Last updated: 11/08/2023
Discover La Grande Roue de Montréal, Canada's largest Ferris wheel, offering panoramic views of the city and Montreal's Old Port.
LA GRANDE ROUE DE MONTRÉAL
La Grande Roue de Montréal is the iconic Ferris wheel located in the heart of the historic Old Port, built around 1611, on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River in Montreal. It was inaugurated in 2017 as part of the celebrations marking the 375th anniversary of the city's founding.
At 60 meters tall, La Grande Roue de Montréal is the tallest Ferris wheel in Canada, allowing visitors to see the city and its surroundings from a height equivalent to a 20-story building. It was produced by the renowned Dutch company Dutch Wheels, to guarantee a beautiful design and, of course, safety for visitors.
This Ferris wheel has 42 air-conditioned gondolas that allow it to operate all year round (even on the coldest days of the Canadian winter) and has capacity for up to 8 passengers each. They are equipped with ultra-transparent tempered glass panels allowing you to observe the landscape while protecting visitors from ultraviolet rays.
The wheel axle is anchored in anti-seismic foundations that allow it to withstand winds of 240 km/h. It is driven by four pairs of electric motors controlled by a variable frequency drive.
A complete lap of La Grande Roue de Montréal lasts around 20 minutes and provides a 360º view of the city and its surroundings from up to 28 km away, including the Saint Lawrence River and the islands of Saint Helena and Notre Dame, which hosted Expo 67. Below, check out the promotional video for this beautiful attraction.
WHEN TO VISIT: DAY OR NIGHT?
It's very difficult to answer when is the best time to visit La Grande Roue de Montréal! Daytime, a Ferris wheel ride provides impressive views of the city's historic center and its beautiful buildings and the nearby Place Jacques-Cartier, highlighting its beautiful architecture and, of course, the imposing Mount Royal. On the other side, the great São Lourenço River and its clear waters and the islands of Saint Helena and Notre-Dame.
During the night, the colored lights stand out, creating a fun and, at the same time, romantic atmosphere. Although it is no longer possible to see Mount Royal, the Jacques-Cartier Bridge is beautifully lit, standing out in the urban landscape. Even the Ferris wheel also has lights, appearing to float and making the Porto Velho atmosphere even more charming.
TYPES OF EXPERIENCES AT LA GRANDE ROUE DE MONTRÉAL
- INDIVIDUAL TICKETS:It is the traditional Ferris wheel ticket with single access at any time of the day while it is open. Entry (considers admission + fees): CA$ 30.37 (18 to 64 years old) | CA$ 25.87 (+65 years) | CA$ 23 (3 to 17 years old) | free for children up to 2 years old
- PRIVATE GONDOLA:Access to enjoy the gondola ride privately, with friends and/or family. Entry fee: CA$ 186.84 (price is fixed for 1 to 8 people)
- VIP GONDOLA:Access to a special gondola with a glass floor and four large comfortable Italian leather seats to provide maximum comfort. Access is by appointment. Entry: CA$ 209.83 (4 people) | CA$ 169.01 (3 people) | CA$ 120.72 (2 people) | CA$ 63.24 (1 person)
- FAMILY PACKAGE: Conventional access ticket valid for 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children. Input: CA$ 94.86
- SPECIAL SUMMER PASSPORT: Special summer package to see Montreal's Old Port from all angles. The package includes a ticket for La Grande Roue de Montréal; an urban zipline experience with MTL Zipline; access to the SOS Labyrinthe full of obstacles and history of Montreal's Old Port; and access to the Voiles en Voiles air park, with 10 aerial routes, a staircase wall and via Ferrata. Entry (considers admission + fees): CA$ 126.84
*prices researched in September 2023
CAFÉ & BISTRO DE LA GRANDE ROUE DE MONTRÉAL
If you're hungry after taking the Ferris wheel ride, a suggestion is to check out the gastronomic options at La Grande Roue de Montréal.
- O Coffee has a menu which has a wide selection of coffees, pastries, snacks and drinks. The Café is open daily from 10am to 11pm.
- Another option is to know the Bistro, with a variety of options delicious dishes, including salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, and traditional poutine (fries with cheese and sauce). The Bistro is open from Monday to Thursday from 11am to 5pm and from Friday to Sunday from 12pm to 10pm.
OUR EXPERIENCE AT LA GRANDE ROUE DE MONTRÉAL
We visited La Grande Roue de Montréal on a day when it had rained and the weather was a bit cloudy. However, this didn't affect our visit and we were able to enjoy the beautiful views from the top of the Ferris wheel.
Before visiting the place, we had contacted Henrique, the attraction's Marketing Director, and he was waiting for us at the agreed time. He took us for a walk VIP Gondola, the special gondola with 4 comfortable armchairs and a transparent glass floor which, according to information from Henrique, is changed every 3 months.
The views from the top are beautiful, both on the side of the city of Montreal, especially the beautiful Marché Bonsecours building, and on the other side, where the Saint Lawrence River and the famous islands (Île Sainte-Helène and Île Notre -Dame). We were imagining how cool it must be to see the city from above at the end of the day, almost at sunset, to have the opportunity to see the city lighting up. It must be really beautiful!
We love visiting viewpoints, observation towers and Ferris wheels in the cities we visit because we love the possibility of seeing everything from a different and unique angle. Therefore, it is impossible not to recommend visiting La Grande Roue de Montreal. It is well worth admiring Montreal from above and enjoying both the architectural and natural beauties of this historic city. Take the opportunity to take photos of the sign J'MTL (J'aime Montréal), which means “I Love Montreal”, located on the right side.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
La Grande Roue de Montréal
- Address:362 Rue de la Commune East, Montréal, QC H2Y 0B4, Canada
- Schedules:daily from 10 am to 11 pm
- Entrance:from CAD$ 30.47 (18 to 64 years old) | CAD$ 25.87 (65+) | CAD$ 23 (3 to 17 years old) | free for 2 years and under
- Parking: The nearest parking is paid and is on Quai de l'horloge
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