Best Summer Family Photoshoot Locations in Montreal (2026 Guide)
From dreamy lavender and tulip fields to sun-dappled parks, hidden orchards, and sandy beaches just minutes from downtown, Montreal offers some of the most beautiful backdrops for summer family photos. Each spot has its own mood, soft and romantic, bright and joyful, peaceful and nature-filled, so there's truly something for every family.
I'm Jen, a Montreal family and motherhood photographer, and over the years I've photographed families across the island, Laval, the West Island, the South Shore, and the Laurentians. This guide brings together my personal favourites along with what I've learned about each spot: when to go, what to wear, how it works with younger kids, and the little details that make a session feel relaxed instead of rushed.
Quick takeaways
Peak season for outdoor summer family photos in Montreal runs from mid-May through mid-September
Golden hour (the 1 to 2 hours before sunset) gives the softest, warmest light
Flower-field sessions (lavender and tulips) have very short bloom windows, so booking 4 to 6 weeks ahead is smart
Parks and beaches are the most flexible options for toddlers and big families
👉 Want help planning the rest? Read my Complete Family Photoshoot Guide for Montreal.
At a Glance: Comparing the Best Summer Photoshoot Locations
1. Lavender Field Family Photos Near Montreal (St. Eustache)
If you're drawn to soft, romantic family photos, lavender fields are for you. The rows of purple blooms combined with warm evening light create a dreamy, peaceful setting that feels relaxed and natural.
The most popular spot near Montreal is Maison Lavande in Saint-Eustache, about a 45-minute drive northwest of the city. They welcome visitors from late June through August, with peak bloom usually around mid-July.
Location: Maison Lavande, 902 Chemin Fresnière, Saint-Eustache
Drive from downtown Montreal: ~45 minutes
Best for: Connection-focused family photos with hazy, purple, romantic light
Best time: Late June to mid-July (peak bloom)
Ideal time of day: Golden hour (1 to 2 hours before sunset). Maison Lavande stays open until 9 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays in July for sunset visits
What to wear: Soft neutrals, linen, creams, muted pastels
Good for kids? Yes, open space encourages movement and play
Entry fee: Yes (varies by age and season, typically $4 to $12). You can check the current rates at their website.
Accessibility: Flat terrain, short walk from parking, partially accessible for reduced mobility
Pro tip: Lavender season is short and sessions book quickly. Reserve your photoshoot at least 4 weeks ahead, and visit on a weekday if possible for quieter, cleaner backgrounds
👉 Not sure what to wear? My guide What to Wear for Family Photos: The Complete Seasonal Colour Guide will help you feel comfortable, confident, and coordinated.
2. Tulip Field Family Photos in Laval
With hundreds of thousands of tulips in bloom each spring, the Laval tulip fields are one of the most colourful and playful backdrops for family photos near Montreal. Walking through endless rows of tulips feels like the perfect way to welcome warm weather after a long Montreal winter, and you can pick your own flowers during your visit.
I love tulip fields for maternity sessions, young families, and anyone wanting bright, joyful outdoor photos with a soft spring feel. With an earlier 6 p.m. closing time, it's also a great fit for families with younger kids on an early evening schedule.
Location: Tulipes.ca (u-pick), 1055 rue Principale, Laval
Drive from downtown Montreal: ~25 minutes
Best for: Bright, colourful, joyful spring family photos
Best time: Early to mid-May (peak bloom shifts slightly each year)
Ideal time of day: Late afternoon to early evening (softer light before 6 p.m. closing)
What to wear: Light neutrals, soft pastels, denim, simple spring tones. Avoid bold patterns that compete with the flowers
Good for kids? Yes, the open layout works beautifully with younger children
Entry fee: Yes (tickets required, often timed entry)
Accessibility: Flat terrain, generally easy access. Can be muddy after rain
Pro tip: Visit on a weekday and book your tickets in advance. Tulip fields get busy quickly during peak bloom, and quieter slots make for cleaner backgrounds
I especially love photographing families here in late spring because the colour instantly makes sessions feel playful and full of energy.
👉 Contact me to plan your tulip session.
Best Parks in Montreal for Family Photos
Park sessions feel authentic and easy. They're perfect for families wanting natural, candid photos that capture connection and personality. Your kids won't feel stuck at a formal photoshoot, they'll be playing, exploring, and being themselves. I'll be your trusted guide, but the whole thing feels like a relaxed afternoon outdoors.
As a Montreal family photographer, I also love these parks because they're easy to access, offer plenty of open space, and have a mix of backgrounds, from tree-lined paths to open fields and quieter corners. Bring a blanket or a picnic and the session turns into a summer afternoon with your family. (Bonus: these locations are all dog-friendly, so your pups can join in!)
3. Westmount Park
Westmount Park strikes a perfect balance between nature and refined beauty. With open green space, mature trees, and charming architectural details, it's ideal for families wanting that city-park vibe with multiple backdrops in one location.
Location: Westmount, central Montreal
Best for: Classic, soft, nature-filled family photos
Best feature: Cherry blossoms in early May, beautiful greenery all summer
Good for kids? Yes, plenty of open space and a playground nearby
Pro tip: While you're there, take a moment to visit the Westmount greenhouse and library, two beautiful free spaces just steps away
4. Angrignon Park
With its peaceful lake and winding walking paths, Angrignon Park is perfect for families wanting a calm, nature-forward setting with a more secluded feel.
Location: Sud-Ouest borough
Best for: Relaxed, nature-focused sessions
Best feature: Lakeside views and quiet trails
Good for kids? Yes, lots of space to wander
Pro tip: Bring a picnic or plan a small BBQ to round out the evening
5. Maisonneuve Park
Wide-open fields and big skies make Maisonneuve Park a great choice for energetic families. It's especially good for kids who love to move and play freely.
Location: Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, east of downtown
Best for: Playful, movement-based family photos and Fall photo sessions
Best feature: Huge open fields with golden evening light
Good for kids? Excellent
Pro tip: Bring a ball or frisbee for after the session, or extend your day at the nearby Botanical Garden, Biodome, or Insectarium
6. Montreal Botanical Garden
The botanical garden is one of the largest and most beautiful botanical gardens in the world, and it's right in the heart of Montreal. With themed gardens, peaceful pathways, and seasonal blooms that shift through the summer, it's a dreamy option for families who want photos that feel a little more curated and intentional.
Lifestyle photoshoots like maternity, family, and motherhood sessions are welcomed in the outdoor gardens during regular opening hours. No booking or special permit is required, but everyone in the session (including me as your photographer) pays the regular entry fee.
Location: 4101 Sherbrooke Street East, Montreal (Pie-IX metro)
Drive from downtown Montreal: ~15 minutes
Best for: Intentional, curated family photos with painterly backdrops
Best features: Japanese Garden (spring blooms), Rose Garden (June to August), Chinese Garden, and seasonal flowerbeds
Good for kids? Yes, but better for slightly older toddlers and up. Pathways are stroller-friendly and there's plenty to explore
Entry fee: Yes, regular admission applies and is not included in your session price (check current rates at espacepourlavie.ca). If you visit often, the Espace pour la vie passport is worth considering, it includes yearly access to all 5 museums (Botanical Garden, Biodôme, Insectarium, Planétarium, and Biosphère).
Accessibility: Excellent, paved pathways throughout, wheelchair and stroller friendly
Pro tip: Lifestyle sessions happen during public opening hours, so weekday mornings are ideal for quieter pathways and softer light. Greenhouse interiors require special booking through Espace pour la vie and can't be photographed during a regular family session
I love this location for families who want a slower-paced session with multiple distinct backdrops in one place. It's also a wonderful option for fall maternity sessions when the colours turn.
Best Outdoor Family Locations Spots Near Montreal
Take a short drive outside the city and you'll find spectacular parks, orchards, and beaches that feel truly removed from urban life. These are some of my favourites.
7. Boucherville Islands National Park
Set along the St. Lawrence, Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville feels like you're miles away from the city, but it's only about a 30-minute drive. If your family loves nature and exploring together, this spot offers waterfront views, hidden trails, picnic areas, and peaceful open spaces that feel completely removed from urban life.
Location: 55 Île Sainte-Marguerite, Boucherville (Sépaq park)
Drive from downtown Montreal: ~25 to 30 minutes
Best for: Peaceful, nature-forward sessions with a wild feel
Best feature: Forest paths and St. Lawrence River views
Good for kids? Yes, especially for slower-paced sessions and older toddlers who like to explore
Entry fee: Yes, daily Sépaq access fee required (free parking included)
Pro tip: The park is large and partly wetland, so plan extra time to walk and bring shoes that can handle slightly damp trails
8. Verger du Flanc Nord (Apple Picking, Mont-Saint-Hilaire)
If you're planning a Montreal family photo session in late summer or easing into fall, consider a fruit-picking session. I discovered this in 2025 when a family booked me for an apple-picking shoot and I had as much fun as they did.
There are quite a few vergers around Montreal, but I was mesmerized by Verger du Flanc Nord in Mont-Saint-Hilaire, on the South Shore. The rows of apple trees and the lake with a giant weeping willow make for some of the most beautiful photos.
Location: Mont-Saint-Hilaire (north slope of the mountain, on the South Shore)
Drive from downtown Montreal: ~45 minutes
Best for: Interactive, candid, lifestyle family photos
Best feature: Endless orchard rows, mini-farm, and seasonal fruit picking
Good for kids? Yes, hands-on and playful (and a little messy!)
Best time: Mid-August through October for apples (also offers blueberries, plums, and cherries earlier in the season)
Pro tip: Wear clothes you can get messy in. The most genuine, heartwarming photos come from kids actually picking and tasting fruit
9. Cap-Saint-Jacques Beach
You don't need an ocean to create beautiful beach family photos near Montreal. When my husband took me to Cap-Saint-Jacques for the first time, I couldn't believe how stunning it was. If you want a relaxed session where you can dip your toes in fresh water, walk through a little forest, or enjoy a quiet family picnic under the golden sunset, this is the one.
At over 800 acres, it's the largest nature park on the island of Montreal, sitting on the shores of Lac des Deux Montagnes.
Location: 20099 Boulevard Gouin Ouest, Pierrefonds (West Island)
Drive from downtown Montreal: ~35 minutes
Best for: Playful, candid, lifestyle sessions with golden-hour beach light
Best feature: Beach plus forest combination, the best of both worlds
Good for kids? Yes, perfect for active, playful movement
Entry fee: Park entry is free, but parking is paid (~$10/day). Beach has its own small admission fee
Best time: Sunset sessions from June to August but I’ve done sessions even in May
Pro tip: Sunset light here is the softest, most magical I've found near Montreal. It's also one of my favourite spots for maternity beach sessions
Best Time for Summer Photos in Montreal
From May through September, there's always somewhere beautiful to shoot, and the shoulder seasons can be magical too (though Montreal weather is famously unpredictable).
The most important thing on any given day is that your family is ready to relax and have fun. As a Montreal family photographer and a mom, I know timing can be tricky, between chasing the best light, hoping for good weather, and keeping the little ones on their schedule.
Here's how each month feels to me:
May: Early blooms, soft light, tulip fields
June: Lush greenery, fewer crowds, lavender starts
July: Lavender at peak bloom, golden evenings
August: Warm tones, beach light, summer at its fullest
September: Diffuse afternoon light, fewer crowds, early apple picking
What to Wear for Outdoor Summer Family Photos in Montreal
Planning outfits for family photos can feel fun and a little stressful too. Don't worry, I'll help guide you. Here are a few tips that photograph beautifully during summer sessions:
Stick to neutrals and soft palettes, or rich intentional colours
Choose flowy, breathable fabrics like linen or cotton
Avoid logos and bold patterns
Coordinate outfits instead of perfectly matching
Prioritize comfort, movement, and texture
The goal is to feel relaxed and like the best version of yourself. Choose clothing that reflects your personality while complementing the season, the setting, and the feeling you want your photos to capture.
👉 Need more outfit inspiration? Check out my complete guide: What to Wear for Family Photos: The Complete Seasonal Colour Guide.
Ready to Book Your Montreal Summer Session?
Whether you’re dreaming of flower fields, a peaceful beach sunset, or that carefree feeling of playing in the park together, summer is such a beautiful time to capture that special connection.
The best family photos aren’t about perfect posing – they’re about capturing how this season of life really feels. The laughter, the movement, the cuddles, the chaos, and all the little in-between moments you’ll want to hold onto forever.
If you’re looking for a Montreal family photographer, I’d love to help you choose the perfect location and create relaxed, natural photos that feel true to your family.
📩 Get in touch to start planning your session📸 Interested in a fruit-picking session? I’d love to photograph your family making sweet summer memories together.
♥️Jen
FAQs About Summer family Photoshoots in Montreal
-
The best location depends on the mood you want and the time of year. For soft, romantic photos, lavender fields in Saint-Eustache are unmatched. For bright, joyful spring photos, the Laval tulip fields are perfect. For relaxed park sessions, Westmount Park, Angrignon Park or The Botanical Garden are local favourites. For beach vibes, Cap-Saint-Jacques delivers a mini-vacation feeling right inside the city.
-
Golden hour, the 1 to 2 hours before sunset, gives the softest, warmest light and is my favourite time to photograph families. That said, we can absolutely work with your family's preferences and schedule. For families with very young kids or early bedtimes, late morning works beautifully too.
-
Lavender fields near Montreal, including Maison Lavande in Saint-Eustache, are typically in bloom from late June through August, with peak bloom around mid-July.
-
Tulip fields in Laval typically bloom in early to mid-May, though the exact peak shifts slightly each year depending on the weather. The u-pick season usually opens around Mother's Day and runs for two to three weeks.
-
Yes. Summer is one of the easiest seasons for toddler photo sessions because they can run, play, and burn off energy in open parks and beaches. Locations like Angrignon Park, Maisonneuve Park, La Maison Lavande, and Cap-Saint-Jacques are especially great for younger kids.
-
Keep expectations low, focus on connection over posing, and let me take a child-led approach. Snacks, comfort items, and a relaxed parent make the biggest difference.
👉 Check out my complete guide: How to Prepare for Your Montreal Family Photo Session
-
For most casual family photo sessions in Montreal parks, no permit is required. Some parks may require a permit for commercial shoots or large groups, so it's worth checking the specific park's rules. I take care of any necessary planning details for sessions I photograph.
-
For maternity photos, I love Cap-Saint-Jacques Beach for soft sunset light, the lavender fields in Saint-Eustache for a romantic feel, and Angrignon Park or Boucherville Islands for a calmer, nature-forward look. The right pick depends on your due date and the vibe you're going for.
-
Yes, Cap-Saint-Jacques is excellent for kids. The beach has a gradual sandy bottom, the water is shallow near the shore, and there's plenty of shade nearby. There are also forest trails and an ecological farm to explore.
-
Pricing varies based on session length, location, and the package you choose. You can find full details on my pricing and booking page.
