Originally built for the Expo 67 world fair, La Ronde is located on an island in the middle of the Saint Lawrence river which runs through the city of Montreal.
Originally built for the Expo 67 world fair, La Ronde is located on an island in the middle of the Saint Lawrence river which runs through the city of Montreal.
Opened | April 1967 |
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Season | May to October |
Owner | Six Flags |
Website | www.laronde.com |
Nearby | Canada's Wonderland (317 miles) |
La Ronde, with Pont Jacques-Cartier in the background
Although owned by Six Flags, La Ronde feels much more French Canadian than normal Six Flags parks. Everything is big yet humble, ready for action yet exceedingly polite.
Perhaps that is to do with its heritage. La Ronde began life as the entertainment complex for Expo 67, the world fair which was held in Montreal for six months in 1967. Following Expo 67, the City of Montreal ran the park until it was sold to Six Flags in 2001.
Its island location can't hide that La Ronde is definitely a city park. Montreal's skyline is visible throughout the park, as are the bridges which cross the Saint Lawrence river.
Perhaps the two headline attractions are Goliath, a 2006 B&M hyper coaster, and Le Monstre, a racing wooden coaster from William Cobb & Associates. Goliath offers views down the river as it traverses the out-and-back style layout, whilst Le Monstre gives an intense and powerful ride experience.
Being in the heart of Quebec, the first language of La Ronde is French. There are sometimes language tensions within Canada, but Europeans shouldn't find any issues with speaking English within the park, although at times of high tension Canadians trying to converse in English may be frowned upon.
A 174ft tall B&M hyper coaster with a typical out-and-back layout following along the river
Canada's largest wooden rollercoaster, and the tallest double-track coaster in the world
Boomerang coaster
S&S Space Shot
Soar through the skies above La Ronde
Carousel
La Ronde goes one better than the usual bumper cars, with bumper hovercraft!
La Ronde's main entrance
Inside the park
The Jacques Cartier Bridge sits behind various rides
One of La Ronde's pathways
Buildings inside La Ronde
Pountine
Ride queueline
Jacques Cartier Bridge
A sunny day at La Ronde
Spirale towers over the park
La Ronde seen from across the St Lawrence River