As I mentioned in my last post, while on Île Sainte-Hélène I took the opportunity to add to my collection of photographs of the Tour de Lévis and Biosphère.

For the first set of images, I was on the pont du Cosmos – one of the bridges connecting the Île Sainte-Hélène with Île Notre-Dame.

The Tour de Lévis was built in the 1930’s and is a historical landmark of Montreal. Contrary to popular belief, the tower is not part of the nearby Île Sainte-Hélène fort (that is home to the Stewart Museum) that was built over 100 years prior to the tower in the early 1820’s, but was originally constructed to house a water tower. The tower is now a venue that can be rented for hosting events. I hope one day to have the opportunity to take some shots from inside as well as from the roof which provides an excellent 360 degree elevated view of the City, river and islands.

Tour de Lévis on Île Sainte-Hélène
ISO 100 – 135mm – f4.8 – 1/640 sec

I took a few more shots from the top of the spectator stands beside the Olympic Basin. The recently renovated Hélène de Champlain restaurant was looking particularly majestic against the backdrop of autumn foliage.

Hélène de Champlain restaurant
ISO 200 – 220mm – f5.3 – 1/100 sec

I guess there was some light rain falling over Montreal given the nice sun rays that appeared, casting beams of light on to the Biosphère and downtown skyline. I processed in black and white to help emphasize the shafts of light, but also to bring out the cloud formation. I ended up with some nice light around the base of the distant Montreal skyline and foreground tree line.

Biosphère with Montreal skyline
ISO 200 – 70mm – f4.5 – 1/3200 sec

Before heading off to the far west side of Île Notre-Dame I took a quick 2 frame panorama to show the Biosphère, Hélène de Champlain restaurant and Lévis tower together.

Biosphère and Tour de Lévis panorama
ISO 200 – 35mm – f13 – 1/250 sec (2 frames)

On my return from Île Notre-Dame and photographing the Farine Five Roses sign that I shared in the last post, I paused again briefly on the Cosmos bridge to take another shot.

Biosphère from the pont du Cosmos
ISO 100 – 20mm – f5.6 – 1/100 sec (-2ev/0/+2ev)

I thought I might as well take a few closeup shots since I was passing.

Biosphère in autumn
ISO 100 – 11.5mm – f4.5 – 1/50 sec

While I was photographing the Biosphère, 2 inquisitive ducks paddle across the pond to take a closer look at what I was up to…they end up posing for a shot.

Ducks at the Biosphère
ISO 100 – 10mm – f10 – 1/8 sec

It seemed like they were pro’s at it, so likely I wasn’t the first (or last) to take their portraits.

Ducks posing at the Biosphère
ISO 200 – 14mm – f4.8 – 1/25 sec

Before heading to the metro, I wanted to get a few skyline shots from the edge of the Saint Lawrence. The sun had just set (without much fanfare unfortunately), but whatever the weather, I always love gazing across the river to Montreal, particularly as day turns to night and the city lights up.

The CHUM hospital construction is clearly visible on the right hand side of the following image…

Montreal skyline
ISO 200 – 16mm – f5 – 1/8 sec (-2ev/0/+2ev)

I’ve mentioned in previous posts my lack of love towards the location of the new French mega hospital – particularly when viewed from the Old Port. I think the following image that I took earlier in the afternoon while on Île Notre-Dame clearly shows the impact the building has on this part of Montreal’s skyline…

Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal
ISO 100 – 280mm – f5.6 – 1/15 sec

Back to later in the afternoon and some final skyline shots.

The Molson brewery
ISO 200 – 35mm – f2.8 – 1/6 sec

Montreal Skyline at dusk
ISO 200 – 35mm – f1.8 – 1/25 sec

Montreal Skyline at dusk
ISO 100 – 70mm – f4.5 – 5 secs

Montreal Skyline at dusk
ISO 100 – 10mm – f13 – 30 secs

Thanks for stopping by. Until next time.

– Martin

Montréal in Pictures

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