Top 10 Spots For Photography Enthusiasts In Montreal
1. Kondiaronk Belvedere
Google 4,8 Stars (8.4K Reviews)
Overlooking the city, Mount Royal Park is considered to be the lungs of the metropolis. Very frequented by locals, it is a precious playground where the practice of a multitude of sporting activities is possible, all year long. And for tourists passing through Montreal, it is undoubtedly a must! Even if you are only spending a couple days in Montreal, you will definitely want to make a stop here.
The Kondiaronk belvedere, accessible on foot, by public transport or by car, offers one of the most beautiful views of the downtown area and the majestic St. Lawrence River.
Once at the belvedere, take the opportunity to visit the French Beaux-Arts-style mountain chalet, built in 1932. There you will find historical paintings retracing the history and development of the city.
1196 Voie Camillien-Houde
514-872-3911
2. Basílica Notre-Dame de Montreal
Google 4,7 Stars (29K Reviews)
The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Montréal is the mother church of Montreal and the first neo-Gothic style church in Canada. Its history, marked by the Sulpicians since its constitution, is inseparable from that of the City of Montreal. It bears witness to its Catholic foundations and the constant links between the arts and religion. Imated by several parishes, his style marked a turning point in the religious architectural tradition.
A place of prayer and celebration of the Catholic faith, Notre Dame is also the scene of events of national importance, such as state funerals. Raised to the rank of minor basilica in 1982 by John Paul II and designated in 1989 as a National Historic Site of Canada, its religious, historical and artistic importance makes it one of the jewels of Quebec heritage and one of the most visited places in Montreal.
To capture the ethereal beauty of the basilica’s interior, aim for a visit during the mid-morning when the sunlight streams through the windows, creating a kaleidoscope of colors on the stone and wood. For exterior shots, dusk offers a magical backdrop, with the basilica’s facade lit up against the twilight sky, highlighting its architectural details. Consider visiting in the winter months when a blanket of snow adds a serene purity to the scene, contrasting beautifully with the warm lights emanating from within.
110 Notre-Dame St W
514-842-2925
https://www.basiliquenotredame.ca/
3. Saint Joseph’s Oratory
Google 4,7 Stars (18K Reviews)
Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal stands as a monumental beacon of faith and architectural grandeur in Montreal. Its origins date back to 1904 when Saint André Bessette, known for his healing powers and devotion to Saint Joseph, established a small chapel on the side of Mount Royal. This humble beginning paved the way for the construction of the grand basilica we see today, a process that spanned several decades, with the main structure completed in 1967. The Oratory is renowned for its stunning dome, one of the largest of its kind in the world, reaching a height of 97 meters (318 feet) inside, making it a notable landmark in Montreal’s skyline. The basilica’s architecture combines elements of Renaissance and Art Deco styles, reflecting the innovative spirit of its era and the visionary minds behind its creation.
For photographers, capturing the Oratory at dusk or dawn can provide a dramatic backdrop, with the sky’s changing colors enhancing the silhouette of the dome. The interior’s vast spaces and intricate details, such as the stained glass and carvings, offer endless opportunities for capturing the interplay of light and shadow. Seasonally, the surrounding gardens and the change in foliage provide a beautiful contrast to the stone architecture, making any visit a rich photographic journey.
3800 Queen Mary Rd
514-733-8211
https://www.saint-joseph.org/fr/
4. Ferris Wheel
Google 4,5 Stars (2.5K Reviews)
La Grande Roue de Montreal stands as a beacon of modern engineering in the heart of the Old Port, offering unmatched views of the city skyline and the Saint Lawrence River. This Ferris wheel, the tallest in Canada, lights up the night with a kaleidoscope of colors, making it a spectacular subject against the evening sky. Capture its reflection in the water at twilight for a stunning shot, or aim for a long exposure at night to catch the wheel in motion against the backdrop of Montreal’s illuminated skyline. Visiting during the winter season adds a magical layer of ice and snow to the scene, creating a contrast between the warm lights and the cold environment.
362 Rue de la Commune E
514-325-7888
https://lagranderouedemontreal.com/
5. Jacques Cartier Bridge
Google 4,5 Stars (1.3K Reviews)
Open since 1931, the Jacques-Cartier Bridge occupies a place of great importance in the Montreal landscape.
Accessible by a 2.7 km cycle and pedestrian path, it offers a breathtaking panorama of the St. Lawrence River, Saint Helen's Island and downtown. You will be able to take beautiful photos in complete safety. However, be careful of bikes as they sometimes arrive very quickly. But the view isn't just great on the deck.
Indeed, since the 375th anniversary of the city, the bridge has been equipped with an impressive and complex interactive LED lighting system, offering residents a splendid light show every night, brilliantly and intelligently choreographed.
The lighting changes with the seasons, in addition to adapting to different events and visually translating Montreal life in real time (according to mentions of Montreal on social media, for example). Like the locals, you too can admire the bridge at dusk by walking over it, or by visiting Village au Pied-du-Courant (open during summer only).
To access this ephemeral station that looks like an urban beach, go to Notre-Dame street, near the Papineau metro station (green line).
134 Jacques-Cartier Brg,
450-651-8771
https://jacquescartierchamplain.ca/fr/circulation-routiere/pont-jacques-cartier/
6. Habitat 67
Google 4,5 Stars (358 Reviews)
Located in the Cité-du-Havre, a century-old artificial peninsula enlarged for Expo 67, Habitat 67 benefits from an incomparable geographical location: in front of the river, downtown and the Old Port of Montreal.
Its terraces offer an unparalleled panorama: city lights, the silhouette of the bridges, the beauty of the maples, oaks and poplars. Add to this idyllic atmosphere the gentle sound of the river and the famous Habitat 67 wave, the sea air and the sky as far as the eye can see. Located near St. Helen’s Island, Old Montreal and the Casino de Montreal, this hybrid of quiet and hectic living redefines the urban residential experience with panache.
Habitat 67 offers the opportunity to live at the city’s bustling speed, with its lively evenings and occasional fireworks, or at the peaceful pace of the countryside, surrounded by the waters of the great majestic river. The complex geometry and Brutalist architecture of Habitat 67 offer a unique playground for photographers. Early morning light accentuates the texture of the concrete and casts dynamic shadows, highlighting the structure’s three-dimensional aspect. Spring and summer not only bring a contrast of lush greenery against the stark concrete but also soften the overall appearance, adding vibrancy to your compositions. Perhaps the best view of the Habitat can be found across the river at the Old Port Boardwalk which offers a number of great viewpoints.
2600 Av Pierre-Dupuy,
514-866-5971
7. The Lachine Canal
The Lachine Canal is an iconic jewel located in the southwest of Montreal. Its 13.5-kilometre path runs between the Old Port and Lake Saint-Louis. The navigable waterway, the green urban park lined with industrial vestiges and the various activities on its banks make this site a great place to share.
514-283-6054
https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/qc/canallachine
8. Olympic Stadium
Google 4,4 Stars (5.8K Reviews)
A bold architectural creation, the Olympic Park was built for the presentation of the 1976 Summer Games. Since its inauguration, it has welcomed more than a hundred million visitors, whether to admire the city of Montreal at the top of the tallest tower in the world, to attend an event presented at the Stadium, to train at the Sports Centre, which is also the host of national and international competitions, or to participate in an outside activity on the Esplanade.
Its quadrilateral, considering its facilities and its 100 or so partners on the site, is frequented by four million visitors each year. A generator of more than 2,500 jobs and international symbols of Montreal, the Olympic Park is positioned as an important engine for economic and tourism development. Open to the world and in harmony with its surrounding community of Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, the Olympic Park aspires to become a modern urban park, a unique recreational and tourist site where creation, discovery, entertainment and physical activity coexist.
Photographing the Olympic Stadium during the golden hour captures the complexity and beauty of its design, with the setting or rising sun casting long shadows and highlighting the textures of its concrete façade. At night, the illuminated structure against the dark sky showcases its futuristic appeal. The stark contrasts and geometric shapes make for compelling compositions, especially when framed by the snow in winter, offering a minimalist aesthetic that draws the eye to the form and structure of the building itself.
4545 Pierre-de Coubertin Ave
514-252-4141
9. The Biosphere, Environment Museum
Google 4,3 Stars (5.7K Reviews)
The Biosphere is a unique and spectacular place. Its dome, a symbol of social innovation and human inventiveness, has been known since 1967. It was in 1995 that the structure began to house the first museum entirely dedicated to the links between society and the environment in North America. To this day, it remains the only museum of its kind.
Since its foundation, the museum has collaborated on several multidisciplinary projects in environmental education and developed dozens of scientific animations. Since its opening, the Biosphere has presented more than 65 exhibitions. Still relevant, the museum’s exhibitions and educational activities have evolved over time to adapt to environmental education challenges and trends.
Photographing the Biosphere during golden hour brings out the intricate details of its structure, with the sun’s rays creating a spectrum of reflections and shadows on the dome. The surrounding natural elements of Parc Jean-Drapeau enhance its beauty, allowing for diverse compositions that contrast the dome’s geometry with the organic forms of nature. Winter adds a dramatic element, with the snow-covered landscape reflecting light and adding a serene purity to the scene. Get opening and hours and ticket info on their website here: https://espacepourlavie.ca/en/biosphere
160 Chem. du Tour de l'isle
514-868-3000
https://espacepourlavie.ca/biosphere
10. Gibeau Orange Julep
Google 4,2 Stars (8.4K Reviews)
In 1932, Hermas Gibeau opened his first retail conventional storefront on St Laurent Boulevard near the Old Port of Montreal selling his delicious Orange Julep. The business was brisk on the weekdays, his Orange Julep was a hit! In response to the limited customer traffic in the area on weekends, Mr. Gibeau made a decision that would forever change the Julep experience. Keeping with the inspiration of his Orange Julep beverage, Hermas took on the bold move to make his building in the shape of an Orange fruit. This is a must for all amateur photographers visiting Montreal!
During the summer, every Wednesday evening, the Montreal institution is the gathering place for several vintage cars owners. If the timing works with your route, you'll make some great, vintage-looking photos. While you're at it, take the opportunity to taste the Julep, their famous creamy orange juice, the recipe of which has been kept secret since it was released. With the Julep, it's a hit or a miss. You will absolutely adore it or hate it. There is no in-between, it seems!
7700 Decarie Blvd
514-738-7486