Summer terraces: 6 top spots to bask in sun-drenched city lovin’

As sufferers of a climate that is unbearable for one third of the year, Montrealers jump at the chance to bask their cabin fevered bodies in the sunlight once the spring and summertime hit. I would be surprised to meet somebody who disliked an afternoon spent lingering over drinks (or Perrier, for the non-drinkers) with friends on one of our city’s many warm weather terraces. Here, NIGHTLIFE offers a round-up of among the finest the city has to offer.

If you need a mini-vacation from Montreal’s concrete and busy summer streets, look no further than the Old Port’s Terrasse Bounsecours and its three waterfront patios. Granted, you may still be a ten minute walk away from the downtown core but the Terrasse’s spectacular views, white tents and modern decor are bound to have you relaxed and enjoying a martini in no time.

Next up and also in the Old Port is the date-worthy Le Jardin Nelson, tucked away into 407, Place Jacques Cartier. Known as one of the most beautiful terraces in Quebec, Le Jardin Nelson is decorated with a plethora of flowers, plants and fountains and has large parasols set up to ensure that it never gets too hot. At night, even the most unromantic of individuals can’t help but feel a little tender-hearted at the lit up beauty of it all.

Feeling sleepy from the sun? Pica Pica’s spectacular terrace in the Gay Village at 1310, de Maisonneuve East has a hammock for you to lay in. I can’t decide what’s prettier: the interior of the restaurant or its leafy outdoor patio. If you prefer to drink on a full stomach, Pica Pica offers a variety of Caribbean, Mediterranean and Asian tapas for you to nibble on in the sun.

If you feel like splurging, Boris Bistro’s terrace rests beyond the metal gates at 465, McGill and is easily mistakable for paradise. Decorated with quaint wooden tables, potted plants and large umbrellas, the bistro’s prices are steep but worth the lush atmosphere you’ll be paying for. It’s located in a commercial/residential district, so you can be sure you won’t be smelling car fumes as you sip on your sangria.

When a night of summer partying in Montreal leaves you in dire need of rejuvenation, head to La Croissanterie Figaro at 5200, Hutchinson when you wake up for espresso and the best croissants the city has to offer. Its sunny and flower-filled terrace will make you feel like you’ve taken off to Paris for an hour and will instantly cure that nasty hangover.

I end the best terrace round-up with a Montreal staple, Le Saint-Elisabeth Pub at 1412, Saint-Elisabeth. From its unassuming outside, strangers would never guess what glory lies within. Walking through the cozy and unpretentious pub leads you into its breathtaking courtyard, boasting 45 foot high walls covered with vines and enough trees and flowers to satisfy a horticulturist. It practically begs you to sit down and have a chilled Corona.