Best Photo Spots in Montreal, Canada – Perfect for Instagram
Looking for the best photo spots in Montreal? Your camera’s about to get a workout.
Quebec’s largest city is a treasure trove of photo opportunities.
From cobblestone streets to shiny glass skyscrapers, Montreal has a fascinating mix of old and new. Add to that a vibrant festival, food and art scene and you could be snapping for days. There are so many instagrammable things to do in Montreal.
I’ve rounded up the best Montreal photo spots, organized by neighborhood so you can easily plan your photshoot. Plus, don’t miss my tips on when to go and where to stay in Montreal.
Looking for a place to stay in Montreal? My favourite is Le Petit Hôtel Notre-Dame in the heart of Old Montreal.
Best photo spots in Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)
Rue Saint Paul
Dating as far back as the 17th century, old Montreal is the city’s most historic district. This area is like a little piece of Europe and it’s filled with classic Montreal photography spots.
Watch for cobblestone lane ways, aged brick facades and cute shops and cafés. And don’t forget the random moments — you never know who you might see riding in the back of the horse-drawn carriages meandering through the streets.
📍Address: Start on Rue Saint-Paul and wander
Notre Dame Basilica for iconic Montreal pictures
Built in the Gothic Revival style, the ornate Notre Dame Basilica is one of the best Montreal Instagram photo spots both inside and out.
For exterior shots, I prefer night views because the Basilica is nicely lit with blue light and there is less of a crowd in front.
Inside, the wooden ceiling vaults are deep blue and decorated with golden stars. Be sure to turn around and take a look at the massive organ, which has 7000 individual pipes and dates back to 1891. It costs $16 to enter the church and there are usually lineups during the busy tourism season. At night, there is a spectacular light show inside if you purchase tickets online. ($37 for adults).
📍Address: 110 Notre-Dame St. West
Rooftop view:
Hôtel William Gray
Another one of the best Montreal Instagram spots is the rooftop terrace at the Hôtel William Gray also in the heart of the old city. The terrace provides a great view of the domed Bonsecours Market and the Jacques Cartier Bridge. You can also get some shots looking down into the historic streets.
📍Address: 421 Rue Saint Vincent Check pricing and availability to stay at the Hôtel William Gray.
Crew Collective & Café
Drop into the Crew Collective and Café to grab a bite and a photo.
The Café preserves the splendour of the main hall of the Royal Bank Tower, once the tallest landmark in Canada. It now provides a popular lunch spot and work space for the creative community. You can order your lunch at an old teller’s window and nosh at a glass table lit with golden banker’s lamps.
📍Address: 360 St Jacques St. West
Best Instagram spots in Montreal’s Old Port (Vieux-Port)
The Clock Tower (Quai de l’Horloge)
The Clock Tower stands as a “sentinel on the Seaway” to mark the entrance to the port and to honour the memory of lost sailors. And of course, with a clock that is a replica of Big Ben in London, it is certainly one of the most instagrammable places in Montreal.
The Clock Tower and the Jacques-Cartier Bridge light up at sunset. The colours on the bridge are based on an algorithm that takes the pulse of the city each day. It can be a tricky night shot because the light is constantly changing, but well worth the effort.
📍Address: 1 Clock Tower Quay St., Old Port
La Grande Roue de Montréal
For a panoramic view of the city, you can take a ride on the Montreal Observation Wheel in the Old Port. The Observation Wheel is 60 metres high and is open year-round. Don’t worry, the cabins are heated in the winter (and air conditioned in the summer).
At $27.50 for adults, this ride doesn’t come cheap, but you can also get some great photos of the ferris wheel itself, with the city in the background. In summer, there is also an opportunity for a reflection shot with a decorative pool on the river side of the ferris wheel.
📍Address: 362 Rue de la Commune East, Old Port
Quartier International – don’t miss this instagrammable place in Montreal
World Trade Centre
You’ll find an impressive mix of old and new architecture at the Montreal World Trade Centre. Opened in 1992, the Centre spans a city block and consists of several restored historic buildings under a high glass and steel-beamed roof.
The 18th-century fountain in the centre of the building is an ideal photo opportunity. It features a statue of Amphitrite, wife of Poseidon and originally comes from France. The fountain and the building are reflected in a black granite pool with a glass-like surface.
Also, look for the remnant of the Berlin Wall on display in the building. It was donated to Montreal in 1989.
📍Address: 747 Rue du Square-Victoria
Palais des congrès de Montréal
The Palais des Congrès is a favorite for a Montreal photoshoot thanks to its bold, rainbow-colored glass façade. When the sunlight hits just right, it casts vibrant reflections inside and out—perfect for playful, abstract shots.
There’s a good angle along Rue de Bleury or inside near the escalators for colorful light effects.
📍Address: 1001 Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle
Photography in Montreal downtown
The Leonard Cohen mural, titled “Tower of Songs”, is a striking 21-story tribute to the legendary singer-songwriter. The mural was created in 2017 by artists El Mac and Gene Pendon. It’s one of the city’s most iconic pieces of public art.
You can get a street-level shot of the mural from the corner of Crescent Street and De Maisonneuve Boulevard.
📍Address: 1420 Crescent Street.
Mount Royal & Westmount
Just north of downtown Montreal is the eclectic neighbourhood of Le Plateau Mont-Royal. From the colourful houses with stairways in front to the arty alleyways and world renowned bagels, this is quintessential Montreal. The stairways are both photogenic and curious in a city that gets 2 metres (6 feet) of snow annually. The staircases were built outside of the houses to save space on the inside.
📍Address: Start around St. Laurent or St. Denis streets and wander.
Tip: Treat yourself to Montreal’s most iconic eats by grabbing a bite at:
- St. Viateur Bagel Shop 158 St-Viateur West or
- Fairmount Bagel, 74 Fairmount West or
- A smoked meat sandwich at Schwartz’s Deli, 3895 St-Laurent.
(For more information, see 10 Quebec Foods You Have to Try).
Saint-Louis Square
In the heart of the Plateau Mont-Royal, Saint-Louis Square is one of the prettiest places in Montreal. Colorful Victorian row houses, a graceful fountain, and leafy trees create a romantic, European vibe that’s perfect for photos—especially in fall.
For soft light and fewer crowds, try shooting here in the morning or golden hour.
📍 Address: Near Rue Saint-Denis and Sherbrooke, steps from Sherbrooke Metro
St. Joseph’s Oratory
St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal is Canada’s largest church. An imposing example of religious architecture, it’s said to have one of the largest domes in the world. Although I didn’t get a chance to visit at this hour, I understand that the best time for photos here is sunset.
📍Address: 3800 Queen Mary Rd
Mount Royal Lookout
No visit to Montreal would be complete without a walk in Mount Royal Park, the city’s namesake. The park sits on a hill right in the middle of the city, although you should take note that locals call it a mountain.
You can drive or hike to the Kondiaronk Lookout at the summit for panoramic views of downtown Montreal. It’s great for photos, especially at sunrise or at night.
📍Address: 1196 Voie Camillien-Houde
Eastern Montreal: Nature photos in the City
Montreal Botanical Garden
The Montreal Botanical Garden is recognized as one of the world’s greatest botanical gardens. At 75 hectares, it’s also among the largest. It features more than 20 thematic gardens and an “Insectarium”.
My favourites for photos were the Chinese and Japanese gardens, as well as the rose garden which was in full bloom when I visited. Of course I had to stop and smell the roses!
📍Address 4101 Rue Sherbrooke East
Best Time to Visit Montreal for Photos
Montreal is photogenic year-round, but each season offers a different kind of magic. Here’s what to expect:
- Fall (Late September to ealy November) – the most photogenic season with stunning fall colours, especially around Mount Royal and Le Plateau.
- Winter (December to March) – Yes, it’s cold but winter can transform Old Montreal into a storybook scene, especially around Christmas.
- Spring (Late April to June) – Look for blooming trees in parks like Saint-Louise Square.
- Summer – (July & August) – Montreal is busy during the summer festival season but you can get great rooftop views and sunsets over the Saint Lawrence River.
Where to Stay in Montreal (And Snap More Gorgeous Photos)
If you’re looking for a boutique hotel that’s as photogenic as the streets around it, Le Petit Hôtel Notre-Dame is my top pick.
Tucked into a 19th-century building in the heart of Old Montreal, this stylish new hotel combines historic charm with modern design—think exposed brick walls, cozy-chic rooms and luxurious linens.
Le Labo bath products are a delight.
Breakfast is included with the room. Of course, I went for the fresh Montreal bagels.
Plus, there’s barista-made coffee any time of day. (And a box of melt-in-your-mouth macarons!)
At Le Petit Hôtel Notre-Dame, you’ll be steps away from some of the city’s most Instagrammable spots in Old Montreal.
More Information:
Tourism Information: Tourism Montreal, Quebec Tourism
Where to stay in Montreal: Check pricing and availability on Le Petit Hôtel Notre-Dame.
Suggested Reading: Fodor’s Montreal and Quebec City (Full-color Travel Guide),
Day trip Idea: Don’t miss out on some of the eye-popping scenery near Montreal like Parc De La Yamaska, just an hour’s drive from Montreal.
Camera gear tip: Make sure you have plenty of memory cards. I use the ones from SanDisk.
I stayed as a guest at Le Petit Hôtel Notre-Dame, but my opinions are always my own.
Pin it:
You may also like:
The 21 Best Instagram Photo Spots in Quebec City, Canada
10 Quebec Foods You Have to Try
12 Ways to Enjoy the Old World Charms of Quebec City
Eye-popping images here Cindy. What a jaw-dropping city for some IG worthy snaps. Need to get my IG game up for sure.
Thanks so much Ryan! There are endless IG opportunities in Montreal!
Thank you so much for showing this great IG locations. Montreal must be a great city for photography tours – I will definetely put this awesome city on my bucket list.
Thanks Martina! I have no doubt that you would really enjoy Montreal (and Quebec City too). Both are great for photos!
Wow, these are really stunning pictures. All of these places are truly Instagram worthy! My favorites were Notre Dame Basilica, World Trade Centre, that ceiling of Crew Collective & Café and the stunning view at Mount Royal Lookout. I will definitely visit these places when I travel to Montreal.Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Karie! Montreal is truly a photogenic city!
Wow, I want to go to all these places. The one that struck me the most if the World Trade Centre. The architecture is absolutely stunning. I’ve already made a trip twice to Canada this year and would gladly go back to visit Montreal next 🙂
Thanks Candy! I hope you come back to Canada. Montreal is a great city to visit and there are also a lot of interesting places to visit nearby too!
I love your use of black and white. Wow. That’s some mad photography skills. It’s a shame you couldn’t get the Notre Dame Cathedral frame clear but it looks so beautiful there that I can see why so many people go. We just visited Quebec for the first time this year and now really want to go to Montreal. Beautiful city.
Thanks so much! I hope you get a chance to visit Montreal. It’s truly a fascinating city.
What a beautiful city! I especially love the neighbourhood of Le Plateau Mont-Royal. The houses are beautiful and charming. The Notre Dame Basilica looks magnificent. Montreal has a wonderful mix of old European and contemporary architecture. Your photos are stunning!
Thank you! There really is a little of everything in Montreal.
Living in Ottawa, we’re so close to Montreal but it’s been several years since we’ve visited. We really need to return. I forgot how absolutely stunning Notre Dame Basilica is and the view from Mont Royal is truly amazing! Great post!
Thanks Joanne! It’s the same for me, so I was glad to have the opportunity to visit as part of the cruise.
You have taken stunning pictures of all the places of Montreal. It is difficult to choose the best one, but if I have to select then Old Montreal and La Grande are my favorite. Also, blue hues of Notre Dame Basilica are lovely.
Thanks so much Yukti! There are tons of photo opportunities in old Montreal.
I love posts like this that help me get the best IG pics on my travels! I would pick the botanical garden as one of my top spots to visit from the list you provided. I could honestly photograph flowers and such for hours! While the clock tower is.a must, I really liked the looks and sounds of the Le Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood, too.
Thanks Melody! You could easily spend all day at the botanical garden alone. I was there for a couple of hours and came away with a lot of nice photos.
Wow! Great IG photos! They are really inspiring us to visit Montreal! I went there when I was a teenager, so I can’t remember much of this city. I guess it’s about time now that I return to explore it more in depth! Thanks a lot for this wonderful post!
Thanks Mei! There is a lot to explore in Montreal, so I hope you get a chance to return.
Montreal looks like such a picturesque place. The World Trade Center and Mount Royale look so beautiful in the pictures. Is there a time of year that you enjoy visiting Montreal?
Thanks Astrid! I think fall would be my favourite time of year to visit Montreal. Not too hot or cold (usually) and the fall colours in and around Montreal are beautiful.