Liam TrudeauA sightseer’s guide on where to find the best views in Montreal
Listen, I’m not gonna lie – I’ve spent more time chasing good views in this city than I have chasing love. But hey, at least the views never ghost you, right?
From scaling questionable fire escapes (don’t tell my landlord) to bribing doormen with bagels (totally worth it), I’ve been on a mission to uncover Montreal’s most heart-stopping panoramas. And let me tell you, it’s been a journey.
We’re about to embark on a visual journey through Montreal to discover the best places to see those heart-stopping skylines that’ll make you forget about New York (sorry, not sorry), and panoramas so beautiful they’ll make you want to break into song (Céline Dion optional, but highly encouraged).
Kondiaronk Belvedere
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Location: 1196 Voie Camillien-Houde, Montréal, QC H3H 1A1, Canada
Contact: +1 514-872-3911
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12:00 AM to 6:00 AM
Kondiaronk Belvedere, affectionately known as the “mountain,” is a crown jewel when it comes to breathtaking views. This grand semicircular terrace, perched proudly in front of the historic Mount Royal Chalet, offers a panoramic vista as quintessentially Montreal as poutine and bagels.
Imagine this: you’re standing on this elevated platform, sipping a warm coffee from the Chalet’s cosy café, and before you unfold a panorama of downtown Montreal. You’ll even see iconic landmarks like the Biosphère and the Jacques Cartier Bridge punctuate the skyline!
Montreal Tower
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Location: 3200 Viau St, Montreal, Quebec H1V 3J3, Canada
Contact: +1 514-252-4141
The Montreal Tower is towering 65 metres high and daringly inclined at a 45-degree angle, holding the title of the world’s tallest inclined tower. Perched within Olympic Park, this gem invites you on a two-minute ascent in a glass-encased funicular that reveals a visual feast as you rise to the observatory.
On a clear day, your gaze can stretch up to 80 kilometres, encompassing the entirety of Greater Montreal, the verdant slopes of Mount Royal, and the shimmering St. Lawrence River.
This iconic structure, designed by French architect Roger Taillibert for the 1976 Summer Olympics is honestly a testament to the engineering prowess and the city’s rich history.
La Grande Roue de Montréal
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Location: 362 Rue de la Commune E, Montréal, QC H2Y 0B4, Canada
Contact: +1 514-252-4141
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Perched 60 metres above the charming Old Port, La Grande Roue de Montréal is Canada’s tallest observation wheel. Inaugurated in 2017 to commemorate the city’s 375th anniversary, this giant Ferris wheel offers a 360-degree vista that stretches up to 28 kilometres on a clear day.
It’s even equipped with anti-UV tempered glass so you can sit comfortably on your journey regardless of the weather. As you ascend, Montreal’s eclectic architecture unfolds beneath you, a tapestry of old and new that captures the city’s vibrant spirit.
Now, if you seek a bit of luxury, the VIP gondola beckons with its plush Italian leather seats and a glass floor that provides an extended 30-minute ride to truly immerse yourself in the cityscape below.
Jacques-Cartier Bridge
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Location: 134 Jacques-Cartier Brg, Montreal, Quebec H2K 4M2, Canada
Contact: +1 450-651-8771
Operating hours: Operating hours
Since 2017, this iconic landmark has been adorned with an intricate LED lighting system, making it the world’s first “connected” bridge. Its colours shift with the seasons and even react to real-time data like traffic and weather which creates a spectacle that never fails to captivate.
Whether you’re strolling along its pedestrian path or cycling across its dedicated lanes, the Jacques-Cartier Bridge offers unparalleled panoramic views of Montreal. From the bustling downtown core to the tranquil St. Lawrence River, it’s a feast for the eyes (and your cameras).
And if you’re a fan of fireworks, this place is the ultimate viewing platform. The bridge is closed to vehicle traffic during firework displays, turning it into a pedestrian paradise where you can enjoy spectacular pyrotechnics.
Camilien-Houde belvedere
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Location: 1576 Voie Camillien-Houde, Montréal, QC H2W 1S8, Canada
Contact: +1 514-843-8240
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 6;00 PM
Located on the verdant slopes of Mount Royal, Camillien-Houde Belvedere offers a unique perspective on Montreal by showcasing the city’s eastern expanse in all its glory.
Designed by the visionary Frederick Law Olmsted (who also masterminded New York’s Central Park) this oasis offers a breathtaking vista of iconic landmarks like the Olympic Stadium and the Port of Montreal, as well as the charming neighbourhoods that sprawl out below.
Unlike some of the more popular viewpoints on Mount Royal, Camillien-Houde Belvedere remains a hidden gem, providing ample opportunities to capture uninterrupted and postcard-worthy shots of the cityscape.
Parc Jean-Drapeau
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Location: Montreal, Quebec H3C 1A9, Canada
Contact: +1 514-843-8240
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Parc Jean-Drapeau is a verdant escape that provides more than just spectacular views. One of its crown jewels is the Biosphère, an architectural marvel from Expo 67 that offers a unique perspective of the city and the river that appeals to both nature lovers and architecture enthusiasts.
For thrill-seekers, La Ronde amusement park and the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve deliver exhilarating experiences with stunning cityscapes as the backdrop.
Whether you’re relaxing on Jean-Doré Beach in the summer, enjoying a leisurely bike ride along the park’s trails, or taking in the snowy wonderland during winter with cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, Parc Jean-Drapeau offers a year-round feast for the eyes.
Monument to Sir George-Étienne Cartier
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Location: Ville-Marie, Quebec H2W 1S8, Canada
Contact: +1 514-872-0311
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM
A towering 31-metre tribute perched atop Mount Royal Park, the Monument to Sir George-Étienne Cartier is a vantage point where history, art, and nature converge to create a breathtaking panorama.
This grand monument, inaugurated in 1919 and adorned with 18 bronze statues, stands as a testament to Sir George-Étienne Cartier’s legacy while offering sweeping views of Montreal’s iconic skyline and the shimmering St. Lawrence River.
From this elevated perch, you can spot landmarks like the Olympic Stadium, all while basking in the lush greenery of the park.
Parc La Fontaine
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Location: 3819 Av. Calixa-Lavallée, Montréal, QC H2L 3A7, Canada
Contact: +1 514-872-0311
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Parc La Fontaine is a year-round haven for those seeking picturesque views. In the summer, the park transforms into a hub of activity, where sunbathers lounge on the grass, picnickers gather under shady trees, and cyclists glide along winding paths, all enjoying the serene environment.
Plus, the park’s two ponds reflect the changing colours of the seasons creating a tableau for strolls or scenic picnics. But perhaps the most captivating view awaits at the Théâtre de Verdure – an open-air theatre that hosts free performances during the summer months.
Parc de Dieppe
Media credit to montreal
Location: 3400 Av Pierre-Dupuy, Montréal, QC H3C 6V9, Canada
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Perfectly poised at the tip of the Cité-du-Havre peninsula, Parc de Dieppe is a waterfront gem that has great views of the Old Port and downtown Montreal. Its prime location guarantees an unobstructed view of the city’s iconic skyline, drawing photographers and sightseers alike to capture its beauty.
As summer arrives, the park transforms into a lively hub, with picnic tables scattered throughout, inviting visitors to savour a leisurely lunch while basking in the stunning scenery.
And when night falls, especially during firework displays, this park becomes a magical vantage point, where the cityscape sparkles against the dark canvas of the sky.
Rene-Lévesque Park
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Location: 398 Chem. du Canal, Lachine, QC H8S 4G2, Canada
Contact: +1 514-872-0311
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
A waterfront haven, René-Lévesque Park offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural enrichment, making it a prime spot for scenic views. With its panoramic vistas of the St. Lawrence River, Lake Saint-Louis, and the distant South Shore, the park is a visual feast for nature lovers.
As you stroll or cycle along its extensive paths, you’ll encounter 22 monumental contemporary sculptures, turning your leisurely exploration into a journey through an open-air art gallery.
The park’s thoughtful layout culminates at a lookout point, where you can pause and admire the breathtaking expanse of water and the surrounding landscape.
