Montreal Photographers, Videographers & Photo Tours

The Best Time of Year to Visit Montreal, Canada

Montreal, Canada is the cultural capital of Quebec, with a plethora of great restaurants to eat in, museums to visit, incredible architecture and unique culture capital, which is why it is one of the main cities visited in Canada.

If you have settled on Montreal as your next travel destination, but haven’t decided which time of year you would like to visit, here is a comprehensive list of what to expect during each of the seasons in the upcoming year. Once you’ve taken the plunge and officially booked your trip, you can then look through all of the great photographers available for hire to capture your trip in the city of Montreal.

Visiting Montreal in Spring

Between the end of March and the beginning of June is the perfect time to get a taste of Montreal in the throws of spring. If you want to get a clear perspective of the city you’re visiting, what better way to do it then heading to the highest inclined tower, not only in North America but in the world? The best time to visit the Olympic Stadium’s Montreal Tower is on a clear day when you can enjoy a full view over Montreal.

Another great reason for visiting Montreal in spring is all of the exciting festivals celebrating arts and culture. Look up this year’s schedule for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Blue Metropolis International Literary Festival, the Mural Festival and of course, the Beer Festival (Le Mondial de la bière). If you’re in Montreal for festival season, bring along a local photographer for a festive photoshoot along the festival grounds and parading streets! 

Another bright side to visiting Montreal in springtime is the privilege of enjoying your meals in some of Montreal’s best restaurants on rooftops or terraces. You may have trouble finding a place in the sun, since there may be a fair amount of competition, but you certainly won’t have trouble finding a delicious restaurant with world-class chefs.

If you’re in Montreal for a very special occasion book an evening in the private garden at the UNESCO site, Château Ramezay, but don’t forget to bring along your engagement or proposal photographer to capture your very special moment in the private 18th-century gardens of Montreal.

Visiting Montreal in Summer

If you thought springtime had all the exciting festivals, then get ready for summertime in Montreal. You can just about see any genre of music you love live in Montreal during the summer, then, of course, there is the International Jazz Festival, and if you love to laugh, then you’ll be happy to know Montreal hosts the largest Comedy Festival known to mankind. There is the International Film Festival and oh, so much more! Did we skip out on mentioning the International Fireworks Festival? That’s the one you want to hire a private photographer to catch you among the colorful sky show in your best summer outfit! It even sounds Instagram worthy, luckily your Montreal photographer will have no problems sending you some of your best photos to upload to your account!

If you’re traveling with your family, your children will be more than eager to make a day trip at The La Ronde Six Flags Amusement Park on St. Helen’s Island. Then for some downtime make your way over to downtown Montreal and spend some time on Mount Royal, also known as, ‘The Mountain,’ for a beautiful view over the city, or you can go to the Botanical Gardens on Sunday for a free concert among the vibrant flowers in bloom. Every Sunday on Mount Royal you can enjoy what’s known as Tam Tam, a free outdoor festival with the locals. And on extremely hot days, take a break from the heat by renting a boat, booking a dinner cruise ship, or spicing things up with a jet ski!

Visiting Montreal in Autumn

Many opt to visit Montreal in autumn because they don’t enjoy visiting a city during its bustling summer crowds. In early autumn, you can still catch the warm weather without the crowds, and in mid-autumn, you’re privy to the incredible autumn trees, which is truly breathtaking in Montreal.

Visit the Botanical Gardens before Halloween and you can catch the silk lanterns in the “Gardens of Light” show. And, if you’re lucky you can catch POP Montreal, which is largely a music festival but also has art exhibitions, film screenings and much more. If you’re traveling with your family, you won’t want to miss the Montreal Zombie Walk in October! If you hire a family photographer you’ll certainly capture photos, unlike any other family photoshoot you’ve had in the past!

You’ll be pleased to discover fine dining all over Montreal, but don’t miss out on trying the bagels in Montreal! The best places to find local cuisines like bagels and smoked meat is in Mile End, the Plateau, and the McGill Ghetto neighborhoods. Then you can spend the day wandering through Old Montreal for charming cobblestone streets and the very European side of things. Take the city by foot while in this area where you’ll find fine dining, great shopping and several of Montreal’s best museums.

Finally, whether you’re a nature lover or not, you absolutely must spend at least 4 hours in Parc Jean-Drapeau, where Montreal’s biggest festivals like Osheaga are hosted. If you’ve hired an affordable photographer from Montreal, this may be the best location to capture your next best portrait, especially with the fall foliage flattering the background of your photo!

Visiting Montreal in Winter 

Though it gets pretty darn cold this far north, you’ll be happy to know that Montreal was practically built around its cold winter climate. So, if you’re planning on visiting Montreal this winter, one, expect snow, and two, expect a full list of activities to keep you coming back the same time next year!

If you love food tours, or beer tours now’s the time to book one in Montreal, since the city will be less crowded, but the food and drinks will be just as tasty. Then you can join the locals sledding down Mount Royal, and when you get cold or worn out, find a cafe nearby for a delicious hot chocolate. Yum. If this is a romantic trip for you and your partner, now is the perfect opportunity to rent a cabin in Parc National Du Mont Tremblant, get cozy by the fire, and maybe hire a personal photographer for the day to capture your trip in the cozy white Montreal.

If you’re a big fan of electronic music, you’ll be happy to know Igloofest is on this winter, but if that’s not really your thing then you certainly won’t have trouble finding something exciting to do during the Montreal en Lumière Festival. And, if it’s really too cold for you, you’ll be happy to know there is a huge underground shopping center with tunnels and heating to keep you on your feet. You may just find your New Year’s outfit to celebrate with the locals in this very location! Then hire some of Montreal’s best photographers and spend the day ice skating in the many ice skating rinks around the city! Check out prices for professional photographers in Montreal HERE!