This summer, you can see Montreal from a whole new vantage point. Following three years of construction, the Montreal Port Authority (MPA) has opened the Port of Montreal Tower — a highlight of the Grand Quay and located on the site of the earliest harbour activities in Montreal. Standing at 65 metres tall, the glass observation tower gives visitors a panoramic view of the city and river below. It also offers an interactive experience for families, educational capsules highlighting the City of Montreal and its port, and a unique glass cage for adventurous viewers.
“Every year, Old Montreal attracts thousands of families and visitors from near and far,” said Montreal mayor Valérie Plante. “This final addition to the huge Alexandra Pier rehabilitation project will contribute to the dynamism of the district. We invite Montrealers to make these visitor-friendly new places their own, as they reflect the beauty and vitality of our city and its connection to the river.”
Credit: Christine Latreille
Discoveries at every level
Serving as a symbolic tribute to the lighthouses that once guided ships through the port and kept their crews safe, the observation tower offers surprises throughout. In the lobby, visitors are greeted by three robots disguised as navigation buoys. Visitors will be able to discover the large aluminum wall sculpture by Jordi Bonet, commissioned by the Port of Montreal in 1967 to mark the construction of the cruise terminal.
Travel upwards and visitors can experience the interactive exhibition and viewpoints of interest through 15 viewfinders. Additional installations include balloons strewn on the floor that transform when placed in front of the screens of the level’s buoys.
Through the use of augmented reality, visitors can uncover nine iconic Montreal locations or historical moments, alongside nine vignettes highlighting the rich heritage of the Port of Montreal. A total of 18 entertaining and educational capsules showcase Montreal’s festivals, cultural tapestry, the ever-changing beauty of Mount Royal, hockey’s Montreal Canadiens, the history of the Port, and more.
More balloons suspended from the ceiling at hand level invite users to interact. Depending on how they’re manipulated, they emit different sounds and visitors can create their own port symphony.
Head ever higher to the glass cage, where visitors will need to take a deep breath before stepping onto the glassed-in floor that’s 55 metres high. The self-guided tour lasts about one hour.
Accessible activities
The elevators in the tower are designed to accommodate wheelchairs, ensuring accessibility for all. However, the spiral staircase leading to the glass enclosure is not wheelchair accessible. Visitors can take advantage of the free outdoor areas where there are relaxing spots to chill and observe the passing ships, enjoy the rooftop garden, row aboard the interactive ship. and read about the site’s history. Also free of charge is the Port Centre where visitors can explore the All aboard! exhibition on port activities.
Credit: Christine Latreille
Tickets to access the tower are $15 for adults, $12 for teenagers and $10 for those 4-12.
For more information, visit www.port-montreal.com/en/grand-quay/tower
