viewpoint

Where to find the best viewpoints of Montreal

At the concierge desk of Le Saint-Sulpice Hôtel Montréal, we often get asked by our guests where can they find panoramic viewpoints of Montreal. Until recently, the options were very limited, but now, there are some new and exciting places where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Montreal.

Au Sommet PVM

The most important new addition to Montreal’s touristic offer is certainly the observation deck on top of Place Ville-Marie, called Au Sommet PVM. Au Sommet offers a unique viewpoint of the city, occupying the 45^th and 46^th floors, at 185 meters (607 feet) above ground.

An immersive viewpoint

Its informative exhibits allow visitors to immerse themselves in Montreal’s daily rituals through 55 video portraits and more than 500 images from the City of Montreal’s archives and social media. Hockey, gastronomy, performance art, language, and neighbourhoods like the Plateau Mont-Royal and Old Montreal are some of the key themes explored in this exhibit. Visitors can also explore 55 portraits of famous Montrealers. Entrance fees to Sommet PVM go from $13 to $19 and it is only a short metro ride away from Le Saint-Sulpice Hôtel Montréal.

Dine and enjoy the view

On the floor below the observation deck, Les Enfants Terribles, a French bistro, opened its doors at the same time. Along with a spectacular view towards the North, East and South sides of the city, the bistro offers a bold and reinvented Québec cuisine. On the menu, local products are honored to revisit childhood classics or explore new trends in cuisine.

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Portus 360

For the first time since the 80’s, Montreal’s only revolving restaurant is NOT a tourist trap but rather a fine dining Portuguese cuisine restaurant. Portus 360 moved last year from its Plateau location to take over as the 360 degrees revolving restaurant on top of the EVO building, at 777 Robert Bourassa boulevard.

The owner/chef, Helena Loureiro, is one of Montreal’s most popular and talented chefs. Helena and her team of professionals offer typical Portuguese dishes, specializing in fish and seafood but also grilled meats and petiscos (tapas), prepared with a creative and modern touch. Add the great food to the fantastic, constantly changing view of Montreal and you can see how Portus 360 can turn (!) your touristic visit into a full sensorial experience that you will always remember.

Conveniently located on the border between Old Montreal and Downtown, the 777 Robert-Bourassa boulevard building was recently transformed from a hotel into a residence for McGill University students. This amazing restaurant and viewpoint can be found at only 12 minutes walk from Le Saint-Sulpice Hôtel or a short cab ride.

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Other great viewpoints of Montreal

Of course, for great panoramic views of Montreal, you can always count on these ever popular sites:

– The Chalet at the top of Mont-Royal Park and the Belvedere, on its eastern flank;

– The Olympic Tower, the tallest inclined tower in the world;

– The Jean-Drapeau Park, on Ste-Hélène Island and

– The end of the Jacques-Cartier pier in the Old Port.

Stop by the concierge desk of Le Saint-Sulpice Hôtel for directions to one of Montreal’s best viewpoints, to buy your tickets for the observation deck Au Sommet Place Ville-Marie or for reservations at Portus 360 or Les Enfants Terribles.

We recommend that during your next stay at Le Saint-Sulpice Hôtel Montréal, you plan a visit to one of these interesting viewpoints to fill your eyes, and perhaps your stomach too, with lasting memories of Montreal.

Alain Ethier
Chef-concierge
Member, Les Clefs d’Or Canada