Montreal International Fireworks Competition
La Ronde Hosts Annual Summer Fireworks Displays
May 26, 2009
Montreal’s La Ronde Amusement Park plays host to the 25th milestone edition of the International Fireworks Competition. There are 11 pyrotechnic masterpieces in all including an opening show, eight competition displays, a closing tribute to Cirque du Soleil, who celebrate their own 25th anniversary this year as well, and a shorter awards ceremony display.
Eight countries will compete for the coveted — and appropriately named — Jupiter Award. In Roman mythology, Jupiter is the god of light and sky. A gold, silver, and bronze Jupiter will be awarded by a jury who evaluate quality, pyromusical concept, synchronization, and overall appreciation.
New this year, the displays move to an all-Saturday schedule. The shows begin at 10 p.m. and last about 30-minutes. The event is held rain or shine and since 1985 has never been cancelled.
Montreal Fireworks Schedule for 2009
- June 13 — Opening Show
- June 20 — Spain
- June 27 — England
- July 4 — Australia
- July 11 — Hong Kong
- July 18 — Argentina
- July 25 — Quebec, Canada
- Aug. 1 — United States
- Aug. 8 — South Africa
- Aug. 15 — Tribute to Cirque du Soleil
- Aug. 22 — Jupiter Awards Ceremony
On fireworks nights, the Jacques Cartier Bridge closes at 8 p.m. and re-opens around 11 p.m. That means be prepared for gridlock. Access the bridge from Papineau Metro station on Ste. Catherine Street or Longueuil Metro station on the South Shore. Just follow the crowd — about 200,000 fireworks fans attend each show.
Here are Eight Great Places to View the Montreal Fireworks
1. La Ronde has hosted the event since 1985.
- Where: La Ronde Amusement Park.
- On the plus side: Everything is visible. There are actually smaller intricate fireworks seen only at the Lac des Dauphins site.
- Obstacles: Money. Current adult admission to La Ronde costs $38.98 for adults (visit their Web site for a $5 coupon off admission). Optional grandstand seating on fireworks nights available for an extra fee (prices in Canadian dollars; add tax).
- Added bonus: Access to all of La Ronde’s rides included.
- Call (514) 397-2000.
2. The Old Port of Montreal offers free access.
- Where: The Old Port of Montreal — a.k.a. Quays of the Old Port — Pick a pier, any pier. The roomy Clock Tower Pier offers a great view.
- On the plus side: The bridge, the St. Lawrence River, and the Clock Tower combine to create a picturesque panoramic postcard.
- Obstacles: Old Montreal gridlock and parking problems.
- Added bonus: It’s fun to be a tourist in this part of town. And this view is free.
3. The South Shore of Montreal atttracts a lot of locals.
- Where: Longueuil near the Jacques Cartier Bridge along the service road for Highway 132/20. There’s also an unpaved parking area that the city of Longueuil rents out on fireworks nights. Entrance is between Pierre Dupuy St. and Chemin de la Rive near Marie Victorin Park.
- On the plus side: The Montreal downtown skyline makes for a scenic backdrop.
- Obstacles: Most areas accessible only by car and the paid parking lot fills up fast and early. Metro station Longueuil is in the vicinity, but there’s a highway (132/20) in the way.
4. The Jacques Cartier Bridge is closed to vehicular traffic.
- Where: On the Jacques Cartier Bridge.
- On the plus side: Look at that view!
- Obstacles: People. Lots of people. People who need fireworks people.
- Added bonus: Again, look at that view!
5. There's plenty of room under the bridge as well.
- Where: Under the Jacque Cartier Bridge.
- On the plus side: Crowds congregate directly under the bridge, but there’s an employee parking lot for Molson Brewery on Papineau St. and René-Lévesque Blvd. that has ample room for folding chairs or baby strollers.
- Obstacles: It’s private property, so stick to the sidewalk (wink, wink).
- Added bonus: It’s close enough to the show while offering a quick getaway.
6. The Gay Village party continues well after the fireworks display.
- Where: A rooftop in the Gay Village. Try the rooftop terrace at Complexe Sky, 1474 Ste. Catherine St. E.
- On the plus side: In summertime the neighborhood jumps with action before, during, and after a fireworks show.
- Obstacles: Drag queens’ sequined dresses distract from the fireworks.
- Added bonus: Cold beer here for the grown-ups and ice cream for the kiddies all along pedestrian-only St. Catherine Street.
7. Parc Jean-Drapeau is one of Montreal’s best four-season playgrounds.
- Where: Parc Jean-Drapeau. Pack a late-night light picnic to go with the show.
- On the plus side: Easily accessible by Metro station Jean-Drapeau.
- Obstacles: Mosquitoes.
- Added bonus: It’s only a short bus ride to the Montreal Casino afterward.
8. The St. Lawrence River offers a variety of boat tour options.
- Where: On a boat on the St. Lawrence River
- On the plus side: A river breeze. A balmy Montreal summer night. Life doesn’t get any better than this.
- Obstacles: Spent fireworks shells and sea sickness.
- Added bonus: Le Bateau-Mouche offers relaxing dinner cruises to go with those magnificent fireworks. That said, the cruises on fireworks nights are so popular they often sell-out by late spring. Get on the waiting list at (514) 849-9952.
If you can't get enough of the pyrotechnic party, the Quebec City Fireworks Festival satisfies as well.
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