There are two very good scenic views:

1. Mont Royal - South View from the Chateau Terrace

The best way to approach is on foot from downtown; from rue de la Montagne you go up north till you reach Av. du Pins, from there you will find steps and a trail that will lead you up to the terrace. Fantastic view of downtown and the St. Lawrence River. There is a huge hall at the Chateau, there is also a small cafe, souvenir shop and public toilet facilities.

If you would like to go by car to the same place, from Av. du Parc corner of Mt. Royal street the road leads you up to the mountain. After about 2 km you will reach a parking lot. You have to pay on Sundays and even on public (statutory) holidays.  After parking your car, you go slightly up towards the east side, or keep left and follow the path that takes you to the terrace and you will reach there in 5 minutes from the parking lot.

2. The second good scenic view is from Habitat 67, the tiny strip of land in the St. Lawrence River, under the bridge that leads to Casino du Montreal; don't go over that bridge, but under the bridge.  If you are on foot, the best way to reach there is from Old Montreal, rue de la Commune, cross the small bridge on the canal and it will lead you to the road that takes you to the Casino.  Same route if you are in a car, in fact by car you can also reach there from rue Wellington by going under the bridge made for highway 10/rue University. Follow the signs for Casino. Once again remember don't go over that big bridge that leads to Casino, stay right and take that tiny road that leads you to the parking area under that bridge. Parking is free.

This tiny strip of land is also the best spot for watching fireworks. Fireworks take place twice a week (Wednesday & Saturday from 10:00 p.m.) during the months of June and July every year. To grab a good spot for the fireworks  you must be there by 8:30 p.m.