Best places for family photos in Montreal
Planning family photos in Montreal? These are the spots worth shortlisting, chosen for the light, the backdrop, and how easily a session comes together.
12 places to shoot family photos & videos in Montreal
Mount Royal - Kondiaronk Belvedere
This grand stone lookout crowns Frederick Law Olmsted's Mount Royal park and delivers a near-panoramic view over downtown Montreal and the St. Lawrence River. Wide terraces, mature woodland and the chalet plaza give portrait, engagement and family shoots both skyline backdrops and leafy seclusion.
For family photos: room for the whole group to spread out.
Old Port of Montreal (Vieux-Port)
The waterfront promenade stretches along the St. Lawrence with the Clock Tower, cobblestone quays and moored boats as backdrops. Its blend of historic stone and open river light suits engagement and lifestyle sessions from sunrise glow to evening city lights.
For family photos: an easygoing setting that keeps kids engaged.
Montreal Botanical Garden
One of the world's great botanical gardens, its 75 hectares hold themed spaces from the Chinese and Japanese gardens to rose beds and ten greenhouses. The manicured landscapes give family, maternity and engagement shoots lush, colour-rich backdrops in every season.
For family photos: a backdrop that still feels like home year after year.
Place Jacques-Cartier
This sloping cobblestone square runs from Notre-Dame toward the river, framed by heritage stone buildings, flower stalls and the Nelson Column. The European ambience and warm stonework make it a favourite for couples and lifestyle portraits.
For family photos: room for the whole group to spread out.
Parc Jean-Drapeau
Set on two islands in the St. Lawrence, this park pairs riverside greenery with skyline views and the geodesic Biosphere dome. Open lawns, waterfront paths and mid-century landmarks give varied backdrops for family and portrait sessions.
For family photos: an easygoing setting that keeps kids engaged.
Atwater Market & Lachine Canal
The art-deco market hall sits beside the Lachine Canal, where towpaths, footbridges and waterside greenery line the historic waterway. Seasonal flower stands and canal reflections give a relaxed, textured backdrop for engagement and family shoots.
For family photos: a backdrop that still feels like home year after year.
Show all 12 placesShow fewer
Parc La Fontaine
A beloved Plateau park with two linked ponds, arching footbridges, fountains and mature trees. Willow-lined water and open lawns make it an easy, natural setting for family, maternity and couples shoots.
For family photos: room for the whole group to spread out.
Saint Joseph's Oratory
Canada's largest church rises on the slope of Mount Royal with a vast dome, grand staircase and terraced gardens overlooking the city. The monumental architecture and hillside views give a dramatic frame for portraits.
For family photos: an easygoing setting that keeps kids engaged.
Bonsecours Market & Basin
The silver-domed Bonsecours Market and adjacent Bonsecours Basin anchor the eastern Old Port with heritage stone and reflecting water. Cobbled streets and the nearby chapel steeple add romantic, old-world texture to couples shoots.
For family photos: a backdrop that still feels like home year after year.
Westmount Park
A leafy Victorian park with a lily pond, stone footbridge, greenhouse conservatory and towering shade trees. Its quiet, manicured character suits family, maternity and christening-style portraits away from downtown crowds.
For family photos: room for the whole group to spread out.
McGill University (Roddick Gates & Campus)
The stone Roddick Gates open onto McGill's leafy lower campus, where greystone halls, tree-lined walks and the Arts Building lawn line the slope up toward Mount Royal. It is a classic backdrop for cap-and-gown photos, with ivy walls and old shade trees softening the historic architecture. Autumn light through the maples makes the grounds glow.
For family photos: an easygoing setting that keeps kids engaged.
Maison Saint-Gabriel
This 17th-century farmhouse museum keeps a quiet corner of old New France alive, with a recreated period vegetable garden, a wooded glade and a poetry path among heritage stone walls. The enclosed grounds feel private and unhurried, ideal for gentle newborn and maternity photos away from crowds. Soft greenery and weathered stone give a timeless, storybook backdrop.
For family photos: a backdrop that still feels like home year after year.
Book a Snappr photographer in minutes. Vetted, local, and ready to shoot these spots.
Snappr family photos from cities across the world
A look at family photos our photographers have delivered, so you know the standard before you book.
Still need a photographer?
Snappr photographers are available in Montreal to shoot at the venue you choose. All vetted, insured, and booked through the same platform.
Pick a date and Snappr matches you with a vetted local photographer, every shoot backed by our quality guarantee.
Shooting family photos in Montreal
It depends on the spot. Public streets and sidewalks usually don't, while many parks, gardens, and landmarks require a permit for professional sessions. Each location above notes what we found on permits — confirm the current rules and any fee with the venue or city before you book.
Golden hour — the hour after sunrise or before sunset — flatters almost every location, and each spot above lists the light that works best there. Early morning also means thinner crowds at the popular ones.
Snappr pricing is flat and set before you book, with no travel or editing surprises. Most sessions run one to two hours; you can see current rates and what each tier includes on the pricing page.
Pick your date and shoot type and we match you with a vetted local photographer who shoots in Montreal. Booking takes a couple of minutes, and you can reschedule for free if plans change.
More places to shoot
Same guide, a different city or milestone. Every page is researched locally.
Get the shoot on the calendar
Thousands of vetted photographers, one booking flow, and every photo delivered to spec. Start in under two minutes.