ocated right on the water’s edge of the Old Port, Café des Éclusiers is guaranteed to be a success yet again this summer. It is situated just far enough from the hustle and bustle of the tourist traps, yet just a stone’s throw from the booming tech industry offices piled high with Blackberry-wielding nine to fivers counting down the seconds to the week’s end.

But you’ve been forewarned: if you’re interested in a leisurely weekday drink sometime between those peak hours of 5 to 7, make sure to leave work early and run over. The Café is guaranteed to be lively to say the least. Don’t think that because of the quaint surroundings it will offer any sort of serenity. On a warm day you’re guaranteed to be frustrated with a long line and even longer waiting time. The main terrace area is brimming with bodies and trying to get from one end of the other proves to be challenging.

After paying for your cover charge and finally making it over to one of their numerous bars (both inside and out), you’ll see that your libation of choice will be served in a plastic cup. Yes, plastic is a must at the Café for safety reasons. I nursed my Bombay Sapphire & tonic (remember: plastic glasses = no martini) at an inhumanly slow pace because I was all too aware of the fact that if I made the wrong move – half of it would end up on my beloved shoes.

But time and time again, urbanites make their way back to this outdoor haven in the hopes of making it in this time around. But can one blame them? The Café works on a simple formula: there just aren’t many places as remarkably picturesque in Canada as Old Montreal and there are even fewer places you can go to have a decent drink and tan all the while. And with a recently revamped lounge on the second level complete with squishy banquets and a reworked menu ready to keep you grounded, the Café offers beautiful views and beautiful people.

All in all, the sun-filled surroundings make it is a place worth checking out – just make sure you have a back-up plan. - C