“We are very fortunate to have it in Montreal,” acknowledges Len Turtora, La Ronde’s vice-president and general manager. “Bolliger & Mabillard’s work here has been outstanding; they are the Mercedes of coaster manufacturers. Every element of the ride is great, but the horseshoe turn-around at the far end is spectacular, as is the giant first drop.”

Goliath joins over 40 other rides and attractions at La Ronde and is the park’s ninth coaster at 175ft tall and 4,039ft long. With an initial drop of 171ft, riders reach speeds of 68 mph. They are transported in one of two open-sided 36-passenger trains, each with nine cars with a capacity of four people across.

During a full minute in the thrill zone, these trains give passengers the impression that they are flying far above Sainte-Hélène Island. The out-and-back track layout whisks guests outside the park to the eastern point of the island before rushing them back into the park, over a series of quick hills and drops that provide 11 seat-lifting moments, and finally to a smooth ending in the station house.

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