Fireworks

Fireworks

Hong Kong was the presenter this day. Part of the weekly International Fireworks competition here in Montreal.
Video snippet on YouTube

All the roads leading to the best spots for watching the fireworks are closed, so it is a nice 20-30 minute walk from Papineau Metro. Just follow all the crowds that start gathering around 9AM which is about a hour before the fireworks start.

Some people go on Jacques Cartier bridge to watch the fireworks. This is actually not a good spot for the fireworks. It is too far, too high, and most of the view is blocked by the bars that barricade the bridge. The view from the street level near the banks of the river is best. Well, I suspect the view from the island itself is great, but that requires pre-planning, buying tickets, and then driving in a crowd to get to La Ronde, all of which may not be worth it just for 30 minutes of fireworks!

The fan site Montreal Fireworks has good info, the second paragraph is definitely the best spot that requires no planning - just show up if you have the time!
To get to La Ronde, take the metro to Ile Ste Helene and follow the signs to La Ronde. Reserved seats start at around CA$32. Access to the site only (no rides), but with good viewing costs around CA$16.
*** Another good vantage point is from the foot of the Jacques Cartier Bridge on the Montréal side of the St. Laurent river. Take the metro to Papineau and walk to the junction of Rue Notre Dame and Avenue De Lorimier. There is a good view of the river from here. This is easy to find since there will be many other people heading in that direction on firework evenings. ***