Uncovering Quebec’s Best Theme Park: La Ronde Montreal Review & Guide

Reivew and Guide to La Ronde Montreal: Quebec’s Best & Biggest Theme Park

Experience the exhilarating world of La Ronde, the largest amusement park in Quebec and the second-largest in Canada, nestled in the heart of Montreal on Île Sainte-Hélène. As a legacy of Expo 67, & now under the ownership of Six Flags, La Ronde has been captivating visitors since 1967 and continues to be a hub of family-friendly attractions, heart-pounding roller coasters, and a plethora of entertainment options including renowned L’International des Feux Loto-Québec  fireworks competition. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping rides, immersive experiences, or a taste of authentic Quebecois cuisine, this ultimate review and guide will provide you with essential travel tips to plan an unforgettable visit to La Ronde Montreal – Quebec’s Best & Biggest Theme Park

La Ronde’s History

La Ronde’s origins trace back to the 1967 Expo 67 World’s Fair, a monumental celebration of Canada’s Centennial Anniversary that showcased global technological, cultural, and artistic achievements. Initially managed by Montreal, the park later came under the ownership of Six Flags in 1984. Over the past five decades, La Ronde has continuously evolved with fresh rides, attractions, and captivating entertainment, earning recognition for its exhilarating thrill rides and dynamic shows. Today, the park operates under an emphyteusis lease with Montreal until 2065. In 2016, the closure of the beloved La Pitoune log flume ride, which delighted guests for half a century with its “chasse-galerie” (a French-Canadian tale) narrative, marked the end of a legendary era. This ride, winding through a flume filled with water from the nearby Dolphin Lake, featured cascades, twists, and a legendary 50-foot drop. That said, there are a few original attractions from 1967 that you can ride today- the Tchou Tchou train & Marche du Mille-pattes children’s coaster! 

Attractions

La Ronde has 38 rides ranging from Thrill Rides, Family Rides & Kids Rides, ensuring there is something for the whole family. 

Thrill Rides

For thrill lovers, there are more than a dozen unique attractions to choose from, including an impressive selection of five jaw-dropping roller coasters: Goliath, Ednör, Boomerang, Monstre & Vampire. These roller coasters come in a range of styles, from wooden and shuttle to inverted and suspended, offering heart-stopping drops, sharp turns, and surprises. Goliath stands out as the park’s iconic hypercoaster, boasting a towering height of 174.8 feet and a top speed of 110 km/h. Its nerve-wracking ascent and heart-stopping drops, delivering 4 gs of force, make it a must-try for any thrill-seeker. Another highlight is Le Monstre, a 1,200-meter wooden coaster featuring a series of mega drops and spiral turns at speeds of up to 96 km/h. As the park’s second-tallest coaster, it offers a unique riding experience with two tracks built in 1985 and 1986.

Adrenaline junkies can also enjoy several non-coaster thrill rides, including:

• Bateau Pirate: A swinging wooden pirate ship that takes riders higher and higher.
• Catapulte: A ‘Skycoaster’ simulating the sensations of skydiving, bungee jumping, and hang gliding in one ride. Riders are harnessed solo or with friends, hoisted up 150 feet, and then plummeted towards the ground at speeds of up to 80 mph.
• Chaos: A seven-story steel ride delivering unparalleled adrenaline through its 360-degree thrills. It features a 70-foot loop, unique face-to-face seating, and unexpected direction changes, including intense upside-down hang-time.
• Manitou: A pendulum ride that generates intense centrifugal force by spinning a disc at 18 revolutions per minute while swinging back and forth in large arches.
• Orbite: A drop tower providing sublime park views (if you dare to open your eyes) while ascending riders 45 meters up, before hurling riders down for a few exhilarating seconds.
• Slingshot: A reverse bungee experience where riders are launched 75 meters high with a 90-degree adrenaline-fueled free fall
• Splash: A log flume ride where riders pile into a boat & start a journey with great views of the park. However,  brace yourself for a breathtaking descent down a 50-foot waterfall, and get ready to be soaked by a massive wave that engulfs the entire ride area! 
• Vertigo: An 18-meter pendulum swinging through incredible heights and angles, inverting perspectives as riders dive and soar at 360-degree revolutions
• Vol Ultime: A swing ride that spins around the 45-meter Ultimate Flight tower at speeds up to 60 km/h, providing a sensation of soaring with stunning park views.
• Titan: A massive pendulum ride propelling up to 40 riders high above the park, reaching speeds of 112 km/h and creating a weightless sensation.

*Incurs an additional fee outside of your park entry

Please check the official website for the minimum height and for more information

Family Rides

For families looking for a day of exciting fun, La Ronde offers 10 rides tailored for families.. From spinning thrills, to heart warming adventures, there’s a ride for everyone that both parents & children can enjoy together. Notable attractions include the Toboggan Nordique, a hair-raising journey down a rapid course with hairpin turns at a height of 12 meters and speeds of 18 km/h. This 4-person wild-mouse style ride simulates the thrill of skiing down a snowy mountain and is perfect for younger riders venturing into bigger thrills. Another must-try family-friendly ride is La Grande Roue, a 45-meter Ferris Wheel offering breathtaking views of the park and Dolphin Lake. Particularly enchanting at night, La Grande Roue transforms into a mesmerizing spectacle with thousands of lights, creating a magical memory-making experience.

For more details, including minimum height requirements, please refer to La Ronde’s official website

Kids Rides

For children, there are four adorable attractions to enjoy, and the best part is that children aged 2 and under can enter the park for free! Explore Ribambelles Land, La Ronde’s dedicated kids’ zone. Don’t miss La Grande Envolée, where you and your little one can embark on a soaring adventure in a personal hot air balloon over La Pays de Ribambelle. Ascend nearly four meters while carried by the wind, taking in panoramic views. With room for up to four riders in the gondola, this experience blends gentle flight with a hint of thrilling bobbing for memorable adventure. Another must-try is ‘La Marche du Mille-pattes’ where you can join the March of the Centipede and view the vegetable garden from an insect’s perspective! Climb onto the back of the centipede on this charming ‘coaster’ designed for the little ones. The Millipede Walk, cherished since Expo 67, winds through the trees with soft drops and turns, introducing young adventurers to roller coaster excitement.

For more details, including minimum height requirements, please refer to La Ronde’s official website.

Restaurants & Dining

La Ronde features a huge array of dining choices throughout the park. Whether you’re craving a delicious slice of pizza from Primo Pâtes et Pizza, mouth-watering burgers at La Centrale Burgers & Frites, or sweet treats at Moozoo or Popcorn & Cie, there is something to satisfy your taste buds. Fort Edmonton, the Western-themed section of the park, stands as a central dining hub, offering diverse culinary options to cater to any appetite. In Fort Edmonton, Halte Gourmande features a market-style experience with an array of choices, including classic Quebecois Poutine, sub sandwiches, coffee, baked goods, and healthy bowls. Throughout the park, there are numerous Coca-Cola® Freestyle® stations and beverage stops, allowing you to order on the go or purchase a refillable cup (ranging from $21.99 to $22.99) to enjoy beverages throughout the park. Don’t miss out on La Ronde’s very own Beaver Tails store, a cherished and iconic Canadian pastry that’s a must-try. For adults, there are licensed outlets offering alcohol. The 18+ Saloon in Fort Edmonton has Western-themed decor, providing a haven from the park’s hustle and bustle! Plus, it’s air-conditioned—perfect for cooling off on a scorching summer day. For a complete list of dining options at La Ronde and further details, please visit their official website.

Events at La Ronde Montreal: Quebec’s Best & Biggest Theme Park

La Ronde hosts a range of special events year-round, including the renowned L’International des Feux Loto-Québec. This annual fireworks competition, featuring synchronized displays set to music, transforms the St. Lawrence River’s sky into a captivating “pyromusical” marvel. The 37th edition was held from June 29 to August 10, 2023, and will return in 2024. Additionally, seasonal events like Food & Brew, happening every weekend from September 7 to Sep 29 which transforms Fort Edmonton into a culinary paradise with food trucks, music, and tasting menus, featuring over 30 beers and cocktails. Another event to look forward to in 2024 is Fright Fest, which will take place on weekend evenings between during October. This spooky event features haunted houses and scary characters. For younger visitors, the “Kids Pumpkin Festival” will offer Halloween-themed games, mazes, and family activities. For more details, visit: https://www.sixflags.com/larondeen/events

 

Services & Amenities

There are ample washrooms & drinking fountains around the park and they also feature facilities designed to cater to guests with disabilities. For those who prefer not to carry their belongings throughout the day, lockers are conveniently available for rent near the main entrance. A regular locker is $10 and a jumbo is $13. Lost items can be inquired about or reported at the Lost and Found desk at the main entrance and there is a First Aid area that provides assistance for minor injuries. Stroller rentals ($12 for a single stroller & $16 for a double stroller) are offered for families with kids, providing a convenient way to explore the park. There are also a plethora of souvenir & merchandise stores to make your memories last as well as the opportunity to buy photos of your day taken on the rides.

Accessibility

Six Flags’ Attraction Access Program aims to accommodate guests with disabilities and qualifying impairments, enabling them to enjoy the park’s attractions safely. Each ride’s safety criteria are assessed for individual participation. Six Flags collaborates with IBCCES, offering the Individual Accessibility Card (IAC) for guests with cognitive disorders or mobility impairments. The card can be obtained through registration and grants access to necessary accommodations. Six Flags is designated as a Certified Autism Center, enhancing its services for guests with autism. The Safety & Accessibility Guide provides essential information, and the park’s policies adhere to ADA guidelines. The Attraction Accessibility Program matches guests’ abilities to ride criteria and is designed for equitable access and wheelchair rentals and service animal policies are in place to assist further. For more information, please visit their official website here.

Location & Getting There

Located on Île Sainte-Hélène within Parc Jean-Drapeau, close to downtown Montreal, you can find La Ronde at 22 Chemin Macdonald, Montreal, QC H3C 6A3. Access is available through both car and public transportation. If traveling by car, follow signs to parking P8 on Sainte-Hélène Island, noting that availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. For public transportation, the Société des Transports de Montréal provides shuttles from the Jean Drapeau station (shuttle 767) and Papineau station (shuttle 769) to La Ronde. Additionally, you can reach the location via Metro (Jean-Drapeau or Papineau stations) or by crossing the Jacques Cartier Bridge and exiting at Parc Jean-Drapeau. For a marine experience, the River Shuttle departs from Old Port or Longueuil, taking you directly to Île Sainte-Hélène, where a short walk brings you to La Ronde. For more comprehensive information on how to reach La Ronde, please refer to their official website.

Tickets & Pricing

There’s a range of pricing tiers available, starting with the Single Day Ticket at $37.99. For those planning frequent visits to the park, you can consider these season pass options:

• 2024 Regular Pass ($72.99): Grants season access until Sep 2, 2024, and provides a 5% discount on Food & Merchandise.
• 2024 Platinum Pass ($92.99): Offers unlimited visits to La Ronde, 10% off food & merchandise, 1 Skip the Line pass, and access to 2 other Six Flags locations, along with additional benefits.
• 2024 Diamond Pass ($174.99): Includes season access, 15% off all Food & Merchandise, entry on Fireworks Days, 4 Skip the Line passes, parking, and unlimited visits to all other Six Flags Outdoor Parks, along with additional benefits.

To find the ideal choice for your needs and to place online orders, please visit their official website. As a Montreal local, I opted for the Regular Pass in 2023. If you’re planning on visiting the park two or more times, this pass makes practical sense. It also allows you to enjoy a few hours during quieter times in the early morning or late night, avoiding the crowds and making the most of your pass without feeling like you’ve wasted a day ticket.

Opening Hours

La Ronde is open seasonably during the summer months (May – end of October) on weekends & some weekdays. You can find up to date information on their website here. 

Tips & Tricks

• Smart Dining: Expect theme park dining prices; consider bringing small snacks and a reusable water bottle to fill up in the park, helping to offset your expenses.
• Beating the Crowds: During peak hours (12pm-3pm), lines for Thrill rides can be lengthy. Arrive early and head straight to the back of the park to tackle big-ticket rides like The Goliath and Ednor before the crowds surge. This strategy worked for me in 2023, allowing almost walk-on access to both rides.
• Evening Advantage for Pass Holders: A tip for season pass holders is to visit the park in evenings when it is cooler and the queues are significantly shorter, making you get on the most rides fairly quickly & utilizing your season pass strategically
• Wet Ride Strategy: Save wet rides like The Splash for last, if possible. Alternatively, drying stations are available throughout the park.
• Cool Down Oasis: If seeking a quiet cool-down spot, check out Le Saloon in Fort Edmonton. This 18+ bar offers a tranquil atmosphere, air conditioning, and its own bathroom – perfect for an afternoon cocktail.
• Handy App: Download the Six Flags app for easy pass management, exploring attractions, shows, dining options, and accessing the park map.
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Visit La Ronde Montreal: Quebec’s Best & Biggest Theme Park

From the adrenaline-pumping rides that will leave you breathless to the heartwarming family attractions that create cherished memories, this premier theme park offers an unparalleled experience. Whether you’re soaring through the skies, braving the twists and turns, or savoring delicious cuisine, La Ronde has something for everyone. So, gather your loved ones, prepare for a day of excitement, and let the magic of La Ronde unfold before you. Plan your visit today and be part of the thrill that has captivated generations.

For more guides & reviews to Montreal’s best restaurants, bars, activities & accomodation, please click here!