La Ronde, an amusement park built for Expo 67, has been a significant attraction in Montreal, drawing about 4.5 million visitors annually. The park was previously owned by Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, which acquired it for $30 million.
Recent Developments
In a major development, La Ronde has been sold by Six Flags to EPR Properties for $342 million. This sale includes seven amusement parks across North America, with La Ronde being the only Canadian park involved in the transaction. The properties covered by this sale span over 1,600 acres and feature more than 400 attractions.
The management of La Ronde will transition to La Ronde Operations Inc., which is owned by Kieran Burke, who previously served as CEO for Premier Parks, Inc. Burke expressed a personal connection to the park, stating, “I have a special affection for La Ronde, having attended Expo 67 as a child.” This sentiment may resonate with many locals who view La Ronde as an integral part of Montreal’s cultural landscape.
Roger La Roche, a local observer, commented on the sale, noting, “Six Flags never understood exactly what La Ronde was.” He expressed cautious optimism regarding Burke’s leadership, suggesting, “There is a small but still existing possibility that he understands what the family part is … the importance of the park for the city of Montreal.”
La Roche also highlighted the significance of this sale for local governance, stating, “The sale will be a good test for Martinez Ferrada’s administration to see how committed it is to preserving heritage.” This indicates that the future management of La Ronde will be closely watched by both the public and officials.
Looking Ahead
The sale is expected to be finalized within a month from the announcement, and season passes already sold for the 2026 season will be honored. However, details remain unconfirmed regarding any immediate changes to the park’s attractions, especially following Six Flags’ announcement regarding the dismantlement of La Ronde’s La Spirale in 2025.
