Montreal Destinations (Rafting=Great,Transportation=VIA Rail,Ugly & Horrific= La Rounde) August 2008

     Looking for an incredible adventure in Montreal and don’t mind getting wet? Rafting Montreal puts together two fabulous trips and you can do them both the same day.  Our first trip was rafting through the Lachine Rapids on the outskirts of the city with beautiful views, moderate yet fun rapids and great energy from the company employees.  They made it very fun and were helpful during instructions and the excursion.  Every boat has a tour guide who will explain the naming behind each of the 5 or so rapids and how/when to paddle for safety and exhilaration.  Definitely bring and wear your bathing suit, as you are sure to get wet.  The tour takes about two hours depending how many other rafts go out while you can exercise at your own strength while keeping up with the paddler in front of you.  It is not difficult and a total blast.  If interested in doing both excursions the same day, the rafting starts about 10:30am and the jet boating in the early afternoon. You will have about an hour in between to rest and have lunch at a nearby diner.

 

     If you have never been jet boating, this will keep you on the edge of your seats with extreme speed.  Don’t forget your towel, as you will get drenched flying through the same rapids.  This is a must if you want the total thrill as the speed boat propels everyone with spins and maneuvers which get you a little fatigued along with the enormous amount of water especially if you are in the front seats.  This tour takes about 90 minutes or so.  I highly recommend both excursions as you save a bit on the package price and you will miss out by not doing both. 

 

      There are several ways to get to the location including a rental car.  We took the subway to the end of the line and caught a bus to “Les Excursions Rapids De Lachine” about an hour away from downtown Montreal.  Make sure to ask for Jarrett who runs this professional operation.  This was the highlight of our trip as it is so unique and a great time and memory. You can request an English or French speaking guide and all of them were top notch!   More information, prices and reservations at (514) 767-2230 or visit www.raftingmontreal.com 

The way to get around Canada is VIA Railroad.  This train offers all types of seating from economy to first class.  We took the train from Montreal to Toronto and the nice view, comfortable seating, and great service made the trip very relaxing and go by quickly.  VIA offers railroad transportation all over Canada so check their website for destinations, pricing and good deals.  If you book in advance, special fares are available.  Prices depend on where you are going and what class you choose.  Certain classes offer food and drinks for pay while first class provides lunch or dinner plus an open bar if you want to go that route.  The servers and attendants were hospitable and helpful and tickets are easy to purchase online or over the phone.  Other options include refundable/changeable tickets if you pay a bit more or non-refundable/non-changeable at the lowest price fare.  Don’t miss the best way to travel and see Canada with VIA Rail on your next visit to Canada. VIA Rail offers luxury transportation at affordable pricing.  More information at www.viarail.com/ca or call 888 VIA-RAIL (1 888 842-7245).

Now for the Ugly (La Rounde Amusement Park)- Keep in mind that our publication gives positive publicity and stories 99% of the time so take the validity of this horrible experience to heart. Our aim is to give positive PR and write-ups on all of our reviews & coverage.

We made a plan for a day out at La Rounde Amusement Park.  As we started our fun filled day, we thought how it wasn’t too crowded after the popular Fireworks demonstration the night before.  It looked like a day to remember. It ended up being that but not in the right context.  As we were waiting in line for our second ride, a bunch of youngsters in their 20’s started smoking.  I checked the map/guide and it specifically mentioned No Smoking in lines and only in designated areas.  After politely asking these people to put it out, we were ignored as the group only cared about themselves.  With many witnesses and others disliking the smoke, we asked the ride attendant to help with this matter while we were waiting in line as smoke was drifting past us on every breath.  The attendant asked them to put it out and the group ignored her.  We asked to call security.  As we were about to take the ride, security showed up and many people including us pointed out the group.  Security asked them to leave the line.  As the group was leaving, the five of them starting shouting obscenities and profanity at us in front of hundreds of people and kids.  We were in a bit of shock as we are just allergic to smoke and were following the rules.  We went on our way and took the ride.  After departing the ride, we noticed the group was down below and seemed to be waiting for us. With many onlookers, we were not interested in any confrontation and immediately asked for security to help out. 

We had thought this group was escorted from the park.  First not following the smoking rules, then ignoring the attendant but for sure after swearing in public.  I looked at the map guide again and it specifically mentions no profanity is allowed.  So seeing this group below now made us wary and afraid, as they were angry that we asked them to put out their cigarettes.  Why they were still in the park baffled us but we wanted no part.  Now our fun filled Amusement park day was being interrupted and not fair.  It seems like it cannot get worse but it did.  As we waited for security to come back, we had no choice to ask them to either escort the group out of the park for not following the rules or escort us out as we felt in Danger for our Safety.  How could people who didn’t follow many of the rules and use obscenities in public in front of hundreds of people be allowed to stay?  At this point, we didn’t care even though we were there to review the park and give some nice publicity.  So when security came back and failed to explain why the group was still in the park, we asked them for what else (SECURITY) to help us out of danger.

I was traveling with my fiancé who writes for the paper.  So 3 big guys and 2 angry girls are waiting for the two of us and we are just in Montreal on vacation trying to have a nice time.  So we thought well that day didn’t go well as we were pleading to the 2 security staff while they were escorting us out. All of a sudden, they get a call and said they had to leave, as there was an emergency.  My fiancé (all 108 pounds of her) reached out to Nicolas (the Security staff member) not to leave us as this group was waiting for us.  As she put her hand out for help on his shoulder asking him to stay and continue escorting us out of the park in fear of our safety, Nicolas slashed her, which caused a bruise and cut on her arm which has left a mark.  I didn’t know what to do but saw the Nicolas just assaulted my fiancé when we were supposed to be getting help leaving the park on our terms instead of the trouble-making group that wasn’t following the rules.  We found out later that the emergency was someone had urinated on accident on another ride.  Yes that took priority over a possible fight and fear of safety by two people asking for HELP.  We argued and finally got the two security to escort us to the front of the park and customer relations.  We immediately complained and asked for the supervisor on duty.  That took forever as we waited about one hour. 

We decided to call the police and filed a police report of this incident for assault against the park security that was supposed to help us instead of assaulting us.  This incident is incredible and unbelievable.  Nobody in customer service/guest relations could help and we followed up with the park afterwards.  They seemed not to take this too seriously and after contacting them numerous times, we received feedback saying the matter was handled internally and that is all they could say.  Since we live in Los Angeles, it is difficult to pursue this International matter and press charges as we would have to fly back and my fiancé has recovered now from her wound.  She was very emotional and crying the whole day after not being helped and especially being assaulted.  We were told that visitors get a warning if they do not follow the rules.

We said we can see how smoking can be one warning but ignoring the attendant when she asked the group to put out their cigarettes and using profanity twice and in front of hundreds of people and in front of their own security bypassed the one warning.  None of this would have happened if the rules/policies were followed by Security to escort the group out of the park because smoking and profanity (not once, twice, or three times but yes 4 times) are not allowed.

     There is not a lot we can do except spread out traumatic, terrifying experience with our readers and visitors to Montreal to discourage attending La Rounde Amusement Park.  What an unprofessional establishment especially being part of Six Flags.  I hope at least they make some changes with the security staff (Nicolas for sure) and customer service/guest relations employees who should be embarrassed and reprimanded for their lack of help and feedback.