Timeline
07:00
Find a clear spot in the plaza or on the steps of Westmount Square. The building’s black metal and glass facade reflects the early sky. Look WSW to catch the first rays of sun breaking over the horizon at 07:30.
07:30
Stay for the golden light. As the sun rises, the interplay of shadow and reflection on the modernist architecture shifts. This is the peak moment of the experience.
07:45
Walk five minutes to Chez Nick. Since it opens at 07:00 on weekdays and 08:00 on Sundays, you will be there just in time for the morning rush. Order a hamburger, chili, or tuna melt to fuel up after the early start.
08:15
End your morning at Café Myriade, a six-minute walk away. Grab a coffee and settle in for a few quiet minutes as the city wakes up fully.
Local tip
Westmount Square is open to the public, but some interior areas may have restricted access early in the morning. Stick to the exterior plaza for the best views. Chez Nick is a local institution since 1920, so expect a steady stream of regulars.
Check before you go
- Chez Nick opens at 07:00 Monday to Friday and 08:00 on Sundays.
- Café Myriade opens at 07:00 Monday to Friday and 08:00 on weekends.
- Sunrise on January 15 is at 07:30; golden light begins around 15:50.
Worth knowing
- Chez Nick is open at 07:45 only on Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr, Sa
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Montreal (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).