In Montreal, as soon as the first rays of sunshine appear, rooftops become summer landmarks. These perched terraces offer breathtaking views of the urban heart, the river, or the historic rooftops of Old Montreal. People who enjoy the finer things in life gather here to sample dishes to share, sip refreshing cocktails, and continue the party until sunset.
From lively brunches on the terraces to lingering happy hours, each rooftop terrace offers a unique experience. The golden afternoon light gives way to the lively music of summer evenings.
People come here to enjoy a panoramic meal, sip a cocktail while admiring the city of Montreal, or just relax and enjoy the changing atmosphere as the hours go by.
These places stand out for their character. There's a green rooftop at the top of a hotel, a lively terrace where you can enjoy original creations, and a more intimate space for sharing a meal under the stars. The diversity of menus, creative cocktails, and atmospheres makes each location a must-visit for fully experiencing the season.
From lunch to dinner, not to mention weekend brunch on the rooftop, these high-rise restaurants and bars embody the art of summer living in Montreal.
Whatever the occasion, they become the backdrop for lively conversations, clinking glasses, and moments shared in the changing light of a day that stretches gently into the evening.
Read also:
Best Terraces in Montréal, Laval, the South Shore and the West Island
1594 Rue St-Denis, Montréal, H2X 3K2
On show nights, the energy of the Quartier Latin rises all the way to the rooftop of Espace St-Denis, where Trattoria del Teatro offers a warm, relaxed atmosphere between two acts. Italian classics get a summery twist: a balanced vitello tonnato, grilled trout served with squid ink linguine, and focaccia topped with Quebec bufarella and sweet pepper coulis. Pappardelle bolognese, tender veal flank with caponata, and a raspberry tiramisu round out the menu with flair. Whether you're looking for a rooftop dinner or a cocktail with a view, this terrace in the Quartier des Spectacles brings a fresh take on Italian dining just steps from the stage.
3781 Boulevard St-Laurent, Montréal, H2W 1X8
On Friday and Saturday nights, a buzzing crowd lines up along Saint-Laurent Boulevard, heading toward the heights of downtown. Once on the rooftop terrace, the skyline pulses to the beat of the DJs, the clinking of tequila glasses and the deep bass echoing through the packed banquettes. With two dance floors, bottles of champagne flying between tables and a steady current of energy, every weekend turns into a full-blown celebration. This rooftop terrace in downtown Montreal, powered by Groupe JEGantic, delivers one of the city's most vibrant nightlife experiences. It's the perfect place to enjoy a drink in the sky and soak up the summer heat in style.
355 Boulevard de Maisonneuve O, Montréal, H3A 1L6
On the 5th floor of the HONEYROSE hotel, the Muze terrace offers a true escape above the Quartier des Spectacles. Under ambient lighting and stylized vegetation, grilled lamb chops, braised beef cheeks, marinated AAA flank steak, the signature salad, and Mediterranean rolls are shared in an unapologetically tropical atmosphere. The latest additions to the cocktail list, including the refreshing Rue de la Spritz and the vibrant Muze-tini, elevate the experience in a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Meanwhile, mocktails refresh those who want to stay on course. The lamb chops, braised beef cheeks, and the unobstructed view of the neighborhood's vibrant activity... This Montreal rooftop masterfully combines summer escapism, diverse cuisine, and an electrifying atmosphere.RéessayerClaude peut faire des erreurs. Assurez-vous de vérifier ses réponses.
448 Place Jacques-Cartier, Montréal, H2Y 3B3
In Old Montreal, the addresses of Corner Collection blend elegance, family heritage and a touch of contemporary flair. Guided by the vision of Tony Antonopoulos, this collection embodies a refined art of living through establishments located at some of the most beautiful spots in the neighbourhood. Each rooftop boasts its own distinct character, offering a lively atmosphere, meticulous service, and a menu that is nothing short of captivating.
Terrasse Nelligan: On the 5th floor of Hôtel Nelligan, the terrace stands out with generous brunches on weekends, casual lunch offerings and lively dinner services. Guests can savour dishes like an array of seafood, flavourful steak tartare, and colourful ceviche, all served family-style. The terrace offers perfectly mixed cocktails, energetic music, and animated conversations, making it the ideal destination for experiencing the summer atmosphere in Old Montreal.
Terrasse Place d'Armes: Atop Hôtel Place d'Armes, the terrace greets guests with spectacular views of Place d'Armes and Old Montreal. Open for lunch and dinner, it offers shareable plates like artichoke hummus, a charcuterie and cheese platter or a zesty ceviche, paired with a fruit-forward cocktail or a carefully selected glass of wine. Each bite is savoured in a lively and elegant atmosphere at the heart of the downtown summer scene.
500 Rue Lucien Paiement, Laval, H7N 0A5
Set atop the Courtyard Hotel, just steps from Montmorency station, the Cielo terrace stands out as one of the most striking rooftops in Laval-des-Rapides. From the 10th floor, the view stretches across the lights of Montreal and the curves of the North Shore. It's a go-to spot for romantic dinners, laid-back brunches or lively group celebrations. Chef David Fuoco, known for his deep love of Italian cuisine, crafts refined yet generous plates: fresh fish, perfectly grilled meats, shareable platters and decadent desserts. With its soft lounge atmosphere, attentive service and understated elegance, this rooftop offers a rare opportunity to enjoy a meal above the city and see the region from a fresh perspective.
900 Boulevard René-Lévesque O, Montréal, H3B 4A5
The 3rd floor of the Fairmont Le Reine Elizabeth Hotel houses the Nacarat Terrace, which stirs up the warm downtown air with its red umbrellas, retro lounge chairs and tattooed mixologists shaking cocktails. People come for the creative drinks, the polished DJ lineups and a food menu with real bite: absinthe-grilled octopus, beef au jus sandwiches, crispy Korean-spiced chicken and lacquered lamb chops. As the sun slides behind the towers of Place Ville Marie, the champagne bubbles rise to the top of the glass. This rooftop is one of downtown Montreal's standouts for a high-energy happy hour that never comes down too fast.
425 Rue St-Jean-Baptiste Bureau 200, Montréal, H2Y 2Z7
All the restaurants of Gray Collection are in Old Montreal, and their rooftops offer an ideal mix of atmosphere and flavours. Each of these spots has its own unique style, yet all cultivate memorable moments, whether for a gourmet lunch, a laid-back dinner, or a festive weekend brunch. The Gray Collection restaurants are particularly popular for their stunning views of the Loto-Québec fireworks, making them the perfect destination to extend the summer season. With their perfect pairings and breathtaking views, these rooftop gems are sure to leave a lasting impression on you and your guests.
Le Perché Bar Terrasse: On the 4th floor of the William Gray Hotel, Le Perché reveals a perched oasis where fresh plates and colourful cocktails invite you to savour every moment. The terrace, bathed in light and dotted with greenery, offers a summery and welcoming decor. Friends or colleagues gather for a casual lunch or apéro above Place Jacques-Cartier. Conversations and laughter mingle with poke bowls, tacos, and fruity cocktails that punctuate the meal.
Terrasse William Gray: On the rooftop of the William Gray Hotel, a table stands facing Place Jacques-Cartier and the Saint Lawrence River. The vibrant menu brings together fresh oysters, a well-seasoned ceviche, and colourful cocktails. Between charcuterie boards and Asian-inspired salads, the atmosphere is chic without stiffness. Light dances on the surrounding facades, and the terrace transforms into a place where each plate, each sip, adds a note to the evening.
Terrasse sur l'Auberge: Nestled atop the Auberge du Vieux-Port, Terrasse sur l'Auberge captures the spirit of Old Montreal with its striking views of the river and Saint-Paul Street. The terrace, bathed in natural light during the day, glows at night under festive string lights. The menu offers oysters, fresh bites, and creative cocktails, perfect for accompanying conversations and admiring the historic district.
1250 Boulevard Robert-Bourassa, Montréal, H3B 3B8
On the rooftop of the Renaissance Montreal Hotel, Terrasse R stretches across two sun-soaked levels, just steps from Place Ville Marie and Sainte-Catherine Street. With its stylized palm trees, sleek furniture, shaded areas and central bar, the space feels like a breezy escape above the buzz of downtown. At lunch, EAST's Asian-inspired shareable dishes steal the show. By evening, DJs take over, glasses fill with fruity sangrias and signature cocktails, and the energy gently climbs. On Saturdays, champagne bottles are half price. On Sundays, the wine list is offered at 50 percent off. This is one of the liveliest rooftops in downtown Montreal, where the mood rises with style, day after day.
We had an exclusive preview of the seasonal changes. Read our interview to discover the highlights and key dates not to miss this summer.
611 Rue Notre-Dame E, Montréal, H2Y 0C2
From the 14th floor of the Hôtel Hyatt Centric Montréal, the Horizon offers a spectacular view of Old Montreal, the seaway, the mountain, and the rooftops of downtown. The decor blends the sleek furniture with a warm atmosphere, perfect for catching the last rays of the sun from 5 p.m. Only the drinks are currently served, including the cocktails, the refreshing beverages, the wine, and the beer, in a relaxed setting that makes you want to stretch the evening out. The Horizon is the perfect place to unwind with friends or colleagues in a casual setting.
1255 Rue Jeanne-Mance, Montréal, H5B 1E5
On the 6th floor of the Complexe Desjardins, inside the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, the Bivouac terrace looks out over Place des Festivals with a clear view of the vibrant Quartier des Spectacles. Just above the crowds, the atmosphere feels more grounded, more focused. The menu highlights local ingredients: the venison tataki, the smoked bison carpaccio, the house-cured salmon gravlax, the seared cod, the cheese board and the homemade desserts. The bar keeps the same pace, offering forest-inspired cocktails and carefully selected private imports. Summer evenings are marked by festive events, from oyster and bubbly nights to the Sunday BBQ. One of downtown Montreal's rooftops where Quebec's identity is tasted in every bite.
340 Rue de La Gauchetière O, Montréal, H2Z 0B9
On the 9th floor of the Humaniti Hotel in the heart of Montreal's international district, Terrasse Alizé opens onto a bright cityscape above downtown rooftops. Chef Jean-Sébastien Giguère presents a seasonal menu featuring fresh oysters, tartares, shrimp rolls, and grilled flank steak, complemented by warm doughnuts and homemade desserts. The bar serves up signature cocktails, local beers and carefully selected wines. Between noon and 3 p.m., the Alizé-style Tea Time features a tiered tray of sweet and savoury bites paired with an iced alcoholic tea. Summer unfolds with DJ sets, themed evenings and a heated terrace ready for any forecast. A rooftop that feels generous and grounded, offering a true taste of the neighbourhood's energy and the season's pleasures.
1050 Rue De la Gauchetière O, Montréal, H3B 4C9
Tucked between the arches of the Château Champlain and the glass towers of downtown, La Terrasse Belvu rises on the third floor of the Montreal Marriott Château Champlain. It offers a sunny escape above Square Dorchester. Chef Kevin Mougin curates a sharing-style menu that drifts between the French Riviera and East Asia: grilled sea bass, wagyu burgers, tataki, Caesar salad with yuzu and truffle fries. The drink list has its own flair, with house cocktails, carefully selected wines and non-alcoholic creations made with local Quebec spirits. From Wednesday to Sunday, DJs set the pace with warm, festive energy. This is one of downtown Montreal's most generous rooftops, equally dedicated to flavour and atmosphere.
1071 Boulevard St-Laurent, Montréal, H2Z 1J6
On the rooftop of a building in Chinatown, Poincaré feels like a suspended garden above the lanterns and bustling alleys. Guests gather around generous shared plates made with local ingredients, from dumplings and smoked vegetables to escabeche-style fish and housemade preserves. The menu leans into fermentation, seasonal flavours and spontaneous ideas, while the glasses fill with carefully selected natural wines, microbrewery beers or creative cocktails. Service starts at 5 p.m., but the best nights begin a little later when the lights flicker on and the rooftop comes to life. A space with no frills and plenty of soul, where character takes centre stage.
6388 Rue St-Hubert, Montréal, H2S 2M2
Perched above Plaza Saint-Hubert, Snowbird Tiki Bar turns Montreal evenings into tropical getaways. The rooftop is fully covered with colour, from the exotic lanterns to the cocktails served in skulls or pineapples. All this happens under the glow of the Jardin Tiki sign, lovingly restored and now watching over the space. Regulars in sandals gather to share a Volcano Bowl or snack on crispy dumplings in a wildly upbeat atmosphere. The decor invites you to disconnect, the Flamingo Room offers a private spot to keep the party going, and DJs set the tone. It is a rooftop like no other, where summer feels like a festive sideshow under the palms.
1171 Rue Sainte-Catherine E, Montréal, H2L 2G8
In the Village, Club Unity remains a go-to destination for those who love to party at altitude. Just above the dance floors and the VIP lounge, the rooftop terrace lights up every night with beats from local and international DJs. From up there, you get sweeping views of downtown rooftops and, when the timing is right, a front-row seat to the fireworks. The atmosphere is open, high-energy and inclusive, fuelled by a mix of classic pop and deeper underground tracks. Cocktails keep flowing, bodies move freely, and the crowd is as vibrant as the playlist. Season after season, Unity continues to pulse with the energy of its community, keeping its place as one of the Village's essential nightlife spots.
985 Boulevard Saint-Laurent 6e étage, Montréal, H2Z 1J4
Between the towers of downtown and the storefronts of Chinatown, Terrasse Carla claims the sixth floor of the Hampton & Homewood Suites Hotel as a sharply dressed escape. Guests take the elevator up, dressed to impress and ready to sip on fruit-forward cocktails or share plates with Asian influences. The mood shifts through the day, from laid-back afternoons to DJ sets that carry well into the night, all with a sweeping view of Old Montreal. The covered section keeps the energy going no matter the forecast. The dress code sets the tone, and the rooftop holds its intensity when the wind picks up. This is a place that knows exactly how to throw a proper night out.
6512 Avenue du Parc, Montréal, H2V 4H9
At the corner of Parc-Extension's busy streets, the rooftop terrace at Taverne Atlantic rises above the action, offering one of the liveliest settings in the neighbourhood. The barbecue fires up, pétanque balls clack, and plates start landing: crispy green pea falafels, house-smoked salmon rillettes, loaded pizzas or a crunchy pogo shared over a glass of natural wine. The mood shifts from a laid-back late afternoon to a louder, buzzing evening. The place draws in regulars, drop-ins and the curious alike, all there for an Euro-Dog or a punchy cocktail. This terrace in a neighbourhood keeps the moment going late into the night, under the stars.
1440 Rue de la Montagne, Montréal, H3G 1Z5
As you ascend to the third floor of the Four Seasons Hotel, MARCUS reveals a terrace that towers above the Golden Square Mile with a distinct elegance. Heaping seafood platters and creative cocktails set the tone, while the service seems to anticipate every move. The evening light glides gently over the facades, and conversations stretch into the night. When darkness settles, the lounge takes over, the music rises, and the drinks line up with precision. Even a quick mirror check becomes a show of its own. The rhythm takes over, and you find yourself staying longer than planned.
To extend the summer experience in Montreal, check out our article on the best terraces, and explore the dedicated section for the city's rooftops.
Stay tuned for our upcoming summer articles that will highlight the best terraces for brunch, spots to cool off by the water and much more. The season is just beginning.
