Hi,

I've been reading this website for a couple of years and am finally, finally getting to Montreal and the fireworks this coming Saturday, the 26th. Since I've been waiting so long, I do want a great view. Do you recommend I pay for tickets to the amusement park (which section?) or is it just as good from the bridge I read about on this site? I like to be close, at least for fireworks anywhere else. I did see a posting somewhere that said ash got in their eyes where they were seated at the amusement park. I wouldn't care so much, probably, but my friend with contact lenses would. Thanks for any information you can give me.

If you've gone to the effort and expense to come to Montreal, why spoil the enjoyment by not getting a good seat? I can understand people who live here and see the fireworks all the time not wanting to pay for a ticket for every one, but for someone coming from out of town, my advice every time is to purchase seats in the Silver section. This is the best place to view from and the least likely to get hit by ash and debris. If your friend is worried about ash, tell him/her to take a pair of close-fitting sunglasses to wear just in case. Swimming goggles also work well. I've been on-site at La Ronde for over 70 displays and I can think of only twice or three times when I wished I had sunglasses on - and that was when I sat in the press section where the seats were significantly closer to the firing line than the regular public seats.

You can follow the link on the report page to purchase your tickets on-line.

I hope you and your friend have a fabulous time and I'm sure members of this forum would be thrilled if you write and tell us of your experience on Saturday!

Cheers,

Paul.

Jesse,

My opinion only_____, My wife and I have been there three or four times in the past and are going twice more next month. We have only watched them from the silver section in the park, as close as possible. The wind direction would be factor of how much smoke (I like that smell.) and ash you would get.
Front and center for us! You get the display as it was set up for maximum viewing for the benefit of the paying customers. You get to see the low effects and water shells, if any, that was set up to view from the front and not a side, end or rear view. Your friend and you could take safety glasses that are made to go over eye glasses to protect your eyes from fall out.
For us, it's a special treat and vacation to go and we want it to be the best experience possible.

Get close enought to smell the smoke, feel the heat, feel the chest thumpers (salutes) and get a few burn holes in your clothes as battle scars.

Iowa Tom

Jesse,

I can see your enthusiasm. Which is why I would also recommend that you go to La Ronde in the Silver section. And besides, you've come a long way! In such a case, I would highly suggest that you get the best seats possible, especially since you don't come here often and the fact that you've come a long way. I've been in the Silver section a few years ago and if my memory is correct, it was beneficial!

However, where I stand, on Notre-Dame and De Lorimier intersection, I have a pretty good view there. Paul used to stand around where I was before 1996.

I can tell you that where I stand is also a very nice spot, this is from 15 years experience! However, like I said before, you don't come here often, so get the closest and best seats to your benefit at La Ronde. You'll enjoy it much more this way, especially taking into consideration if you like to smell the smoke and feel the huge salutes, as Tom said.

Regardless of any of that, I want you to enjoy the fireworks to the best of your ability and the other attractions Montreal has to offer!

As Paul also said, I, as well as other members, would be delighted to have some sort of feedback on your unique viewing experience for the Mondial SAQ! It looks like you'll be seing the firm that won the first gold Jupiter in the competition in 1985, which is Marutamaya Co. Ltd, for Japan!

As a final note, not braging, I'm proud to say that I've seen roughly 127 displays, since 1990, and still going!

Enjoy the show, Jesse.

Regards,

Trav.

Jesse,

I don't see on my forum list, where you are coming from. Care to share with us how far you will be traveling to get to Montreal?

Also, I should have said safety goggles that would cover the eyes.

the ashes that fall on u isnt really a problem

in 2000, when i used to watch from La Ronde, the fireworks

it only came on us when the wind was coming from our direction, u will recieve alot of dirt, huge papers, ashes, etc
u just have to look out at those those huge papers sometimes
but this happens only when the wind is strong

i remember back in 2000, i wanted to wear sunglasses too, but when u wear them, u wont see very well the colors, u need glasses that r transparent

Absolutely,

Wind is definitely a primary concern for fireworks when it's strong. When it comes to ashes, it depends on the wind speed and direction.

This affects on the amount of ash and other things that can fall over. On a windy or breezy day, it can be really annoying! Probably anything above 20km/h, would be sufficient to blow things around. Not only that, but the wind cools off things, for which I really really hate.

Regards,

Trav.

Ive lived in montreal for 18 years. Ive seen the fireworks from many places La Ronde, JC Bridge , a cruise boat, the old port,and unexpectedly from the corner of my eye sometime from various parts of the city. But the best place by far is this little finger island, next to Habitant67. This man made finger island sits directly across from La Ronde.You can see everything. You can sit on the grass or closer to the water, bring a picnic, of your choice and many people bring their radio, so we end up with surround sound. No smoke No ash No traffic
( ok a little). Easiest access, bike, car if you get there early, parking lot is small.
Enjoy the View

Amanda,

I think I have a clear idea of where you watch from, but is this place close to De Lorimier and Notre-Dame streets, or am I just way off? Or, is the place on Ile-Saint-Helene? I'm just curious because it sounds like a great viewing area.

Trav.

Trav, you are way off! Habitat 67 is opposite the Old Port and is on the road that goes to the Casino. It sticks out into the river and directly faces the western side of the Jacques Cartier bridge. All of the ground level stuff will be edge-on from that location, though the shells will have the brige as a backdrop so it should look good from that point of view.

Paul.

Paul,

I knew I was way off! So, it's down that side. I checked a map and I saw it. It looks like a nice viewing site! I really should consider checking it out!

Amanda, how often do you go there? Are there a lot of people in that area? And have you ever watched from Notre-Dame or De Lorimier? This is where I am. It also offers a great view! You should try it.

Regards,

Trav.