In Montreal, as summer heat waves hit, the city unveils its most alluring features. With the desire for refreshment, the bustling metropolis on the St. Lawrence River, adorned with serene waterways, offers an array of locations where water becomes a valuable companion in combating scorching weather.
From the floating terraces of the Old Port to the tranquil shores of the Chêne River in Saint-Eustache, and passing by the picturesque banks of the Richelieu in Beloeil, each establishment cultivates a unique relationship with the aquatic element. These gourmet retreats transform the summer heat into a welcome escape, where the soothing presence of water creates a natural sense of tranquillity.
These sanctuaries harness the power of their hydraulic environment to generate invigorating microclimates. Water functions as a natural air conditioner, moderating the scorching rays of summer and producing those coveted breezes during heat waves.
Restaurateurs deploy their terraces directly on the waters or facing water expanses, allowing diners to feel the breeze caress their faces between bites. This selection leads you to discover addresses where every meal becomes a beneficial pause in the urban tumult.
1 Avenue du Casino, Montréal, H3C 4W7
Latin rhythms pulse through the warm air of Parc Jean-Drapeau, transforming the terrace of the casino into a lively oasis facing the shimmering waters of the St. Lawrence. The caliente atmosphere comes alive at 6 PM with salsa, bachata, and reggaeton programming that gets bodies moving, while the river breeze provides welcome relief during scorching days. Between dances, guests can enjoy burgers from the casino and barbecued ribs, washed down with refreshing cocktails. The natural ventilation keeps the temperature comfortable, making it a perfect place to escape the heat of the city. On Saturdays, the dessert truck is there, completing the unique island experience.
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99 Chemin de la Rive, Vieux Longueuil, J4H 4C9
The sunsets light up the terrace at Real-Bouvier Marina, transforming each evening into a natural show on the banks of the St. Lawrence River in Vieux-Longueuil. This chic oasis marries southern exoticism with river freshness, featuring an on-site pool providing immediate relief during sweltering days. The eclectic menu unveils tuna and beef tartares, mushroom ravioli, and pan-seared salmon fillets, paired with a varied wine selection. Ambient musicians complete this experience facing the Montreal panorama, accessible via Longueuil metro just five minutes from the Jacques-Cartier Bridge. A naturally air-conditioned refuge where river breezes temper summer's heat, creating an incomparable waterfront atmosphere.
94 Rue Ste-Anne, Ouest-de-l'Île, H9X 1L8
The aromas of melted cheese drift across the tranquil waters of Lac St. Louis from this emblematic Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue institution, established for over 29 years. The warm atmosphere transforms each evening into an alpine experience, where the Neufchâtel and wild mushroom fondues compete with the Chinese fondue featuring filet mignon and the prince platters combining beef, chicken, shrimp, and scallops. The lake's proximity provides naturally refreshing breezes that temper summer's heat, creating a perfect microclimate for savouring the Valaisanne raclette and the bourguignon escargot. The table d'hôte meals include the Caesar salad, the homemade fries, and the chocolate fondue. This lakeside retreat combines the Swiss tradition with aquatic freshness in an ideal climate-controlled refuge, facing the sparkling waters.
132 Rue Ste Anne, Ouest-de-l'Île, H9X 1M4
The Iberian magic unfolds upon arrival at this spacious Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue terrace, where the St. Lawrence waters meet the Lac des Deux-Montagnes and the Lac Saint-Louis. The authentic atmosphere combines the certified specialties with the lakeside freshness, revealing the pintxos de pollo, the champignons al ajillo, and the paella vegetariana in a naturally ventilated setting. The official certification guarantees the authenticity of every dish, from the bacalao croquettes to the Iberian charcuterie tables, paired with the carefully selected Spanish wines. This refreshing retreat marries the festive Spanish ambiance with the constant river breezes, creating an ideal microclimate where each tapas becomes a celebration of the Mediterranean tradition. A naturally air-conditioned refuge where the 36-month aged cebo campo ham and the esparragos blancos provide an incomparable experience facing the sparkling waters.
200 Rue de la Commune O, Montréal, H2Y 4B2
The downtown skyscrapers reflect in the St. Lawrence waters from the Cavalier Maxim's deck, transforming each Old Port departure into a refreshing escape. This Quebec family business marries the river's natural breeze with the bistronomic cuisine of chef Santino Testani, prepared entirely on board for over 20 years. The team composes daily menus with Quebec terroir artisans, unveiling the poultry supreme, the artisanal smoked salmon, the Warwick terrines, and the seafood casserole in a naturally ventilated setting. The continuous water ventilation perfectly tempers sweltering days, creating a mobile climate-controlled refuge where the 100,000 meals served annually testify to this fluvial passion. This mobile oasis provides steady freshness, transforming each brunch cruise or themed dinner into a welcome escape from urban heat.
701 38e Rue, Deux-Montagnes, J0N 1G0
The electronic beats resonate across the crystal-clear waters of Lac des Sables from this private Pointe-Calumet island, transforming each sweltering day into an unforgettable aquatic festival. The unique ambiance marries the lakeside freshness with the performances of international DJs like David Guetta, Tiësto, and DJ Snake, creating a naturally air-conditioned refuge against the urban heat. The in-ground pool and the sandy beach offer immediate relief during the elevated temperatures, while the food stands and the VIP bars complete this island experience. The VIP cabanas unfold across multiple levels, combining the exclusivity with the constant lakeside breeze in an incomparable aquatic setting. This musical oasis redefines the art of summer partying, where each dive into the refreshing waters accompanies the hip-hop and Latino rhythms, facing the exceptional lakeside panorama of this exclusive festive destination.
Resto-Bar Le Turf au Oasis Surf
9520 Boulevard Leduc, Brossard, J4Y 0B3
The artificial waves continuously break in this tropical Brossard oasis, creating Canada's first indoor surfing experience with real finned surfboards. The seaside ambiance transports the 150 guests around the Surfstream wave, where the Californian fish tacos, the Hawaiian poke bowls, and the lobster rolls are savoured to the rhythm of the surfers' exploits. This technical revolution marries the technological innovation with the global gastronomic traditions, where the tacos al pastor and the Bali grills come to life in a perpetual foam setting. The constant water freshness and the natural ventilation perfectly temper the sweltering days, maintaining an ideal temperate atmosphere even during the summer heat peaks. This aquatic pause marries the oceanic surf authenticity with the signature cocktails like the Hawaiian mai tai and the mango daiquiris, transforming each meal into an unforgettable tropical escape.
965 Rue Richelieu, Beloeil, J3G 4P8
Between French bistro tradition and river freshness, this Beloeil gem redefines the art of dining along the Richelieu River with a striking view of Mont-Saint-Hilaire. The exceptional location provides a naturally mild temperature that enhances the seasonal creations, revealing the roasted black cod pavé, the French shallot burratina, and the black pudding pop cake in a refreshing bucolic setting. The 85-seat terrace benefits directly from the constant river breeze, creating an ideal climate-controlled refuge for savouring the lunch or dinner formulas adapted to the seasons. The constant river freshness amplifies the pleasures of this authentic bistro experience, where the formulas adapt to the seasons to reveal an ever-renewed menu. This refreshing pause combines the French tradition and modern innovation, creating a perfect microclimate to escape the elevated urban temperatures, facing the soothing aquatic panorama.
55 Rue Richelieu, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, J3B 6X2
940 Place Île des Moulins, Terrebonne/Lachenaie, J6W 4N7
A true temporal laboratory on Terrebonne's Île des Moulins, this heritage destination orchestrates a symphony of services facing the refreshing Mille-Îles River. The experience evolves according to the hours. On Sundays, casserole omelettes and gravlax Benedictines punctuate mornings. Efficient middays revolve around crispy burgers and salmon tartare. Sophisticated evenings consist of a house-smoked half-rack and shared ribeye with the bartender's Pan Orami cocktails. This bold fusion between heritage and modernity masterfully exploits the constant river freshness, transforming each period into a distinct climate-controlled refuge. The brunch feast brings together unlimited mimosas and shared platters, while evenings stretch around elaborate tastings. This temporal versatility creates varied ambiances, from casual family mornings to sophisticated romantic evenings facing the mesmerizing spectacle of the heritage waters.
266 Avenue de Venise O, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, J0J 2K0
Living on love, rosé, and good food takes on its full meaning on this Venise-en-Quebec terrace, majestically overlooking Lake Champlain's waters in a setting worthy of the Côte d'Azur. This bold fusion between riviera charm and Quebec authenticity revolutionizes hospitality facing the crystalline waters in an enchanting bucolic environment. The fiery atmosphere blends sophistication and relaxation, facing the refreshing bay, where the welcoming staff and warm owner create an incomparable vibe. The strategic location 45 minutes from the city guarantees a total escape where lake currents soften torrid days, generating an ideal micro-environment for enjoying the wine selection and the chef's refined creations. This paradisiacal destination combines Mediterranean elegance and authentic Quebec hospitality, transforming Sunday brunches and festive dinners into memorable escapes facing the changing panoramas.
725 Boulevard du Séminaire N, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, J3B 8H1
The spicy scents of lemongrass dance with the Richelieu breeze while a steaming pad thai plate arrives on this Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu terrace. The hot summer air blends with red basil and green curry aromas, creating an olfactory symphony where each breath instantly transports to Bangkok's floating markets. Situated steps from the waterfront, this modern destination certified by Thailand's Ministry of Commerce unveils duck wontons, authentic larb, and chef Panithit's signature crispy chicken in an environment naturally ventilated by the shores. The constant river freshness naturally tempers the spicy dishes, creating a perfect microclimate for discovering ancestral flavours. This oasis, accessible from the Quality Inn, transforms every visit into a gustatory meditation where time fades before the soothing immensity of the river.
400 Rue de la Commune O, Montréal, H2Y 2E2
Mediterranean aromas float over the Lachine Canal waters from this 400-seat terrace. It's located at the confluence of Old Montreal and the canal, transforming each 5 to 7 into a refreshing escape facing the historic locks. This unique concept fusing restaurant and farmers market redefines Montreal hospitality from its strategic position on Rue de la Commune. The bistro lounge ambiance reveals the fresh oyster platters, the artisanal spreads, and the minute-cooked flatbreads prepared by Chef Kevin Do in the large outdoor kitchen with local cocktails and affordable wines. The exceptional waterfront location guarantees perpetual freshness, where the aquatic breeze and sun create the perfect environment for savouring the organic market produce and local artisanal transformations. This social innovation transforms each visit into a journey where the weekly farmers market and DJ programming accompany the contemplation of the historic canal's aquatic panorama.
160 Rue Ste-Anne, Ouest-de-l'Île, H9X 1M6
The maritime ambiance unfolds upon arrival on this terrace directly on the St. Lawrence River shores in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, where the authentic fishing theme transforms each meal into a refreshing coastal escape. This legendary address has cultivated the art of hospitality for years with a loyal clientele who return for the unique atmosphere and the privileged location facing the river. The relaxed atmosphere reveals the house specialty, fish and chips with the flaky cod and the light crispy batter, accompanied by the fresh sangrias and the margarita pitchers facing the sparkling waters. The immediate river proximity provides constant natural ventilation, perfectly tempering the summer days. It creates an ideal climate-controlled refuge where the seafood platters and the grilled squid are savoured to the rhythm of the waves. This recommended institution invites guests to slow down the pace to fully savour each bite, while the chocolate Grand-Marnier cake and the key lime pie crown these privileged moments, facing the mesmerizing shoreline spectacle.
154 Rue Ste-Anne, Ouest-de-l'Île, H9X 1M6
From the first steps on this terrace bordering the Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue locks, the Mexican authenticity asserts itself with its vibrant flags undulating in the St. Lawrence breezes. This passionate taqueria reveals four years of expertise in the culinary art through its birria tacos with smoked braised beef. Each bite unveils the exceptional tenderness of a masterfully crafted meat. The experience transcends the simple meal: the brilliant colours of the melting quesadillas captivate the gaze, while the authentic aromas of the homemade guacamole and the fresh spices envelop all the senses. The strategic position facing the river offers this natural freshness, which enhances every sip of the artisanal margarita and every discovery from the premium tequila selection. This festive destination transforms ordinary evenings into complete journeys. The tuna tostadas, the fresh ceviche, and the warm service create an immediate magic that demands a return before even the end of the meal.
Bateau-Mouche Souper Croisière
55 Rue St-Paul, Montréal, H2Y 1Z1
The lights of Montreal's Old Port shimmer through the large bay windows as this floating icon glides silently across the refreshing waters of the Saint Lawrence River. Inspired by the famous Parisian vessels, this unique ship transforms every warm evening into an extraordinary journey along the shores of Quebec's metropolis. Moored facing the historic cobblestones, this floating restaurant unfurls its luminous sails at sunset to welcome epicureans seeking aquatic escape. The à la carte formula allows guests to freely compose their menu up to six courses, while the all-inclusive option appeals to families seeking simplicity. Passing under the metallic arches of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge marks one of the highlights of this gourmet promenade. It offers diners a unique perspective on the industrial architecture and downtown skyscrapers reflected in the dark waters of the river.
995 Rue Richelieu, Beloeil, J3G 4P8
The Richelieu River dances through the bay windows of this three-story house, which has stood on the riverbank in Old Beloeil since 2006. This family address offers an ideal refuge during hot days, thanks to its terrace directly on the water's edge and its air-conditioned spaces with panoramic views. Perched above the waters in this enchanting setting facing Mont Saint-Hilaire, the restaurant becomes a true haven of freshness during scorching days. Chef Janick, recipient of several excellence awards, including the Ulysses from Tourism Montreal, has trained alongside Normand Laprise. He offers market cuisine with contemporary accents. Grilled dishes, tapas, pasta and fish coexist with vegan and gluten-free options. This cuisine, bursting with flavour, fits perfectly in a modern décor. Each window frames a different natural tableau, turning every meal into a refreshing escape, facing the sparkling waters of the river.
Noire et Blanche Microbrasserie
196 Rue St-Eustache, Saint-Eustache, J7R 2L7
The bicentennial stones of this magnificent historic building have housed a refreshing oasis in Old Saint-Eustache since October 2012. Nestled in a rural setting along the banks of the Chêne River, this artisanal microbrewery offers a peaceful atmosphere and splendid view that transforms each visit into a refreshing escape. Nestled in historic walls, it blends the art of preserving architectural heritage with modern pleasures. On hot days, its outdoor terrace becomes an oasis of freshness. The 22 tap lines allow constant exploration of brewing creations, from house beers to Quebec guests, in an environment where nearby water brings a natural sense of well-being. The bold bistro menu showcases local products, from haddock breaded with Sainte-Moustache beer to specialties smoked on-site, subtly blending brewing expertise with terroir cuisine in this soothing aquatic setting.
These waterside addresses represent only a glimpse of the possibilities Montreal offers for combining freshness with gastronomy.
To discover other summer alternatives, explore our selection of the city's best terraces, let yourself be charmed by our most beautiful rooftops with panoramic views, or check out our best takeout options for picnics for your outdoor adventures.
All of Montreal's waterside establishments await you to extend this refreshing exploration.
