Montreal, Skyline, Night

When in Montreal, do as the Montrealers do? One thing you definitely shouldn’t miss when you visit this great city is Parc du Mont-Royal (Mount Royal Park). Actually, you can easily spent a whole day there. But if, like many of us, you don’t have that much time, make sure you at least stop by to enjoy the view over downtown Montreal. You will find the best view at Kondiaronk Belvedere in front of the Chalet de Mont Royal.

If there are clouds in the sky and all is grey while you are visiting Montreal, this view is best at night. The clouds will reflect the city lights, giving the whole scene a glowing, almost golden touch. If, on the other hand, it is clear and sunny out, try to make it to the viewpoint during the day. You will be able to see far beyond downtown into the countryside.

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Quebec City, Terrasse Dufferin, Night

When we visited Quebec City last time it was pretty crowded. Tourists everywhere you went, crowded cafes and restaurants, booked-out hotels. During the day, Terrasse Dufferin was filled with people, so you had to somehow incorporate them into your pictures and be patient.

Nonetheless, we decided to do some night shooting fully expecting the same crowds and endless waiting times to take our long-exposure photos. Imagine our surprise when nobody was there. Everything was deserted, not a single soul out for a stroll. It ended up being one of our best night sessions ever. At the end, when we were leaving, another photographer showed up…perfect timing.

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Rideau Canal at Night

One last time a picture from Ottawa, Canada. I simply adore the view over the Rideau Canal with the Parliament Buildings and Chateau Laurier in the background. But I especially like it at night. The pathways along the canal are lit and the surrounding buildings are beautifully illuminated.

One thing you should consider when trying to take this shot – you definitely need a tripod. And even then you have to pay attention to the buses and trucks passing over the Mackenzie King Bridge. Not because they could run your over (there is plenty of sidewalk space), but because they tend to get the bridge moving so to speak. And for a long exposure picture this can be a disaster. So wait for them to pass or stop and also take plenty of pictures to avoid any disappointment later on.

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Toronto Night Skyline

Toronto’s skyline quickly became one of my favorites. It is easily recognizable with the CN Tower dominating the city. It is also pretty colorful and the lights reflect nicely in Lake Ontario.

I always prefer photographing a skyline with water in the foreground, be it a lake, bay, or simply a river, because it gives you the option of capturing reflections. I think it enhances the picture and adds an interesting element to the composition.

And I usually prefer to take skyline pictures at night because I feel that lights give a city a magical aura.

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Parliament Hill, Ottawa

Parliament Hill is not simply the seat of Canada’s government. It can be fun entertainment with a little education thrown in for good measure. It is really quite an experience to visit the Parliament Buildings and you can pretty much spent the whole day here.

Start out with a tour of the center block where the Senate and House of Commons chambers and the library are located. The tours are free but there are limited tickets each day.  Afterward, you can visit the Peace Tower and enjoy the view from atop.

Between July and September you also get a chance to visit the East Block (pictured above), which used to be the center of the Canadian government. Also available are outdoor guided tours of the Parliament grounds, but you can also explore on your own.

Between June and August a very special performance is offered – the Changing of the Guards. And you can finish your day with the amazing Sound and Light Show.

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Lightshow, Canadian Parliament

If you’re staying in Ottawa over night, give the Sound and Light Show on Parliament Hill a try. If the weather is right, people will be outside walking the streets, the pedestrian zone, and Parliament Hill. There are two showings at 9 and 10pm, so it’s perfect for an evening stroll.

Just sit down and enjoy the show and listen to the stories about Canada’s history. It is really done quite nicely and narrated in both English and French.

If you plan on taking pictures, bring a tripod. Depending on the season, there should be plenty of room for setting it up without disturbing others. The constant change of projected images and colorful lights shone on the center block make for some interesting photography.

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Toronto – A Sea of Lights

Often a picture tells the story we want to share with others. But sometimes, the picture is (just) the result – and what went into taking the picture is the real story. Like the story behind this photo.

I like to photograph skylines, especially at night. And sometimes the opportunity arises to photograph a city from high above. My only problem: I am extremely afraid of heights and in my day-to-day-life I try to avoid them at all costs. When I am out shooting pictures, however, I have to choose between letting an opportunity go or challenging myself.

And so it was again when we visited Toronto and were weighing the option of visiting the CN Tower. At night nonetheless, which makes it even harder for me. Well, since I posted the picture, you already know which option I chose. But let me tell you, it was not easy.

Not only did we go up at night, we went up all the way to the Sky Pod. As if being in close proximity of the glass floor wasn’t enough.  Taking the picture wasn’t so easy either, since I had to lean into the window to avoid reflections. And that is quite a task when your legs are all rubbery and weak.

So while I really like the result of my little adventure, the way it came to be will always be an important part of it.

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