The Montreal Ferris Wheel

After London, Chicago and Singapore, it was time for Montreal to have its own big wheel from which to see the Old Port from a fresh angle. With all that has been added to the Old Port over the last years (Tyrolienne MTL, SOS Labyrinthe, Sails in sails), the Ferris wheel adds to range of family activities by offering this attraction for less mobile people or for very young children like me.

From Champ-de-Mars metro station, you have to walk about ten minutes. Once we see the Wheel, we have to cross a water basin by a footbridge. The view from the bridge, facing the wheel, is simply beautiful. However, it’s still a small walk. Bringing children in strollers is advisable and for older people this is a considerable walk. If you go in winter, bring your skates because the pond turns into an ice rink.

We chose the Day-Night package to have access during the day and evening. My mother absolutely wanted to see both sides of Montreal, day and night. However, we ran out of time and only went in the evening. As we went in December, I knew that the capsule was heated, but I was very impressed to see that we could even choose the intensity of the heat. And it was very comfortable.

My only disappointment is that we do not see the Wheel everywhere, or rather we have to go to the Old Port to begin to see it. However, if you arrive from the South Shore it is easy to see. I wish that this beautiful wheel were more visible and became a landmark, such as the Olympic Stadium.

I cannot wait to go back during the summer!

Good to Know

When to visit

Avoid busy hours and long holidays. Visit out of season. This is a great activity to do at any time of the year and even late at night because it is open every night until 11 p.m.

How long to expect

30-60 minutes. We waited about 3 minutes, the trip in the capsule is about 20 minutes.

How to dress

As you are to walk outside because the cabins are heated and air-conditioned.

Tourist trap

When leaving the cabin, we must absolutely go through the shop and the snack bar … impossible to escape the call of the poutine!

Cost

The family package is less than $ 50 for 2 adults and 2 children (3-12 years) or 1 adult and 3 children. Free for ages 2 and under!

www.lagranderouedemontreal.com

Message From My Parents

If you’ve ever hopped on the London Eye you might be a little bit disappointed because though the view of the Old Port is beautiful, it is not as grand as the Thames and the Big Ben. If there are not too many people, do not hesitate to ask to be only your family in the cabin. It is also easily possible to enter two strollers or a double stroller and 3 or 4 adults in each of the cabins, which are sufficiently large. It’s an interesting and short activity, easily accessible for young children and grandparents.