Renting an R8 or a Huracán without leaving with incredible photos is only half the fun. Montreal has a catalog of perfect spots for automotive shots. Here are the 5 spots we recommend to our clients, with best times and what to know about permits.
1. Habitat 67
Moshe Safdie's brutalist architecture makes an incredible backdrop for supercars. The street in front of the main entrance (avenue Pierre-Dupuy) is accessible on weekdays early morning (before 8 AM) or evening. Golden hour one hour before sunset. Respect residents and avoid rush hour.
2. Silo #5 (Vieux-Port)
The abandoned silo along the Lachine canal. Massive, cinematic, popular with film crews. Rue Mill wraps around it and offers low angles on the car with the silo in the background. Industrial zone: little traffic, easy parking.
3. Mont-Royal lookout
The Camillien-Houde parking lot late afternoon. Sweeping downtown view as backdrop while you shoot the car's profile. Metered parking, no special restrictions. Avoid busy Saturdays.
4. Sainte-Catherine Street West (downtown, Sunday morning)
Sunday morning at 7 AM, Sainte-Catherine between Peel and Guy is almost empty. Luxury storefronts, raking light between the towers, very cinematic. Window: about 6 to 8:30 AM before the city wakes up.
5. Ruelle Bell (Griffintown)
The art deco alley between René-Lévesque and Notre-Dame. Murals, brick, vintage lighting. Ideal for night shots with headlights on. Watch out for residents and don't block access.
Bonus: Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve
Open to the public when no event is scheduled. Free rolling track (at civilian speed) perfect for a memorable pass and some photos. Check the Parc Jean-Drapeau calendar.
What to know about permits
For a personal photo session, no permit is required in Montreal as long as you stay on public roads and follow traffic rules. For a commercial shoot (brand, model, product), a City of Montreal filming permit is required and is requested via BCTQ. Our clients doing personal Instagram content fall under non-commercial use.
Our most photogenic cars
Lamborghini Huracán Spyder (yellow-orange), Audi R8 (yellow), Lamborghini Urus (black). Bright colors pop against Montreal's urban gray. Contact us for color availability.