Top 15 Places to Take Pictures in Montreal Updated 2022
Montreal is a wonderful city and there are tons of things to do. Whether you want to go out on the town or simply relax in a park, here are 15 places where you can find the perfect spot to capture your memories.
You may not have the world’s best camera, but you still can take great photos. Here are some of our favorite spots around Montreal where you’ll find beautiful natural light, interesting architecture and inspiring landscapes.
You’ll find it easier to choose the best spot to capture an amazing photo, no matter the season.
15 Best Views in Montreal – Best photo locations in Montreal
Belvédère Camilien-Houde Lookout
Address: Voie Camilien-Houde, Mont-Royal
Hours: 6 am – 12 am
To see the best views of the island, head to Mont Royal’s observation deck. If you’re interested in taking outside portraits, we recommend visiting in the spring.
You’ll be surrounded by beautiful greenery, including colorful flowers, trees, and shrubs.
Nature photography strategies might also help you capture a stunning landscape. With a tripod and a wide-angle lens (less than 50mm), you’ll be able to capture as much of the scene as possible.
Farine Five Roses
Address: H3C 1Y4
Hours: 24/7
Photographers in Montreal flock to this spot because it represents the city’s industrial past. The sign, which first emerged around the turn of the twentieth century, is now visible to tens of millions of visitors each year.
At any time of the day or night, you may go to this location and take photographs of the flour mill’s sign. Is a source of inspiration and is used as a basis in a number of representations of the city’s symbolism.
Souvenirs featuring this iconic location are common.
Neon photographs may be taken at night at this site. This type of photography requires a Canon 5D Mark IV or a Nikon D750.
To get the best results from your phone’s camera, keep the ISO at 100 and the shutter speed at or above 1/100ths of a second if possible.
La Grande Roue
Address: 362 rue de la Commune Est
Hours: 10 am – 11 pm
It is the country’s largest Ferris wheel. From a high vantage point, this is the nicest view of Montreal that I’ve ever seen. In addition to taking photos from the observation wheel, you may also climb inside and capture the city from the top.
The pictures of the wheel lit up at night are stunning. In order to acquire a high-quality picture you need a wide angle lens, a tripod, and an external remote control. You should set the aperture between f/11 and f/32 and the shutter speed between 1 and 30 seconds to keep the whole photo in focus.
With these options, you can produce a picture with a dark sky, a clear wheel center, and soft lighting.
Notre-Dame Basilica
Address: 110 Notre-Dame Ouest
Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
For Gothic Revival architectural enthusiasts, this is a must-see location. An early 19th-century structure may be seen in the city’s historic center.
The altar is well-lit, the interiors are stunning, and the colors are bright. This is an excellent location for photographing.
As a popular tourist destination, it is best to arrive early in the day on weekdays to avoid crowds. When taking a picture, make sure to turn off the flash.
You should use an ISO of no higher than 400 and a shutter speed of between 1/60 and 1/12 to achieve the cleanest photographs.
Habitat 67
Address: QC H3C 3R6
Hours: 24/7
Moshe Safdie, an Israeli architect, created this structure for the 1967 International Exposition. St. Lawrence is where it is located, and it is one of the most recognizable constructions of the last century.
A total of 150 flats may be found in this 354 cubic-foot residential complex.
Quebec’s government has designated this structure a historic site. Visit Cité du Havre, near Saint Helen’s Island, to get images with this distinctive architectural feature.
To get the best results while photographing buildings in the sunlight, use a polarizer.
Your camera’s best friend is a small aperture (f/11 or smaller) coupled with a high ISO (100-400). Aperture Priority (AV) or Manual settings are also recommended.
Champlain Bridge
Address: Brossard
Hours: 24/7
The new bridge connects Montreal with the South Shore. The bridge is 60 meters wide, making it the world’s biggest. Since July 1st, 2019, it has been operational.
The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is often compared to this Montreal photographic location.
Among the most important design elements are the 60 shrouds, which are both elegant and beautiful. Its principal purpose is to support a massive edifice that towers over the Olympic Stadium.
At night, the bridge’s 7 500-light display is particularly eye-catching.
The majority of the time, the building is lit in white. On certain occasions, themed lights does, however, occur.
Crescent Street
Address: Rue Crescent, from Sherbrooke to Ste. Catherine
Hours: 24/7
Crescent is a well-traveled thoroughfare in the metropolis of New York. Locals and visitors alike frequent the area’s pubs and restaurants, making it a great place to meet new people. Take a lot of shots of the architecture on the streets.
Leonard Cohen’s 8,500-square-meter memorial mural may be found on this street. The artist grew up in the Westmount district and was a major cultural force there.
Take a picture with the massive painting on the 21-story building’s wall at 1420 Crescent Street. The lighting system was completed a year ago, and it’s now clearly visible throughout the day.
Tourists also go to the Mont-Royal Park Observatory. In the midst of the city’s skyline, it’s easy to notice.
Dorchester Square
Address: 2903 rue Peel
Hours: 9 am – 9 pm
Dorchester Square can only be reached from the heart of downtown Montreal. The park is within a short distance away from a number of historical landmarks.
The Dominion Square Building, the Sun Life Building, and the Queen of the World Cathedral are all excellent subjects for architectural photography.
The lone equestrian statue in Montreal, the Boer War Memorial, can be seen in the Square.
There are a plethora of photogenic locations across the city, such as parks, fountains, and statues. Selfies, wildlife, and street photography enthusiasts will like these Montreal picture places.
La Ronde
Address: 22 Chemin Macdonald
Hours: 10 am – 8 pm
It was erected as part of Exhibition 67. With so many rollercoasters now available, it can satisfy even the most exacting tourists. This is an excellent area to snap Instagram-worthy pictures.
It’s hard to beat La Ronde for an intimate couple’s picture session. Seeing a couple in love swinging together is heartwarming and adorable.
Create your own love story album with these extras. If you’d like, you can pose with your best buddies in wacky positions for photos.
Quartier des Spectacles
Address: Rue City Councillors to Saint-Hubert between Sherbrooke and René-Lévesque
Hours: 24/7
East of downtown lies the entertainment district known as Quartier des Spectacles. Cultural activities and festivals were intended to be held there. There is a wide range of lovely locales to choose from.
There are several residences with eye-catching exteriors, as well as regularly upgraded installations, unique lighting fixtures, benches, and other furniture around the neighborhood.
These and other attractions may be found in the Quartier des Spectacles, which is located in the heart of Montreal’s downtown.
From the Place des Arts to Club Soda, this area is a remarkable example of a blend of modern and historic architecture.
As a result, the city takes on a varied appearance depending on what cultural activities are taking place.
Biosphere
Address: QC H3C 4G8
Hours: 10 am to 5 pm
Every visitor to Montreal should make time to visit this landmark. In 1990, the first museum opened on St Helen Island, and now visitors may see a wide range of exhibits on the St. Lawrence River’s natural resources.
There are several engineering structures adorning the spherical building, which appears like a soap bubble composed of metal.
No matter if you don’t go inside, the experience of visiting the biosphere will be with you. There are less tourists and the edifice isn’t illuminated by the sun at this time of day.
Botanical Garden
Address: 4101 Rue Sherbrooke E
Hours: 7:30 am to 5 pm
Flowers and plants from throughout the world may be found in abundance on the land. As the plants mature, each area is given a distinct look and feel.
Europe, Japan and China are all home to mountain summits. State natural monument status for the Botanical Garden was granted 10 years ago.
It’s possible to picture a variety of structures in the garden. In addition, you may bring a picnic basket and spend some time relaxing under the blossoming trees. The golden hour is the best time to visit the garden.
You can capture moody photographs of nature at this time of year.
Le Plateau Houses
Address: Mont-Royal
Hours: 24/7
Thousands of European visitors visit the Plateau Mont-Royal each year. Drolet Street in Montreal is one of the city’s most popular picture locations. It is situated between the square of Saint-Louis and the street Mont-Royal.
Those with an interest in architecture will like this location. There are a lot of gorgeous residences here with pointed roofs, balconies, colourful brick facades, and more.
Exterior stairs from Montreal’s most famous buildings may also be found at this location.
These stairs are often regarded as one of Montreal’s most distinctive architectural features. Don’t miss the chance to visit them in person and snap a few photos while you’re in town.
Orange Julep
Address: 7700 Boulevard Décarie
Hours: 8 am to 7pm
In 1945, an orange sphere-shaped snack bar was created. The Decarie highway is nearby. A well-known landmark in the city, it is a must-see. Orange Julep attracts hordes of photographers who want to capture its unusual architecture.
From June through August, this location hosts regular gatherings of vintage vehicle enthusiasts on Wednesday evenings. Stop by if you’re on the road during this period and snap some photos.
Jacques-Cartier Bridge
Address: 134 Pont Jacques-Cartier
Hours: 24/7
One of the city’s most recognizable landmarks is the Jacques-Cartier Bridge. It was constructed in 1931 and has long been a favorite among photographers seeking the highest vantage point in the city.
You’ll need to travel 2.7 kilometers on foot or a bike to take in the breathtaking scenery, the St. Lawrence River, Saint Helen’s Island, and the city center.
Your jaw will drop when you see what’s in store for you from the deck. The area is rather secure, however you should use caution because bicycles can travel at a rapid pace.
Regardless of the time of day or night, the bridge’s beauty is undeniable. There is an interactive LED lighting system that provides an amazing light display for visitors and inhabitants of Montreal during the city’s 325th anniversary.
Every season brings a new set of lighting challenges. In addition, the installations are subject to alter in accordance with the many municipal events.
Best places for engagement pictures in Montreal
Montreal’s Old Port
Historic buildings and cobblestone streets make the historic Old Port the most sought after location in the city. However, it’s a vast area, so you’ll need to walk a lot to go around.
It’s best to plan ahead and spend at least half of the day at each destination you plan to visit. Check out Lily and William’s sunset engagement photoshoot in Montreal here.
Quai Jacques-Cartier
To get to Montreal’s iconic Clock Tower, go down the promenade connecting Quai Jacques-Cartier and Terrasses Bonsecours.
Regardless of the season, strolling by the St-Lawrence River is charming. In contrast to the bustling St-Paul Boulevard, this neighborhood tends to be a lot quieter.
Rue de la Commune
At Terrasses Bonsecours and along street de la Commune, there is a surprising amount of green space. If you come here in the summer, be prepared to encounter large crowds, tourists, and other newlyweds!
The Old Port’s stone building is set off well by the trees here and there across the area.
Marché Bonsecours
The well-known Marché Bonsecours can be found right across the street. Ideal for individuals in search of photographs taken indoors. You can relax your feet at the coffee shop.
La Fontaine Park and the Plateau
La Fontaine Park is a popular location for engagement sessions since it is easily accessible, has enough of parking, and is located in the Plateau neighborhood of Montreal.
Because the park is pet- and bicycle-friendly, it attracts a lot of attention. We advise you to either shoot extremely early in the morning or very late at night.
You can see why La Fontaine is a popular destination year-round. Here are some photos from Jessica and Anthony’s engagement session at La Fontaine Park on the Plateau.
La Fontaine Park
If you’re looking for a classic park experience, La Fontaine’s got it. Sherbrooke, Papineau, Rachel, and Avenue du Parc La Fontaine all surround it, making it easy to find for the vast majority of Montrealers.
Blvd. St-Laurent
Take a stroll down St-Laurent Boulevard to see some of Montreal’s best street art. Is your stomach growling and you need a break? Just head over to Schwartz’s Deli for some of the best smoked meat in the world.
Mont-Royal
No time limit: We’ll stay filming until sunset to create an unforgettable experience for you and your fiance. Get in touch with us and see what we can do. In the end, we just want you to have a good time!
Montreal’s Botanical Garden / Espace de la vie
A collection of smaller theme parks, the Botanical Garden is Montreal’s crowning achievement. To minimize exhaustion, focus on only a few areas at a time.
Even if you have to pay a small charge to get in, we think it’s worth it for your engagement photographs. See Caroline and Vartan’s vibrant photographs taken beneath the crabapples here.
Narrow pathways
To get the most out of your visit to the Botanical Garden, wear comfortable shoes and plan to spend some time there. To avoid getting stuck in the grass, don’t wear high heels.
Trees as backdrop
Wide, medium, and close-up images will be taken throughout the day. We want you to be able to show off your images to your friends and family!
Spring crabapples
Crabapple blossoms may be seen at the Botanical Garden at the correct time of year. In the summer, take in the lush vegetation, or watch the leaves change color in the fall.
Having your engagement photographs done here is a no-brainer.
National Park Îles-de-Boucherville
The South Shore is the ideal place for your nuptials. Parking is located at the Îles-de-Boucherville exit of route 25. You may enjoy beautiful paths, open spaces, and even views of the St-Lawrence River for a nominal entrance cost.
Rock shore
Get off the usual road and you’ll discover a hidden entry to the rocky shore. Getting wet in your wedding gown may be off-limits for some brides, but what about a water-based proposal?
Near entrance
To make sure you look your best on the big day, we come up with a game plan for the theme and outfits ahead of time. To truly express yourself, now is the time to experiment with color and accessories.
Follow the trails
From the blazing sun to the darkest of rooms, Pixelicious shines. To improve your photographs, play around with light and space.
Saint-Eustache’s La Maison Lavande
To get to La Maison Lavande in Saint-Eustache, drive north from Montreal. Lavender fields in full bloom may be seen around the end of June, when the fields are at their peak.
You’ll be glad you made it this far if you’re able to juggle your schedule just so. Victoria and Martin’s family at La Maison Lavande is featured in a number of other photographs here.
Lavender field
Family heirlooms that will last a lifetime are yours to keep. We are generally said to as elegant, uncomplicated, and genuine in our style. It’s impossible to fake a genuine grin.
Staying past sunset
Enjoy the sunset as you and your loved ones stroll through the fields of lavender. Moments to be treasured for a long time to come.
Nearby forest
Let children be children! As much as possible, we plan to utilize the range of backgrounds available at La Maison Lavande.
Macdonald Farm / McGill Campus
The Macdonald Farm, located west of Montreal, is a must-see destination. Weekends are rather calm in this region, even though it is a part of the McGill Macdonald Campus. Spectacular fall foliage awaits you in the cornfields.
Poultry Cottages St
If you’re looking for a classic fall engagement, take a walk on the leaves. You can’t miss the Macdonald Farm if you seek for Poultry Cottages street between highways 20 and 40.
Visiting during fall
It doesn’t matter what time of year it is; receive the picture experience you deserve. Adults aren’t the only ones who may benefit from engagement sessions.
Conclusion
Montreal is a great place to take pictures. It has lots of beautiful parks and scenic landscapes that are both free and interesting to shoot.
To get a quick glimpse of the best locations, check out my list of my top 15 places to take pictures in Montreal.
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