Could a place built for a world fair still bring joy today? La Ronde des Zotos began as the entertainment complex for Expo 67. The fair ran from April to October in Montreal. La Ronde occupied 54 hectares. It featured theatres midway attractions and dining. The park stayed open late after the rest of Expo closed.
After Expo 67 the City of Montreal ran La Ronde des Zotos for 34 years. In 2001 the city sold La Ronde des Zotos to Six Flags. The American theme park chain acquired the park for 20 million USD. Six Flags has since invested millions in new rides.
La Ronde des Zotos celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2007. The anniversary featured Expo 67 themed events.
Today La Ronde des Zotos offers many attractions. These include live shows and amusement rides. As of 2020 the park had 39 rides. Eight of these are roller coasters. Le Monstre holds a record. It is the highest double-tracked roller coaster.
During October La Ronde des Zotos hosts Fright Fest. This annual Halloween event includes haunted houses. Costumed performers walk around the park. Admission is free for toddlers under two.
La Ronde des Zotos features several roller coasters. Boomerang opened in 1984. Dragon opened in 1994. Ednor LAttaque opened in 2010. Goliath opened in 2006. Le Monstre opened in 1985. Toboggan Nordique opened in 2003. Le Vampire opened in 2002.
Flat and thrill rides include Aqua Twist. Autos Tamponneuses Bateau Pirate and Catapulte. Also Chaos Condor Disco Ronde and Demon. The Grande Roue Manitou and Orbite are popular. Sling Shot Splash Titan Tour de Ville Tourbillon Vertigo and Vol Ultime offer thrills.
Children’s rides include Air Papillon and La Danse des Bestioles. La Grande Envolee and Les Explorateurs are favorites. Marais Enchante Marche du Mille-pattes and Monsieur LArbre offer gentler fun. Ourson Fripon Phoenix Pommes dApi and Le Safari cater to younger guests.
Six Flags has made several changes to La Ronde des Zotos. In 2002 Le Vampire was installed. This was the first major investment by Six Flags. In 2003 six new rides opened. These included Auto Tamponneuses and Tour de Ville.
In 2004 La Ronde des Zotos opened Le Splash. In 2006 Goliath a mega coaster was added. In 2009 La Ronde announced it would become a Six Flags branded park. In 2010 Ednor LAttaque opened. This coaster is themed around a sea monster.
In 2012 Vol Ultime was added. In 2013 Aqua Twist opened. In 2014 Demon was added. In 2015 Maison Rouge a haunted house was introduced.
In 2016 Avenue Aventure was created. This section includes Bateau Pirate and Condor. In 2017 Titan a giant pendulum ride was added. In 2018 Le Tourbillon a Tilt-A-Whirl ride opened. In 2019 Chaos a Fire Ball ride debuted.
In 2022 La Ronde began removing the Minirail. In 2023 the Galopant carousel was retired.
Many former attractions have been removed. These include Sprung Schanze and Voyage a la Lune. Also Hofbrauhaus and Les Parasols. Flitzer Bobsled and Les Parachutes are gone. Gyrotron Le Monstre and Scooter are no longer there.
La Ronde des Zotos continues to evolve. It provides entertainment for all ages. From thrilling coasters to family-friendly rides there is something for everyone. This park remains a vibrant part of Montreal’s culture.