Recent Developments in La Ronde’s Ownership
On March 5, 2026, La Ronde amusement park in Montreal was sold by Six Flags Entertainment Corporation to EPR Properties. This sale is part of a larger transaction involving seven amusement parks across North America, with a total deal value of $342 million.
La Ronde, which draws approximately 4.5 million visitors annually, is the only Canadian park included in this transaction. The properties involved in the sale span over 1,600 acres and feature more than 400 attractions, highlighting the scale of the operation being transferred.
Management of La Ronde will be taken over by La Ronde Operations Inc., a company owned by Kieran Burke, who previously served as CEO for Premier Parks, Inc. Burke expressed a personal connection to La Ronde, stating, “I have a special affection for La Ronde, having attended Expo 67 as a child.” This historical context emphasizes the park’s significance in Montreal’s cultural landscape.
The sale comes in the wake of Six Flags’ financial struggles, including a bankruptcy filing in 2009 and a merger with a competitor in 2024. Despite these challenges, Six Flags has committed to honoring season passes already sold for the 2026 season, ensuring continuity for its visitors.
Roger La Roche, a local figure, commented on the sale, noting that “Six Flags never understood exactly what La Ronde was,” suggesting a potential for renewed focus under new management. He also mentioned, “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.”
The office of Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada has expressed excitement about the transition, stating it looks forward to collaborating with the new managers to “boost La Ronde’s appeal and contribute to making Montreal the best tourism destination in the world.” This sentiment reflects the city’s hopes for the park’s future.
The sale is expected to be finalized within a month from the announcement, marking a new chapter for La Ronde and its role in the Montreal tourism landscape. As the park transitions to new ownership, stakeholders are keenly observing how these changes will impact operations and visitor experiences.
