Sup on a crisp, chilly beer and nibble on some pizza and poutine — or perhaps a curry dog topped with fried onions and pickled jalapeños — while enjoying the unexpectedly gorgeous views afforded by Taverne Atlantic’s Park-Ex surrounds.

At this kitschy Plaza St-Hubert tiki bar, a portion of the rooftop terrasse is rain-proof, another is covered in military-grade nets for shading, and, for when it’s extra warm, there are some wall-mounted fans. So whatever the weather, patrons can rest assured they’ll be comfortable while sipping on fresh and fruity cocktails.

This unassuming brewpub is both a great spot to grab a quick pint and a fantastic place to settle down and gorge on some elevated pub fare. While the rooftop terrasse is only on the second floor, it’s a charming spot over Duluth Street, a few steps from the Main, making for some prime people watching.

Nacarat and its sun-soaked terrasse atop the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel have been charming cocktail enthusiasts with classics, originals, and an overall hefty selection of spirits for years. They’ve even got some zero-proof options made with non-alcoholic Seedlip.

Sneak a peek at Montreal’s iconic Quartier des Spectacles from above at relative newcomer Bivouac, located in the Hilton DoubleTree hotel on Jeanne-Mance Street. A fine choice to grab a bite — the salmon gravlax is delicious — or drink, pre or post festival show.

Perhaps the best rooftop dining option in town is this place, on the third level of event space SAT, where the approach is local, local, local, featuring creative uses of Quebec produce from chef Émilie Bégin.

A solid bet for anyone scouting out a downtown terrasse that’s cozier than what can be found atop a (frequently generic) hotel. At Poincaré, the drinks are the focal point — and it’s got micro-brewed beers, natural wines, and creative cocktails (carrot gin tonic, anyone?) aplenty, but its menu of fermented foods also warrants your attention.

Like it or not, Montreal’s rooftop scene is dominated by hotels and their respective restaurants. This one is tied to Chinatown’s new Hampton Inn by Hilton and features a sweeping view of Old Montreal and a menu that intermingles French and Vietnamese flavours. On the drinks front, expect creative cocktails from the pair behind award-winning The Coldroom and El Pequeño.

Another Old Montreal mainstay, Terrasse Nelligan offers a nice view of Notre Dame Basilica and its surrounds, with weather-proof retractable awnings. Alongside cocktails and mocktails, it serves up salads, tartares, and burgers, so patio-goers won’t regret arriving hungry.

Terrasse William Gray holds a luxurious and slightly moneyed appeal, but a casual pint of beer and sharing plates are still possible. In the same building, but perched on the fourth floor, is aptly named Perché, overlooking the scramble of street performers and out-of-towners by Nelson’s Column.

For perhaps the most sweeping views of Old Montreal, the St-Lawrence River, and the Jacques Cartier Bridge, head to Terrasse Sur L’Auberge: a French bistro by day and bar-lounge by night.