If you’re planning a trip to Montreal in 2025 or looking to rediscover the city as a local, there’s one place that should absolutely make your bucket list: La Ronde. Located on Île Sainte-Hélène within Parc Jean-Drapeau, La Ronde is Quebec’s biggest amusement park and the second largest in Canada. Since opening in 1967 as part of Expo 67 and later acquired by Six Flags, the park has transformed into a thrilling playground of roller coasters, family-friendly attractions, live events, and seasonal festivals. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a foodie, or simply looking for a fun day out, here are 10 reasons why La Ronde belongs on your 2025 bucket list.
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The Fireworks Competition is Unmissable
Each summer, La Ronde hosts the L’International des Feux Loto-Québec, one of the most spectacular fireworks competitions in the world. This event transforms the skies above the St. Lawrence River into a dazzling display of color, choreography, and music. With competitors from around the globe, each show is a carefully orchestrated pyromusical performance that can be enjoyed right from the park grounds. Watching the fireworks from La Ronde offers a prime view and an unbeatable atmosphere. Whether you plan your visit specifically for this event or happen to catch it while you’re there, it’s one of the most memorable summer experiences in Montreal.
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Thrill Rides That Rival Any Theme Park
La Ronde is home to over a dozen thrill rides, including some of the most exhilarating roller coasters in Canada. The standout is Goliath, a hypercoaster reaching speeds up to 110 km/h with towering drops and 4 g-force turns. Another highlight is Le Monstre, a massive wooden coaster that spans two tracks and delivers a nostalgic yet powerful ride experience. For those seeking a variety of ride styles, Vampire offers an inverted coaster design, while Boomerang and Ednör deliver twists, loops, and backwards motion. Beyond coasters, rides like Titan and Orbite offer unique sensations, from pendulum swings to stomach-dropping tower plunges.
Pro tip: Download the Six Flags app to check real-time wait times and navigate directly to shorter queues.
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Family-Friendly Attractions for All Ages
La Ronde isn’t just about thrill rides. The park features a solid lineup of family-friendly attractions that cater to all ages. There are 10 family rides and four dedicated kids rides, many of which are located in the charming Pays de Ribambelle children’s zone. Here, little ones can explore miniature coasters, gentle flying rides, and whimsical adventures. One standout family ride is La Grande Roue, a 45-meter-tall Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the park and the river. Another favorite is Toboggan Nordique, a wild-mouse style coaster that mimics a ski run with sharp turns and manageable speed, making it great for those transitioning from kids rides to more thrilling attractions.
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Seasonal Events Add Even More Excitement
La Ronde’s 2025 events bring bold energy, unexpected flavors, and immersive seasonal vibes all year long. Extreme Flavors turns up the heat with wild eats like massive poutines, loaded burgers, fizzy cotton candy, and a spicy wing challenge that dares you to go all in. Country Vibes shifts the mood with boots-and-hats charm while Adrenaline Nights take over with rides in full force, live DJs, and a high-voltage atmosphere built for late-night thrill-chasers. As fall rolls in, Fright Fest transforms La Ronde into a haunted playground packed with scare zones, creepy actors, and haunted houses, while little ones can dive into the fun at the Kids Pumpkin Festival, complete with games, mazes, and cozy autumn magic. Find out more here!
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Surprisingly Great Dining Options
Theme park food often gets a bad rap, but La Ronde defies the stereotype with a wide range of dining choices. From sweet BeaverTails and ice cream to burgers, pizza, and loaded poutine, there’s something for every craving. Primo Pâtes et Pizza offers hearty Italian favorites, while Moozoo serves up refreshing smoothies and frozen treats. For a sit-down break, Fort Edmonton acts as a central hub for food, featuring the Halte Gourmande market with everything from baked goods to healthy bowls. Refillable Coca-Cola Freestyle cups are available for those spending the whole day in the park.
Pro tip: Most vendors now accept tap and mobile wallet payments, so you can go completely cashless during your visit.
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Easy Access from Downtown Montreal
One of La Ronde’s biggest advantages is its location. Situated just minutes from downtown Montreal, the park is easily accessible by metro, bike, car, or even ferry. Public transportation options include STM shuttles from Jean-Drapeau and Papineau stations, as well as the seasonal River Shuttle that departs from the Old Port or Longueuil. If you’re driving, parking is available on-site (though it does fill up quickly on peak days). This accessibility makes it ideal for both tourists and locals, whether you’re planning a full-day adventure or just want to drop by for a few hours in the evening. Plan your trip here!
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Affordable Admission and Great Value
Compared to other major amusement parks, La Ronde offers excellent value for your money. Single-day tickets typically start around $37.99, and season passes can be a smart investment for repeat visitors. The Regular Pass gives unlimited visits until early September, while the Platinum and Diamond passes offer perks like Skip-the-Line access, food discounts, and entry to other Six Flags locations. Find out more here!
Pro tip: If you’re a local, consider visiting for just a couple hours in the evening—crowds are lighter, and the lights on the rides make for a completely different experience.
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Gorgeous Views and Photo Opportunities
La Ronde’s island location offers stunning views of the city skyline and the St. Lawrence River. Whether you’re riding the Orbite tower, relaxing on La Grande Roue, or simply walking around Dolphin Lake, there are plenty of picturesque moments to capture. The park’s older architecture from Expo 67 blends with vibrant, modern attractions to create a uniquely photogenic atmosphere. At sunset, the lights come on, the river sparkles, and the whole park takes on a cinematic quality perfect for photos and videos.
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Montreal Nostalgia Meets Modern Fun
La Ronde has been part of Montreal’s cultural fabric for over 50 years. Many locals remember visiting as kids, and now bring their own families to relive those memories. While the park has evolved with new technology and attractions, it still holds onto touches of nostalgia. Classic rides like Marche du Mille-pattes and Tchou Tchou train, both from 1967, are still in operation. The park’s rich history, rooted in the legacy of Expo 67, adds a layer of charm that newer amusement parks simply can’t replicate.
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It’s a Complete Day of Entertainment Without Leaving the City
Perhaps the best reason to visit La Ronde is that it offers a full day of entertainment all in one place. Whether you’re seeking thrills, family bonding, great food, or live shows, La Ronde delivers a well-rounded experience. It’s the kind of destination that feels like a getaway without ever leaving the city. The diversity of attractions ensures there’s something for every mood and interest, making it perfect for groups, couples, or solo adventurers alike.
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BONUS: You Can (Actually) Skip the Line
If you’ve ever spent half your amusement park day standing in lines, you’ll appreciate this one—La Ronde offers real skip-the-line options that can make a massive difference, especially on weekends and during special events like fireworks nights.
With a Platinum or Diamond Season Pass, visitors receive Skip-the-Line passes that allow access to a select number of attractions without the usual wait. For one-time visitors, Flash Passes are also available. These virtual queue systems let you reserve your spot in line and return when it’s your time to ride. That means less time waiting and more time enjoying the park. Find out more here!
Pro tip: Use the Flash Pass or mobile ride reservations through the Six Flags app for a seamless experience that maximizes your ride count.
Final Thoughts
From its legendary coasters and city views to the seasonal events and family-friendly fun, La Ronde remains a staple of Montreal summers. It combines nostalgia with new energy, making it a destination that continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just looking for a laid-back way to enjoy the city from a different perspective, La Ronde is a worthy addition to your 2025 Montreal bucket list.
Looking for tips on beating the lines, must-try foods, and how to make the most of your visit? Be sure to check out my full La Ronde Montreal Review & Guide.
