6 things to discover about
La Grande Roue de Montréal
The design and appearance of La Grande Roue de Montréal are unique in Canada.
6 interesting facts about La Grande Roue de Montréal
La Grande Roue, which redefined the skyline of the Old Port, is more than just an imposing construction: it’s an engineering tour de force.
Learn more about La Grande Roue de Montréal with these six interesting facts.
1. It’s the most imposing Ferris wheel in Canada
With its 60-meter-high structure, La Grande Roue de Montréal is taller than all of its Canadian counterparts.
This impressive height offers visitors a spectacular view of up to 28 km in every direction.
2. It operates in both summer and winter
Because the Quebec winters are often harsh, La Grande Roue had to be built to withstand the elements.
The capsules are also temperature controlled. So while you’re inside, you’ll never have to worry about the weather outside.
3. It features a Dutch design
This attraction is part of the White Series of new-generation observation wheels from the designer Dutch Wheels.
The Dutch company also played a role in the supervision and quality control of the final construction.
4. It’s the fourth largest observation Ferris wheel of its kind in the world
Developed in 2017, La Grande Roue de Montréal is the baby of the White Series family.
The three other Ferris wheels in this series are:
- The one in Hong Kong, opened in December 2014
- The one in Baku, completed in March 2014
- The one in Chicago, in operation since May 2016
5. It can resist strong winds
With its steel construction, which meets strict anti-seismic standards, La Grande Roue de Montréal can withstand winds of up to 240 km/h.
The steel it is made from is also capable of withstanding temperatures below freezing, as low as -40 °C.
6. It took about sixty workers to erect it
A large team was necessary in order to construct and mount the rotating structure installed in Old Montreal.
In addition to the workers from Quebec, eight German specialists were called in to ensure the successful completion of the operations.
Unique Ferris wheel, unique experience
If we had to choose just one interesting thing about the Ferris wheel that towers over the Old Port, it would undoubtedly be the unobstructed view it offers visitors.
Day and night, this impressive structure equipped with 1,800 points of light never ceases to amaze.