All the best views: see Montréal from above

The city
  • MTL Zipline and La Grande Roue de Montréal
  • Terrasse William Gray
Isa Tousignant

Isa Tousignant

From restaurants with views to natural sites to hotels with gorgeous lookouts, this is a list of Montréal’s best views. The city is a playground full of high moments, top tier dining and elevated entertainment experiences — sometimes literally! Here are some of our favourite places to see Montréal from above.

Parks and sites of natural splendour

All of Montréal’s stellar parks have the ability to make you travel to another world, one of peace, quiet, beauty and green renewal, but some come with the extra advantage of views.

Montreal Skyline - Kondiaronk lookout - Mount Royal Park

Mount Royal Park has a slew of spots to get a bird’s eye view of the city. The choices are endless, and the surroundings are lushly green. Start with these three viewpoints: 

  1. The lookout at the Kondiaronk Belvedere, where you can see an astounding view of downtown down to the St. Lawrence River as you sip a homemade lemonade from the café
  2. The Camillien-Houde lookout on the northeast side, which will give you a look at the Plateau and eastward all the way past the Olympic Stadium
  3. And the various lookouts you can reach when you walk to the very top, to the famous Mount Royal Cross

Parc Jean-Drapeau is a vast green expanse made up of two islands zigzagged with beautiful walkways, bike paths and architectural marvels, some inherited from Expo 67. 

Among the viewpoints, don’t miss the Tour de Lévis, dating back to the 1930s, which houses a staircase of 157 steps leading to the observation terrace. Behold a 360-degree panoramic view of the St. Lawrence River, the Montréal skyline, and the rolling hills beyond.

Montréal hotels with stellar views

Many hotels in Montréal have amazing views, both from the top-level rooms and from rooftop bars. Here are some of the most special:

Renaissance Montreal Downtown
Hôtel Hyatt Centric Montréal
  • Renaissance Hotel: The summertime-only R Terrace on the rooftop at the Renaissance Montréal Downtown is extra special for the ambiance, the drinks, the stainless steel plunge pool and the view of downtown and the river and its beautiful bridges. 
  • Hyatt Centric Montréal: The vista at this east-end Old Port hotel is unique, giving new views from the rooftop restaurant and guests-only pool that are really spectacular. 
  • Hôtel HONEYROSE Montréal: In festival season this handsome hotel terrasse vantage point is truly droolworthy, with full view of the outdoor concerts and street performances of Quartier des Spectacles. And it’s perfect for fireworks nights, too, when the eastern perspective reaches all the way toward La Ronde
  • Hotel William Gray: This gorgeous Old Montréal hotel has a restaurant terrasse that will give you an eyeful of the shiny dome of Marché Bonsecours and the pretty 18th century architecture of surrounding Old Montréal
  • Hôtel Nelligan: Among the most popular terrasses in town, the view from the rooftop bar and restaurant at Hôtel Nelligan is twofold, one side giving onto picturesque Old Montréal and downtown behind, the other looking out onto the St. Lawrence. 
  • Four Seasons Hôtel Montréal: Located right downtown in the thick of the Golden Square Mile, you wouldn’t think the Four Seasons would have too much to offer in terms of vistas — but you won’t find a better view of the surroundings, particularly of the Leonard Cohen mural, from its tawny Marcus restaurant. 

Montréal attractions that will give you an eyeful

Montréal has got attractions from throughout the city’s history, which you can visit extra easily with a Passeport MTL card. Extra perk? These come with incredible views:

The Clock Tower

Dating back to 1922, the Clock Tower marks the entrance to the port and stands as a memorial to sailors lost at sea. To those willing to climb the 45-metre-high tower, with 192 steps to the top, it’s a great spot for a stunning view of the waterways and city below. 

Jacques-Cartier Bridge

At over 100 metres high, the highest part of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge — which has pedestrian and bike access — is definitely a high place, and there’s no better spot to view the lights on fireworks nights. 

La Grande Roue de Montréal

Take in the panoramic view in the cozy comfort of a weather-proof, four-season gondola aboard the largest, tallest Ferris wheel in Canada. Located right in Old Port, La Grande roue de Montréal’s 42 gondolas are equipped with ultra-clear tempered glass panes so you can see up to 28 kilometres away on a clear day. In the evening, colourful lights steal the show, creating a romantic and festive atmosphere. 

Grand Quay and Port of Montréal Tower

This impressive structure is grand indeed, especially on its top levels, which have an unobstructed 360-degree view. Walk up the last two storeys just to be able to savour every step on the shiny golden staircase. 

And if you want to add adventure to your views

Why not add thrills and chills to a little sight-seeing, n’est-ce pas? 

Le Monstre at La Ronde

With its highest spots hitting 40 metres, it’s no wonder this oldie-but-goodie ride at La Ronde gets blood pumping. If you dare actually look while on Le Monstre, you’ll see the beautiful St. Lawrence River and islands spread out before you. 

Hélicraft, a bird's eye view

For a REAL high perspective, take a tour with Hélicraft — a unique way to see Montréal from above. Among the different panoramic tours available, ranging from 20 to 30 minutes, you can see:

Or how about taking command? Fly the helicopter yourself during Hélicraft’s supervised pilot experience. With an experienced instructor by your side, you’ll soar 4,200 metres high above Montréal’s gorgeous skyline. 

MTL Zipline

Engage with the landscape — like, physically — by ziplining your way over Bonsecours Island in the Old Port thanks to the skilled thrills provided by MTL Zipline. You’ll be mere feet away from the St. Lawrence River, right in the heart of things — though your heartrate may not allow you to enjoy the view.

Montréal Bungee

Experience Canada’s highest bungee jump in the heart of the Old Port of Montréal with Montréal Bungee, an exhilarating 210-foot or 64 m drop from an aerial platform with breathtaking views of downtown.

Isa Tousignant

Isa Tousignant

Isa Tousignant is an editor and storyteller with a curiosity that runs deeper than most. She has chatted life philosophies with celebrity chefs, gemologists, arena rockers and furries. (All were transformative.) Her favourite things include discovering new flavours and celebrating the creativity that defines her hometown, Montréal.

See articles by Isa