La Ronde Amusement Park, Montreal

...approx. £110-00

La Ronde is situated on l'Ile Ste. Helene, and is easily accessible via public transport or by car. Because La Ronde closes at 10:30PM most nights, there is no fear of missing the last buses off the island.

Originally created for Expo '67 with only a handful of rides, it was meant to house exhibits from every country around the world. When Expo '67 ended and the exhibition buildings were emptied, more ...
...became a world-class theme park. La Ronde theme park is now the most complete family entertainment activity in the Province of Quebec, possessing more than 40 rides (over 10 of these being thrill rides) and attractions designed to delight and thrill children and adults of all ages.

In 1985, L'International des Feux Loto-Québec was founded (International Fireworks Competition), this being a competition open to all countries around ... more

Open from 20th May to 4th September

HOURS:

Open (20th May to 16th June) from 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Open (17th June to 4th September) from 10:00AM to 10:30PM
Afterwards, till end October, opening hours are between 12:00PM to 7:00PM
(always check hours before visiting)

COST:

Day pass for 2 people = approx. £38-00
Day pass for 4 people = approx. £69-00
Season passport for 1 person = approx. £41-00
Family Passport = approx. £110-00

La Ronde is situated on l'Ile Ste. Helene, and is easily accessible via public transport or by car. Because La Ronde closes at 10:30PM most nights, there is no fear of missing the last buses off the island.

Originally created for Expo '67 with only a handful of rides, it was meant to house exhibits from every country around the world. When Expo '67 ended and the exhibition buildings were emptied, more rides were added to the site, but it wasn't until its transformation in 2002 that it became a world-class theme park. La Ronde theme park is now the most complete family entertainment activity in the Province of Quebec, possessing more than 40 rides (over 10 of these being thrill rides) and attractions designed to delight and thrill children and adults of all ages.

In 1985, L'International des Feux Loto-Québec was founded (International Fireworks Competition), this being a competition open to all countries around the world. In the beginning, the competition included two types of shows: traditional fireworks and pyromusical displays. Since 1987, the displays have been exclusively pyromusical. What was meant to be a one-off competition meant to breathe life into an abandoned and decaying Expo '67 site, turned into an extraordinary success, and over the years, the competition has become highly competitive with those in the pyrotechnical industry (across the world) participating in the Montréal event in order to attain highest distinctions in their field.

**statistics taken from l'International des Feux Loto-Quebec**

During the past 16 years of the competition, spectators have welcomed the representatives of 19 countries from all over the globe. All in all, 46 individual firms have participated in the Montréal International Fireworks Competition, presenting a total of 141 awe-inspiring displays! On average a record 2.3 million fireworks enthusiasts gather together at La Ronde, on the Jacques Cartier Bridge, or on either side of the St. Lawerence river in order to enjoy the spectacle.

**end of statistics**

Of course, you can purchase front row seats to the shows, but these are costly, and range from £13-00 to £25-00 per person. Personally, I have never PAID for the privilege of viewing these magnificent fireworks... like most people, I used to watch these from the Jacques Cartier Bridge... however, I must advise that doing so is going to see you stuck in traffic for hours.

I have many fond memories of growing up in Montreal, but the most memorable are those hot, lazy summer days spent in La Ronde with my best friends. At the time, in the early 70's, there wasn't much happening in Montreal, and activities for children enjoying a summer off from school were somewhat limited. Most children were left to flounder alone at home, as parents were obliged to work hard, long hours, but I was one of the lucky ones whose mother could afford to pack me off to La Ronde so that I wouldn't be left wandering the streets whilst she was at work. Let me state now that life was far different back then, far simpler, and the dangers awaiting young teens was nearly inexistent... not like today. My friends and I visited the park nearly every day with sandwiches and drinks stuffed into our packsacks... and many a time you could find us giggling at some inane joke or another whilst our feet dangled in the enormous water fountain which greets you when you enter the park.

Of course, there is more to Ste. Helene's Island than La Ronde... it is an extraordinary park filled with greenery, song-birds and greedy squirrels, and you can spend hours walking the trails, or simply lounging with friends whilst having a picnic. Easily accessible by foot (due to a bridge) is Notre Dame Island... this is home to the most popular public beach in Montreal with an 'A' rating for its near-pristine water quality, and inter-connected canals where you can enjoy a day of swimming, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, pedal boats, or simple sun-soaking on the sandy beaches. Boasting several dozen kilometres of pedestrian paths that criss-cross the island and connect to the Old Port, Ile-Sainte-Helene and the South Shore, cyclists, joggers, hikers and skaters can spend an entire day exploring.

Not to be missed, Ile Ste. Helene and Ile Notre Dame are also home to the Villeneuve Formula 1 race course, the Montreal Casino, the Montreal Basin and the Montreal Aquarium.

To be noted, entrance into the park, which extends from Ile Ste. Helene to Ile Notre-Dame is free... the beach, last time I was there (over 10 years ago) cost less than 50p per person. Obviously, canoes, kayaks and pedal boats are not free, but they are affordable at less than £3-00 for an hour.

All in all, if you are planning on visiting Montreal, make sure you visit the beautiful islands of Ste Helene and Notre Dame, and take along comfortable walking shoes.
 

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