Montreal, Quebec 2009

I just returned from a great trip to Montreal, Quebec for the 30th annual JazzFest. Montreal is a beautiful, clean city that reminded me a lot of Boston, where I lived for four years. It was a great place to photograph in as it has historic sections, a lot of avant-garde 1970s architecture for the 1976 Olympic games, and some incredible parks. Perhaps best of all, you can walk around at any time of day or night and not feel the least bit threatened. Anyway, on to some shots from the trip.

This is the border crossing on I-87, which becomes Autoroute 15 in Quebec. Nikon D700, 1/640s, f/5, ISO 200, 28mm.

The incredible Basilique de Notre Dame in Vieux Montreal. Nikon D700, 1/15s, f/4, ISO2500, 22mm.

Offerings inside Notre Dame. Nikon D700, 1/30s, f/3.2, ISO800, 56mm.

Sunset at the Mont-Royal park overlook. Nikon D700, 1/60s, f/8, ISO2200, 24mm, Formatt 1.2 Grad ND.

View of downtown Montreal from the Belvedere overlook in Mont-Royal. Nikon D700, 2.5s, f/8, ISO200, 58mm.

The Biosphere. Nikon D700, 1/640s, f/4, ISO200, 24mm, Formatt 1.2 Grad ND.

Olympic Stadium. The world's tallest leaning tower, it actually wasn't completed until 12 years after the games ended. The Montreal Expos played here from 1977 - 2004 before relocating to Washington DC. The track and field complex was actually converted into a Biodome. Nikon D700, 1/320s, f/8, ISO200, 32mm.

Street in Vieux Montreal. French is the official language by law in Quebec and you'll find very few signs in French and English (although it seems 99% of people in Montreal speak flawless English). Nikon D700, 1/160s, f/6.3, ISO1400, 195mm.

This is the main square for the Montreal Jazz Fest. There are a ton of street vendors and a number of open-air venues with free shows that basically go on all day and all night. Nikon D700, 1/80s, f/4, ISO2500, 36mm.

This is the main indoor concert hall. I saw Jeff Beck perform here. The show was incredible and the venue was the best large concert hall I've ever been to. Nikon D700, 1/80s, f/3.2, ISO3200, 24mm.

That's it for now. If you're looking for a great place to go on vacation that's both unique and affordable, head to Montreal. I would also highly recommend the Embassy Suites on Saint-Antoine. It's essentially brand new, immaculately maintained, the suites are huge, you get a kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and there's an enormous bathroom, all for $135 a night.

For all the shots, CLICK HERE.