Summer is back and so are all those great, free outdoor events we’ve been waiting for, including one of our favourites: the International des Feux Loto-Québec fireworks shows! The Montréal skies will light up once again this summer as part of the 36th edition of one of the world’s most prestigious pyrotechnic competitions featuring world-class firms each representing their own country with dazzling shows from June 25 to August 6. Watching them from La Ronde is always an option but you can also enjoy them from a variety of cool Montréal locations where you can curl up with your sweetheart, gather the family together, or hang out with the gang to watch the skies explode with colour. Here are the secrets to enjoying the show your own way!
1. At Clock Tower Beach
This is the first location that comes to mind when thinking about the best spots to watch these summer fireworks shows. Located right at the foot of the emblematic Clock Tower, this urban beach setting has some of the most incredible views of the city! From June 25 to August 6, 2022, starting at 7pm, enjoy our special “The Sky Belongs to the DJ” fireworks evenings right on the beach with your feet in the sand, music from a great local DJ, and maybe some nachos, a hot dog, or a sandwich too! That’s right, the beach’s bistro offers you a light menu of snacks and beverages to make your evening complete. An exceptional spot for an exceptional experience and only $7 to get in!
2. From a Rooftop
Old Montréal is positively filled with restaurants and terrasses with breathtaking rooftop views of the city. And the best part? Many of them offer great views of the International des Feux Loto-Québec fireworks shows! Try Terrasses Bonsecours, Terrasse William Gray and Terrasse sur l’Auberge. Make an evening of it with the family or with the gang and enjoy a great meal followed by one unforgettable finale!
3. Riding on the Montréal Observation Wheel
Did you know that la Grande Roue de Montréal lets you enjoy the city skyline from 60 metres up? That’s 20 storeys high! And on clear days, you can enjoy 28 km of panoramic views. With its air-conditioned cabins and those comfy seats, make the Observation Wheel your front-row seat to the fireworks shows. Very romantic! Or at the very least festive! You can even book private or VIP cabins, just make sure you reserve in advance.
4. Cruising Along the River
Want the ultimate fireworks experience? Watch them while cruising around the Old Port along the St. Lawrence! Thanks to its panoramic windows, Bateau-Mouche offers you a completely unique take on the show. Their fireworks dinner cruise package is $200 per person and includes a four-hour cruise, a four-course meal, a hosted evening filled with summertime music, and a live broadcast of the fireworks show’s soundtrack. Departures from Jacques-Cartier Quay at the Old Port of Montréal.
Aventures Wet Set Montréal also has a fireworks cruise: a two-hour tour for $60 per person or $500 for a private cruise for a group of 12. Your captain will take you to the very best spot to enjoy Loto-Québec’s fireworks shows: St-Helen’s Island. On your way back, enjoy beautiful starlit views of the city and the beautiful lights of Jacques-Cartier Bridge. And yes, you can bring food and beverages on board!
5. Aboard an Electricity-Powered Boat
Enjoy a wonderful cruise aboard Petit Navire, a special water vessel with an electric motor, super quiet and zero pollution! An unforgettable one-and-a-half-hour cruise for $59 per person ending with a stop to watch the Loto-Québec fireworks show. Departures from the Jacques-Cartier Basin in the Old Port of Montréal.
And of course, you can always take a stroll along the riverside on the quays at the Old Port of Montréal… an equally fabulous way to admire the fireworks without it costing you a dime! To learn more about all the events and activities going on at the Old Port of Montréal, follow us on Instagram and Facebook.