Visitors to Montreal can take in a bird’s eye view of the city with the installation of a new observation wheel in the Old Port.

Opening Sept. 1 at 4 p.m., the attraction will stand 60 metres high on Ile Bonsecours, making it the biggest observation wheel in the country, and one of the three tallest in North America. Visitors can climb aboard one of the 42 enclosed cabins and enjoy a 360 degree view of the downtown core, the river, Jacques-Cartier Bridge and Mount Royal. A bistro and dining area will also be built at the foot of the structure.

Rides will last about 15 minutes and go through three full rotations. To accommodate our Canadian climate, the eight-passenger cabins will be heated in the winter and air-conditioned in the warmer months. When the sun goes down, the structure will be lit up.

The project was undertaken by a private Dutch company in collaboration with local group La Grande Roue de Montreal, and will remain in the Old Port for five years. The observation wheel will be open daily from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. Cost is $25 for adults, $21.25 for kids 13-17 and $19.75 for kids 3-12. Family tickets (two adults and two kids, costs $77.50.) For more information, visit lagranderouedemontreal.com.

In addition, summer activities in the Old Port will remain open into September. Families are invited to soak up the sun at Old Tower Beach on the weekends of Sept. 9 and 10 and Sept. 16 and 17. Kids under 13 years get in for free.

From Sept. 2,3 and 4, the Old Port will host the YUL EAT Festival. The three day event will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and will host tons of gastronomical events, including food tasting, workshops and more. General admission costs $5 and is free for kids under 12.

Head back to the port’s marina from Sept. 8-10 for the Montreal-in-Water Boat Show. The event will feature over 100 boats as well as free on-water training from the Discover Boating Hands-On Skills Training program. The marina is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. For more information, visit oldportofmontreal.com.