Ride the sky on la Grande Roue de Montréal
This article was updated on November 19, 2018.
See Montréal from an exceptional vantage point on La Grande Roue de Montréal, the tallest observation wheel in Canada. At 60 metres high (that's 20 storeys!), La Grande Roue rivals the London Eye and the High Roller in Las Vegas, offering spectacular 360º panoramic views of Montréal and its surroundings.
Designed by renowned Ferris wheel manufacturer Dutch Wheel to specifically enhance Montréal's unique blend of urban style, historical architecture and natural beauty, La Grande Roue de Montréal sits alongside the majestic St. Lawrence River and Old Port of Montréal, just steps away from the cobblestone streets of Old Montréal. From the Old Port's boardwalk, take a picturesque pedestrian bridge over to La Grande Roue's location on Île Bonsecours, where you'll also find the nearby Natrel Ice Skating Rink in winter and a zipline, labyrinth and more in summer (or stroll over to Clock Tower Beach to soak up the sun).
Operating year round in all kinds of weather, La Grande Roue features 42 temperature-controlled gondolas, each comfortably seating eight people and with a view that stretches 28 kilometres in all directions. Every gondola features anti-UV tempered glass panes on all sides, while the VIP cabin offers a glass floor for the fearless. Among the ticket options, there’s even a “night and day” combo ticket, letting you experience La Grande Roue's views in the daytime and Montréal's transformation into a city of lights by night.
From such great heights, you'll see all of Old Montréal, church steeples set among downtown's skyscrapers, the sprawling nature of Mount Royal Park and Parc Jean-Drapeau, the Olympic Stadium's tower, as well as dozens of Montréal's quaint and bustling neighbourhoods. Each La Grande Roue ride takes about 20 minutes, going through a few revolutions before passengers disembark at the wheel base, where you'll find a terraced bistro and café serving up espresso, local specialties like poutine, and much more. Whether you're high in the air or your feet are firmly on the ground, the entire La Grande Roue experience is seriously Instagrammable and unforgettable in any season.
Robyn Fadden, blogger
Robyn Fadden is a Montréal-based writer and editor who searches out city secrets, new bands, life-changing art and things to do with her perpetually active kid. Robyn has covered major events for HOUR, MUTEK, ARTINFO, CKUT 90.3FM and more.
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