La Ronde opens under new U.S. ownership after Six Flags exit
Île Ste-Hélène's iconic amusement park kicked off its 2026 season Saturday under fresh management, signaling a new era for the beloved summer destination.
La Ronde, Montreal's summer anchor on Île Ste-Hélène, opened for the 2026 season Saturday under new management after Six Flags—which operated it for decades—finally sold the property to a U.S. real estate investment trust.
EPR Properties, a Kansas City-based REIT, acquired La Ronde alongside six U.S. theme parks in a deal that closed in March for US$331 million (roughly C$455 million). The actual day-to-day operations were handed over on May 14 to La Ronde Operations, a company run by U.S. theme park executive Kieran Burke, who also operates several other parks across North America.
The transition marks a significant shift for a park that's been a fixture of Montreal summer culture since Expo 67. Locals who grew up riding the Cobra or the Ferris wheel have watched Six Flags' stewardship evolve over the years—sometimes smoothly, sometimes not. Now, with new owners and new operators, there's curiosity about what changes might be coming. Will they invest in new rides? Refresh the food and beverage offerings? Address longtime maintenance concerns?
For now, the park is open, the rides are running, and families are back on the midway. Whether this new chapter brings meaningful improvements or simply maintains the status quo remains to be seen—but at least Montreal has its summer playground back.