The best places to watch fireworks in Montréal

Lighting the sky over Montréal since 1985, 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, on Thursday nights and one Sunday, competing teams represent their countries with themed fireworks shows set to music. The action happens on Île Sainte-Hélène at La Ronde amusement park, but can be seen – and heard – from rooftop patios, bridges and other choice spots in the city.

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 perfectly chill spot to watch the fireworks. Free during the day and open to all ages, the Clock Tower Beach transforms on fireworks evenings into a more club-like atmosphere, with a $10 entry fee (buy your tickets online only) and an 18+ policy. Nearby, the MTL Zipline beckons adventurous visitors – why not go for a ride while fireworks explode in the sky above you? Now that's a serious Instagram moment.

Watch the fireworks safely behind glass while looking out on the entire city from far above street level. On the 45th and 46th floor of Place Ville Marie, Hiatus restaurant and bar situates you at eye level to the fireworks. 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 stroll, watch the show from the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, which closes to car traffic for the fireworks. Rub shoulders with locals who've tuned their phones and radios to the fireworks competition's radio station – and bring a jacket or sweater for the windy elevation. The bridge turns off its own Moment Factory-created Living Connections lighting display to let the pyrotechnics take centre stage. Meanwhile, near the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, ephemeral space Village au Pied-du-Courant throws its own fireworks-watching party. And if you're biking to Parc Jean-Drapeau to see the fireworks, try the slightly less populated Concorde Bridge on the park's west side.

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 different and elaborate dinner-and-fireworks packages. Glide along the river with Bateau-Mouche, where on fireworks nights you can choose between a four-course dinner service or a six-course meal on the upper deck – enjoy your meal and then enjoy the fireworks as they reflect off the river. Or 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 embraces summertime completely, so it's no surprise that rooftop patios are plentiful. You'll be able to see the fireworks from many of them too, 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 the lovely Terrasse William Gray at Hôtel William Gray, Terrasses Bonsecours, Terrasse Place d’Armes and Terrasse Nelligan.