I faced my fear of heights at the Old Port Montreal observation tower — Here's how it went

Gazing up at the 65-metre Port of Montreal Tower and its glass-bottom outlook, one thought crossed my mind: nope.

If the idea of entrusting your life to a transparent ledge or staring down the side of a concrete beast scares the living daylights out of you, you're not alone. Fear of heights is as primal as it gets. But I was determined not to let the dizzying pull of vertigo stop me from checking out the unmissable new structure at the end of the Old Port's Grand Quay.

A marker for Habitat 67 from the main room.@sofsilva.mtl | Instagram

In the lobby, a group of navigation buoy robots scooted around the space making cute faces and sounds. Their antics set a playful mood for the challenge awaiting upstairs.

A panoramic preview

Taking the elevator to the 13th floor, I was met with an awe-inspiring view of Montreal, a panorama stretching across nearly 360-degree floor-to-ceiling windows.

Lookouts around the room pointed the way to landmarks like Habitat 67, Silo No. 5, and Place Ville-Marie, among others.

Interacting with the augmented reality screens.@w.princetagram | Instagram

The room is sprinkled with half a dozen interactive screens and numbered blue spheres reminiscent of soccer balls. Each sphere, when held up to a screen, morphs into an iconic location in the city, as if you're holding a piece of Montreal in your palm.

Nearby, giant blue globes hang from the ceiling. You're allowed to touch them and they respond to movement by playing musical notes.

The mix of high-tech with playful elements and the interactivity of the space contribute to a multi-sensory experience that is both educational and entertaining.

Up the golden stairs

One of the highlights of the visit was the friendly and knowledgeable staff. They were readily available, sharing tidbits of information about the city’s history, the surrounding landmarks, and even the tower itself. The engagement provided an extra layer of depth. The combination of interactive tech and human insight made the experience feel more personal.

Golden staircase to the top of the Port of Montreal Tower.@sofsilva.mtl | Instagram

When you finish in the main room, there's a golden staircase spiralling upwards that teases glimpses of the cityscape through the glass and steel structure. It's like an ascending yellow brick road that leads to the glass-bottom lookout.

The height of delight (and fear)

At the top, the sight of the city below can be overwhelming, probably more so on a crowded weekend, but on a calm Thursday afternoon, there was no pressure to jump onto the suspended platform.

The Olympic Stadium, Cirque du Soleil big top, Jacques Cartier Bridge, and, of course, the ground dozens of metres below were all visible. It was here that my fear of heights was put to the ultimate test.

Despite the jitters, I didn't want to miss out on the experience, so I took my sweet time backing up to the ledge until I could feel the floor texture change from wood to glass beneath my feet. It helped to brace myself on the side of the structure and not look where I was stepping.

The split second I pretended not to be acrophobic while standing on a suspended glass floor.@w.princetagram | Instagram

There's a complex cocktail of emotions on viewing the city from this vantage point — trepidation, exhilaration, and awe.

For those needing a nudge, the glass outlook can comfortably hold about 20 people, each weighing up to 200 pounds. There's also a stabilization feature in the building to absorb motion since it's built on a pier, so you never have to worry about feeling any sway.

If stepping onto the glass ledge still feels like a step too far, you can always get a great photo standing at the edge and leave out your feet to give the illusion that you've braved the glass floor. More adventurous visitors should consider sitting down on the glass for an immersive selfie or having a friend snap a shot from the stairs below looking up at the overhang.

My partner being way more intrepid on the glass outlook.@sofsilva.mtl | Instagram

The observation tower has no time limit for your visit, making it worth the $15 entry fee ($12 for students). They're even considering opening in the evenings for sunset views and fireworks.

Is it worth a visit to the Port Of Montreal Tower?

It's definitely the new must-see in Montreal. A cooling refuge on a hot day, the tower offers unparalleled views of the city from a fresh angle.

Just outside the tower, the lively energy of the Old Port's Grand Quay complements the quietude inside. The restaurants, shops, and pedestrian-friendly layout give an opportunity to prolong your visit with a leisurely stroll or a waterfront meal.

The Port of Montreal Observation Tower from a nearby walkway.@w.princetagram | Instagram

Fear of heights or not, the Port of Montreal Tower is an experience unlike any other in the city. It may be a towering test of your courage, but sometimes, the best view comes after the hardest climb.