Vieux-Port-De-Montréal

Rue de la Commune, Montréal, Québec, Canada

 800/971-7678 or 514/496-7678

Montréal has been a major North American port since the earliest days of European settlement. The city was built just below the Lachine Rapids, which marked the westernmost limit for oceangoing ships sailing up the St. Lawrence River. Now this waterfront park is one of the most popular recreational spots in Montréal. You can take a ferry or raft ride, or a harbor cruise, and bicycles and in-line skates are for rent along rue de la Commune. In winter, visitors can skate on a huge outdoor rink.

La Ronde Amusement Park

Last week in May, Sat., Sun. only; June-Aug and Labour Day weekend daily 10am-9pm

Parc des Iles, Ile Ste-Hélène

Transportation:  Métro: Papineau and bus no. 169, or Parc Jean-Drapeau and bus no. 167

Telephone: 800/797-4537, 514/872-4537

Unlimited all-day passes and special rates for those 12 and over, under 12, and seniors.  Grounds admission only. Seniors are free Mon-Thurs, but pay adult rates on weekends

Montréal's amusement park was run for most of its 35 years by the city.  A few years ago it was sold  to the American-owned Six Flags theme park empire, which has recently invested  over $7 million in a major renovation program..

Seven new rides recently debuted:

1.  The Manitou (Hanging from a giant 24 passenger six-sided circular gondola, riders experience rapid fire spinning while swinging back and forth);

2. The Vertigo, (swoops guests to heights of 60 feet in a continuous looping motion.).

3.  The Flying Carousel Swing, Tour de Ville. (Up to 48 riders at a time will enjoy the wonder and  fantasy of this classic family attraction.)

4.  Tasses Magiques (Magical Tea Cups)(consists of 12 giant rotating cups. Each cup will accommodate up to five riders. The double motion of the platform is combined with rider-controlled spinning of the tea cups)

5.  The Toboggan Nordique roller coaster joins the more daring roller coaster rides in the park(individual four passenger cars will go through a course full of hairpin turns and moderate drops. Perfect for the not-so-daring thrill seeker).

6.  Autos Tamponneuses (bumper cars) ride. (features the latest innovations in bumper car design.

7. The Grand Carousel, (beautifully designed:  traditional and romantic)