The Riverside pop-up terrace space. Right: Bar Palco's outdoor space.
There are few pleasures as great as sitting on a Montreal terrace in the sun with fancy cocktails in hand and several friends around you as the St Lawrence River sparkles below. Whether you spell it terrasse or terrace, it's finally the season to begin enjoying this sacred ritual of outdoor relaxation. There are plenty of top-tier rooftop and ground-floor terraces to choose from, in areas from Old Montreal to Saint-Henri to right in the heart of downtown Montreal.
In fact, we have 20 right here! Many terrasses are already open as the weather has heated up, and restaurants across the city are adding outdoor space to their offerings. Whether you're more of a William Gray Hotel or a Riverside person, you're sure to find something to your liking in Montreal this summer.
Riverside
Where: 5020, rue Saint-Ambroise
Why you should go: This ubiquitous summer-time (and winter-time) favourite opened for the season on May 5 with a brand-new Central American theme!
Farsides
Where: 690, rue Notre-Dame O.
Why you should go: Farsides' terrasse opened at the end of May. The restaurant describes the "newly renovated" space as an "island garden oasis."
Bar Palco
Where: 4019, rue Wellington
Why you should go: Patrons at the cozy terrasse at Bar Palco can enjoy coffee or drinks into the evening. It opened in April.
Café Santropol
Where: 3990, rue Saint-Urbain
Why you should go: A staple of the Plateau, Café Santropol's garden terrasse space opens with the warm weather, and you can sample their famous sandwiches au frais (as the Lord intended).
Pub le Sainte-Élisabeth
Where: 1412, rue Sainte-Élisabeth
Why you should go: For beer and cocktails in a vine-covered outdoor space, le Sainte-Élisabeth's terrasse space is a great option. It opens early in the season: on April 11 this year.
Carla
Where: 985, boulevard Saint-Laurent, sixth floor
Why you should go: Who would have thought that this chic terrasse sits atop the Hampton Inn on Saint-Laurent? Get to the sixth floor and enjoy the beautiful sunset views.
Restaurant Grinder
Where: 1708, rue Notre-Dame O.
Why you should go: This Griffintown spot is open seven days a week, with outdoor space as well as a cozy interior.
Terrasse Saint-Ambroise
Where: 5080, rue Saint-Ambroise
Why you should go: A canal-side favourite, this terrasse unfolds under the shadow of the towering abandoned Canada Malting plant with its now-famous (and mysterious) pink cabin. The terrasse opened in early May.
Terrasse Perché
Where: 153, rue Saint-Amable, fourth floor
Why you should go: Perché's terrasse, with its views of Old Montreal, opened on May 5.
Abreuvoir
Where: 403, rue Ontario E.
Why you should go: The Abreuvoir terrasse is open nearly year-round, with the warm season starting in March and opening hours stretching into the early morning.
Jardin Nelson
Where: 407, Place Jacques-Cartier
Why you should go: This stunning outdoor space opened for the season in April.
Les Enfants Terribles
Where: 1257, avenue Bernard
Why you should go: This spot is open seven days a week until 10 p.m.
Terrasse sur L'Auberge
Where: Fifth floor of the Auberge du Vieux-Port, 97, rue de la Commune E.
Why you should go: Open since May 5, this terrasse offers a beautiful view from the rooftop of the Auberge du Vieux-Port.
Aux Quartiers Belle Gueule
Biergarten Belle Gueule.Courtesy of Biergarten Belle GueuleWhere: 5579, avenue Christophe-Colomb
Why you should go: A Millennial favourite, this terrasse in the heart of the Plateau offers plenty of beer. Note: It has not yet publicly indicated a 2023 opening date.
Terrasse William Gray
Where: 421, rue Saint Vincent
Why you should go: This renowned spot atop another Old Montreal hotel is open every day: until 10 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and until 11 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Café Il Cortile
Where: 1442, rue Sherbrooke O.
Why you should go: An Italian gem, Café Il Cortile's terrasse is tucked into a little pocket of downtown Montreal.
Bar Plan B
Where: 327, avenue Mont-Royal E.
Why you should go: Despite the name, this bar is no second choice! Note: It has not indicated a 2023 opening date for its terrasse.
Messorem
Where: 2233, rue Pitt
Why you should go: The terrasse at Messorem is open pretty much all year, with beer options galore and space for all of your hoppy friends.
Bar George
Where: 1440, rue Drummond
Why you should go: For an upscale, royal vibe, Bar George is certainly a good option. Note: It has not indicated a 2023 terrasse opening date.
Benelux Verdun
Where: 4026, rue Wellington
Why you should go: The courtyard terrasse at Benelux's Verdun location has plenty of beer and cocktail options and space for large groups.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
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