Montreal’s Mesmerizing Nightscapes: A Photographer’s Paradise

My husband and I share a deep obsession with night photography 🙈, and it’s a ritual we indulge in during every trip. Typically, we venture out during twilight and meander through the city until midnight, on the prowl for those challenging spots that promise Instagram-worthy shots.

Capturing the cityscape under the cloak of night unveils a fascinating perspective—one of the finest ways to explore the interplay of light and darkness 😊.

Now, you might wonder, why Montreal? Truth be told, sometimes, there are no concrete answers. Certain trips, certain days, certain moments—they’re all different, and I believe that everyone has their own unique reasons 😀.

Here, I’d like to share some of the spots we’ve uncovered:

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal: Whether it’s day or night, Notre-Dame Basilica and Place d’Armes are visual feasts. The colossal Romanesque pillars of these structures are bathed in mesmerizing blue light, creating captivating images. Although we didn’t venture inside due to the long queue, the exterior alone is a sight to behold.

Old Port of Montreal: This locale was particularly enjoyable, even in chilly -2-degree weather. The Old Port offers a delightful waterside experience. Interestingly, perhaps because most shops were closed or because of the weather, it wasn’t overwhelmingly crowded when we arrived. Historic markers dot the landscape, recounting the history of the old port. There’s ample opportunity for photography, all within walking distance. The giant Ferris wheel, visible from a distance, becomes a luminous spectacle against the backdrop of the darkened sky. While we trekked to Clocktower Quay, the darkness of the day precluded our capturing of the scene. Nevertheless, we spent some time soaking in the stunning view of the city across the river and gazing at the Montreal Biosphère.

Jacques Cartier Bridge: In close proximity lies this picturesque bridge, spanning the St. Lawrence River. The bridge is a masterpiece of illumination at night, with an array of lights that gracefully change colors in sequence. These lights not only enhance the bridge’s structure but also accentuate its contours.

After a few hours in the Old Port, we embarked on a drive to Montreal Biosphère, crossing the Jacques Cartier Bridge en route.

A few helpful pointers:

• If you’re visiting during the winter, bundle up in warm clothing. Needless to say, the late-night hours can get quite chilly.
• Parking near the Old Port can be costly. However, if you venture into streets closer to the city center, you’ll find paid parking meters, allowing you to walk from there.
• I highly recommend strolling across the Jacques Cartier Bridge for breathtaking views of the city and the river.

Thanks for taking the time to read about our night photography adventure in Montreal. Happy travels! 👋

Statistics:

• Starting Point: Downtown Montreal
• Miles Driven: 12
• Miles Walked: 4.2
• Time Spent: 4 hours and 56 minutes