10 places to watch the fireworks in Montreal this weekend

Our gorgeous country turned 152 year old on Canada Day and combined with the the opening of the 35th edition of the l’International des Feux Loto-Québec, Montreal’s skies will continue to be very colourful throughout the summer.

Whether you want to be surrounded by tons of people on the island or you want something a little bit more secluded, Montreal, and its surrounding neighbourhoods, have a bunch of firework options for you and your family to choose from.

See also

• Montreal's International Fireworks Competition starts on June 29
• What’s open and closed on Canada Day in Montreal
• Here is Old Montreal's FREE Canada Day activity lineup

Montreal’s firework competition will take over the Old Port’s sky until July 27. Get your eyes and ears ready for a weekend worth of pyrotechnics.

This weekend’s fireworks show goes on rain or shine and it all starts at 10 pm.

Old Port

The Old Port is the launch pad for both of this weekend’s respective shows. Old Montreal puts on a pretty impressive show, displaying the fireworks right over the Saint Lawrence River. Gather at any of the Old Port’s spectacular restaurants, bars, or cafes or find a spot on the pier and join thousands of people gawking at the Old Port’s Canada Day fireworks.

Where: Montreal’s Old Port
When: The Old Port is open all day

 Village au Pied-du-Courant

Montreal’s urban beachside village is a trendy and entertaining spot to catch the fireworks.  It offers a breathtaking view of the Jacques Cartier Bridge and part of the Saint Lawrence River. Head to the man-made beach town and enjoy food trucks, bar kiosks, an art gallery, and a garden while the fireworks decorate the night sky right above you.

Where: 2100 Rue Notre-Dame Est
When: 3 pm – 12 am

Jacques Cartier Bridge

Experience a local favourite with a gorgeous vantage point view of the fireworks on the Jacques Cartier Bridge. The bridge is completely closed off to vehicular traffic from 8:30 pm to 11:30 pm and invites you to dangle your feet off Canada’s third busiest bridge while taking in the fireworks.

Where: 134 Jacques-Cartier Bridge
When: 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm

La Ronde

Get your fireworks right from the source and experience the shows from as close to the launch pad as you can be. La Ronde offers waterfront seats (and food and drinks) at the La Ronde bistro where you can see the fireworks from the launching pad across the water. The synchronized music that accompanies the fireworks plays through La Ronde’s house speakers. It costs money to get into La Ronde but once you’re there, you’re in prime territory. Battle the Goliath during the day and relax to first-hand fireworks at night.

Where: 22 Chemin Macdonald
When: 11 am – 11:30 pm (special Canada Day hours)

Mont Royal Belvédère Kondiaronk Park

You don’t necessarily need to get a close up of the fireworks to enjoy them. Mont Royal Belvédère Kondiaronk Park is a nice alternative if you don’t mind a bit of a hike and a lengthy view of the fireworks. Plus, you get to see the entire city lit up – especially in gorgeous weather. A 15-minute hike will totally be worth it.

Where: 1196 Voie Camillien-Houde
When: 6 am – 12 am

Parc Jean Drapeau

Spend the day on Montreal’s massive man-made island before settling underneath the fireworks. From the weeping willow trees, the gardens, art exhibitions and casino, Parc Jean Drapeau Island is the closest you’ll get to the fireworks without having to pay.

Where: 1 Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
When: 6 am – 11:30 pm (special Canada Day hours)

Pointe Claire Fireworks

 

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Alexandre-Bourgeau Park in the West Island is hosting a massive Canada Day party for people wishing to escape the city. The park is offering free swimming, a citizenship ceremony, art workshops, free paddleboarding, live music, and of course, fireworks.

The fireworks will be launched from a barge from Lake Saint-Louis.

Where: 2 Cartier Ave, Pointe-Claire
When: 2 pm – 10:45 pm
Fireworks: 10:10 pm

Terrasse sur l’Auberge

Terrasse sur l’Auberge is the rooftop terrace to beat in all of the Old Port. Sit on a stylish rooftop terrace located in the heart of the Old Port overlooking the Saint Lawrence River as the skyline ignites with colour.

A $25 cover is charged per person and you might want to reserve early as the 100-person terrace fills up quickly. Also, expect some marriage proposals, it’s that gorgeous.

Where: 97 de la Commune St Est
When: 2 pm – 11 pm

Complexe Sky

Drag queens, hot tubs, cocktails, a terrace and fireworks all at the same spot.

Sky is a fixture in Montreal’s Gay Village and the terrace of the three-floored party palace offers a clear view of the fireworks from the East and it’s free to enter. What could pair better with skyline explosions than a drag show, a hot tub, and gigantic pitchers of sangria?

Where: 1478 Rue Saint Catherine Est
When: 2 pm – 12 am

Au Sommet Place Ville Marie

Experience Montreal’s fireworks from the tallest vantage point in the city. Montreal’s viewpoint atop the Place Ville Marie summit gives you a 360-degree fireworks experience like no other.

Virtually at eye-level, it’s the perfect spot to watch the fireworks explode in mid-air.

General admission ranges from $9 to $19 dependent on age.

Where: 4 Place Ville Marie, Montreal
When: 11 am – 11 pm (special Canada Day hours)