The best places to watch fireworks in Montréal

Lighting the sky over Montréal since 1985, the annual summer event L’International des Feux Loto-Québec is the biggest competition of its kind in the world. Starting in late June and running until early August, competing teams represent their countries with themed fireworks shows set to a musical soundtrack. The action happens on Île Sainte-Hélène at the Six Flags’ La Ronde amusement park, but can be seen—and heard—from rooftop patios, bridges and other choice spots in the city. Find your next spot among the list of locations below. 

With unencumbered views of Île Sainte-Hélène and the St. Lawrence River, the Old Port of Montréal’s Clock Tower Beach is a sandy riverside oasis and a perfect spot to watch the fireworks from across the water. Free during the day and open to all ages, the Clock Tower Beach transforms on fireworks evenings into a club-like atmosphere, with a ticketed entry fee (buy your tickets online) and a strict 18+ policy.

Keen to watch the fireworks from high above? On the 45th and 46th floor of Place Ville Marie, Hiatus restaurant and bar brings the pyrotechnics to eye level while also leaving room to observe the entire city. At 60 metres tall (that’s 20 storeys!), La Grande Roue de Montréal observation wheel in the Old Port stays open until 11 p.m. for fireworks viewing from its comfortable, climate-controlled gondolas. 

If you’re up for a walk, watch the shows from the Jacques Cartier Bridge, which is shut down to car traffic for several hours before and after the competitions. Rub shoulders with locals who’ve tuned their phones and radios to a local radio station and get ready to feel the oohs and ahs with the crowd. (Tip: Bring a light rain jacket or sweater for the windy elevation). The bridge turns off its own Moment Factory-created Living Connections lighting display to let the fireworks take centre stage. Meanwhile, near the Jacques Cartier Bridge, ephemeral space Village au Pied-du-Courant throws its own fireworks-watching party with unbelievably clear views of the show. And if you’re biking to Parc Jean-Drapeau to see the fireworks, opt for the Concorde Bridge on the park’s south side, and duck into Parc de Dieppe to watch the show from the gazebo found at the end of the peninsula.

For something a little different, watch the fireworks from the water! Take an evening boat ride on the St. Lawrence River with Croisières AML, offering several elaborate dinner-and-fireworks packages. Glide along the river with Bateau-Mouche, where on fireworks nights you can enjoy a VIP experience with a meal and fireworks on the river. You can also opt for an intimate, small-boat experience with Le Petit Navire’s fireworks tour, guiding you through the port and along the river for a first-class view, with music and drinks to match.

Montréal is a city that thoroughly embraces summertime, so it’s no surprise that rooftop patios are plentiful. Diners can see the fireworks from many of them, including the ever-popular Terrasse sur l’Auberge, overlooking the historic Old Port and the St. Lawrence River, at the Auberge du Vieux-Port hotel. Also in Old Montréal, try one of the lovely spaces at Hôtel William Gray, Terrasse Place d’Armes or Terrasse Nelligan.