Parc de la Voie Maritime, Longueuil: Best Free Skyline View of Montreal from the South Shore
Parc de la Voie Maritime in Longueuil is one of the best-kept secrets on Montreal’s South Shore. Stretching along the Saint Lawrence Seaway directly across from downtown Montreal, this linear park offers a flat bike path, sunset views over the city skyline, and a calm picnic spot — all completely free and easily reached from a metro stop. If you have visitors in town or just want a different angle on the Montreal skyline, this is the spot to know.
Why This Park Is Special
From the riverbank you get the full Montreal skyline silhouette — downtown towers, Mount Royal, the Biosphere, the Old Port — all in one sweeping view across the water. It is one of the only easily accessible spots where you can see Montreal from outside while standing on a paved, family-friendly trail. Locals come for jogging, cycling, picnics, and sunset photos. Tourists rarely find it, which is exactly the point.
How to Get There from Montreal
- Metro + walk/bike: Take the Yellow Line to Longueuil–Université-de-Sherbrooke station. From there, walk or bike 10 to 15 minutes northwest along the bike path beside Boulevard La Fayette and Route 132.
- By car: Cross the Jacques-Cartier Bridge or Pont Champlain, exit toward Longueuil. Free parking along Rue Saint-Charles Ouest and at the marina.
- Ferry from Old Port: In summer, the Navette Fluviale ferry connects the Old Port of Montreal directly to Longueuil’s marina — drops you a few minutes’ walk from the park. Bikes welcome.
- By BIXI: A BIXI station is steps from the metro; bike share works on both sides of the river.
The Bike Path Along the Saint Lawrence Seaway
The park sits on the Route Verte — Quebec’s province-wide cycling network. The flat, paved path runs for several kilometres along the seaway. From here you can extend your ride to:
- The Old Port via the Jacques-Cartier Bridge bike lane (about 15 minutes by bike)
- Île Charron and Parc Jean-Drapeau (about 30 minutes)
- The South Shore’s longer bike paths heading toward Saint-Lambert and Brossard
The Best Sunset Viewpoints
Three spots are particularly good for photos:
- The wide point near the marina: Full skyline including downtown and the bridges.
- Mid-park grass area: Closer to the water, framed by trees on the South Shore side.
- North end near the Champlain Bridge: Best for the new Samuel-De Champlain Bridge silhouette at sunset.
Aim to arrive 30 minutes before sunset for golden hour, and stay another 20 minutes for blue hour when the downtown lights come on against a cobalt sky.
Other Things to Do
- Picnic on the grass with the skyline as backdrop
- Jog or walk the trail — flat, paved, and well lit
- Fish from the marina area (Quebec fishing licence required)
- Watch cargo ships and sailboats moving through the Saint Lawrence Seaway
- BIXI ride loops connecting to Île Sainte-Hélène
Practical Information
- Entry: Free, 24 hours.
- Parking: Free street parking along Rue Saint-Charles Ouest.
- Facilities: Public washrooms at the marina (seasonal), benches, picnic tables, drinking fountains.
- Dogs: Allowed on leash.
- Accessibility: The whole paved trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
- Lighting: Path is lit in the evening, so it stays usable after sunset.
Best Time of Day
- Sunset and blue hour: The headline attraction. Magical light on the skyline.
- Early morning: Cool, quiet, with reflections on the water — best for joggers and runners.
- Mid-afternoon in summer: Great for picnics and a swim from the marina, though it can be sunny and exposed.
What to Bring
- Sunscreen and a hat (most of the park is exposed)
- Light layers — wind off the river makes it cooler than downtown
- A blanket for picnics
- Camera with a wide-angle lens for the skyline
- BIXI app or your own bike to extend the ride
FAQ: Parc de la Voie Maritime
Is the park free?
Yes — both entry and parking are free.
Can I swim from the park?
Swimming directly in the seaway is not allowed due to current and shipping traffic. For a swim, head to Verdun Beach across the river or to Plage Jean-Doré at Parc Jean-Drapeau.
How long is the bike path?
The park section is about 2 km, but it connects to a much longer South Shore network of over 50 km.
Is it safe in the evening?
Yes — well lit, popular with joggers, and connected to the metro for an easy return.
Photos from Parc de la Voie Maritime
Montreal skyline viewpoint, the bike path along the seaway, and sunset over the city.
