Another piece of Montreal's amusement park history is preparing to take its final bow. La Ronde, the city's premier entertainment destination, has confirmed that La Spirale – the iconic roller coaster that has delighted thrill-seekers since 1984 – will be dismantled, marking the end of an era for generations of visitors.
The Slow Demise of a Classic Attraction
La Spirale hasn't operated since 2019, standing silent but visible to park visitors as a ghost of amusement park past. The decision to remove the attraction follows a growing trend at La Ronde, which recently dismantled the popular Monstre roller coaster and several other classic rides.
"It's always sad to see a ride that has marked the history of the park disappear," acknowledged La Ronde's public relations coordinator, Natalie Couture. "La Spirale was one of the first major roller coasters at La Ronde and holds a special place in the hearts of many Quebecers."
A Ride Through History
La Spirale debuted during an exciting period of expansion for the park. The steel coaster, manufactured by German company Schwarzkopf, featured a unique spiral lift hill and reached speeds of up to 80 km/h. For nearly four decades, it provided adrenaline-pumping experiences for countless visitors, becoming as much a part of Montreal's summer landscape as the St. Lawrence River that flows beside the park.
Changing Tides at La Ronde
The dismantling of La Spirale raises questions about the future direction of the 56-year-old amusement park. Since Six Flags acquired La Ronde in 2001, the park has gradually replaced many of its classic attractions with newer, more intense thrill rides.
This shift reflects broader trends in the amusement industry, where parks must balance nostalgia with the demand for cutting-edge experiences that attract new generations of visitors.
What's Next for the Site?
While park officials haven't revealed specific plans for the space currently occupied by La Spirale, they confirm that the removal is part of a larger strategy to "modernize the guest experience and prepare for future developments."
The dismantling process is expected to take several weeks, with crews working carefully to remove the massive steel structure that has dominated that section of the park for nearly 40 years.
Preserving Memories
For many Montrealers, the news sparks waves of nostalgia. Social media has been flooded with photos and personal stories from residents who rode La Spirale as children, on first dates, or during family outings.
"These rides become part of our collective memory," noted local historian Martin Tremblay. "When they disappear, it feels like losing a piece of our childhood. But it also opens the door for new memories to be created."
As Montreal says goodbye to another amusement park landmark, visitors can still enjoy other classic attractions at La Ronde while wondering what new adventures might eventually take La Spirale's place.
