed at the time. The fountain was known as Waltzing Waters (created by the computer wizardry of Robert Dunham), a large dancing fountain, even programmed with synchronized lights at night. The fountain would also be owned by White and Howe. The pair's attractions and the work of the talented craftsman who they hired to build them drummed up another draw to the Seagram Tower aside from the Tower itself, helping further the popularity of Niagara's first major observation tower and the area around it. Lincoln on his deathbed, 1963. The Burning Springs Wax Museum would even be sued by Tussaud's on Clifton Hill, which predated it by four years and was the only other amusement attraction in The Falls at the time besides the Antique Auto Museum. Tussaud's alleged the giant words "Wax Museum" painted on the side of the Burning Springs building overlooking the busy Queen Victoria Park below was knowingly causing confusing over which wax museum was Niagara's original. The case was obviously thrown out, as Tussaud's didn't have monopoly over the term Wax Museum, a decision that would forever change the industry in Niagara Falls. Signing of the Declaration of Independence, 1963. The (perhaps too effective) sign which became the catalyst for Tussaud's lawsuit against the attraction, 1974. The museum was expanded in 1966 to 50 scenes with the addition of a basement Chamber of Horrors created by Robert Dunham's Waxattract , after the success of the Waltzing Waters fountain prompted Howe and White to ask him to make the museum more exciting. Very little is known about this section of the museum, but it would have possibly been Dunham's first foray into horror themed figures, a talent that would later change Niagara Falls and the wider amusement industry as a whole. Howe and White also owned the Crystal Beach Wax Museum under the ballroom situated next to Dunham's Fantasy Land attraction, and their wax museum there received a completely horror themed overlay sometime between the late-60s and early-70s. Whether or not this came before the Chambers of Horror section in the Burning Springs or if Dunham had a hand in that overhaul as well is unknown, but both remain mysterious additions to their respective attractions that have largely been lost to time. Mid 1960's On June 5th, 1969, the museum would be completely gutted by an early morning three-alarm fire which caused between $600,000 and $700,000 damage. The fire raged mostly on the top floor where it started, with falling debris, smoke and water damage also ruining the first floor. A mysterious knotted nylon rope was found hanging from the sign at the rear of the building leading to the roof, suggesting some sort of fowl play, however nothing ever came of the discovery. Clockwise from top left: The fire as it was raging, the mysterious rope found hanging from the roof, and the aftermath of the fire. The museum was rebuilt, with a now updated and modernized list of scenes to depict more current events like the moon landing. Dunham also had a hand in the new version of the attraction. Arthur White would buy the Seagram Tower and renamed it the Heritage Tower in 1969. An aquarium and reptile exhibit named the National Marine Aquarium of Canada was also constructed in the former World of Shops mall on the other side of the Tower, also owned White. The updated Tower complex with the new museum and aquarium opened in April 1970. The rebuilt museum after the fire,1970's. In November of 1976, the fledgling Tower, aquarium and wax museum would be sold to Japanese businessman Takeshi Shimizu, who had lived in The Falls for 10 years. Arthur White retained Waltzing Waters, with his son Bill White being a co-owner of the wax museum. Shimizu unfortunately couldn't financially turn the complex around either, with it being sold in 1981 to the Bolus family who owned the land the attractions were on. Figures of Ronald Reagan and John Lennon were added to the museum around this time. The gift shop was also tripled in size, however it's unknown if this replaced any of the former first floor or basement of the museum Sale of the complex in 1976. From left to right: Mr. Shimizu and his wife, Arthur White, and Mayor George Bukator. The attraction would carry on for several years with occasional changes. In 1980, a wax figure of Ayatollah Khomeini was added to the lobby to protest the Iranian hostage situation going on the time. A scroll with room for 10,000 signatures was put next to the figure to petition the Iranian government for release of the 52 American hostages. It's likely the petition had little to no effect on the outcome of it's target issue, which eventually resolved itself in 1981 when the hostages were released following the signing of the Algiers Accords. In 1984, a taxidermy grizzly bear from the attraction's lobby would be stolen by two Long Island teenagers, who attempted to take it back to New York with them across the border in the back of their car. They were swiftly apprehended by customs, and the bear returned to the Burning Springs. Officer Paul Pierini pictured with the kidnapped bear following it's safe return to the attraction in 1984. Around this time, the Bolus family and Bill White would sell the attraction (perhaps when the Tower became sponsored by Minolta and became the Minolta Tower) to a man named Mark Adams. He owned the attraction until June of 1986, when he was arrested for attempting to sell a pound of cocaine to an undercover cop. It's unknown who bought the attraction afterwards, but the museum would carry on. Adding to the bad luck however, the museum would be a theft target again in 1987 when the gift shop was broken into and robbed overnight. Demolition photos of the historic building in 1993. The attraction would eventually close in 1991. By that time it had been long overshadowed by more exciting and technologically advanced attractions like The House of Frankenstein , Movieland (which Howe and White had also owned at one point), Castle Dracula , Guinness World of Records, and Circus World, all of which were also located in a much higher trafficked area. Arthur White would finally sell the Waltzing Waters in the complex the following year, which would go on to move across the street in 1995 and close in 2000, whereas the Aquarium would go on to close in 1996. The former Burning Springs building would become home to the Dare Devil Gallery, a Waxattract attraction which had relocated there from Stanley St. The attraction operated there for 1992, moving to Pyramid Place the following year, albeit this time incredibly downsized and in the titular IMAX Pyramid. The circa 1924 building was demolished on May 14th, 1993, ending the history of the Burning Spring exhibit that had operated there since. Along with it went the legacy of the wax museum, which had been one of Niagara's first amusement attractions over three decades earlier and paved the way for the attractions that eventually eclipsed it. The former site of the building is now the Marriot Fallsview. (Top): The Seagram complex and Burning Springs Wax Museum in the 60's, (bottom): The Marriot Fallsview in the early-2000's.

Sculpting Memories The WAXATTRACT Story Waxattract was the leading wax figure and animatronics design firm in Canada from the early-1960's to mid-1980's, and were fittingly based in Niagara Falls, ON. The company was owned by (and entirely comprised of) the Dunham family, with Robert Dunham founding the company sometime in the early 60's. His wife Betty as well as their eight children would all go on to become involved in the family business in some way as the company grew, and together they achieved several firsts and milestones in the amusement industry. The company's most popular attractions, and most groundbreaking, were their revolutionary haunted attractions which redefined the industry not just in Niagara but as a whole, and become an integral part of Clifton Hill's development and growth. Mid-70's business card featuring the only documented instance of the company's logo. A Canadian Amusement History Special Feature Robert Dunham was a painter who first branched into the amusement industry at Crystal Beach Amusement Park in Fort Erie, where he constructed Fantasy Land, a walkthrough fairytale and folklore attraction, under the ballroom sometime around 1960. The attraction was a labyrinth of twisting halls past various scenes of animated fairytale and fantasy characters, brought to life using continuous animation similar to department store window displays at Christmas. 1964 newspaper ad for Dunham's painting services. It was run by Dunham as a concession, but he noticed something while running the attraction. Families were flocking into Laff in the Dark, a haunted house dark ride attraction across the pathway from Fantasy Land, while Fantasy Land remained less than popular. That being said, Laff in the Dark was built way back in 1935, a package ride by Travers Engineering, and the extent of the scenes contained within were plywood cutouts with a flood light on them, or noisemakers on the ground which your ride car rolled over. Fantasy Land on the other hand contained scenes with multiple full 3D figures, dynamic lighting, and recorded sounds. Despite Fantasy Land being the much more detailed attraction, and family oriented, Laff in the Dark proved more popular since it was the parents spending the money, not the children. Parents would drag their hesitant children into the dark ride, have a good laugh, and then the children who felt they had braved the attraction would want to return. It was also popular with all age groups, including teenagers and adults without children, whereas Fantasy Land was not. He took note of the impact a horror theme had on an attraction, and remembered it for his future endeavors which would change Niagara Falls forever, but in the meantime, branched further into the amusement industry with other projects. Fantasy Land's castle entrance under the dance hall, sandwiched between the Bowl-O-Matic bowling alley and Crystal Beach Wax Museum, the latter which Dunham may have later had a hand in (see below). The first of these would be Waltzing Waters , which he built for local businessman Arthur White in the then-new Seagram Tower complex (later Royal Tower, Heritage Tower, Panasonic Tower, Minolta Tower, and most recently Tower Hotel.) Waltzing Waters was a computerized dancing fountain that was synchronized to music, and even lights at night. A switchboard operator controlled the show, making it customizable so no two performances were exactly the same, encouraging return customers. The attraction came at a time when computers were in their infancy, and was a smash hit. It was the third bonafide amusement attraction to open in the Falls proper only behind Louis Tussaud's Wax Museum and the Antique Auto Museum, and the first in the up-and-coming Fallsview district. Early 70's Waltzing Waters postcard. In 1966, Arthur White and his business partner Malcolm Howe commissioned Dunham to add to the Burning Springs Wax Museum that had also opened in the Seagram Tower complex in 1963. A basement level of the museum was constructed underneath the pre-existing two floors, featuring a Chamber of Horrors that brought the museum's total number of scenes from 33 to 50. It breathed fresh air into an attraction that was already becoming tired within mere years of opening, with the thrilling new addition being remembered as one of the most specifically terrifying horror sections to ever exist in a Niagara wax museum. This was Dunham's first confirmed wax museum contract, and the first job with a horror theme. It's also possible, while not confirmed, that he may have been in involved in the addition of a Chamber of Horrors to the Crystal Beach Wax Museum around the same time, which was also owned by White and coincidentally located directly next door to Fantasy Land under the ballroom. Just a year later in 1967, the Ricci family who owned the Oakes Hotel across the street from the Burning Springs commissioned an entire museum from Dunham, one that he would also manage. This would be the legendary Boris Karloff Wax Museum, which opened under the name "Niagara Wax Museum of Fantasy" before being changed to it's better-known name the following year after receiving the official license from Karloff himself shortly before the actor's death. Horror sections or Chambers of Horror in wax museums were nothing new, however this was the first entirely horror themed wax museum. Left: May 1967 newspaper ad promoting the museum's grand opening. Very little is known of this early incarnation of the museum. Right: Early 70's brochure for the museum with it's better-known name. Notice the vast artistic style difference between the Dracula figures seen in the 1967 print ad and the 70's brochure, making details surrounding the first year of the museum even more strange. Despite the horror theme, it was still truly a wax museum, not a haunted attraction. What limited photos exist in the brochures show it being fairly well-lit, and describe many non-horror scenes like Charlie Brown, MLK, Santa, Lincoln and Snow White. While there was a large amount of animation, it was done in the same style of the animatronics in Fantasy Land, but Waxattract's animation of horror figures would become much more advanced in the years that followed. It's heavy animation, lighting effects, sound design, and unique theme made it a massive success however, and it's remembered fondly by both locals and those who only visited the Falls once or twice. Dunham was right about the horror theme as braving his new attraction became a rite of passage, and the memories of (at the time) children who it terrified are only eclipsed by the memories of children and adults alike who fell in love with it. More sights from the 70's brochure. As this was happening, other operators in the area were taking note, and Waxattract was asked to do work for the biggest attractions in the Falls at the time, namely Movieland and Tussaud's. Dunham also did design consulting for the Niagara Belle ferry boat, which up until the 2020 pandemic, still took passengers on tours of the region. The majestic Niagara Belle when it was still providing tours in the late 2010's. Dunham was honing his craft, and opened another attraction of his own, the Royal London Wax Museum , in 1971. It replaced the Antique Auto Museum on Falls Ave. when it moved to Clifton Hill and became Cars of the Greats. The Royal London was themed after the royal family and was a Waxattract built and owned attraction, but was a co-project of sorts, with some of the scenes and figures being created by Bruce Randall. The building was adorned with neon signage, and in the front window sat a beautiful recreation of the Queen's royal stagecoach. Despite its gorgeous displays, it faced one problem: at the time, the Western world had no interest in the royal family. The museum was very well received by those lucky enough to experience it, but it simply was not a topic most people were willing to tour an entire museum on. The Boris Karloff Wax Museum was performing much better simply due to its theme, despite being in a much less trafficked area, whereas the underperforming Royal London was in perhaps one of the most heavily trafficked areas in the whole country. Dunham took note of this as well, and an attraction was on its way that would change Niagara Falls, and the amusement industry, forever. Left: The Royal London Wax Museum's neon-clad exterior in grainy 1973 footage. Right: The Queen's royal stagecoach that sat in the window as it appeared in 1976 after being moved to the Tower of London Wax Museum (see below). 1971 postcard. The highly complex Seance scene. This featured a levitating table, moving objects, and compressed air blasting at the guests. This brings us to one of the most pivotal attractions in the landscape and history of Clifton Hill: The House of Frankenstein . The attraction was built in a second story added on to the pre-existing restaurant and gift shop of the Iannuzelli family's Hilltop Motel, and ran by the motel owner's brother Joe. Waxattract developed the attraction, and went partners with the brothers in ownership as well, as they had previously done with the Royal London. Dunham had learned from Fantasy Land and The Royal London, or more specifically, the success of the Boris Karloff. Rather than being a museum, it would showcase various wax horror scenes from film and history in a much scarier way, somewhat similar to the haunted house dark rides or haunted fun houses at carnivals and amusement parks, but at the same time, not similar at all, in fact lightyears ahead. I believe it to be one of the most important attractions in amusement history, rivaling the Pretzel Dark Ride, the Enchanted Tiki Room, and Chuck E. Cheese's in historical significance, yet totally overlooked by historians. From what I have been able to gather after years of research, it was the first instance of programmable animatronic figures outside of California's Disneyland, even beating out Disney World in Florida by a few months. It was simultaneously more than a wax museum and more than a haunted house, one could say it was the first modern walk-through haunted attraction, today an over $300 million USD a year industry. Waxattract would even self-produce latex monster masks and hands cast from the same molds as the figures in the attraction for sale in the gift shop. It was a combination of multiple age old concepts into something totally new. The House of Frankenstein was packed with scenes and took the detail, storytelling, and walk through nature of a wax museum, combined it with the scare factor and startling nature of a dark ride, and sprinkled in the illusions, floor tricks, and mazes of a funhouse. The cherry on top of it all was Waxattract's technology. By now, Waxattract was an entire family business, with Dunham's wife Betty doing all the costumes and seamstress work for the figures. They had 8 children, all of which would go on be involved in the family business in some way, their eldest son Jeff being the computer and programming mastermind, their son Fred becoming the main sculptor for the figures and painter of the props and backgrounds, their sons Brian and Chris handling the construction and carpentry for the attractions, and Robert himself well-versed and highly involved in all aspects. The Dunhams would pull off some incredible special effects that would still be considered impressive today. The Grotto, where amidst the corpses and circling bats guests would hear their own voices' echo chase them down the hallway, achieved via hidden microphones and a stereo system. This allegedly sent many guests running back out the entrance. Collage from an opening year souvenir guide book. Before this, dark rides and funhouses used on/off switches that would trigger a one time action for startling animatronics, or use continuously running motors for displays, as had department store windows during the holidays. However none of these were programmable, at best, you could install a timer that let a motor run for a set amount of seconds, then shut off. It was systems like these which the figures in Dunham's Fantasy Land and Boris Karloff Wax Museum had run off as well. Up until now, electronically controlled and programmable figures with dynamic movements had been exclusive to the Disney company, who by this point were using room-sized computers to run digitally controlled figures. Waxattract's system however used analog signals recorded on simple reel-to-reel Q4 tape rather than massive computers to control the figures, much more affordable and accessible for attractions, and eventually became the industry benchmark. Chuck E. Cheese's wouldn't open their first store and kick off the animatronics + pizza trend until 1977. Creative Engineering, who would go on to be responsible for rival chain Showbiz Pizza in the 80's, wouldn't begin inventing animatronic figures for theme parks until the mid-late 70's, nor would future animatronics manufacturers like Sally Corp or AVG. The Dunhams' invention and it's debut in the House of Frankenstein predate them all, cracking the code and effectively birthing the animatronics industry. Going through an opening year guidebook for the attraction, you see how certain scenes couldn't even be possible without the programming system, and if you've seen many of the same scenes still present in the later Lake George location, it becomes even more apparent. Lighting, sound, and specific movements all come together to tell a story, groundbreaking for 1971. Nobody could have expected what awaited them when they walked into the House of Frankenstein. More can be read about this incredible attraction here on it's history page. In another first, there was even a live actor in a Frankenstein suit outfront (usually one of Dunham's sons in the early years) who would stand perfectly still until a crowd was gathered around, then suddenly lunge forward to incite a large scream from the crowd. The commotion would draw more people to the doors of the attraction, and was a great example of Dunham's genius marketing, a reocurring theme you'll see on this page. The Phantom of the Opera plays his frantic music from his pipe organ, one of the few original figures still located in the attraction as of 2024. The original Frankenstein scene, located towards the end of the attraction. This featured a massive Jacob's Ladder device with real electricity, and the Bride of Frankenstein (just out of frame) who was wearing Betty Dunham's wedding dress. The House of Frankenstein tore Clifton Hill apart, and sent shockwaves through the industry. If Tussaud's had began the ball rolling 12 years earlier in 1959, the House of Frankenstein was the moment everything fell into place for the identity of Clifton Hill. Waxattract's brilliant artistry, figures, sets, paintings and technical wizardry amounted to an incredible experience. Photos of Clifton Hill in the 1970's shows lineups down the street to even get into the lobby. Soon after the massive success of the House of Frankenstein, Dunham partnered with the Iannuzellis on a second location in the tourist town of Lake George, NY, which opened in 1973. Many of the figures were made from the same molds and sculpts as their Niagara counterparts, however the list of scenes contained within varied slightly. Waxattract and the Iannuzellis would continue to own the attractions as a partnership until the Iannuzellis, seeing their success, wanted to buy them outright, which Dunham eventually agreed to for the right price. But by 1974, Dunham already had his sights set on building a second haunted attraction in Niagara Falls: Castle Dracula . The House of Frankenstein in Lake George, still operating today. The original Castle Dracula seen at the bottom of this 1976 image taken from the Oneida tower. By now however, Dunham wanted to do something much more scary than he already had. To set it apart, it would have to be even more thematic and technologically advanced than the previous attractions, and it delivered. It was originally located on Victoria Ave. in an old Bell Telephone office building. It opened on June 1st, 1974 to rave reviews, with it's original full name being "Castle Dracula: Witchcraft and Black Magic", although it was also referred to as simply "Castle Dracula Wax Museum" in some media. Very little was documented about this original location, but by what accounts do exist, Castle Dracula was quite a spectacle to behold when it opened, and expanded on the proven haunted attraction concept established in the House of Frankenstein(s). Castle Dracula was themed floor to ceiling. The halls were covered in stucco rock, made to look like twisting caves between castle archways, and blacklight stalagmites hung from the ceilings. It would use many of the same sculpts as the figures in the House of Frankenstein locations, and while containing many of the same scenes such as all the classic movie monsters, the overall list of scenes would vary even more than the two House of Frankenstein locations varied from each other. The scenes were also usually presented in a much scarier way than in the House of Frankenstein locations. In addition to scarier scenes and storytelling, it was also even more technologically advanced. The Seance room now had a projected recording of a talking face inside the crystal ball instead of a simple glowing light, but the projection technology wouldn't stop there. Many peoples' fondest memory of the Castle Dracula locations is the Lightshow room with Quadraphonic Surround Sound, which consisted of 50 projectors throwing special effects on a 96 foot U-shaped screen on three walls of a massive room, the finale of the attraction. Behind the screen was a lighting rig of various spotlights, projectors, moving lights (like fire or falling snowflake effects), and silhouettes. The operator would talk into a mic to the guests in horror characters' voices, able to actually interact with the guests in real time, and provide a customized show to each guest using the switchboard. Exterior of a 1974 fold-open brochure. The technological improvements wouldn't stop at lighting and audio technology however, as the attraction featured yet another first in the world of animatronics; the Monster Mash, which was a fully animatronic band of monsters singing Bobby Pickett's song of the same name. By every shred of surfaced evidence, it was the world's first animatronic full musical band outside of a Disney park. It was also incredibly advanced in movement for the time, capable of movements not seen in other animatronics until the end of the decade. Unfortunately, it was in the dark hallways of the actual attraction, not the lobby or window, so photos or video have yet to surface of this historic band. The attraction was three floors, with guests taking a staircase up to the lobby on the second floor immediately upon entering. While a separate restaurant occupied the street-facing side of the lower level, the back half of this level was part of the attraction, and was underground as the building was built atop a natural slope towards Victoria Ave. This lower level was an incredible feat of design that still hasn't been done in another haunted attraction to this day, not even the subsequent Castle Dracula locations. A pool company was brought in to reinforce all the walls of the foundation with sealed concrete, turning the entire basement into "The Swamp"; a massive watertight fishtank with a twisting hallway running through the middle. Along this hallway were huge windows into various underwater horror scenes, such as the Creature from the Black Lagoon and Davey Jones Locker. All the scenes in The Swamp were connected between each other, for the room's large fish population to freely swim around, including 3 foot long Carp. This would be guests' first introduction to the attraction. After guests' journey through The Swamp they would come back upstairs to the level at which they began, where most of the attraction was located (including The Monster Mash), and from there head up to the top floor containing a handful of scenes as well as the Lightshow. Afterwards they would come down a staircase into the lobby. The Exorcist scene as it appeared lit but not functioning in 2023, 46 years after the attraction's eventual move to Clifton Hill. The face of the animatronic of the possessed girl in the Exorcist scene was actually a cast of Dunham's youngest daughter Debbie's face, who was 8 years old at the time, and Fred Dunham recalls several casts of him and his siblings' arms and limbs being used to build figures. The attraction would end up being a highlight of Waxattract's achievements, ahead of it's time and spectacular at every turn. It would go on to influence the company's direction over the following years in more ways than one. Despite drawing over 200,000 visitors in its first season and being incredibly well received, it wasn't without its issues, as the attraction's complexity would be a double-edged sword. The pool company who poured the concrete for The Swamp did a less than stellar job, and leaks were an issue from day one. This would cause the water (and fish) to eventually be removed halfway through the location's lifespan, being replaced with shimmering light effects to simulate water. The Monster Mash was also problematic, requiring constant maintenance due to the amount of moving components and servos. Robert Dunham's son Fred was usually the one to do the painstaking maintenance on the band to keep it running to its full potential. There was also an issue with the attraction's location. Victoria Ave. between Clifton Hill and the Fallsview district is somewhat highly trafficked, but Victoria Ave. in the other direction, while still considered part of the Clifton Hill district until Bender St., gets much less foot traffic, even to this day. It still swells with people on a Summer weekend, but nowhere near the levels of the rest of the Clifton Hill area. With a fairly simple exterior and lack of visibility from down the street, the original Castle Dracula simply failed to pull tourists away from the other areas, despite the positive press and lasting effect on the wider amusement industry. With the original Castle Dracula location in Niagara initially doing well, the Dunham family's Waxattract company closed the Royal London Wax Museum, selling off the collection to the ill-fated Tower of London Wax Musuem on Clifton Hill and setting their sights elsewhere. The first project Robert Dunham was involved with down in the States wasn't an amusement attraction at all, rather, he became co-owner of the Myrtle Beach Speedway, a dirt NASCAR track which he helped redesign and pave in 1974. Several up-and-coming stars raced at the track when they were young including Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt. Meanwhile, Dunham was creating his first amusement attraction in the area, the second Castle Dracula, which would open on March 14th, 1975 on Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach's main strip near the beach. It would take heavy inspiration from the attraction here in Niagara, building on the concept even further, while dropping elements that had proved problematic. It contained mostly the same scenes, with the returning ones sometimes improving on their past versions. This 1975 photo of the finishing touches being put on an unknown scene in the Myrtle Beach location may be the only photo of the master himself at work. The Swamp basement level featured in the Niagara location was done away with completely, with the Myrtle Beach location only being two levels. The facade was a massive castle with four 60 ft. turrets, a moat, a window with three changing images on it, three drawbridges in, and adorned with two gargoyle statues. The middle drawbridge led to a scene of Dracula standing at a coffin someone was trying to escape from, similar to the ones in the lobbies of the House of Frankenstein locations. You could go either left into the gift shop or right into the arcade/lobby, with the rooms being connected behind the scene. This made for a much grander facade and entranceway, pulling you down the street and then into the building. The impressive Myrtle Beach location, 1975. The Dracula lobby scene immediately inside the building. The Monster Mash was also retooled into a quartet of singing head busts with projected holographic faces. To achieve the effect, the faces were projected onto the heads, which had faces in the characters' likenesses sculpted inwards rather than outwards. It served as a lobby display rather than part of the attraction, to prevent bottlenecking along the attraction's path due to guests watching the show. The Lightshow in this location is also the only one with mention of a dancing fountain (similar to the company's Waltzing Waters attraction) in the Lightshow room in an old brochure, which was located in the large open space in the middle of the room. It's unknown if the Niagara location had this as well, as the Lightshow room there had the same layout and would have had space, but proof is yet to surface. The arcade also contained a stage for a live magic show, another feature it's unclear whether the Niagara location had. In a news article from four days before the location opened, it states that it had over 50 scenes and over 100 figures, with many having a $16 USD (over $93 USD when adjusted for inflation) pair of imported, glass, Czechoslovakian surgical eyes for the highest realism. It's unknown if the same imported eyes were used in figures in the Niagara location, but upon inspection it appears to be the case. A first for either location was an animatronic Dracula figure with a projected talking face, the face belonging to Dunham himself in Dracula makeup. Projected faces on an animatronic figure is something even Disney wouldn't implement in their attractions until 2014, nearly 40 years later, a true testament to how advanced the attraction was for the time. Another cool feature mentioned in the news article is that the height of the windows into each scene was dependent on how gruesome it was, with more bloody and disturbing scenes having higher windows so parents could choose whether or not they wished to lift up their children to show them. "The Room Rats" in the Myrtle Beach location, where a prisoner chained to the wall is eaten alive. The attraction cost roughly half a million dollars to build, and revolutionized Myrtle Beach's amusement industry similar to the way that the House of Frankenstein and original Castle Dracula influenced Niagara Falls. Unfortunately, on August 12, 1975, just two days shy of the attraction's five month anniversary, someone tossed a cigarette butt into the "Night Stalker" scene of a vampire getting impaled through the heart on the second floor, and the attraction went up in flames around 10:30 P.M. Roughly 1,000 people crowded the street and watched the Castle burn. The entire attraction was thankfully rebuilt from the ground up in time for the next tourist season in 1976, with only minor changes made in the new version. The biggest change would come in Plexiglass now covering the windows into almost all of the scenes instead of just a handful of them, something that would continue to be implemented in all subsequent attractions to prevent a similar incident. It would remains as popular as it's first year, becoming the focal point of the strip. Firefighters fighting the flames engulfing the castle, 1975. The Castle was heavily involved in the local community, in common Robert Dunham style. In addition to sponsoring sports teams, they also sponsored race cars (many of which fittingly raced at Myrtle Beach Speedway), leant props out for use in a charity haunted house free of charge, sent their resident magician to local schools and charity events, and even pledged the entire remaining amount of $412 for a local citizen's band radio club telethon to reach it's $3000 goal in 1977. Speaking of radio, they ran a frequent radio ad in the Myrtle Beach area, and even shot a television commercial at some point in the 70's. According to those who worked on it, the commercial featured someone in a Gorilla suit at some point. It most likely aired on public access or local affiliate TV stations before/just at the dawn of VCRs, meaning off-air recordings of the commercial by the public likely don't exist. It remains an extremely obscure piece of lost media, with neither the TV or radio spot even having a page on the Lost Media Wiki or mention on their forums. The Myrtle Beach strip in the early 80's with the rebuilt castle standing tall in the center. Waxattract was also asked to redesign a local amusement park in Myrtle Beach, which had begun as a Wild West park and most recently had been rethemed to Pirateland. Dunham redesigned the park as a nautical themed park called Magic Harbour, complete with a Haunted Shooting Gallery utilising infrared target-activated characters made out of the same sculpts and molds as the figures in the House of Frankenstein and Castle Dracula locations. The park also contained The Hound Dog Revue/Country Dog Jamboree, Waxattract's second full animatronic show after the Monster Mash. The only known photo of The Hound Dog Revue. The Panama City Beach castle located on the main strip. The genie statue seen faintly to the right was unrelated to the castle, and from a neighboring attraction. With business already booming at two Castle Dracula locations, Waxattract would spread the influence of Niagara Falls and Clifton Hill further with the third Castle Dracula in Panama City Beach, FL. It was located on the main strip facing the ocean with the same facade as the Myrtle Beach location. The attraction would be even more toned down from the previous locations, and while having a two story facade and drawbridge entrance identical to the Myrtle Beach location, would actually only be a one story building behind it. It had a much larger footprint than the other buildings however, allowing it to still contain most of the same features within. That being said, the Lightshow was scaled down somewhat, becoming a hexagonal mirrored room with mirrors on five sides and an entrance/exit on the other. The mirrors were all two way, with the projection effects being projected on the glass rather than a screen. Left: Jesse Dodd operating the Lightshow at the PCB location, 1977. Note the 8-Track tape control system in the back right. Waxattract had updated their reel-to-reel tape animation system to running on 8-Track by this point, and all the animatronics in the attraction would have had an 8-track control box. Right: The Dracula figure in the main Dracula scene inside the PCB castle, where he cast no reflection in his mirror. The same scene was prevalent in all the Castle Dracula locations. This rare close-up offers a glimpse into the high level of detail on the figures, and comes from a 1983 news report from inside the attraction, making it the only location to have interior footage of it's glory days to surface so far. After the American locations of Castle Dracula were open and running smoothly by 1977, Dunham would move on from opening new Castle Dracula locations to work on other projects. Back in Niagara Falls, despite the version of the attraction there being the most advanced, it was still failing to pull people in the same way that the U.S. locations were due to it's distance from the Hill. Dunham sold the attraction in 1977, and it moved to its current home on Clifton Hill. This took up the entire plot of land formerly occupied by the historic Darling Motel, which contained the doomed Tower of London Wax Museum which had suffered a massive fire the previous year. What remained of the Motel's cabins were demolished, so all that was left was the two story motel building running along the back of the property, and the former wax museum, gift shop and offices building at the front of the property facing Clifton Hill. The front building was severely burnt out by the wax museum fire, and had sat abandoned for several months. It's unknown what the extent of the damage inside was, but the circa 1925 structure was apparently savable, and was connected with the structure at the back of the property to make one building taking up the entire plot of land which would be large enough to house the relocated attraction. Only a fraction of the original scenes would make the move however, with the Lightshow, Monster Mash, and Swamp area being left behind. The now-iconic Clifton Hill location as it originally appeared following it's move from Victoria Ave. This image circa early 80's. After the Castle Dracula locations were constructed, Waxattract began creating a portable version of their haunted attraction concept for travelling carnivals and small amusement parks. While it's not clear how many were produced, how large they were, or where they ended up, one was likely located on Sportland Pier in Wildwood, NJ. Several people remember a temporary attraction there called "The Boris Karloff Wax Museum" (a name Dunham had the rights to) which only lasted one season, and remember identical scenes as those found in the House of Frankenstein and Castle Dracula locations. That particular attraction likely received the older Boris Karloff name due to the name "Castle Dracula" already being taken in Wildwood by an unrelated attraction, and the House of Frankenstein name belonging to the Iannuzellis. To give an idea of how advanced the animation in these portable attractions was, they apparently contained a Dracula figure capable of raising his "wine" glass, moving his mouth to a line of dialogue, opening it, pouring fake blood out of the glass into his mouth (which was recirculated into the glass via funnel and pump), and then continuing dialogue. This was miles ahead of what major theme parks are doing even to this day, meaning on a carnival midway or in a small park in the 70's, it would have been even more impressive. The temporary (and temporary-looking) Castle Dracula overlay of Lake George's Movieworld Wax Museum in 1982. It's likely Waxattract had little to no involvement in this location. Then there's the mystery of the Movieworld Wax Museum in Lake George, NY, which bears more than one connection to Waxattract, including briefly becoming a Castle Dracula for the 1982 season only. Movieworld opened in 1978 and was owned by the Iannuzzelli family who Dunham had co-owned the House of Frankenstein locations with, bearing striking resemblance to Niagara's unrelated Movieland. There's even public records of a land development proposal submitted by Dunham and the Iannuzzellis for an unnamed development on Canada St. (the street both Movieworld and the House of Frankenstein are located on) in 1977, five years after the House of Frankenstein would have already opened. Despite these connections, the figures in Movieworld beared zero resemblance to Waxattract's other works, with some evidence even suggesting that Don Post Studios, who had constructed the initial batch of opening day figures for Niagara's Movieland, was involved in the project. Members of the Dunham family also recall no involvement in the project. Regardless of the museum's origin, it was briefly renamed "Castle Dracula Wax Museum" for the 1982 season only, receiving a temporary exterior sign, before reverting back to Movieworld the next year, as it would remain until it's closure in 2000. The sole advertisement that has surfaced for the attraction during its tenure as Castle Dracula touted it as "the finest collection of monsters and movie stars", hinting that perhaps the rebranding was more of a name change than a remodel, and it was simply always just Movieworld with either an expanded or rerouted horror section. It's likely this was done to cash in on the success of the Waxattract Castle Dracula locations, with the Iannuzzellis seeing the House of Frankenstein locations draw in far more people than Movieworld and wanting to give it the same appeal, something Movieworld allegedly struggled with right up until it's closure. By 1982 Waxattract had long moved on from building new Castle Dracula locations, and the Dunhams themselves have claimed no involvement. As of writing this, no proof of Waxattract being involved in this attraction has surfaced aside from the land development proposal, and the connections were likely a coincidence. 1982 tourist book advertisement for the Lake George Castle Dracula, utilizing the same quote from Bram Stoker's novel that the official locations did in their advertising, including a strikingly similar logo. This ads even more confusion to the mystery of this attraction and it's true ties (or lack thereof) to the other locations. Around 1977 or 1978, Waxattract would create the Jungleland Miniature Golf course in Niagara, located on Victoria Ave. at the bend where it becomes Ferry St. (the lot currently occupied by the Courtyard Marriott and the Starbucks plaza.) The fiberglass animal statues were imported from Amusement Products in Tennessee, being their popular "Jungle Kingdom" line of figures that were purchased by many courses from the mid 70's-early 2000's. The Dunhams built the large volcano however, as well as the course itself. In another genius marketing move, Dunham charged $3.50 for a play all day pass. The idea was that after an expensive outing in Niagara Falls, families would see the $3.50 play all day pricetag and think it was a steal. The reality of course, is that no matter how good a miniature golf course is, the amount of players (especially families with young children) who are going to play more than one round is an extremely low number, so players would rarely stay for more than a single round of golf anyway, freeing up course space and equipment for more potential customers. It was genius, and a total money maker. Despite the fact most people only played one round, the course was so busy that there were often times lineups to even wait for a putter to become available to play the course. Left: Bobby Mergl lines up a putt at the Big and Little Brother Golf Tournament held at the Victoria Ave. Jungleland course, 1986. Right: The course's elephant in the winter, 1985. Waxattract wasn't involved in the second Jungleland location however, selling the Victoria Ave. location to Herbert Cowan at the end of the 1980 tourist season. He initially changed the course to a standard one-round play system, but after the course didn't perform nearly as well as when Dunham owned it, he reverted back to the play all day pass system. Cowan would go on to build the second, more challenging course on Murray Hill in the Fallsview District sometime in the mid-80's. Low resolution image of the coin-operated Barbershop Quartet machine at Waxattract's studios. Shortly after Jungleland opened, Waxattract became the designers for the upcoming Many Worlds of Jules Verne theme park planned to be out near Marineland. However, after the company who was to own the park, G&A Holdings, ran out of capital, the project was dead in the water and unfortunately never left the planning stages. It's unclear what attractions Dunham was planning for the park, but copyright filings show it would have included an Arby's fast food restaurant somewhere in the premises. The only aspect originally planned for the park to make it to production was The Barbershop Quartet, a miniature, animatronic, coin-operated barbershop quartet machine. According to the copyright database it began life during planning as "The Doggone Quartet", and was likely to feature singing dogs that were to be the park's mascots, but were changed to human barbers after the park was halted. It was produced, but it's unclear if it was ever installed in another attraction instead. While this was happening, it showed a shift in Robert Dunham's work away from museums, wax figures, and exhibits, and even more into the field of animatronics. In the late 70's, Waxattract rebranded as Enter-Tech, "Entertainment Technology in Motion", a division of Waxattract. At this time they would move from their former studio in a warehouse just off Portage Rd., to an industrial plaza on Thorold Stone Rd. The newly branded Enter-Tech would usher in a wave of animatronics being a Clifton Hill area staple, even more so than they already had as Waxattract. Cover of an early-80's Enter-Tech trade show pamphlet. An animatronic mouse character plays the piano at the entrance to Circus World, which looks identical to Enter-Tech's work (more on that later.) In 1979, Enter-Tech as well as other local firm Costello Productions were separately involved in different aspects of Circus World, an arcade and gift shop that also included a hybrid attraction that was a mix between a circus museum and a funhouse. There was also an impressive shooting gallery at the front of the arcade named the Tombstone Saloon, as well as an animatronic, piano playing mouse outside the museum next to something in a circus wagon. It's unknown what party did what exactly for the attraction. It's possible the Tombstone Saloon was a Dunham creation due to them being involved in the shooting gallery in Magic Harbour, but it's also possible it was an off the shelf "Bonanza" shooting gallery that was popular at the time (Niagara had at least 3 others at one point in time.) In 1979, Pyramid Place, an outdoor amusement park and indoor mall, opened in the former Niagara Wire Weaving factory at Fallsview and Robinson. The mall's main attraction was "The Legend Niagara", an Enter-Tech attraction of massive proportions. It was a multi-media museum with animatronic figures and displays discussing Niagara's history. The museum was a pre-show of sorts for the star attraction: a giant theatre with a wraparound film screen high above on the wall. Beneath it were multiple animatronic figures hidden behind scrim screens around the guests. A film about Niagara Falls' history played on the screen above, and when it discussed certain key points, the matching animatronic scenes would come to life to synchronize with events taking place in the film. The attraction was incredible, and was updated the next year as "The Great White Water Picture Show" with a new film, and the animatronics reprogrammed to match the new movie. The Dunhams sold the attraction in 1981, and a company called Landmark Entertainment would take over, slightly remodling the attraction. Fred Dunham also painted a large Disney advertisement mural in Pyramid Place, likely in the mall along the outside wall of the theatre. Newspaper ad for the Great White Water Picture Show. These low-quality images may be the only surviving stills of the film. It should be noted the theatre full of guests at the bottom-left is the IMAX Pyramid, not the Great White Water Picture Show. Maple Leaf Village, Niagara's well-missed tourist mall and amusement park, was home to another Enter-Tech animatronic show, the now-obscure "Hillbilly Bear Jamboree". The show was "run" by Big John, a banjo-playing Panda bear on a side stage. Other characters on the main stage included the dim-whitted Leroy (also on Banjo), Harry Harmonica, Beverly Bear on the fiddle, Jug Head, a chicken, and the tiny Hooter the owl, who would introduce and close each show. There was also a larger bear at the center of the main stage with a guitar. It's possible this may have been "Big John" and the panda bear was a separate character either out front or on a side stage, but a newspaper article about the attraction which contains some of the only documentation of it, shows a photo of the Panda bear with the caption saying he was Big John. Left: The panda bear proclaimed to be "Big John" in a 1982 newspaper article. Above: A rare photo of The Hillbilly Bear Jamboree courtesy of the Dunhams' personal archives. A still from a 1982 commercial for Maple Leaf Village, which contains the only known footage of the Hillbilly Bear Jamboree. Unfortunately, after only two or three years operating at the mall, the computer equipment was stolen from the attraction. It would have been a huge heist at the time both literally and figuratively, as the equipment wouldn't only have been extremely valuable, but also extremely large and heavy in 1982. Afterwards, the Dunhams turned the space into an animatronic Lincoln show similar to the ones at the Disney parks, titled "Meet Mr. Lincoln". Lincoln would get up from his chair, appear to walk forward, and deliver the Gettysburg address (via Robert Dunham's voice acting.) This attraction is incredibly obscure however; no photos, videos, newspaper clippings, advertisements or other mentions of it exist outside it being listed in a 1984 Maple Leaf Village store directory. There was also a Dare Devil Gallery in Pyramid Place's IMAX Pyramid by the mid-1990's. Enter-Tech created an exhibit attraction in The Falls entitled Dare Devil Gallery sometime in the late 70's/very early 80's, evidenced by it's mention in an early 80's Enter-Tech brochure's project portfolio. According to newspaper articles the attraction moved from its home Stanley Ave. to the former Burning Springs Wax Museum building for the 1991 season only. It's unknown if the attraction ceased to exist after that point and the naming is simply a coincidence, or if a downsized version infact became Pyramid Place's Dare Devil Gallery. Another obscure attraction listed in the same brochure is "Ocean World". There's several theories as to what this could be. It may be referencing the few animatronic figures and fiberglass statues that could be found in the National Marine Aquarium of Canada which opened in 1971. The attraction had a rocky history of ownership and rebranding, so it's possible this simply could have been it's name at the time the brochure was created. While there's currently nothing explicitly tying Waxattract to the Aquarium, they did some work on other attractions owned by the Aquarium's original developers, so it's a possibility they did the thematic work for this attraction as well. An animatronic toucan from the brochure in question. It's unknown if this figure ever made it into an attraction or was simply a proof-of-concept. By 1980, Waxattract/Enter Tech were allegedly producing around 60 animatronic figures a year for various clients, with sales upwards of $1 Million annually, or over $3.7 Million today when adjusted for inflation. By this logic, it stands to reason there's probably a large handful of attractions/installations the company worked on that have since gone undocumented. With so many attractions under their belt, several of which were high-profile money makers, the company name was steadily turning more and more heads in the industry. Between and the company's incredibly advanced technology, highly detailed artistry, thematic design skill, and proven ability to push the boundaries time and time again, potential high-profile clients were beginning to take note, and the small Canadian company was finally positioned to become a global giant in amusement design. The All Star Mouse Revue featured prominently in the early-80's Enter-Tech brochure. The band was comprised of parodies of famous musicians, hence the "all star" theme. From left to right: "Victor B. Mouse", "Elvis Mouse", "Ringo Mouse", "Dolly Mouse", and "Louis Mouse." In the early-80's, Enter-Tech had allegedly entered into a contract with fast food chain Pizza Pizza to supply all the animatronic stage shows for a planned chain of arcade pizza restaurants across Canada, with a starting 15 locations that could expand to more in the future. The show was to be "The All Star Mouse Revue" featuring the new chain's would-be mascot mice. The piano player for this band appeared to be of the same design as the company's Circus World mouse seen earlier on this page, likely being the inspiration for the band. The production, including the parts, research, and development, would have been a huge and expensive undertaking for Enter-Tech, not to mention time consuming. That being said, when completed, it would have been extremely lucrative and open even more doors for the company. The first show was built, programmed, and delivered, with several more already in production. Pizza Pizza missed their second payment however... Meanwhile, a planned pizza parlor chain of similar nature, this time with 20 planned locations in the U.S., caught wind of the show and wished to commission 20 for their chain instead. However, weary of Pizza Pizza taking legal action against Enter-Tech for breaking contract and selling the characters and show to another company, Dunham kept hope that Pizza Pizza's second payment would eventually arrive. It never did, and upon Dunham's inquiring, the fast food giant supposedly claimed to have no clue who Enter-Tech were and hold no record of the shows being commissioned or even delivered, or apparently the planned restaurant chain at all. Not to go down the conspiracy theory road (this is simply speculation based on industry trends at the time), but it's possible that what happened is with the arcade industry recently posting it's first sales decrease in history in 1983, and other restaurant chains of the same concept going belly up after expanding too quickly, Pizza Pizza got cold feet and thought it easier to sweep the whole thing under the rug rather than front the costs to properly backpeddle. By this point it was too late for Dunham to sign with the company from the States instead, and the financial loss from the costs of production of the Mouse Revue shows forced the mighty Enter-Tech/Waxattract into bankruptcy. Fred (Left) and Jeff (Right) Dunham build one of the mouse figures, 1980. This newspaper article on the company features the only-mid production photo from inside Waxattract/Enter-Tech's studios to surface, offering a glimpse into the complexity of the figures. A few days later, Robert Dunham suffered his first heart attack. He would survive and begin to rebuild the company, now focusing on Monsterland Golf, an indoor blacklight miniature golf course featuring animatronic horror figures made from the same sculpts and molds used in the House of Frankenstein and Castle Dracula locations. It was an idea he apparently had for a while, as the copyright was filed way back in 1979 when Jungleland's was. It would have been revolutionary for 1985 if completed, as this was likely before Nightmares Fore opened, and not only would have been both the first blacklight and horror themed mini golf, but also the first interactive one, where obstacles you hit and cups you sink trigger effects on the course. This is a concept that even today is considered revolutionary, and is just starting to become wide-spread in the industry. Unfortunately, it never got passed the planning stages, and on March 11th, 1985, Robert Dunham would suffer another heart attack and pass away at the young age of 55. The industrial plaza on Thorold Stone Rd. formerly home to the final location of Waxattract/Enter-Tech's studios as it appears today. Legendary attractions in both Niagara Falls and across North America were literally created from this building. It was a huge loss to Niagara Falls and the wider industry. Some of Enter-Tech's final projects to actually be completed would be an animatronic Pioneer museum in P.E.I., a talking and drinking W.C. Fields for a bar in the States, and an animatronic salmon puppet built for the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, which would travel around to classrooms giving presentations via a professor with a microphone hidden out of sight of the children. Perhaps no company in the history of the Canadian amusement industry has had a higher volume of attraction output, especially abroad in the U.S., which makes the outstanding quality of those attractions and the fact that one family was creating them rather than a giant crew of employees, all the more astonishing and impressive. Many of the attractions they worked on would become iconic in their respective locations, and even the few that fell through the cracks of history are remembered fondly by those who experienced them. Who knows what else Dunham would have come up with, invented, or built in Niagara and abroad if given more time. One thing is for certain, his legacy, and the joy he brought to millions in his short time, will live on forever in Niagara Falls and the amusement industry as a whole, even if people may not know him by name. The joint efforts of the Dunham family gave fond memories to millions of people who walked through the halls of their museums and haunted attractions, watched the spectacle of their shows and animatronics, or were immersed by their designs in their themed attractions. Art in general often bears the curse of anonymity, and often goes uncredited, especially in the amusement industry. Despite being a knowingly thankless line of work, that doesn't mean the artists and designers who bring an experience to life don't deserve credit for the smiles they create. The strongest kind of example is with a company such as Waxattract, who sculpted memories for those lucky enough to experience their attractions, and the many who continue to experience the handful of them still operational today. Thanks for Reading Written by Alex Crew A list of confirmed and suspected projects Waxattract were involved in can be viewed on the company's main History page in the "Artists and Designers" section of this website. If able, be sure to visit The House of Frankenstein locations in Niagara Falls, ON and Lake George, N.Y., and Castle Dracula (now named "Dracula's Haunted Castle") in Niagara Falls, ON. These are the last confirmed Waxattract attractions in existence. Although it's undergone minor updates, The House of Frankenstein in Lake George, N.Y. remains the most unaltered and best surviving example of Waxattract's work. This article has been made possible by members of the Dunham family who took the time to give interviews and share this incredible story. A huge thank you to Debbie Piccirillo and Fred Dunham for sharing the story of their father's company and everything they themselves contributed to the family business.

Atlantic Canada (East of Quebec) Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. While these provinces are smaller in size they've contained a wide variety of attractions over the years due to population centers like St. John's, Moncton, Halifax and the tourist hotspot of Cavendish Beach. Amusement and Theme Parks Atlantic Playland/Atlantic Splash Adventure - Lucasville, NS Axtion - St. John's, NL Crystal Palace - Champlain Place, Dieppe (Moncton), NB Magic Mountain - Magnetic Hill (Moncton), NB Magic Valley Fun Park - Greenhill, NS Rainbow Valley - Cavendish Beach, P.E.I. Sandspit Cavendish Beach - Cavendish Beach, P.E.I. Shining Waters Family Fun Park - Hunter River (Cavendish Beach), P.E.I. Upper Clements Park(s) - Upper Clements, NS Arcades, Mini Golf and F.E.C.s AJ's Bar & Billiards - Corner Brook, NL Backstreet Amusements - Prince St., Halifax, NS Breakers Sports Lounge - Torbay Rd., St. John's, NL Burlington Go Karts - Kensington (Burlington), P.E.I. The Boardwalk - Magnetic Hill (Moncton), NB Buccaneer's Cove Mini Golf - Gage Golf and Curling Club, Oromocto, NB Carmen Creek Mini Putt - Carmen Creek Golf Course, Fredericton, NB Cavendish Beach Adventure Zone - Cavendish Beach, P.E.I. Classic Cue - Grand Falls-Windsor, NL Corner Pocket - Airport Blvd., Gander, NL Cybermind V.R. Centre - Halifax, NS Cybermind V.R. Centre - Moncton, NB Darnley Greens & The Red Zone - Darnley, P.E.I. Doolys - Amherst, NS Doolys - Antigonish, NS Doolys - Caraquet, NS Doolys - Causeway Shopping Centre, Port Hawkesbury, NS Doolys (Elmwood Dr. location) - Moncton, NB Dooly's - Greenwood, NS Doolys (Main St. location) - Fredericton, NB Doolys (McDonald St. location) - Saint John, NB Doolys - Mirimachi, NB Doolys - (Mountain Rd. location) - Moncton, NB Doolys - North Sydney, NS Doolys - Oromocto, NB Doolys - Parkway Mall, Saint John, NB Doolys - Prince Edward Square, Saint John, NB Doolys (Prospect St. location) - Fredericton, NB Doolys - Riverview (Moncton), NB Doolys - St. Stephen, NB Doolys - Summerside, P.E.I. Doolys - Sydney, NS Doolys - Truro, NS Doolys (Wilmot Alley location) - Fredericton, NB Drive-U-Crazy Mini Golf - New Glasgow, P.E.I. East Coast Karting - Greater Lakeburn (Moncton), NB Eastside Billiards & Lounge - Chain Lake Dr., Halifax, NS Electric Avenue - Sobeys Square, St. John's, NL Electric Avenue - Village Square Shopping Centre (later moved to Hamlyn Rd.), St. John's, NL Exit 88 Go-Kart Racing - Grand Falls, NB Fantasy 2000 - Dartmouth, NS Fire Fly Recreation - Hampton, NB GeForce Funderdome - Mt. Pearl, NL Go-Karts - Atlantic Playland/Atlantic Splash Adventure, Lucasville, NS The Golden Cue - Corner Brook, NL Good Guys Golf - Fredericton, NB Goodwood family Golf Centre - Goodwood, NS Gypsy Mini Golf - Centre (Lunenburg), NS Hartt Island Mini Golf - Springhill (Fredericton), NB Hi-Ball Bar & Billiards - Stephenville, NL Ironwood Pitch & Putt - St. John's, NL JJ's Billiards & Lounge - Main St., Burin, NL Kartbahn Racing - Halifax, NS King's Billiards - Yarmouth, NS Kingswood Entertainment Centre - Hanwell (Fredericton), NB Locas Billiards - George St., Halifax, NS Magic Mountain GolfZone - Magic Mountain, Magnetic Hill (Moncton), NB Mariner's Cove Miniature Golf - Mariner's Cove Boardwalk, P.E.I. Maurie's Mini-Putt & Ice Cream - Morrison Cove (Miramichi), NB McNally's Billiards - Commonwealth Ave., Mount Pearls, NL McNally's Billiards - Powell Dr., Carbonear, NL Mini Golf - Atlantic Playland/Atlantic Splash Adventure, Lucasville, NS Miss Cue - Mountain Rd., Moncton, NB Musgrave Harbour Amusements - Musgrave Harbour Municipal Park, Musgrave Harbour, NL Pit Stop Karting - Sandspit Cavendish Beach, Cavendish Beach, P.E.I. PonyBoat Social Club - Kent St., Charlottetown, P.E.I. Putting Edge - Halifax, NS Quinpool Amusement - Quinpool Rd., Dartmouth, NS Quinpool Billiards - Quinpool Rd., Dartmouth, NS The Rack Bar and Billiards - Stewart St., New Glasgow, NS Riverdale Fun Centre - Conception Bay South, NL Rockhouse Pub - St. John's, NL Sandpit Miniature Golf - Sandspit Cavendish Beach, Cavendish Beach, P.E.I. Shooter's Bar and Billiards - Main St., Burin, NL Sir Admiral John's Adventure Golf - St. John's, NL Snow Queen Leisure World - Antigonish, NS Splash "n" Putt Resort - Traytown, NL Starcade - Avalon Mall, St. John's, NL Super Cue Billiards - Sackville Dr., Lower Sackville, NS Sussex Adventure Mini Golf - Sussex, NB Tables Billiard Lounge - Bay Roberts, NL 21st Century Billiards - Carten St., Liverpool, NS Union Bar & Billiards - Corner Brook, NL Vegas Family Entertainment Centre - Saint John, NB West Side Charlie's - Bay Roberts, NL West Side Charlie's - Carbonear, NL West Side Charlie's - Clarenville, NL West Side Charlie's - Conception Bay South, NL West Side Charlie's - Mount Pearl, NL West Side Charlie's - New Minas, NS West Side Charlie's - Paradise, NL West Side Charlie's (Torbay Road location) - St John's, NL West Side Charlie's (Kenmount Rd) - St John's, NL West Side Charlie's (Topsail Road location) - St John's, NL Dark Attractions, Wax Museums and Exhibits Enchanted Castle - Cavendish Beach, P.E.I. Haunted Castle - Atlantic Playland/Atlantic Splash Adventure, Lucasville, NS The Haunted House - Upper Clements Park(s), Upper Clements, NS Pioneer Museum (Name Unconfirmed, Location Unknown), P.E.I. Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum - Cavendish Beach, P.E.I. Route 6 Haunted Motel - Cavendish Beach Adventure Zone, Cavendish Beach, P.E.I. Royal Atlantic Wax Museum - Cavendish Beach, P.E.I. Rum Runners - Rainbow Valley, Cavendish Beach, P.E.I. Wax World of the Stars - Cavendish Beach, P.E.I. Witch's Cave - Rainbow Valley (Later moved to Shining Waters Family Fun Park), Cavendish Beach, P.E.I. Woodleigh Replicas - Cavendish Beach, P.E.I. Specialty Hotels and Gift Shops Best Western/Ramada Plaza Dieppe/Moncton Crystal Palace - Crystal Palace, Champlain Place, Dieppe (Moncton), NB Theatres, Bowling Alleys and Miscellaneous Acadian Bowling Lanes & 9th Lane Lounge - Little Brook, NS Alley 4 Bowling Alley - Belliveaus Cove, NS The Alley Restaurant and Bowling Alley - Charlottetown, P.E.I. Avon Valley Lanes - Windsor, NS Bowlacade - Bible Hill, NS Bowlacade - Woodstock, NB Bowlarama - Dartmouth, NS Bowlarama - Dieppe (Moncton), NB Bowlarama - Halifax, NS Bowlarama - Spryfield (Halifax), NS Bowl-More Lanes - Bridgewater, NS Brackley Drive-In - Brackley Beach, P.E.I. Brunswick Lanes - Yarmouth, NS Cape Breton Drive-In Theatre - Grand Lake Road (Sydney), NS Castle Bowling Centre - Miramichi, NB Cine-Parc Satellite Ltee - Bois-Blanc, NB Clarenville Twin Cinemas/Caribou Lanes Bowling Alley - Clarenville, NL Corner Brook Centre Bowl - Corner Brook, NL The Drome by Trailway - Fredericton, NB Exploits Lanes - Grand Falls-Windsor, NL Fairlanes Bowling Centre - Moncton, NB Fairview Lanes - Saint John, NB Greenwood Bowling Centre - Greenwood, NS The Hangar Laser Tag Arena - Cavendish Beach Adventure Zone, Cavendish Beach, P.E.I. Heather Bowling Lanes - New Glasgow, NS Holiday Lanes - St. John's. NL Holy Bowly - Riverview (Moncton), NB King Pin Bowling - Amherst, NS Lanes at Membertou - Membertou (Sydney), NS Liverpool Bowling Centre - Liverpool, NS Old Mill Fun Centre - Bay Roberts, NL Pajo's Bowling Alley - Lunenburg, NS Paradise Bowl - Paradise, NL Peyton's Pins/Andy's Alleys - Gander, NL Pins Bowling Centre - Antigonish, NS Plaza Bowl - St. John's, NL Riverdale Fun Centre - Conception Bay South, NL Seaside Bowling Centre - Shediac, NB Shoebox Drive-In - Westville, NS St. Pat's Bowling Lanes and Lounge - St. John's, NL Strand Bowling Alley - Sydney Mines (Sydney), NS Super Bowl - Lower Sackville (Halifax), NS Supernova XD Theatre - Splash " n" Putt Resort, Traytown, NL Sussex Drive-In - Sussex, NB Swansburg's Bowling Alley - Shelburne, NS Town Center Lanes - Glace Bay, NS UnBOWLievable Lanes - Musquodoboit Harbour, NS Valley Drive-In Theatre - Cambridge Station, NS Wilson's Bowling Centre - Digby, NS Winter Games Lanes - Lewisporte, NL Maze (Name Unknown) - Mariner's Cove Boardwalk, Cavendish Beach, P.E.I. Water Parks and Attractions Atlantic Splash Adventure - Atlantic Playland/Atlantic Splash Adventure, Lucasville, NS Shining Waters Water Park - Shining Waters Family Fun Park, Hunter River (Cavendish Beach), P.E.I. SplashZone - Magic Mountain, Magnetic Hill (Moncton), NB "360ft Water Slide"/Pools - Splash " n" Putt Resort, Traytown, NL Thunderland Amusement Park - Badger, NL

The House of Frankenstein Attraction Type: Haunted Attraction Location: Niagara Falls, Ontario Years Operational: 1971-Present Designer(s): Waxattract , Distortions Unlimited Postcard of the attraction in the late-1970's The House of Frankenstein is perhaps one of, if not the most important attraction discussed on this website. It played a pivotal role in the development of Clifton Hill, the world of special effects, the world of animatronics, the world of haunted attractions, and the greater amusement industry in general. The attraction was built in a second story added on to the pre-existing restaurant and gift shop of the Iannuzelli family's Hilltop Motel in 1971, and ran by the motel owner's brother Joe. Local artist Robert Dunham's Waxattract company developed the attraction, and went partners with the brothers in ownership as well like they had on the Royal London Wax Museum . Dunham had learned from his Fantasy Land attraction at Crystal Beach and his Royal London Wax Museum, or more specifically, the success of his Boris Karloff Wax Museum. The Boris Karloff was more popular than either of them despite being in a much less foot trafficked area, simply due to its horror theme. The Hilltop Motel Restaurant in the late-1960s. Hilltop Motel postcard (left, mid-1960's), and an early postcard for The House of Frankenstein (right, 1971) showing how the attraction was built in and atop the pre-existing restaurant building. The House of Frankenstein would take this a step further, rather than being a more museum-style attraction like the Boris Karloff, it would showcase various wax horror scenes from film and history in a much scarier way, somewhat similar to the haunted house dark rides or haunted fun houses at carnivals and amusement parks, but at the same time, not similar at all. In fact, it was lightyears ahead. I believe it to be one of the most important attractions in amusement history, rivaling the Pretzel Dark Ride, the Enchanted Tiki Room, and Chuck E. Cheese's in historical significance, yet totally overlooked by historians. From what I have been able to gather after years of research, it was the first instance of programmable animatronic figures outside of California's Disneyland, even beating out Disney World in Florida by a few months. It's official title would be "The House of Frankenstein Wax Museum", and while being a wax masterpiece, the word "museum" may have undersold just how incredible the attraction was for the time. It was simultaneously more than a wax museum and more than a haunted house, one could say it was the first modern walk-through haunted attraction, today an over $300 million USD a year industry. The word "museum" however would have probably been the closest possible pre-existing term at the time to give potential visitors an idea what kind of attraction this was. The House of Frankenstein would keep the gift shop and basement auction gallery of the Hilltop Motel intact, but now the merchandise in the gift shop would be mostly horror themed. Tons of custom merchandise was produced for the attraction (as it would also be for the later Castle Dracula locations), including but not limited to pennants, T-shirts, pins, buttons, patches, mugs, cups, frisbees, pens, scene guide books, View-Master reels, projector slides, and bottle openers. Waxattract would even self-produce latex monster masks and hands cast from the same molds as the figures in their attractions for sale in the gift shops, beginning at the House of Frankenstein. House of Frankenstein souvenir pin, 1970's. The attraction's lobby was in a small space in the front corner of the gift shop, leaving the stairs down to the auction gallery intact. The lobby proper had two entrances; one up a staircase on the corner of the building and one on the front of the building slightly up the Hill. There was also a second entrance to the gift shop (which also connected to the lobby) at the other end of the building up the Hill. The lobby held a display of a skeleton raising the lid of his coffin, and the Phantom of the Opera at his pipe organ in the window. This former lobby space is where the Beavertails now sits. The former restaurant would become the first floor of the attraction, with the second floor built above the whole building. The attraction itself was incredibly impressive, and unlike anything done at the time. It featured around 60 scenes, most of which were scenes behind plexiglass and others that were walk through scenes such as the "Twilight Zone" (a strobe mirror maze) or the "Strange Planet", an area with a squishy floor and blacklight eyes peering at you from the darkness, accompanied by Metaluna Mutant from "This Island Earth". Outside the lobby in the early-70's. The sign for the auction gallery above the staircase to the basement can be seen indside. The attraction's original brochure featuring a cut-out mask on the cover. While the design has been updated several times over the years, the attraction still uses this same style of brochure to this day, along with several similar phrases in the write-up. It was a combination of multiple age old concepts into something totally new. Wax museums had long had Chambers of Horror and horror themed sections, but they were never the whole museum, or particularly scary in the try-to-startle-you sense. Dark rides (like the primitive Laff in the Dark at Crystal Beach that Dunham found constantly eclipsing his much more detailed Fantasy Land) had also existed for decades and were the first haunted attractions, but they were rides and not self-guided experiences. Their displays were usually of the quick lighting nature as your car was in continuous motion, the individual scenes were not meant to have a story or be studied. For over half a century, funhouses had been around, providing illusions, startling noises and sometimes dark lighting. Since the mid-60's, dark ride legend Bill Tracy had been making walk-through haunted houses of a similar concept for small amusement parks across North America. Tracy was a visionary and an incredible artist, but his attractions didn't match the detail, atmosphere, and story the House of Frankenstein would later bring. The figures in the Tracy attractions were fiberglass or paper-mache, never the detail of wax, and the layouts were less focused on the scenes and more focused on the old funhouse style illusions. For example, there would be several illusion rooms like a diminishing endless hallway, a tilted room, or a vortex tunnel, with a small scene between each. The result was 6 or 7 scenes or "scares" throughout the experience, being more in line with a horror-themed-funhouse. These attractions were groundbreaking nonetheless, however the House of Frankenstein was packed with scenes, and took the detail, storytelling, and walk through nature of a wax museum, combined it with the scare factor and startling nature of a dark ride, and sprinkled in the illusions, floor tricks, and mazes of a funhouse. The cherry on top of it all was Waxattract's technology. By now, Waxattract was an entire family business, with Dunham's wife Betty doing all the costumes and seamstress work for the figures. They had 8 children, all of which would go on be involved in the family business in some way, their eldest son Jeff being the computer and programming mastermind, their son Fred becoming the main sculptor for the figures and painter of the props and backgrounds, their sons Brian and Chris handling the construction and carpentry for the attractions, and Robert himself well-versed and highly involved in all aspects. The Dunhams would pull off some incredible special effects that would still be considered impressive today. Before this, dark rides and funhouses used on/off switches that would trigger a one time action for startling animatronics, or use continuously running motors for displays, as had department store windows during the holidays. However none of these were programmable, at best, you could install a timer that let a motor run for a set amount of seconds, then shut off. It was systems like these which the figures in Dunham's Fantasy Land attraction at Crystal Beach and in the Boris Karloff Wax Museum had run off as well. The House of Frankenstein however would contain a first that Disneyland had previously held a monopoly on: programmable animatronic figures. Collage of some of the scenes in the attraction from the end of an opening year souvenir guide book. Chuck E. Cheese's wouldn't open their first store and kick off the animatronics + pizza trend until 1977. Creative Engineering, who would go on to be responsible for rival chain Showbiz Pizza in the 80's, wouldn't begin inventing animatronic figures for theme parks until the mid-late 70's, nor would other early animatronics manufacturers like Sally Corp or AVG. The Dunhams' invention and it's debut in the House of Frankenstein predate them all, harnessing technology to create and animate Frankenstein's Monster like the Doctor himself. The animatronics system ran on Q4 Quadraphonic Reel-to-Reel Tape. These tapes could also be used to control lights and audio, and many scenes required one of the control boxes to run due to how advanced the animation was. Rather than program an expensive room-sized (at the time) computer, the much more compact system of using analog frequency signals on tape made it possible to implement the system throughout the entire attraction in a number of ways. Going through an opening year guidebook for the attraction, you see how certain scenes couldn't even be possible without the programming system, and if you've seen many of the same scenes still present in the later Lake George location, it becomes even more apparent. Lighting, sound, and specific movements all come together to tell a story, groundbreaking for 1971. The "Wax Workshop" scene depicting a behind-the-scenes look at the supposed waxworks for The House of Frankenstein. This hilarious self-portrait went on to become a recurring gag in several Waxattract haunted attractions. "The Seance" A portion of "The Grotto" The original "Frankenstein's Monster" scene towards the end of the attraction. The Jacob's Ladder device, as well as The Bride of Frankenstein, are just out of the shot. Nobody could have expected what awaited them when they walked into the House of Frankenstein, here are some examples of some of the incredible scenes the attraction featured when it opened, keep in mind this is over 50 years ago. There was a Grotto of mummified corpses and circling bats with an echo effect, where guests would actually hear their own voice's echo seemingly chase them down the hallway. This was achieved via microphones hidden in the stucco rock cave walls and a surround sound audio system with heavy reverb. There was also a Seance room where the lights flickered, the table began to float, items began to seemingly move on their own, and air cannons blasted at you. Some other scenes included a smoking electric chair with carbon arcs, scenes of characters "morphing" into other creatures such as Dr. Jekyll becoming Mr. Hyde and Dracula turning into a bat, and even real electrical arcs in a massive Jacob's Ladder device in the Frankenstein scene. In another first, there was even a live actor in a Frankenstein suit outfront (usually one of Dunham's sons in the early years) who would stand perfectly still until a crowd was gathered around, then suddenly lunge forward to incite a large scream from the crowd. The commotion would draw more people to the doors of the attraction, and was a great example of Dunham's genius marketing, a reoccurring theme you'll find on this website. To take a tour of the attraction as it appeared in 1971 Button The Phantom of the Opera at his organ can be faintly seen in the background of the many photos people posed for with the popular Frankenstein's Monster walk-around. The House of Frankenstein tore Clifton Hill apart, and sent shockwaves through the industry. If Tussaud's had began the ball rolling 12 years earlier, the House of Frankenstein was the moment everything fell into place for the identity of Clifton Hill. Waxattract's brilliant artistry, figures, sets, paintings and technical wizardry amounted to an incredible experience. Photos of Clifton Hill in the 1970's shows lineups down the street to even get into the lobby. Soon after the massive success of the attraction, Dunham partnered with the Iannuzellis on a second location in the tourist town of Lake George, NY, which opened in 1973. Many of the figures were made from the same molds and sculpts as their Niagara counterparts, however the list of scenes contained within varied slightly. Waxattract and the Iannuzellis would continue to own the attractions as a partnership until the Iannuzellis, seeing their success, wanted to buy them outright, which Dunham eventually agreed to for the right price. The attraction drawing a crowd in 1975. In 1977, the large neon lightning bolt on the front of the building was removed and the giant Frankenstein head sign the lighting bolt "struck" was moved to the side of the building above the arcade. The five gargoyles were added to the facade at this time, which peer down on potential visitors to this day and have become icons of Clifton Hill. The Funland Arcade would be added in an expansion to the building's first floor and basement in 1979, bringing the building right to Oneida Ave. on its downhill most side. The basement auction gallery/motel offices were also expanded below. The glowing Monster head on the face of the building as it was "struck" by lightning, 1975. The Funland Arcade expansion, relocated Frankenstein's Monster head, and gargoyles as seen in a 1979 postcard. The remodeled attraction featuring Burger King in the former Funland Arcade space. The first major changes came in 1984, when Burger King was opened on the main floor. The gift shop and lobby remained, but its unclear if Burger King only initially replaced the former arcade space, or if the majority of the first floor of the attraction was removed at this time as well (as it would be later), creating the large Burger King space that exists today. The giant Frankenstein's Monster head sign on the side of the building was also removed. More changes came in 1986. The basement auction gallery was removed after the brother who ran it passed away, and it would be replaced with "Super Star Recording Studio", a souvenir recording studio where you could record karaoke, or insert yourself into a green screen music video to take home on VHS. At that time the House of Frankenstein lobby and gift shop were reversed, with the former gift shop space becoming much more open to the street and now holding the attraction's lobby, and the former lobby becoming a now smaller gift shop the attraction exited into. The attraction's path was altered certainly at this time, at least slightly. If the entire first floor of the attraction itself remained beside Burger King is unknown, but where you enter was rerouted to the new lobby (former gift shop), and the exit, which formerly exited to the old gift shop, now exited into the new one (former lobby.) It's also possible that the up and down staircases may have been reversed at this time, however if this ever occurred in the attraction's lifespan or not hasn't been confirmed. The new lobby featured a front window with a man lowering food down into a pit with Frankenstein's Monster in it, as well as a lobby scene with an animatronic Frankenstein's Monster and his bride. The Bride of Frankenstein figure in the scene was the original one relocated from the Frankenstein finale, which continued to run without the figure. It's unknown who created the rest of the new props however. Its at this point that the earliest confirmed appearance of the iconic, booming announcer voice outside appears. This was almost word for word the write up in the original brochures. This dialogue remains today, although it has been slightly altered over the years, and remains one of, if not the most recognizable sound of Clifton Hill to several generations of visitors. It may date back to even earlier than this, but sound footage of outside the attraction from earlier than this hasn't surfaced. Frequent Clifton Hill visitors will notice the voice sounds strikingly similar to Movieland 's talking Pharoah, however whether or not it's infact the same voice actor remains to be confirmed. A TV playing the 1932 Frankenstein film would eventually be added to the lobby at some point in the mid 1990s, next to the display of the Monster and his bride. The interior of Super Star Recording Studio, 1992. The "reversed" lobby and gift shop in the 1980's. The new lobby animatronics installed in 1986 as they appeared in 1992. Frankenstein's Monster remains in the pit below the window to this day. The 1998 remodel shown here in 2000. While the Monster eating the Whopper is constantly used by critics an example of Clifton Hill's tackiness, it's become a staple of the Hill's skyline and unique character for those able to appreciate it. In 1989, the copyright holder would switch to the Burland family's Niagara Clifton Group (then still called Beefeater Inc.) along with the Hilltop Motel behind it. It's possible the Iannuzellis sold it to them in '89, but there's evidence to suggest the Burlands bought it back in '86, and it just took the government's copyright records a while to finalize things and catch up. This would explain the heavy remodeling of the attraction in 1986 which the Iannuzellis didn't do to their Lake George location, and also explains a Niagara Clifton Group newspaper ad from 1986 which lists the House of Frankenstein and Super Star Recording Studio on it. The Burlands would sell the complex again in 1998 to Ian Paul, a cousin of the family. Paul added the iconic Frankenstein's Monster eating a Whopper to the roof. The sign on the side of building reading "This is the Original House of Frankenstein Wax Museum" was removed to make way, and the gargoyle that had sat on the roof on that corner of the building was relocated to the facade with the others. The gift shop was replaced with the Family Fun Arcade, which retained a stairs down to the former recording studio below. This basement now contained another, larger floor of the arcade. The games were operated by Cataract Amusements, who operated the games and rides at the Skylon Tower. The arcade included a large "Bonanza" style shooting gallery at the back, which may have been relocated from (or went to) another attraction. There have been several other Bonanza shooting galleries in Niagara Falls over the years, including in Circus World, the Skylon Tower, Maple Leaf Village, Pyramid Place, and the Midway . The main floor of the actual attraction portion was removed (save for a few scenes) for certain at this point if it hadn't already been before this, replacing it with more Burger King space. This left only the upstairs, and the entrance/exit right next to each other. The lobby scene was remodeled to feature an alligator jumping out of a sewer, a spider that dropped from the ceiling, and Frankenstein's Monster strapped to a stood-up operating table, which could be brought to life if guests flipped a lever. The TV playing the Frankenstein film was relocated to a room in the attraction which was then outfitted with benches, now using a new TV monitor (formerly used to show music videos at the front of Super Star Recording Studio) surrounded by mirrors to appear as a sphere. It's unknown what was located in this room prior, it may have been a large scene or several former scenes with the walls in between knocked out. The upper level entrance of the Family Fun Arcade in 2000. Upper level of the arcade seen in a 1998 tourist home video. The stairs down to the larger area below can be seen to the right. The lobby display in the late-90's. The attraction still features a heavily modified version of the same scene today. That brings us to the many changes made in the following years. What had already been removed up to this point remains a little hazy, but in addition to the majority of the main floor already being removed, the Creature From the Black Lagoon scene had already been replaced with the giant Distortions Unlimited Jack-in-the-Box. A hallway with blacklight carpeted walls and a squishy floor was also already there at this point, which may have been located in (and re-used the floor from) the former "Strange Planet" room. Several scenes would end up being replaced with new off-the-shelf props from popular prop companies like GAG Studios and the previously mentioned Distortions Unlimited, while others were left empty with varying degrees of decoration left behind in the darkness. The Bride of Frankenstein figure formerly in the lobby was relocated back inside the museum, now lying on a table in a large dead-end room resembling a crypt. It's unknown if this room was re-used from a former scene or area, or if it was a new addition around this time, as the attraction's original guidebook doesn't necessarily hint on any of the scenes original to that section resembling that theming. The older Frankenstein's Monster that had been added to the lobby back in 1986 was moved inside, and replaced the original Frankenstein scene at the end of the attraction when the new lobby display was installed. The impressive Jacob's Ladder was unfortunately removed at this time, as were the original 1971 animatronics of Frankenstein's Monster, Dr. Frankenstein, and his lab assistant, although their heads would all make re-appearances elsewhere in the attraction. The Frankenstein's Monster head ended up on the body of a figure which was placed in the same area as the Bride of Frankenstein, the Doctor's head ended up hanging from the ceiling (amongst others) in the guillotine scene, and the lab assistant's head ended up in a pot amongst lab equipment in the entranceway. (Left) Parts of the original Frankenstein's Monster relocated. Notice the motion sensors on the floor visible with the flash photography which make the props activate. (Top right) The Bride moved inside and laid on the table. ( Bottom right) Doctor Frankenstein's head hangs above the Guillotine amongst the other prop heads. Other additions around this time were a half-body figure of horror movie icon Pumpkinhead on a turntable in the aforementioned dead-end room, a static figure resembling the version of the Monster from the 1994 film "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein", and new floor tiles in the mirror maze filled with a gel that glows green under blacklight. A "Monster Bash" pinball machine was also added to the TV room with the benches. It's regarded as one of the best pinball machines of all time, and was later reproduced due to its popularity. The original 1998 version however, as would have been present in the House of Frankenstein, is now extremely valuable. A more mysterious addition came in the form of three wax mummified bodies hanging in a hallway which guests had to walk through. The figures appear to have been actual wax and fairly old, meaning they may have been relocated from an original scene. The mummy corridor, early-2010's. The once again updated lobby scene in 2000. The lobby scene was updated once again in 2000, with the Frankenstein's Monster receiving a new skin and costume, and the interactive flip switch behind replaced with an animatronic Dr. Frankenstein. The lunging alligator was also removed, the tunnel he slid from sealed off, and a talking skull placed on a shelf above it. The trio would now joke around and sing covers of various songs. The new animatronics were provided by Lifeformations. A 2002 remodel also replaced the original Wolfman figure, updated the facade to be more stone-like instead of the bright green walls, and replaced the two-level arcade (which had occupied a section of the main floor as well as the entire basement) with a gift shop. The Monster Bash pinball machine along the attraction's path was also removed around this time and replaced with a scene containing a coat rack monster prop from the Scarefactory company, hinting that the machine may have been a Cataract Amusements game that had been on the same contract as the arcade. The updated facade with the stone look shortly after it was installed, early-2000's. The stairs between the two floors of the gift shop were later removed, becoming two seperate stores. The basement would be a variety of different shops over the following years, including "Teddy Town Circus", a short lived teddy bear store for 2006, before reverting back to a regular souvenir store. In 2009, this basement became the Crystal Caves mirror maze attraction. The gift shop that remained at street level was replaced by Beavertails in 2019, which relocated from the former Hilltop Motel offices around the corner of the building. Also in 2019, the Frankencoaster would be added to the roof of the historic attraction The entrance to The Crystal Caves below Burger King, Oneida Ave., 2009. The coaster was bought from Sports Plus Entertainment Center in Lake Grove, New York, where it ran from 2004-2007 and then sat abandoned in a field for years. While the concept seemed like a great fit for Clifton Hill, harkening back to attractions like the WWE Piledriver and the Pink Panther Balloon Ride, it ended up removing even more of the actual haunted attraction's identity. Access to the roof already existed through an extra flight of closed-off employee stairs that led upwards, next to the staircase down at the end of the attraction. This is now utilized to access the coaster, but since they can't make guests to go in through the attraction's exit to access it, to get to the coaster you now walk through what little remains of the beginning portion of the attraction (now much more brightly lit for those who just wish to ride the coaster and not be scared) and climb the stairs to the second floor, where you're met by a plainclothes employee in a chair. From there you're directed through a former employee access doorway straight to the attraction's exit stairwell on the other side of the wall, which contains the stairs up to the coaster. The actual haunted attraction now doesn't begin until after you've climbed the stairs, passed several former scenes (on both floors), and passed the ticket-taker who directs other guests to the coaster. After this you get to the door to the actual attraction, where it's near half-way point would have been originally. The attraction as it appears today, with the admittedly attention-grabbing Frankencoaster on the roof. The same year the coaster was added, a shooting gallery named "Franken Frenzy" was added to the haunted attraction portion replacing the dead-end corridor (and the scene that wrapped around it). While another great concept (actually re-using several wax heads and props original to former scenes in the attraction), it seems like a somewhat out of place pit stop in the middle of the attraction which breaks up the pacing, and would probably be better suited for (and get more business in) the lobby or facing the street. The "Franken Frenzy" shooting gallery. Clever eyes will notice both the original Frankenstein's Monster head and the original Bride of Frankenstein head, disembodied, but fittingly re-united in the same scene once again. Perhaps this scene of the Doctor constructing the monsters could be considered a prequel. The only original scenes remaining as of writing this are the Guillotine and the Phantom of the Opera, however the Phantom's scene now has a body that flips up and hits the plexiglass to startle you, taking away from the eerie effect of the Phantom in the background. His organ music has also long since been shut off. While the attraction may not have its original charm, fear, and splendor, it has at least attempted to keep things fresh and up to date, which is more than can be said for Castle Dracula down the street. "Erik", author Gaston Leroux's "Phantom of the Opera", in The House of Frankenstein in 1971 (top), and the unchanged figure today (bottom). On one hand Castle Dracula at least contains it's original props still (albeit in varying states of decay and dismemberment), making it a living museum of sorts. It would be a much better window into the past if it were not for the pitch-black, trashed state the place was in. The House of Frankenstein on the other hand may have had a lot of the original props removed, but the place is clean as a whistle, effectively lit, run with love, and attempting to remain relevant. For these reasons it remains Niagara's most famous haunted attraction to this day (now that the social media craze of Nightmares Fear Factory photos has died down as it inevitably would) just as it was on the day it opened when it was the only one, and rightfully so. It has both entertained and terrified generations of visitors, passing it's 50th birthday in 2021. The House of Frankenstein on opening year in 1971 (left), and on it's 50th year in 2021 (right).

All Attractions by Region On these pages you'll find lists of all attractions categorized by the region they were/are located in. Regions more sparsely populated with attractions are divided into provinces or even entire sections of the country, whereas regions heavily dotted with attractions are divided into areas of a province or even greater metro areas. These regions are listed on this page by density of attractions, with each section being alphabetized. Button Niagara Region Button Greater Toronto Area Lake Huron and Georgian Bay Ontario - Other Areas Alberta Manitoba and Saskatchewan British Columbia (and Northern Canada) Quebec Atlantic Canada (East of Quebec)

External Links and Resources Here you'll find links to various other websites containing information, photographs and videos on the amusement industry in Canada and abroad. While some this information is also available here, many of these sites offer a compelling different look or angle into the specific niche they fill. Access Niagara - A blog dedicated to the more day-to-day happenings in Niagara's tourism industry. While not dedicated specifically to attractions, they are often discussed here. Arcade Heroes - News site following updates in the classic arcade gaming world, including updates and closures to historic arcades and amusement centres. Best Edmonton Mall - A website dedicated to the history of Canada's largest shopping and amusement centre. Matthew Dutczak has done some incredible research to create this phenomenal site. Bill Tracy Project - Website dedicated to American dark ride legend Bill Tracy, which also chronicles some of his projects here in Canada. Tons of great information on his props and story can be found here. Canadian Coaster Enthusiasts - A great history and database website focusing on the history of roller coasters in Canada. Many of the rides and parks discussed on this site predate parks we talk about here at Canadian Amusement History, so if you're a history buff, be sure to give this site a visit. Classic Arcade Game Locations - This massive online database is a user-submitted list of locations of physically-playable classic arcade machines across North America. This site features not only arcades, but also one-off machines that have managed to hang on in the corners of pizza parlours and laundromats through the years. Dark Ride Archive - A Facebook page and YouTube channel documenting the history of both permanent haunted attractions and temporary Halloween haunts. Creator Adam Lee's incredible archival work covers both the U.S. and Canada, and was he was incredibly generous by providing images and media for Canadian Amusement History. Please consider supporting his project. Laff in the Dark - Named after the early mass-produced dark ride of the same name, this website features several articles and resources on dark ride history specifically. Niagara Falls Public Library - The Niagara Falls Public Library and their incredible archives have been by far one of the largest resources in the creation of this website, please consider browsing their collections, which date back much farther than the information you'll find discussed here, or donating if you're able. Pinball Map - A crowdsourced map of Pinball machines at a variety of locations across the world. It currently consists of over 40,000 machines across almost 10,000 locations. Retrontario - Archival website focused on preserving Ontario-specific media. This incredible website's creators have put an amazing amount of time and effort into it, with most of their content coming from tapes and materials they found themselves in the attics and storage rooms of donators. Roller Coaster Database - A global archive of former and current roller coasters, their histories, locations, and dates of opening/closure. ShowbizPizza.com - Named after the American chain of Family Entertainment Centres of the same name, this site is an archive of animatronic shows in various F.E.C.s, restaurants, amusement parks and more.

Arcades, Mini Golf, and F.E.C.s This is by far the largest page on this site, as it essentially serves as a master list of every arcade and miniature golf course that has ever existed in Canada, or at least tries to with the information available. Miniature Golf courses and Family Entertainment Centres are also listed here, as most have contained some sort of arcade at one point. F.E.C.s also usually contain Mini Golf courses, so both are included on this page. Children's Indoor Playgrounds, which are not necessarily attractions themselves, are not included unless they're also an F.E.C. with other attractions. Animatronic arcade/pizza restaurants such as Chuck E. Cheese's, Captain Carnival's, and Bullwinkle's, which are considered F.E.Cs, can also be found on this page. This page also includes pool halls since many have historically doubled equally as arcades, with certain "pool halls" in the early-80's even containing more video and pinball machines than coin-op pool tables. This list does not however contain modern nostalgia-oriented freeplay arcades or Rec Room locations, unless they were previously a traditional arcade or F.E.C. Niagara Region Arcadia - Niagara Square Mall, Niagara Falls Casino Niagara Arcade - Casino Niagara, Niagara Falls Cosmic Golf/Galaxy Golf - Niagara Falls Choo Choo Charlie's - St. Catherines Circus World (Clifton Hill location) - Niagara Falls Circus World (Victoria Ave. location) - Niagara Falls Cybermind V.R. Centre - Royal/Panasonic/Minolta Tower Centre, Niagara Falls Cyberport Niagara - Niagara Falls Dave & Busters/Captain Jack's Pirate's Cove/Fun Zone (Clifton Hill location) - Niagara Falls Dazzleland Family Fun Centre - Niagara Falls Dinosaur Park Miniature Golf/Dinosaur Adventure Golf - Niagara Falls Family Fun Arcade - House of Frankenstein, Niagara Falls Fun & Games - Maple Leaf Village, Niagara Falls Fun City - Crystal Beach Amusement Park, Crystal Beach Funland Arcade - House of Frankenstein, Niagara Falls Fun Zone (Fallsview Blvd. location) - Niagara Falls Golf-O-Rama - Niagara Falls Good Times Room - Pyramid Place, Niagara Falls Great Canadian Midway (and Sports Zone) - Niagara Falls Joe's Arcade - Crystal Beach Jungleland Miniature Golf (Stanley Ave. location) - Niagara Falls Jungleland Miniature Golf (Victoria Ave. location) - Niagara Falls King Waldorf's Palace - Marineland, Niagara Falls Leisure Valley Miniature Golf - Niagara-on-the-Lake Maple Leaf Village Family Fun Centre - Maple Leaf Village, Niagara Falls Marvel Superheroes Adventure City/Adventure City - Niagara Falls Niagara Go-Karts - Niagara Falls Nightmares Fore - Maple Leaf Village, Niagara Falls Northern Lights Arcade - Great Wolf Lodge, Niagara Falls Putt Putt/Jungle Putt - Niagara Falls Pro Putt Golfland - Niagara Falls Prudhomme's Landing Arcade - Prudhomme's Landing, Lincoln Prudhomme's Landing Mini Golf - Pru dhomme's Landing, Lincoln Q-balls Billiards Pub - Niagara Falls rCade - Best Western Carin Croft, Niagara Falls Ripley's Arcade - Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum, Niagara Falls Sam's Amusement Centre - York/Chaplin, St. Catherine's Skylon Family Fun Centre (formerly located in Amusement Park)/Skyquest - Skylon Tower, Niagara Falls Super Putt - Niagara Falls Tower Centre Arcade - Royal/Panasonic/Minolta Tower Centre, Niagara Falls Wacky Wilderness Mini Golf - Great Wolf Lodge, Niagara Falls Wizard's Castle - Seaway Mall, Welland Wizard's Golf - Niagara Falls Arcade (Name Unknown) - Cattell/Willoughby Plaza, Niagara Falls Arcade (Name Unknown) - Crystal Beach Arcade (Name Unknown, separate from above) - Crystal Beach Arcade (Name Unknown) - 5900 Main St., Niagara Falls Arcade (Name Unknown) - National Marine Aquarium of Niagara parking lot, Niagara Falls Arcade (Name Unknown) - Niagara Falls (on Niagara Parkway underneath Rainbow Bridge) Mini Golf (Name Unknown) - National Marine Aquarium of Niagara parking lot, Niagara Falls Go-Kart Track/F.E.C. (Name Unknown) - Niagara Falls (former location of Bridal Path) Greater Toronto Area Amuse-O-Matic Centre - Union Station, Toronto Annex Billiards - Toronto Arcadia - Square One Shopping Centre, Mississauga Arcadium - Canada's Wonderland, Vaughn Bathgate Golf Centre Mini Putt - Bathgate Golf Centre, Mississauga Big Slick Bar & Billiards - Mississauga Bijou Club - Bayview Village Shopping Centre, North York (Toronto) Break & Play Billiards and Bar - Brampton Bridlewood Mall Games (Mall run game area) - Bridlewood Mall, Scarborough (Toronto) Captains Snooker Club - 966 Dundas Plaza, Mississauga Centennial Park Golf Centre Mini Golf - Centennial Park Golf Centre, Mississauga Central Billiards Pool Hall - Mississauga Centreville Miniature Golf - Centreville Amusement Park, Toronto Century Billiards - Brampton Chuck E. Cheese's - Mississauga Chuck E. Cheese's - Vaughn Chuck E. Cheese's - Whitby Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza Time Theater - Burlington Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza Time Theater (Jane/Wilson location) - North York (Toronto) Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza Time Theater - Kennedy Square, Brampton Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza Time Theater (Victoria Park/Sheppard location) - North York (Toronto) Claw World - Woodside Square, Toronto Club Kennedy - Scarborough (Toronto) Club 33 Teen Lounge - Chelsea Hotel, Toronto The Crooked Cue - Etobicoke (Toronto) The Crooked Cue - Port Credit (Mississauga) Crystal Palace Arcade - Canada's Wonderland, Vaughn CyberMind V.R. Centre (CN Tower location)- CN Tower, Toronto CyberMind V.R. Centre (Yonge St. location) - Toronto Dave & Buster's - Oakville Dave & Buster's - Vaughn Diamonds Billiards and Lounge - Pickering Electronic Playworld - Yonge/Grenville, Toronto Embassy Billiards - Bloor/Bellair, Toronto Endless Fun - Ajax Epic Planet Fun - Eglington Town Centre, Scarborough (Toronto) Fantasy Station Arcade - Woodbine Centre, Etobicoke (Toronto) Fairtee Golf Centre - Markham Fun & Games - Bramalea City Centre, Brampton Fun & Games - Sherway Gardens, Missi ssauga Fun & Games - Shopper's World, Brampton Fun City - North York Centre Station, North York (Toronto) Funland Arcade (Yonge/Breadalbane location) - Toronto Funland Arcade (Yonge/Dundas location AKA "Pinball Games We Are Open Just For Fun") - Toronto Funland Arcade ( Yonge/Elm location AKA "Prizes Prizes Prizes" ) - Toronto Funland Arcade (Yonge/Gould location) - Toronto Funstation Mini Golf - Jane/Finch, North York (Toronto) Fun Time - Pacific Mall, Markham Futureworld/Space World - Shopper's World, Brampton The Games - Erin Mills Town Centre, Mississauga GameTime Social - Burlington GJ's Arcade - Lakeshore/Kerr, Oakville GlowZone 360 (Eglington/Dixie location) - Mississauga GlowZone 360 (McLaughlin Rd. location) - Mississauga Guidion's Pinball and Billiard Arcade - Finch West Mall, North York (Toronto) Hangout Lounge - Whitby Happy Kingdom - York (Toronto) Happy Landing Putt Putt/Peanuts Putt Putt - Canada's Wonderland, Vaughn Harry Putter Golf Academy - Woodbridge (Vaughn) JJQ's Billiards and Lounge - Mississauga John's Arcade - Victoria Park/O'Connor, Scarborough (Toronto) Kart Town - Parkway Mall, Scarborough (Toronto) Kerr St. Billiards/Arnold's Funland - Kerr St. (later moved to multiple locations on Speers Rd., then 485 Morden Rd.), Oakville The Last Cue Billiard Club - Brampton Le Cue Lounge - Markham Le Spot Billiards - 4531 Sheppard Plaza, Scarborough (Toronto) Mad Hatter - Scarborough (Toronto) Marina Arcade - Ontario Place, Toronto Master Q Snooker, Billiards and Lounge - Markham Mickey's Arcade - Dundas St., Mississauga Michelle's Billiards and Lounge - Whitby Minigolf - Children's Village, Ontario Place, Toronto Mini Greens - Ontario Place, Toronto Mister 8 Billiards - Toronto Monte Carlo Billiards - Missis sauga Mystery Billiards - Vaughn Nascar Speedpark - Vaughn Mills, Vaughn NEB's Fun World - Oshawa Ninth Line Family Golf Academy - Oakville Oshawa Creek Family Golf - Oshawa Orbit - Pacific Mall, Markham Petrina Billiards - Pickering Pickering Playing Fields - Pickering Pinball Arcade - Yonge/Isabella, Toronto The Pin Ball Spot - Yonge/Gould, Toronto Pro Putt - Canada's Wonderland, Vaughn Putting Edge - Etobicoke (Toronto) Putting Edge - Oakville Putting Edge - Richmond Hill Putting Edge - Scarborough (Toronto) Putting Edge - Vaughn Putting Edge - Whitby The Q - Bloor/Yonge Station, Toronto QB Sports Bar Grill Games - Appleview Square Plaza, Burlington Quater Land - Morningside Mall, Scarborough (Toronto) Rock Chapel Mini Putt - Rock Chapel Golf Centre, Burlington Rivoli Pool Hall - Toronto Sega City/Playdium - Mississauga Shooterville Billiards Bar & Grill - Burlington Shoxs Billiard Lounge - York (Toronto) Sky Games - Fairview Mall, North York (Toronto) Skygames - Markville Shopping Centre, Markham Splitsville - Burlington Splitsville - Richmond Hill The Sting - Yonge/Major Mackenzie Dr., Richmond Hill Striker's Pool and Bar - Brampton Studio 81 - Yonge/Cummer, North York (Toronto) Super Computer Hour - Malvern Mall, Scarborough (Toronto) Times Square Billiards - Yonge/Elm, Toronto Undercurrent - CN Tower, Toronto United Billiards - Yonge/Temperance, Toronto Vegas Room - Finch Ave., North York (Toronto) Video Funland - 2654 Eglington Plaza, Scarborough (Toronto) Video Invasion (Wilson Heights Blvd. location) - North York (Toronto) Video Invasion (Bathurst St. location) - North York (Toronto) Video Pinball Amusement Arcade - Knob Hill Plaza, Scarborough (Toronto) V.I.P. Billiards (North York location) - North York (Toronto) V.I.P. Billiards (Scarborough location) - Scarborough (Toronto) V.I.P. Billiards (Yonge/Gerrard location) - Yonge St., Toronto Vinnie's Midway - Adelaide/John, Toronto Wedgewood Golf Centre - Burlington The Wizard - Centerpoint Mall, North York (Toronto) Wizard's Castle - Agincourt Mall, Scarborough (Toronto) Wizard's Castle - Bramalea City Centre, Brampton Wizard's Castle - Cloverdale Mall, Etobicoke (Toronto) Wizard's Castle - Dufferin Mall, Toronto Wizard's Castle - Fairview Mall, North York (Toronto) Wizard's Castle - Meadowvale Town Centre, Mississauga Wizard's Castle - Westdale Mall, Brampton Wizard's Castle/Fx5 - Pickering Town Centre, Pickering Wizard's Castle/Games Maximus - Scarborough Town Centre, Scarborough (Toronto) Wizard's Castle/Sky Games - Woodbine Centre, Etobicoke (Toronto) Wizard's Enchanted Castle - Yorkdale Mall, North York (Toronto) Woodie Woodchuck's - Mississauga Woodie Woodchuck's - Scarborough (Toronto) Woodlands Mini-Putt Golf - Cullen Gardens and Miniature World, Whitby World Cup - North York Sheridan Mall, North York (Toronto) Zodiac - Eglington Town Centre, Scarborough (Toronto) Arcade (Name Unknown) - Burlington Centre, Burlington Arcade (Name Unknown) - Cedarbrae Mall, Scarborough (Toronto) Arcade (Name Unknown) - Dundas St., Mississauga Arcade (Name Unknown) - Erindale Plaza, Mississauga Arcade (Name Unknown) - Hillcrest Mall, Richmond Hill Arcade (Name Unknown) - Hopedale Mall, Oakville Arcade (Name Unknown) - Honeydale Mall, Etobicoke (Toronto) Arcade (Name Unkkown) - Lawrence Plaza, North York (Toronto) Arcade (Name Unknown) - Royal York Hotel PATH System, Toronto Arcade (Name Unknown) - Trafalgar Village, Oakville Arcade (Name Unknown) - Whitby Mall, Whitby Arcade (Name Unknown) - Yonge/Finch, North York (Toronto) Arcade (Name Unknown) - Yonge/Queen, Toronto Mini Golf (Name Unknown) - Sunshine Beach/Wild Water Kingdom/Wet 'n Wild, Brampton Lake Huron and Georgian Bay Balm Beach Go Karts - Balm Beach Balm Beachway Golf Club Mini Putt - Balm Beachway Golf Club, Balm Beach Beachcomber Arcade - Sauble Beach Blue Mountain Go Karts - Collingwood Cedar Grove Mini Golf - Wasaga Beach Corner Convenience - Lions Head Georgian Grill - Balm Beach Gerry's Arcade - Sauble Beach Giggles Arcade- Sauble Beach Grand Bend Mini Golf - Grand Bend Holiday Plaza - Grand Bend Joyland Arcade - Wasaga Beach Joysticks Arcade - Wasaga Beach Just Puttin' Around - Sauble Beach Jurassic Putt - Grand Bend Lows Arcade - Sauble Beach Pedro's Mini Golf - Pedro's Gift Shop, Wasaga Beach Playland Arcade - Playland Park, Wasaga Beach Putterama Mini Golf - Sauble Beach Safari Golf - Dinosaur Valley, Wasaga Beach Sarnia's Rack 'N Roll Billiards - Sarnia Sunset Family Fun Centre - Port Elgin Terrace Mall Arcade - Wasaga Beach Wanda's Beach Hut - Balm Beach Wasaga Dairy - Wasaga Beach Wasaga 500 Go Karts - Wasaga Beach Wasaga Waterworld Arcade - Wasaga Waterworld, Wasaga Beach Wasaga Waterworld Mini Golf - Wasaga Waterworld, Wasaga Beach Wasaga Super Slides Mini Golf - Wasaga Super Slides, Wasaga Beach Wizard's Castle - Heritage Place, Owen Sound White's Mini Golf - Wasaga Beach Mini Golf (Name Unknown) - Mosley St., Wasaga Beach Ontario - Other Areas Ace Arcade - Clarence St., London Admirals Cup - Masonville Place, London Adventure Village - Hamilton Arcade Room - Coronet Motor Hotel, Kitchener/Waterloo Bad's Amusements - Oro Medonte Balacade - Bala Barrie Billiards - Barrie Bayfield Mall Games (Mall run game area)- Bayfield Mall, Barrie Bernie's Arcade - Charles St., Kitchener/Waterloo Big Wigs Billiards - Newmarket Bingemans Funworx - Kitchener/Waterloo Blackbird Falls Putting Course - The Marshes Golf Club, Ottawa Bopper's - Windsor Broken Cue - Bank St., Ottawa Caddy Shack - Bloomfield Captain Carnival's - London Captain Carnival's - Windsor The Casino - King St./Hughson St. N., Hamilton Chuck E. Cheese's - Newmarket Coboconk Go-Karts & Mini-Putt - Coboconk Coco Club - Dunlop St., Barrie The Cove - University Shops Plaza, Kitchener/Waterloo Crystal Palace - King William/Walnut, Hamilton Crystal Palace - Wyndham/Quebec, Guelph Dooly's - Gladwin Crescent, Ottawa Downtown - St. Paul St., Thunder Bay Duffer's by the Bay - Barrie Duffer's Mini Golf - Duffer's Golf Centre, Barrie Dunlop/Alliance Billiards - Dunlop/Ferndale, Barrie East Park - London Electric Flipper - West St., Orillia Elmvale Flea Market Arcade - Elmvale Flea Market, Elmvale Evergreen Golf - Washago Fast Eddy's - Windsor Fat Lee's Scoop and Putt - Bonville Fire Button Arcade - Richmond/Woodroffe, Ottawa Fire Button Arcade - St. Joseph's Blvd., Orleans (Ottawa) Flynn's Arcade - King St., Kitchener/Waterloo Flynn's Arcade - University Shops Plaza, Kitchener/Waterloo Front Row McGinnis - Kitchener/Waterloo Fun & Games - Eastgate Square Shopping Centre, Stoney Creek (Hamilton) Fun & Games - Norfolk Mall, Tilsonburg Fun & Games - Tilsonburg Gateway Centre, Tilsonburg Fun & Games - Tilsonburg Town Centre, Tilsonburg Fun Land - Boblo Island Amusement Park, Amherstburg The Games - Eastgate Square Shopping Centre, Hamilton The Games - Lime Ridge Mall, Hamilton The Gamesroom - Rideau/Vanier, Ottawa Gateway Billiards - Second Ave. West, North Bay Golden Castle Games - Thunder Bay Happy Man Arcade - Dunlop St., Barrie Happy Man Arcade - Main St., North Bay Imperial Arcade/The Gamesroom - Bank St./Gloucester, Ottawa In Play - Newmarket It's a Small World - Midhurst JD's Billiards - Bell Farm Rd., Barrie The Junction - Windsor Jungle Mini Golf - Wild Zone, Chatham Jungle Quest Mini Golf - Nottawasaga Inn and Resort, Alliston King Arthur's Court - Merivale Rd., Ottawa King Arthur's Court - Rideau/Dalhousie, Ottawa Kozlov Shopping Centre Games (Mall run game area) - Kozlov Shopping Centre, Barrie Little Critters/In Play - Barrie Little Joe's/Bayfield Family Amusements/Cybercity/Technogames/Playquest - Bayfield Mall, Barrie Little Joe's - Market Mall, Sault St. Marie Little Joe's - New Sudbury Shopping Centre, Sudbury Little Joe's - Northgate Shopping Centre, North Bay Little Joe's - Stanley Park Mall, Kitchener/Waterloo Little Joe's/EJ's - Station Mall, Sault St. Marie Mer Bleue Miniputt & Batting Cages - Orleans Microplay - Towers/Food City Plaza, Barrie Mini Golf Gardens - Ottawa Mini Putt Hawkesbury - Hawkesbury Mister Arcade - Bank/Alta Vista, Ottawa Muskoka Store Mini Golf - Muskoka Store, Muskoka Northern Adventure Mini Putt - Cardinal Golf Club. Newmarket 1Up Games - King St., Hamilton The Palace - King St., Hamilton Pappa's Billiards - George St., Peterborough Park Play Micro Golf - Belleville Pop's Place Mini Golf and Arcade - Turkey Point Putting Edge - Barrie Putting Edge - Nepean (Ottawa) Putt N' Blast - Kingston Quarry Links Championship - Kingston Expert Tees, Kingston Retro Planet - Mapleview/Veteran's, Barrie Rideau Arcade - George/Dalhousie, Ottawa Rideau Arcade - Rideau St., Ottawa Rideau Arcade - Rideau/Ottawa Regional Rd., Ottawa R.O.N.'s Virtual World - Thunder Bay Sandbaggerz Driving Range & Mini Putt - Port Perry Smuggler's Alley - Dundas St., London South Baymouth Ferry Terminal Games (Terminal run game area) - South Baymouth Space World - Lansdown Place Mall, Peterborough Splitsville - Guelph Splitsville - Hamilton Sports & Leisure Dome - Nottawasaga Inn Resort, Alliston Tee Burg Golf Academy - Tilsonburg 1000 Island Mini Golf - Thousand Islands Timber Creek Mini Golf & Fun Centre - Whitchurch-Stouffville Tommy's Arcade - Tommy's Variety, Kitchener/Waterloo Tommy's Arcade (Unrelated to above) - Mississauga St., Orillia Top Hat Billiards - Orillia Top Hat - Wellington Plaza, Barrie Tour D'Orleans - Place d'Orleans, Orleans (Ottawa) Towne Billiards - Mary/Dunlop, Barrie Tropical Mini Golf and Games - Hamilton Video Odyssey/VG's Arcade - Mary/Dunlop, Barrie Wally World - London Western World - George St., Peterborough Wild Zone Arcade - Wild Zone, Chatham The Wiz - White Oakes Mall, London The Wizard - Bank/Slater, Ottawa The Wizard - Bayshore Shopping Centre, Ottawa The Wizard - Blair St., Ottawa The Wizard - Shopper's City East, Gloucester (Ottawa) The Wizard - Shopper's City West, Ottawa Wizard's - Dundas St., London Wizard's Castle - Center Mall, Hamilton Wizard's Castle - Conestoga Mall, Kitchener/Waterloo Wizard's Castle - Dundas St., London Wizard's Castle - Kozlov Shopping Centre, Barrie Zapper's - King St., Kitchener/Waterloo Zapper's 2 - King St., Kitchener/Waterloo Arcade (Name Unknown) - Adelaide Rd, Mount Brydges Arcade (Name Unknown) - Argyle Mall, London Arcade (Name Unknown) - Bank/Heron, Ottawa Arcade (Name Unknown) - Bayview/Little Plaza, Barrie Arcade (Name Unknown) - Billings Bridge Shopping Centre, Ottawa Arcade (Name Unknown) - Carleton University Centre, Ottawa Arcade (Name Unknown) - Gloucester Centre, Gloucester (Ottawa) Arcade (Name Unknown) - Hamilton Rd., Dorchester Arcade (Name Unknown) - Jackson Square, Hamilton Arcade (Name Unknown) - York Town Square, Newmarket Arcade (Name Unknown) - Orillia Square Mall, Orillia Arcade (Name Unknown) - Place Centrum, Orleans (Ottawa) Arcade (Name Unknown) - Rideau/Dalhousie (Above Rideau Theatre) - Ottawa Arcade (Name Unknown) - St. Laurent/Pleasant Park, Ottawa Arcade (Name Unknown) - Waterloo Town Square, Kitchener/Waterloo Arcade (Name Unknown, Existence Unconfirmed) - 320 Bayfield St. Plaza, Barrie Mini Golf (Name Unknown) - Bayfield St., Barrie Alberta Apple Creek Arcade - Rocky View Ardmore Golf Mini Putt - Ardmore Golf & Country Club, Ardmore Bullwinkle's Family Food 'n Fun - Edmonton Bullwinkle's Family Food 'n Fun - Macleod Trail S., Calgary Cactus Coulee Fun Park - Drumheller Canada Golf Card Mini Golf - Canada Golf Card Driving Range & Mini Golf, Edmonton Century Billiards - Edmonton Chalks Billiards - Bannister Rd. SE, Calgary Chill Billiards - Macleod Trail SE, Calgary Chuck E. Cheese's - Macleod Trail, Calgary Chuck E. Cheese's - 19th Ave. NW, Edmonton Chuck E. Cheese's - 137th Ave., Edmonton Chuck E. Cheese's - 32nd Ave., Calgary Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza Time Theater - 34th Ave., Edmonton Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza Time Theater - 20th Ave., Calgary Circuit Circus/Newplay - West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton Circus Circus - Capilano Mall, Edmonton Circus Circus - Kingsway Garden Mall, Edmonton Circus Circus - Northgate Mall, Edmonton Circus Circus - Southgate Mall, Edmonton Command HQ - Calgary The Corner Pocket - 50th Ave., Red Deer Cosmic Corral - North Hill Mall, Calgary Crystal Ridge Mini Golf - Crystal Ridge Golf Club, Okotoks The Cutoff - Edmonton CyberMind V.R. Centre - Calgary Deb's Greenhouse Mini Golf - Deb's Greenhouse, Morinville Delta Billiards - Edmonton DINOS Centre - Innisfail Discovery Zone - Gateway Blvd., Edmonton Dragon's Tale - West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton Easy Street - Chinook Center, Calgary Easy Street - Sunridge Mall, Calgary Electronic Avenue - Whyte Ave., Edmonton Evergreen Golf Centre - Lethbridge Fantasyland/Galaxyland Arcade - Fantasyland/Galaxyland, West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton Fort Edmonton Park Mini Golf - Fort Edmonton Park, Edmonton Fuddrucker's - Gateway Blvd., Edmonton Game World - Calgary Ganges - Northmount Dr., Calgary Golfuture - Calgary Golf World - Peace River Gravity Zone - Calgary Hi-Spot - Edmonton Hooplas Family Entertainment Centre - Medicine Hat Hornbrook Hollow's Funhouse - Grande Prairie Huggy Bear Arcade - Market Mall, Calgary Infinity Play - Fort Rd. NW, Edmonton Lakeside Go Karts & Mini Golf - Sylvan Lake Laser Illusions - Calgary Eaton Center, Calgary Laser Illusions - 8th Ave. Mall, Calgary Laser Illusions - Londonderry Mall , Edmonton Laser Illusions - Marlborough Mall, Calgary Laser Illusions - Southcenter, Calgary Lil' Jay's Family Arcade - Canal Ave., Strathmore Metropolitan Billiards - Stony Plain Rd., Edmonton Mikes Billiards and Arcade - McKnight/Edmonton Trail, Calgary Mike's Family Billiards - 32nd Ave. NE, Calgary Miniature Golf/Arcade - Whitemud Amusement Park, Edmonton Mini Golf - Elkwater Mini Golf - Rocky Meadows Country Getaway, Bonnyville Mini Links - Grande Prairie Monster Mini Golf - Calgary Monster Mini Golf Edmonton - Edmonton Mo's Billiards - 102nd Ave., Lac la Biche Mulligans Island Mini Golf - Calaway Park, Calgary Oasis Greens Golf Centre - De Winton Par 57 - Calgary Playdium - West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton Pockets 96 - 4th Ave., Wainwright Power Players - Center St., Calgary Professor WEM's Adventure Golf - West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton Puttz Miniature Golf - Lethbridge Pysanka Putt Putt - Vegreville Red's/Ed's/Rec Room - West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton Rundle Mini Golf & Paddle Boats - Rundle Park, Edmonton River Bend Mini Golf - River Bend Golf & Recreation, Red Deer Sexsmith Mini Golf Course - Sexsmith Sharks Billiards - 100th St., Peace River Sharks Club - South Ave., Spruce Grove Southern Fun - 7th Ave., Calgary Starcade - 118th/97th., Edmonton The Sticks - 44th St., Lloydminster Stone Creek Adventure Golf - Calgary Tee to Green - Calgary Three Ring Circus - 8th Ave. Mall, Calgary Top Shots Billiards - 66th St. N., Edmonton WinSport Mini Golf - Calgary Wizard's Castle - Bower Mall, Red Deer Wizard's Castle - Capilano Mall, Edmonton Wizard's Castle - Chinook Centre, Calgary Wizard's Castle - Circle Park Mall, Calgary Wizard's Castle - Deer Valley Centre, Calgary Wizard's Castle - Heritage Place Mall, Edmonton Wizard's Castle - Kingsway Garden Mall, Edmonton Wizard's Castle - Lloyd Mall, Lloydminster Wizard's Castle - Londonderry Mall. Edmonton Wizard's Castle - Market Mall, Calgary Wizard's Castle - Marlborough Mall, Calgary Wizard's Castle - Millwoods Town Centre, Edmonton Wizard's Castle/Newplay - West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton Wizard's Castle - Northgate Mall, Edmonton Wizard's Castle - Park Place Mall, Lethbridge Wizard's Castle - Red Deer Wizard's Castle - Southcentre Mall, Calgary Wizard's Castle - St. Albert Centre, St. Albert Wizard's Castle - Sunridge Mall, Calgary Wizard's Castle - University of Alberta Hub International Marketplace, Edmonton Video Gym - Southgate Shopping Centre, Edmonton Arcade (Name Unknown) - Bonaventure/ 94th, Calgary Arcade (Name Unknown) - Bonnie Doon Mall, Edmonton Arcade (Name Unknown) - 8th Ave SW, Calgary Arcade (Name Unknown) - 82nd St., Edmonton Arcade (Name Unknown) - 82nd/132nd Ave., Edmonton Arcade (Name Unknown) - Milbourne Mall, Edmonton Arcade (Name Unknown) - Northwoods Mall, Edmonton Arcade (Name Unknown) - 90th/132nd, Edmonton Arcade (Name Unknown) - 118th Ave., Edmonton Arcade (Name Unknown) - 127th Ave., Edmonton Arcade (Name Unknown) - Stephen Ave. , Calgary Arcade (separate from above, Name Unknown) - Stephen Ave. , Calgary Arcade (Name Unknown) - Stony Plain Rd./151st, Edmonton Arcade (Name Unknown) - TD Square/The Core, Calgary Arcade (Name Unknown) - Thorncliffe Shopping Centre, Edmonton Arcade (Name Unknown) - Westmount Mall, Edmonton Mini Golf (Name Unknown) - Nose Hill/Stoney Trail NW, Calgary Manitoba and Saskatchewan Adventure Mini Golf Clear Lake - Wasagaming, MB Amanda Pizza + More - Service Rd. #2, Shellbrook, SK Arcade - Canarama Shopping Centre, Saskatoon, SK ATS Amusements - Winnipeg Square, Winnipeg, MB Baller's Recroom - Dewdney Ave., Regina, SK Battle Creek Adventure Park - Moose Jaw, SK Beach Corners Ice Cream & Mini Golf - Loon Lake, SK Big Putts Mini Golf - Onanole, MB Blue Room Billiards - Notre Dame Ave., Winnipeg, MB Bobo’s Arcade - Confederation Mall, Saskatoon, SK Break Billiards - Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB Brightsand Mini Putt - Brightsand Lake, SK Broken Rack Billiards - Albert St., Regina, SK Buffalo Bill's - Normanview/Southland, Regina, SK Bugsy's Hideout - Central Ave., Saskatoon, SK Captain Silver's - Campbell Ave., Saskatoon, SK Cherrydale Golf - Yorkton, SK Chuck E. Cheese's - Regina, SK Chuck E. Cheese's - Winnipeg, MB Circuit Circus - Saskatoon, SK CJs Snack Shack and Mini Golf - Rivers, MB Classic Billiards Bar & Grill - Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB Command HQ/LVR Games - Circle Park Mall/The Centre, Saskatoon, SK Command HQ - Lawson Heights Mall, Saskatoon, SK The Corner Pocket Billiards - Sherritt Ave., Lynn Lake, MB The Corner Pocket Restaurant - Broadway St., Cartwright, MB The Cove - University of Saskatchewan Shops, Saskatoon, SK Crazy 8 Billiards & Lounge - Berry St., Winnipeg, MB Crystal Palace - Donald/Ellice, Winnipeg, MB DJ's Arcade/Sand Dunes Fun and Games - St. Clements Row, Grand Marais, MB DJ’s Video - Primrose Dr., Saskatoon, SK Dooly's - Main St. N., Moose Jaw, SK Duffer’s - 22nd St. (later moved to 24th/Wall), Saskatoon Dutch Treat Mini Golf - Greig Lake, SK Echo Par Mini Golf - B-Say-Tah, SK Emma Lake Mini Golf - Emma Lake, SK Excalibur - Garden City Mall, Winnipeg, MB, Fairhaven Billiards - Saskatoon, SK Falcon Lake Mini Golf - Falcon Lake Golf Club, Falcon Beach, MB Family Leisure Centre - Albert/?, Regina, SK Flea Whiskey's - Erin St., Winnipeg, MB The Fun Factory - Quebec Ave., Saskatoon, SK Fungoes Golf Centre - East Saint Paul (Winnipeg), MB Fun Land Arcade - Regina, SK Fun Park Amusement Centre - Winnipeg, MB Funstrip - Broadway Ave., Saskatoon, SK Games on the Avenue - Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MN GameWorld International - Primrose Dr., Saskatoon, SK Geppetto's Mini Golf - Richer, MB Gobbles Putt For Par - Shell Lake, SK Golden Mile Arcade - Regina, SK Goldwave - Main St., Moose Jaw, SK The Golf Dome - Winnipeg, MB Grand Prix Amusements - Springfield (Winnipeg), MB Gravity Zone - Broadway Ave., Saskatoon, SK Grenfell Little Greens Mini Putt - Grenfell, SK Gull Lake & District Kinette Club Mini Golf Course - Gull Lake, SK Jack Pott's Thrill Zone - Regent Ave. W., Winnipeg, MB Judy's - Main St., Canwood, SK Hackers & Smackers Mini Golf - Hackers & Smackers Golf Driving Range, Winnipeg, MB The Hanger Billiards and Sports Lounge - Scurfield Blvd., Winnipeg, MB Harbourview Mini Golf - Harbour View Golf Course, Winnipeg, MB HI Bar - Cardinal Crescent, Saskatoon, SK Hidden Valley Minin Golf - Hidden Valley Golf & RV Resort, Estevan, SK Highland Miniature Golf - Brandon, MB The Holland Windmill Mini Golf - Holland, MB Huggie Bear - Market Mall, Saskatoon, SK IQ's Cafe & Billiards - Winniped, MB Kat's Arcade - Desmond St., Grenfell, SK Kivimaa-Moonlight Bay Mini-Golf Course - Kivimaa-Moonlight Bay, SK KK Entertainment - Eaton Place , Winnipeg, MB Krazy Leo’s - 33rd St., Saskatoon, SK Lakewood Arcade - Lakewood Camping Resort, Cross Lake, MB LanMark Games - Circle Park Mall/The Centre, Saskatoon, SK Laser Illusions - Confederation Mall, Saskatoon, SK Laser Illusions - Polo Park Mall, Winnipeg, MB LaserTopia - Waverley St., Winnipeg, MB Las Vegas Amusements - Vaughn St., Winnipeg, MB Long John Silvers - Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB Little Al's Mini Golf - Waskesiu Lake, SK MagicLand - Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB MagicLand- Winnipeg Beach, MB Magic Mike's - Charleswood Centre Mall, Winnipeg, MB Market Mall Mini Golf - Market Mall, Saskatoon, SK Mar's Mini Golf - Saskatoon, SK Masters Mini Golf - Kenosee Lake, SK Matty's Fun Centre - Melville, SK Maxwell's Amusements - Regina, SK Mercer's Manitou Mini Golf - Manitou Beach, SK Par-Tici-Putt Mini Golf - Good Spirit Lake, SK The Pas Billiards & Sports Bar - Fischer Ave., The Pas, MB Pete's Grand Putt - Grand Marais, MB Phantom Amusement - Kildonan Place (later moved to Forks Market Rd.), Winnipeg, MB The Pirate's Den - Grant Park Shopping Centre, Winnipeg, MB Pike Lake Mini Golf - Pike Lake, SK Playland Arcade - Playland, Grand Marais, MB Playland Arcade - Main St., Winnipeg Beach, MB Pokeys Pinball Cafe - 33rd St. W., Saskatoon, SK Prairie Jurassic - Saskatoon, SK Putt 'N Bounce Mini Golf - Saskatoon, SK Putters Dream Mini Golf - Belair, MB Putter's Grill & Mini Golf - La Broquerie Golf Course, La B roquerie, MB RC Amusements - Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg, MB Ruckers Amusement Centre - 8 St. E., Saskatoon, SK Ruckers Amusement Centre - Regent Corner Shopping Centre, Winnipeg, MB Ruckers Amusement Centre - 22 St. W., Saskatoon, SK Rudy's Arcade - Sheppard St., Winnipeg, MB Rustic Wilderness Mini Golf & Ice Cream - Goodsoil, SK Sharkey's Billiards - 101 St., North Battleford, SK Sherwood Village Arcade - Regina, SK Shooter's Family Golf Centre - Winnipeg, MB SkyPark Regina - Regina, SK The Snooker Shack - 8 St. E., Saskatoon, SK Stoked Centre - Owen Mnr., Saskatoon, SK Syd's Carousel - Regent Ave. W., Winnipeg, MB Syl's Drive Inn Mini Golf - Syl's Drive Inn, Carman, MB T-Birds Food Fun Games - Currie Blvd, Brandon, MB Tee Off Park - Regina, SK Top Gigio - UniCity, Winnipeg, MB Thunder Rapids Amusement Park - Headingly, MN Tuxedo Golf Club Mini Golf - Tuxedo Golf Club, Winnipeg, MB U-Puttz Amusement Centre - Winnipeg, MB VicSquare Fun Park - Regina, SK Waves Ice Cream & Mini Golf - Kamsack, SK Wonderland - Regina, SK Wizard's Castle - Circle Park Mall/The Centre, Saskatoon, SK Wizard's Castle - Lawson Heights Mall, Saskatoon, SK X-Cues Cafe & Lounge - Sargent Ave., Winnipeg, MB Arcade (Name Unknown) - Central/111th St. W., Saskatoon, SK Arcade (Name Unknown) - Dewdney Ave., Regina, SK Arcade (Name Unknown) - Midtown Plaza, Saskatoon, SK Arcade (Name Unknown) - Northgate Mall, Regina, SK Arcade (Name Unknown) - Polo Park Mall (lower level), Winnipeg, MB Arcade (Name Unknown) - 22nd St. W. & Avenue T, Saskatoon, SK Arcade (Name Unknown) - Wildwood Mall/The Centre, Saskatoon, SK British Columbia (and Northern Canada) The Adventure Zone - Granville Island Kids Market, Vancouver Ballie Bear Amusement - Parker Place Mall, Richmond Bear Creek Park Mini Golf - Bear Creek Park, Surrey Bonker's - Vancouver Bumble Bee - Scott Rd., Surrey Captain George's - Springer/Lougheed, Burnaby Central City Fun Park - Surrey Choice Billiards - Surrey CHQ - Metrotown Mall, Burnaby Chuck E. Cheese's - Langley Crossing Shopping Centre, Langley Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza Time Theater - Burnaby Circus Circus (Circuit Circus?) - Vancouver City Centre Park Mini Golf - City Centre Park, Victoria Coin City Arcade - Vancouver Creston Mini Golf - Creston Cue's Game Room - Penticton The Den Arcade - Robson St., Vancouver District Billiards - Kelowna Doc's Golf Centre - Penticton East End Billiards - Vancouver Electrafun - Cameron St., Burnaby Energyplex Entertainment Centre - Kelowna eSpot - Richmond Family Adventure Zone - Whistler The Family Fun Centre - Kingsway St., Burnaby Flintstone Mini Golf - Bedrock City, Kelowna Flintstone/Dinotown Mini Golf - Bedrock City/Dinotown, Chilliwack Fraser Valley Billiards - Abbotsford The Fun Centre - Harewood Mall, Nanaimo The Fun Factor Centre - Kamloops Funtasia Family Fun Park - Fairmont Hot Springs The Games Room - Victoria Giggle Ridge Mini Golf - Cultus Lake Adventure Park, Cultus Lake The Goose - Yates St., Victoria Gull's - Yates St., Victoria Hi-Knoll Driving Range & Minigolf - Surrey House of Pool - New Westminster (Burnaby) Huggie Bear's Pizza Circus - Hillside/Quadra, Victoria James Street Billiards - Duncan James Street Game Room - Nanaimo Johnny Zee's - Capitol 6, Victoria Johnny Zee's - Esquimalt (Victoria) Johnny Zee's - Langford (Victoria) Johnny Zee's/Hugo's/King Kade - Shelbourne St., Victoria Johnny Zee's - University Heights Mall, Victoria Jonhhy Zee's - Station Square Metrotown, Burnaby Kamloops Billiard Club - Kamloops Kelowna Driving Range and Mini Golf - Kelowna Ladner Arcade - Vancouver Laser Illusions - - Brentwood Town Centre/The Amazing Brentwood, Burnaby Laser Illusions - Richmond Centre, Richmond Lester's - Kingsway St., Burnaby Lion's Lair - Vancouver LocoLanding Adventure Park - Penticton Long Beach Golf Course Mini Putt - Long Beach Golf Course, Tofino Lord Nelson's Arcade - Lansdowne Centre, Richmond Lukie's Mini Golf - Sicamour Master Billiards - Coquitlam Marsten Billiards & Snooker Club - Vancouver Metro Cafe Billiards - Vancouver McArthur Island Mini Golf - McArthur Island Park, Kamloops Mini Golf - Christina Lake Miracle Beach Adventure Golf - Black Creek Movieland Arcade - Granville St., Vancouver Mr. Tubbs Ice Cream Parlor - Tillicum Rd., Victoria Pacific Adventure Golf - Vancouver Paradise Mini Golf and Fun Park - Parksville Pacific Pool and Snooker Club - Surrey Peacock Billiards - Victoria Pie in the Sky - Kingsway St., Burnaby Play Abby - Abbotsford Playdium - Metropolis at Metrotown, Burnaby Playland Arcade/Fun Centre - Playland at the PNE, Vancouver Porter Creek Billiards - Whitehorse, Yukon Putters Mini Golf Course - Powell River Q1 Billiards - Richmond Quazar's - Government St., Victoria Raceway Go-Karts & Mini Golf - Prince George Rack & Rally Social Club - Port Alberni Rattles nake Canyon Arcade - Rattles nake Canyon, Osoyoos Rattlesnake Canyon Mini Golf - Rattles nake Canyon, Osoyoos Riptide Lagoon Adventure Golf - Parksville Roll 'N Stones Fun Centre - Penticton Rusty's Sports Lounge - Kelowna Salmon Arm Go-Karts & Mini-Golf - Canoe Salmon Arm Waterslides Mini Golf - Salmon Arm Scandia Golf & Games - Kelowna Scotch Creek Family Fun Centre - Scotch Creek Sneaky Pete's Pool Cafe - Vancouver Soho Bar & Billiards - Vancouver Star Snooker Club - Richmond Strike Zone Mini Golf - Strike Zone Bowling & Mini Golf Centre, Prince George Stargate 5 - Richmond Square Mall/Richmond Centre, Richmond Sweet Escape Mini Golf - Playland at the PNE, Vancouver Top 147 Snooker - Richmond West Coast Mini Putt - Richmond Wizard's Castle - Richmond Square Mall/Richmond Centre, Richmond Wizard's Castle - Rutherford Village, Nanaimo Wonderland/Castle Fun Park - Abbotsford Arcade (Name Unknown) - Craigflower/Dominion, Victoria Arcade (Name Unknown) - Douglas/Boleskine, Victoria Arcade (Name Unknown) - Northbrook Mall/Brooks Landing, Nanaimo Quebec Amusement Casino - St. Laurent Blvd., Montreal Amusements L-Z - S aint- Catherine St. W. , Montreal Amusement 2000 Plus - Blvd. Saint-Martin O., Laval Bar Billiard Blou - Boul. Henri-Bourassa, Quebec City Bar Billard le Huit - Bd. Greber, Gatineau Bar Billard Micky's - Chem. de la Riviere-Cachee, Boisbrand Bar Billard Notre Dame - Notre-Dame St. W., Montreal Bar Billard Scoop - Mont-Royal Ave. E., Montreal Bar Billard Super 8 - Boulevard Maloney E., Gatineau Bar Billard Terminus - Rue Jean-Proulx, Gatineau Bar Flush Billard - Bd. Cartier, Beloeil Bar Le Shooter - Rue King E., Sherbrooke Bar Salon Billard De Cowansville - Rue de la Riviere, Cowansville Bar Snooker Billard - Blvd. Laurentien, Montreal Bar Sporalie Billiard - Bd. de l'Ormiere, Quebec City Belleys Billard - Notre-Dame St. E., Victoriaville Billiard Centre-Ville - Rue Racine E., Chicoutimi Billard Des Pro - Boulevard des Laurentides, Laval Billard L'Effet/Dooly's - Av. de l'Hotel-Dieu, Sorel-Tracy Billard Exclusif - Ch. de Chambly, Longueuil Billard Fats - Saint-Cathereine St. W., Montreal Billiard Lounge L'Abasie - Rue Fusey, Trois-Rivieres Billard Maximum - Bd. Cousineau, Saint-Hubert (Longueuil) Billard Shooters - Sources Blvd., Pierrefonds (Pointe-Claire) Billard Stixx - Rue de la Place du Commerce, Brossard (Longueuil) Billard Terminus - Rue Jean-Proulx, Gatineau Billiard Vegas - Place Levis, Levis Bogeys Billard - Boul. Cremazie E., Montreal Le Casino/Amusements 2000 Plus - S aint- Catherine St. W. , Montreal Casino Royale - Saint-Catherine St. W., Montreal Centre d'amusements Palais - Avenue du Parc, Montreal Centre d'amusement Place Jack - Decarie Blvd., Montreal Club de Billiard L'Impact - Boulevard Sir Wilfred Laurier, Mont-Saint-Hilaire Cristal Billard - Boulevard Jean-XXIII, Trois-Rivieres Crystal Palace - S aint- Catherine St. W. , Montreal Cybermind V.R. Centre - La Ronde, Montreal Daniel Amusement - S aint- Catherine St. W. , Montreal Dooly's - Bd. Talbot, Chicoutimi Dooly's - Le Promenades de Levis, Levis Dooly's - Rue Daniel-Johnson O., Saint-Hyacinthe eSidze Billiards - Rue des Chenes O., Quebec City The Flix Billard - Rue Court, Gatineau F orum Amusements - S aint- Catherine St. W./Fort , Montreal Fun Plaza - Belmont Park, Montreal Generation Golf - Mirabel Glo-Golf Aventures - Coaticook Golf Dorval Mini-Putt - Dorval (Pointe-Claire) International Billard - Rue Saint-Dominique, Jonquiere International Centre d'Amusements - S aint- Catherine St. W. , Montreal Jeux Electroniques - La Ronde, Montreal Johnny's Bar Billards - Pierrefonds Blvd., Pierrefonds (Pointe-Claire) Joliette Arcade - Rue Lajoie, Longueuil Kahnawake Mini Putt - Kahnawake L'arcadium 268 - Saint-Catherine St. W./Bleury, Montreal Livrpool Bar - Bd. Harwood, Vaudreuil-Dorion Metamorphia - S aint- Catherine St., Montreal Mini-Golf Lac Des Pins - Franklin Mini Golf La Minerve - Les Laurentides Regional County Municipality MiniGolf Victo - Victoriaville Mini-Putt Baie-Saint-Paul - Petit-Riviere-Saint-Francois Mini-Putt Beauport - Quebec City Mini-Putt De Gatineau - Gatineau Mini-Putt De L'amiante - Black Lake Mini-Putt Lac-Delage - Lac-Delage Mini-Putt Shawinigan-Sud - Shawinigan-Sud Mini-Putt Valleyfield - Salaberry-de-Valleyfield Mini-Putt Vanier - Quebec City Montreal Amusements - Montreal La Perie Noire - Mont-Laurier Putting Edge Centropolis - Laval Putting Edge Downtown - Montreal Restaurant Mini-Golf - Prevost Putting Edge Spheretech - Montreal Resto Billard Snooker La Bande Au Coin - Rue Green, Saint-Lambert (Longueuil) Rigolfeur - Saint-Jerome Rigolfeur De Gatineau - Gatineau Rigolfeur Ste. Julie - Sainte-Julie Salon de Billard Heriot - Rue Heriot, Drummondville Salon de Billiard Loretteville - Rue-Louis IX, Quebec City Salon de Billiard Le Triangle - Place Laval, Quebec City Le Skratch Laval - Bd. Cure-Labelle, Laval The 755 - Rue Vachon, Trois-Rivieres Shery's Amusements - Cote-Saint-Luc Rd., Montreal Silver Amusements/Palais du Vidéo - St Laurent Blvd., Montreal Spot Billiard - Rue St Germain E., Rimouski S T Amusements - Les Terrasses/Montreal Eaton Centre, Montreal Video Palais Amusements - S aint- Catherine St. W./Drummond , Montreal Village DunnD's/Minigolf Chelsea - Chelsea Zone 15 - Laval Arcade (Name Unknown) - Alexis Nihon, Montreal Arcade (Name Unknown) - Complexe Desjardins, Montreal Arcade (Name Unknown) - Concordia University Shops, Montreal Arcade (Name Unknown) - Cote-des-Neiges (later moved to St. Laurent Blvd.), Montreal Arcade (Name Unknown) - Peel Subway Station, Montreal Arcade (Name Unknown) - Place Bonaventure, Montreal Arcade (Name Unknown, seperate from above) - Place Bonaventure, Montreal Arcade (Name Unknown) - Promenade de Gatineau, Gatineau Arcade (Name Unknown) - Saint-Catherine St. W./Guy, Montreal Arcade (Name Unknown) - Saint-Catherine St. W./University, Montreal Arcade (Name Unknown) - Station Gare Centrale, Montreal Atlantic Canada (East of Quebec) AJ's Bar & Billiards - Corner Brook, NL Backstreet Amusements - Prince St., Halifax, NS Breakers Sports Lounge - Torbay Rd., St. John's, NL Burlington Go Karts - Kensington (Burlington), P.E.I. The Boardwalk - Magnetic Hill (Moncton), NB Buccaneer's Cove Mini Golf - Gage Golf and Curling Club, Oromocto, NB Carmen Creek Mini Putt - Carmen Creek Golf Course, Fredericton, NB Cavendish Beach Adventure Zone - Cavendish Beach, P.E.I. Classic Cue - Grand Falls-Windsor, NL Corner Pocket - Airport Blvd., Gander, NL Cybermind V.R. Centre - Halifax, NS Cybermind V.R. Centre - Moncton, NB Darnley Greens & The Red Zone - Darnley, P.E.I. Doolys - Amherst, NS Doolys - Antigonish, NS Doolys - Caraquet, NS Doolys - Causeway Shopping Centre, Port Hawkesbury, NS Doolys (Elmwood Dr. location) - Moncton, NB Dooly's - Greenwood, NS Doolys (Main St. location) - Fredericton, NB Doolys (McDonald St. location) - Saint John, NB Doolys - Mirimachi, NB Doolys - (Mountain Rd. location) - Moncton, NB Doolys - North Sydney, NS Doolys - Oromocto, NB Doolys - Parkway Mall, Saint John, NB Doolys - Prince Edward Square, Saint John, NB Doolys (Prospect St. location) - Fredericton, NB Doolys - Riverview (Moncton), NB Doolys - St. Stephen, NB Doolys - Summerside, P.E.I. Doolys - Sydney, NS Doolys - Truro, NS Doolys (Wilmot Alley location) - Fredericton, NB Drive-U-Crazy Mini Golf - New Glasgow, P.E.I. East Coast Karting - Greater Lakeburn (Moncton), NB Eastside Billiards & Lounge - Chain Lake Dr., Halifax, NS Electric Avenue - Sobeys Square, St. John's, NL Electric Avenue - Village Square Shopping Centre (later moved to Hamlyn Rd.), St. John's, NL Exit 88 Go-Kart Racing - Grand Falls, NB Fantasy 2000 - Dartmouth, NS Fire Fly Recreation - Hampton, NB GeForce Funderdome - Mt. Pearl, NL Go-Karts - Atlantic Playland/Atlantic Splash Adventure, Lucasville, NS The Golden Cue - Corner Brook, NL Good Guys Golf - Fredericton, NB Goodwood family Golf Centre - Goodwood, NS Gypsy Mini Golf - Centre (Lunenburg), NS Hartt Island Mini Golf - Springhill (Fredericton), NB Hi-Ball Bar & Billiards - Stephenville, NL Ironwood Pitch & Putt - St. John's, NL JJ's Billiards & Lounge - Main St., Burin, NL Kartbahn Racing - Halifax, NS King's Billiards - Yarmouth, NS Kingswood Entertainment Centre - Hanwell (Fredericton), NB Locas Billiards - George St., Halifax, NS Magic Mountain GolfZone - Magic Mountain, Magnetic Hill (Moncton), NB Mariner's Cove Miniature Golf - Mariner's Cove Boardwalk, P.E.I. Maurie's Mini-Putt & Ice Cream - Morrison Cove (Miramichi), NB McNally's Billiards - Commonwealth Ave., Mount Pearls, NL McNally's Billiards - Powell Dr., Carbonear, NL Mini Golf - Atlantic Playland/Atlantic Splash Adventure, Lucasville, NS Miss Cue - Mountain Rd., Moncton, NB Musgrave Harbour Amusements - Musgrave Harbour Municipal Park, Musgrave Harbour, NL Pit Stop Karting - Sandspit Cavendish Beach, Cavendish Beach, P.E.I. PonyBoat Social Club - Kent St., Charlottetown, P.E.I. Putting Edge - Halifax, NS Quinpool Amusement - Quinpool Rd., Dartmouth, NS Quinpool Billiards - Quinpool Rd., Dartmouth, NS The Rack Bar and Billiards - Stewart St., New Glasgow, NS Riverdale Fun Centre - Conception Bay South, NL Rockhouse Pub - St. John's, NL Sandpit Miniature Golf - Sandspit Cavendish Beach, Cavendish Beach, P.E.I. Shooter's Bar and Billiards - Main St., Burin, NL Sir Admiral John's Adventure Golf - St. John's, NL Snow Queen Leisure World - Antigonish, NS Splash "n" Putt Resort - Traytown, NL Starcade - Avalon Mall, St. John's, NL Super Cue Billiards - Sackville Dr., Lower Sackville, NS Sussex Adventure Mini Golf - Sussex, NB Tables Billiard Lounge - Bay Roberts, NL 21st Century Billiards - Carten St., Liverpool, NS Union Bar & Billiards - Corner Brook, NL Vegas Family Entertainment Centre - Saint John, NB West Side Charlie's - Bay Roberts, NL West Side Charlie's - Carbonear, NL West Side Charlie's - Clarenville, NL West Side Charlie's - Conception Bay South, NL West Side Charlie's - Mount Pearl, NL West Side Charlie's - New Minas, NS West Side Charlie's - Paradise, NL West Side Charlie's (Torbay Road location) - St John's, NL West Side Charlie's (Kenmount Rd) - St John's, NL West Side Charlie's (Topsail Road location) - St John's, NL

History View All Attractions by Region View Artists and Developers Amusement and Theme Parks Amusement and Theme Parks Canadian amusement and theme parks from the mid 20th-century onward. The histories and uncovered details of the forgotten, famous, abandoned and still operational. GO > GO > Arcades, Mini Golf and Family Entertainment Centres Here you'll find every kind of arcade imaginable, as well as miniatu re golf courses and Family Entertainment Centres. These are grouped together for convenience, since many mini golf courses also had large arcades, and many F.E.C.s contained both. Arcades, Mini Golf and Family Entertainment Centres Dark Attractions, Wax Museums and Exhibits Dark Attractions, Wax Museums and Exhibits Haunted Attractions, Wax Museums, Dark Rides, Fun Houses, and Walk-Through Exhibits. Wax monsters, celebrities, and oddities. GO > GO > Water Parks and Attractions Dedicated water parks as well as stand-alone water slides and attractions. Water Parks and Attractions Themed Restaurants, Bars and Stores Themed Restaurants, Bars and Stores Immersive dining and shopping experiences now largely seen as a nostalgic product of their time. The ones that are gone are sorely missed, and those that remain are beloved. GO > GO > Theatres, Bowling Alleys and Miscellaneous Various forms of theatre shows including ride theatres, animatronic show theatres, lightshows and movie theatres with special theming or significance. In this section you'll also find all other miscellaneous attractions such as bowling alleys, roller rinks, laser-tag arenas and more. Theatres, Bowling Alleys and Miscellaneous Specialty Hotels and Gift Shops Hotels and Gift Shops with some sort of unique theming, attraction, or relevance. Significant hotels, motels and souvenir stores in amusement districts will also be included in this section. GO > Specialty Hotels and Gift Shops

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum Attraction Type: Exhibit Location: Park Motor/Venture/Comfort Inn, Niagara Falls, Ontario Year(s) Operational: 1963-Present Designer(s): Ripley's Studios, Costello Productions Postcard from opening year in 1963 In 1963, an edition was put on to Welland Securities' Park Motor Inn bringing the structure right to Clifton Hill. This included more rooms, a gift shop and cafe (where Kelsey's has been since the 90s), The Yard pub (became the Rathskeller Pub in the late 60s, then Rumors Nightclub in the 80s, now divided up into multiple things like the relocated Kelsey's bathrooms and Zombie Attack) and the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum downstairs. Ripley's leased the space from Welland Securities (present day HOCO), making it Welland Securities' first attraction technically, even if they didn't run or own it. It was the second attraction in the Ripley company's popular chain of "Odditoriums", predated only by the original St. Augustine, Florida location. The museum would be a mixture of a sideshow, wax museum, and science exhibit showcasing strange, unique, or exotic "believe it or not" facts. It's wax figures and elaborate displays were created by the art department at Ripley's International, who provided fantastic theming and environments to accompany the oddities on display. There was a wide variety featured within including strange artifacts (and replicas of them), unique works of art, interactive scientific dioramas, and illusions. The building was packed, touting over 550 exhibits. Some of these included a replica of the Lincoln Memorial built out of 10,000 Lincoln pennies, Japanese swords amongst other items in an Oriental Room, the burial of a fly, the world's smallest violin, a shrunken head, the tree that spouted water, and recreations of various headstones in an elaborate graveyard scene. There was also a guitar, fiddle, and bicycle made out of matchsticks, as well as a replica of the fictional medieval torture device the "Iron Maiden" which guests could stand in (although it didn't do any impaling.) Some of the wax exhibits included Liu Ch'ung The Double-Eyed Man, Robert Ripley himself in a Ripley Room, The Woman Who Flew, The Man With a Hole in His Head, and the tomb of Chang T'ung the Human Candlestick who's mummified body served as a candle holder for 261 years. Re-creation of the Tomb of Chang T'ung as seen on this mid-60's brochure cover. 1963 postcard of the Lincoln Memorial model built entirely out of Lincoln pennies. The attraction was instantly successful and was one of the first in the area, drastically contributing to not only the growth of Clifton Hill and it's character, but also to the growth of the Ripley company who would go on to turn the museums into a global chain after the Niagara location's success. It wasn't the first attraction on The Hill however with that title going to Tussaud's in 1959, and the Antique Auto Museum had opened around the corner on Falls Ave. in 1962. That being said, it did wonders for building Clifton Hill's unique charm, and was the second attraction on The Hill and the first considerably up it, with Tussaud's being located at the bottom and Ripley's at the very top. This greatly improved traffic up The Hill, as tourists who wanted to experience the museum were now traversing the entire street to see the attraction even if they weren't guests in any of the motels along it. A 1964 T.V. episode of the John Bradshaw Show on Hamilton's CHCH-TV showcased many of the scenes and displays in the museum, but like many of the television episodes, specials and commercials related to most attractions discussed on this site, the episode remains lost media. Due to the age of the episode it will likely never be found, as that was long before home off-air recordings existed and many TV stations (especially small local ones) erased and re-used their tapes at that time, as it was before historical preservation was thought about. The Graveyard, 1963. The Oriental Room (Left) and Robert Ripley himself (Right) in 1963. Exhibits were constantly updated, but major changes came in the early-70s to keep up with more attention-grabbing attractions that had popped up like The House of Frankenstein and Castle Dracula. These updates included a disorienting walk-through vortex tunnel, builder of the Great Wall of China Chin Shih Huang Ti, an ancestor skull from New Guinea, a "Catacombs" section, the animated candy machine used in the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and several more detailed wax displays like Little Jack Homer and the "babes in the woods". A "floating tap" illusion fountain was also constructed in the attraction's lobby at this time and designed by local artist Derek Costello, who may have done more work for the attraction as well including some of the wax figures listed above. A large billboard-style neon sign was also placed on the building's roof in 1974. Little Jack Homer, mid 70's. A somewhat embarrassing incident for the Ripley company occurred in 1980 when a visitor to the Niagara museum successfully solved a block puzzle he had seen at the museum after two years and four months. The museum had touted that it would take "all the people on the Earth working day and night for a million years" for the blocks to be arranged in every possible combination, however the guest in question, who was a math teacher, proved otherwise. After his calculations were confirmed by computer, the display, which was featured in every Ripley's location at the time, had to be promptly removed from all of them. The 80's would see further updates as the Ripley's brand became more known for their attractions than the source books and T.V. show that inspired them. The building was remodeled in 1985 when Rumors Nightclub replaced the Rathskeller pub upstairs and the upstairs windows were removed. The new sign for the attraction, which would be added in addition to the pre-existing rooftop billboard, would appear to be running through the corner of the building. These unique facades would become a staple of the Ripley's Odditoriums all over the world. The lobby would also now feature an animatronic robot at a "broken pipe" fountain. The fountain reused elements of the floating tap, and the robot may have ironically been another piece by Costello, although this isn't confirmed. One large shred of evidence in that direction however is it's resemblance to the fully programmable T-100 Terminator he later built in his garage for Halloween, but that's another story for another time. Lady Elizabeth Raleigh presents her (ex)husband's head in the Catacombs, 1977. Top Left: The "Floating Tap" before the addition of the junkyard robot. Above: The re-themed fountain with the towering robot. Bottom Left: The remodeled attraction with Rumours Nightclub above. Moving in a more "world record" direction, the museum did away with some of the cultural artifacts and replicas as the world became more connected, and certain items no longer held the exotic allure they once did. While still containing several of those elements to this day, the museum began to move more in the direction of "world's smallest", "world's largest", "world's only" sort of displays. Strange taxidermy also became a staple of the attraction such as the legendary "Fiji Mermaids" the chain became known for, and the "Two Headed Calf" which became somewhat of a mascot for the Niagara location. A shooting gallery was also added inside the actual attraction, and a large arcade replaced most of the gift shop. Owner of the Ripley's company Jim Pattison along with the mayor attended the official ribbon cutting for the remodeled attraction on June 10th, 1987. The 1987 ribbon cutting for the updated attraction. The mysterious "Fiji Mermaid" in the early 2000's. Ripley's, who owned Tussaud's by that time and had moved the Ripley's International art department to above that attraction, even got up to some cross-promotion when a figure of O.J. Simpson (promoted as "The Greatest Running-Back of All Time!") was placed in Ripley's next to a plaque discussing his sports records. This was of course complete with a large sign reading "Wax figure courtesy of Louis Tussaud's English Wax Museum. Before leaving Niagara Falls be sure to visit this... WORLD FAMOUS ATTRACTION." And then, in somehow even larger text: "DOWN THE HILL." This scene probably aged about as well as milk, and was (understandably) removed in the early-90s for obvious reasons. Perhaps it would have been better suited for a "Believe Him or Not" museum. The horribly aged O.J. exhibit in 1977. Above and beside: Shots of the arcade in 1999. The attraction was extensively remodeled again in November/December of 2003 and into spring 2004, debuting in time for the tourist season that same year. The billboard sign on the roof installed in 1974 was removed, as was the sign through the building's corner. The facade would now be a massive replica of the Empire State Building turned on its side, with the antenna atop the building extending out over the street. A giant fiberglass King Kong was now standing on the structure, and a sideways helicopter with spinning blades was sitting on a landing pad. A sign resembling the original billboard formerly upright on the building's roof was placed sideways at the top of the toppled Empire State Building. The remodel also saw the edition of an animatronic worker climbing a rope up and down the side of the building. Also added were many comically destressed fiberglass characters hanging off, and even upturned cars and soil at the far side of the building where the toppled skyscraper's uprooted foundation would be. One of the pillars in the lobby's entrance was even disguised as a crushed phone booth the building had fallen on. With the new update also came the removal of the arcade in favor of the "Wax Zone" counter selling wax casts of customer's hands. Above: Removal of the iconic sign in 2003. Top right: The attraction 2002 before the remodel. Bottom right: The totally changed building following the extensive the remodel as seen in the early 2010's The animatronic lobby band, 2010. The impressive new facade was accompanied by a completely overhauled interior focusing more on interactivity and education. Many of the wax displays and darker areas (both thematically and literally) were removed at this time. The lobby robot would eventually be removed in 2010 while the fountain would remain. Instead of the robot, the lobby would now feature an animatronic show of sideshow performers singing current pop songs, located at the front facing the road into Comfort Inn (formerly Park Motor Hotel.) This new show (of admittedly debatable tastefulness) would feature the Three-Legged Man (loosely based on Francesco Lentini) on banjo, The World's Smallest Man (based on world's then-smallest man Chandra Bahadur Dangi) playing the bars of his cage, and a depiction of a woman of the Myanmar Padaung Tribe playing her neck extension bracket like a xylophone. The museum would close at the end of the 2015 season (after the attached Comfort Inn/former Park Motor Hotel had been torn down), and reopened on May 20th, 2016. The new version of the attraction would be modernized even further inside and out, and gone was the questionably-ethical animatronic band in the lobby (which had seen better days in recent years anyway) in favor of a much more Ripley's-esque display. The new animatronics, located in the front window facing Clifton Hill, are an elderly man in a replica of a vintage coin-operated car ride name the (self-aware) "Sonic Animatronic Flyer", with a large snail on the hood. His friend, an equally-elderly turtle standing on a nearby crate, holds a fan and blows wind in the man's face, as if to give him the sensation of speed. The random, sarcastic, zany nature of the display perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the Ripley's brand. The Sonic Animatronic Flyer that inhabits the lobby today. The facade was also repainted at the time, and the side facing Clifton Hill extensively remolded since Rumors Nightclub had been removed in 2015. The former stairs up to it were now gone, and the space formerly home to the bar was now home to Kelsey's new bathrooms and Zombie Attack, both of which are accessed from elsewhere. This allowed for the first floor of the building to expand to where the stairs had previously sat, this being the front window the new animatronics are displayed in. The fountain in the lobby was removed, however. The remodel also saw the removal of the wax hand casting counter in exchange for a re-expanded gift shop. The attraction as it's appeared since the removal of Rumours upstairs in 2015. An attraction like Ripley's is bound to change constantly as world records are set and broken, what's shocking or entertaining changes, and what's considered taboo becomes no longer (or becomes too taboo to continue to display.) Despite all the changes, updates, and remodels over the years, Ripley's continues to be one of Clifton Hill's most popular attractions. It paved the way for Clifton Hill's wacky personality, and other than Tussaud's (which Ripley's also owns) is currently the only other member of Niagara's sixth decade club of attractions who have been entertaining guests for over 60 years. It's also still in it's original location whereas Tussaud's has since moved to Victoria Ave., making it the oldest Niagara attraction in its original location and the oldest on Clifton Hill, Believe It... or Not.

Water Parks and Attractions Here you'll find both indoor and outdoor water parks, as well as stand-alone water slides and attractions. This list doesn't include community splash pads or one-off waterslides in hotels and community pools, unless they contain multiple attractions (thus making them a water park) or have some sort of unique/heavy theming. Niagara Region Americana Indoor Water Park - Americana Conference Resort Spa & Waterpark, Niagara Falls Fallsview Indoor Water Park - Falls Ave. Complex, Niagara Falls Great Wolf Lodge Water Park - Great Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls Wet 'n Wild - Prudhomme's Landing, Lincoln White Water/Typhoon Lagoon - Niagara Falls Greater Toronto Area Children's Village Waterpark/Soak City - Ontario Place, Toronto Splash Works - Canada's Wonderland, Toronto Sunshine Beach/Wild Water Kingdom/Wet 'n Wild - Brampton White Water - Shopper's World, Brampton Lake Huron and Georgian Bay Plunge! Aquatic Centre - Blue Mountain Resort, Blue Mountain (Collingwood) Slipper Dipper Water Slide - Blue Mountain Resort, Blue Mountain (Collingwood) Tube Ride - Blue Mountain Resort, Blue Mountain (Collingwood) Wasaga Super Slides - Wasaga Beach Wasaga Waterworld - Wasaga Beach Ontario - Other Areas Atrium Oasis - Lamplighter Inn, London Atrium Pool - Wheels Inn, Chatham Bingemans Big Splash - Bingemans Funworx, Kitchener/Waterloo Calypso Theme Waterpark - Gagnon East Park Water Park/Wally World at East Park - East Park, London Loose Moose/Splash Canyon - Midhurst Wally World Water Park - London Wild Waterworks - Hamilton Alberta Bonzai Waterslide Park - Calgary Discovery Canyon - River Bend Golf & Recreation Area, Red Deer Douglas Fir Water Park - Douglas Fir Resort, Banff Londonderry Fitness and Leisure Centre - Edmonton Mariner's Cove Water Park - Holiday Inn Lethbridge, Lethbridge Mill Woods Rec Centre - Edmonton Oasis River Country Water Park - Sheraton Cavalier Calgary Hotel, Calgary Riverside Waterslide - Medicine Hat Southland Leisure Centre - Calgary Village Square Leisure Centre - Calgary Wild Rapids - Sylvan Lake Wild Waters - Edmonton World Waterpark - West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton Manitoba and Saskatchewan Atlantis Indoor Waterslides - Winnipeg, MB Fun Mountain Water Slide Park - Springfield, MB Penguin Village - Saskatoon, SK Skinner's Wet 'n Wild - Lockport, MB Soaked! Waterpark - The Atlas Hotel, Regina, SK Splasher’s Indoor Pool and Waterslide - Canad Inns Destination Centre, Brandon, MB Splasher’s Indoor Pool and Waterslide - Canad Inns Destination Centre Fort Garry, Winnipeg, MB Splasher’s Indoor Pool and Waterslide - Canad Inns Destination Centre Garden City, Winnipeg, MB Splasher’s Indoor Pool and Waterslide - Canad Inns Destination Centre Polo Park, Winnipeg, MB Splasher’s Indoor Pool and Waterslide - Canad Inns Destination Centre, Portage la Prairie, MB Splasher’s Indoor Pool and Waterslide - Canad Inns Destination Centre Transcona, Winnipeg, MB Splasher’s Indoor Pool and Waterslide - Canad Inns Destination Centre Windsor Park, Winnipeg, MB Splash Island Water Park - Portage la Prairie, MB Turtle Tide Water Slides - Grand Marais, MB British Columbia (and Northern Canada) Big Splash Water Slide Park - Tsawwassen Bridal Falls Waterpark - Bridal Falls Chilliwack Landing Leisure Centre - Chilliwack Cultus Lake Waterpark - Cultus Lake H20 Adventure Centre - Kelowna Salmon Arm Waterslides - Salmon Arm Splashdown Vernon - Vernon Quebec AMAZOO - Granby Zoo, Granby Atlantide Water Park - Sainte-Calixte Camping Aqua Parc St-Pie - Saint-Pie Les Glissades D'eau - Le Village du Pere Noel (The Village of Father Christmas/Santa's Village), Val-David Mont Cascades - Cantley Valcartier Vacation Village - Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier Atlantic Canada (East of Quebec) Atlantic Splash Adventure - Atlantic Playland/Atlantic Splash Adventure, Lucasville, NS Shining Waters Water Park - Shining Waters Family Fun Park, Hunter River (Cavendish Beach), P.E.I. SplashZone - Magic Mountain, Magnetic Hill (Moncton), NB "360ft Water Slide"/Pools - Splash " n" Putt Resort, Traytown, NL Thunderland Amusement Park - Badger, NL

Special Articles These articles are special features on various attractions, artists, developers, locations, stories, and more which are separate from the main History pages. Rather than tell the cohesive history of a subject, these special features are meant to be spin-off articles of the main pages. Recent 1971 Guided Tour Button All Special Feature Articles "Sculpting Memories: The Waxattract Story" The story of perhaps the most important design in firm in Canadian amusement history is finally told. Learn about the Niagara Falls company and family responsible for some of the most iconic attractions in The Falls, such as Castle Dracula, Circus World, The House of Frankenstein, and Waltzing Waters, as well as legendary attractions abroad and innovations that changed the global amusement industry forever. The House of Frankenstein 1971 Virtual Guided "Tour" Experience the iconic Clifton Hill haunted attraction as it would have been on opening day! This tour takes you through the technological marvel that revolutionized Clifton Hill and the wider amusement industry. "Come in...and 'kill a little time' with us..."

MGM Studios Plaza & MGM Great Movie Journey Attraction Type: Gift Shop/Exhibit Location: Niagara Falls, Ontario Years Operational: 2002-Present (Extreme Movie Ride 4D only), 2003-early 2010's (full complex). Designer(s): Blacklight Attractions/Dark Rider, Iwerks When the government of Ontario was selecting the location for the government-run Casino Niagara in the mid 90's, the Harry Oakes Company (HOCO) who owns the attractions on the south-west side of Clifton Hill apparently put in a bid to get the casino on their land, however it ended up going to the Falls Ave. Company, replacing the Maple Leaf Village mall between the Sheraton Foxhead and Sheraton Brock Hotels. This ended up being a financial injection large enough to start a bit of an attraction arms race against HOCO. After the rebranding of all the hotels in the Falls Ave. complex, the opening of Hard Rock Cafe and Planet Hollywood, and the additions of Hershey's Chocolate World and the Coca Cola Store, a massive 2002 expansion would be the next addition to the complex. This expansion would focus more on new attractions to face Clifton Hill, consisting of Rainforest Cafe and WWE Niagara Falls. Bigger plans were in store for the Sheraton Fallsview however, which was connected to the former Louis Tussaud's Wax Museum building, dating back to an original section of the 1920 Foxhead hotel. Most of the Tussaud's building was completely demolished, little of which was saved and remodeled into a new structure as part of the 2002 expansion. The structure work for the new building was done done by architecture firm Raimondo + Associates. The same year, the basement of this new building would become a 4D motion theatre while work continued on the three floors above, as well as on the former mall that filled the second floor of the neighboring, now-renamed Sheraton Fallsview. The Louis Tussaud's Wax Museum building which the structure for the MGM Studios Plaza would replace shortly after this photo was taken. Deemed the "Extreme Movie Ride 4D", the theatre is a ride simulator built by SimEx-Iwerks, the leading name in motion theatre technology at the time, who was also building the Ride Theatre for the soon-to-open Great Canadian Midway at the same time. The ride is a moving theatre on a tilting platform which guests board to watch a 3D ride film, with the motion being the fourth dimension. A temporary attraction while the building was still being completed was a live magic show located above the theatre. The details of this show are extremely vague, as it only ran for one year. The theatre opened with the film "Dino Island II", which would remain a constant in the theatre for years alongside a revolving door of other secondary films. The first of these secondary films remains a bit of mystery. The MGM Studios Plaza under construction in the former Tussaud's location, Fall 2002. Three banners originally located on the side of the building featured Spiderman, the Cat in the Hat, and a dinosaur. Spiderman's banner featured the words "Live! Performances" on it, implying he was either part of the magic show or a walk around character near the complex. The Cat in the Hat and dinosaur banners both read "Box Office", implying that the original secondary ride film was based on the Dr. Seuss character. However, no evidence of this film's existence is available online, which would be incredibly strange for something based on an IP and officially licensed from one major company to another. By Fall of that year, the banners had been removed and "Mad Racers" was being shown as the secondary film, despite the building still not being completed. It's very possible that the original secondary film was Mad Racers from the start, and the Cat in the Hat was perhaps incorporated into the magic show, and Spiderman simply a walk around character, thus explaining the taglines on the advertisements. Shots of the building under construction with the ride theatre and magic show already in operation, Summer 2002. The MGM logo on the front of the building, 2004. In 2003 the three levels above the theatre were completed, and the building officially opened as the MGM Studios Plaza. A large fiberglass sculpture of the MGM logo and the famous Leo the Lion replaced the banners on the side of the building, letting tourists know this was the officially licensed, real deal. The building would house the MGM Studio Store on the first floor, where guests could buy movie themed merchandise and memorabilia. This gift shop would later be connected through to Marvel Superheroes Adventure City when it opened next door in the Sheraton the following year. A two level walkthrough interactive museum called the MGM Great Movie Journey was located on floors 2 and 3. The museum held many real movie props, and was designed by Blacklight Attractions. In addition to showcasing screen-used props, it also acted as a behind-the scenes glimpse into movie magic, letting guests experience many special effects. Entrance to the MGM Studio Store in 2004. After watching a pre show on a small movie screen, the screen would open, and guests would walk through. Features of the experience itself are vague, but one detail the attraction's designers heavily promoted was a recreation of M's office from the 007 franchise, complete with a sliding bookcase revealing a hidden FX control room. Located on the roof of the building would be the Pink Panther Balloon Ride, a Zamperla Rides "Samba Tower" ride model themed to the Pink Panther painting the neighboring building, seated atop the ride's center tower. The ride cars were themed to balloons attached to bucket of paint. Despite being a relatively slow moving, tame attraction, the elevation at which it existed and winds it would usually experience made it quite thrilling. Despite the Sheraton towering above it right next door, it actually provided spectacular views of the Falls, which weren't blocked by the structure. The sliding bookcase revealing behind-the-scenes movie magic in the Great Movie Journey, 2003. The Pink Panther Balloon Ride atop the plaza. Connecting all the attractions in the plaza was a large spiral staircase located at the front of the building, accessed from the MGM Store. The stairwell ran from the basement to the roof, although the ride theatre in the basement had its own additional entrance just down the Hill. Movie posters for various MGM films were placed along the stairwell and equipped with motion sensors. When a group of guests walked past, the poster would light up and play a sound clip of a quote from the matching film. The impressive completed plaza in 2004. The sign for the Pink Panther Balloon Ride. Judging by the poor condition of the neon signage below, this image was taken later in the attraction's life. Despite being one of the most high-profile intellectual properties to ever have an attraction based off it in the Falls, it never matched the popularity of the other additions to the Falls Ave. Complex. Rainforest Cafe, WWE Niagara Falls, Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock Cafe, and Marvel Superheroes Adventure City are all far more frequently reminisced about, and (in the case of those that have also since closed) more vividly remembered. Very little documentation of the MGM Studios Plaza exists, aside for exterior shots of the building and a short promo from Blacklight Attractions discussing their work on the Great Movie Journey. While it would stick around longer than Adventure City next door held on to its Marvel branding, Adventure City lost its branding due to the fallout of Disney's purchase of Marvel, whereas the MGM Studios Plaza simply seemed to quickly fizzle out when the area began to change once the 2010's hit. In the early 2010's, The MGM Studio Store became a generic gift shop despite retaining the MGM theming, and the Great Movie Journey shuttered. This was exceptionally strange considering the giant MGM logo, as well as the occasionally operational Pink Panther Balloon Ride, remained on the exterior of the building. This meant that despite the walkthrough closing and the store ceasing to sell MGM merchandise, the Falls Ave. Company was still paying the licensing fee (or MGM simply wasn't aware). A ride film based on the movie Happy Feet finally replaced the long running Dino Island II in the 4D Theatre in 2013, which was quickly replaced with another dinosaur themed film named "Terrapolis" in 2015. As mentioned above, the Pink Panther Balloon Ride's operating schedule became increasingly sporadic and random, likely running for the final time around 2014. For the years it was open past the Great Movie Journey, the staircase up to the ride actually took riders past the entrance and exit of the closed museum. Around the time the Pink Panther ride stopped running in 2014, the gift shop became expanded arcade space for the connected Adventure City, with the MGM Great Movie Journey walkthrough above on floors 2 and 3 ending up being abandoned for almost 10 years. One somewhat creepy fact is that once the gift shop was replaced with the arcade and there was no employee monitoring the area, guests could easily slip upstairs to the abandoned attractions. But that's not all: the motion-activated movie posters along the staircase still worked, their once charming movie quotes now startling and eerie as they cut through the totally silent building, located just mere feet away from one of the busiest locations on earth. Things sat this way until the building became the Niagara Distillery bar and barbecue restaurant in 2019, which occupies all 3 floors of the building (not including the basement). The Pink Panther Balloon Ride remained abandoned on the roof until after the pandemic in 2021, a horribly out of place relic of another time in the tourism industry, decaying in plain sight as the Hill changed around it. It was eventually sold to an unknown buyer in Europe and dismantled that October. By this point you might be wondering what the fate of the motion theatre was, but that's because there hasn't been one. The ride still operates, with its secondary entrance right on the Hill allowing it to operate without the rest of the MGM plaza. In fact, it even recently received a new animatronic dinosaur head on the front of the building, promoting the Terrapolis film, which has now been running for almost 10 years. The theatre is now all that remains of this once grand attraction that brought behind the scenes movie magic to The Falls. Like the theatre itself, it's original sign is now the final remnant of the building's former glory. The building as it appears today, complete void of colour and personality, especially compared to it's former self.