Alpha Jets from the Patrouille de France flying by Quebec City July 2026
In July 2026, the Patrouille de France arrives from the United States and makes a stopover in Montreal and Quebec City for the last time with its Alpha Jet twin-engine jets. These aircraft will be replaced by Pilatus PC-21s starting in 2030.
Photographing the flyover of Quebec City requires choosing between a close-up of the Alpha Jets—aircraft we will never see again—or a wide-angle shot showing the contrails in the colors of France as the pilots fly over the Quebec Bridge.
The Alpha Jets are moving quickly over the St. Lawrence River. The photographer cannot change lenses to capture both a close-up and a super-wide-angle shot in a single pass. He must choose…
A telephoto lens is ideal for capturing the details of aircraft as they fly by. The Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS II USM will do the trick. Set to ISO 200 and mounted on a Canon 5DSR full-frame camera, it allows for significant cropping without any loss of quality when zooming in. The excellent light conditions allow for a fast shutter speed.
But every choice involves a trade-off. So, I have to forgo a high-quality super-wide-angle shot taken from the base of the bridge. It would have shown the entire metal structure along with the planes flying by. But the planes would have been too small to be identified.
The Quebec Bridge cannot be overlooked, as it is the world’s largest cantilever structure. Furthermore, the structure—which is over a century old—collapsed twice during its construction.
The Patrouille de France flying over the Québec bridge in 2026
The telephoto lens will allow for a decent photo of the Patrouille de France and the Quebec Bridge in the distance, but nothing more. Viewers will have to settle for a scene full of compromises where neither the planes nor the bridge are clearly visible. However, it did allow for some impressive close-ups of the Alpha Jets, as shown in the first photo.
Here’s a photo of Saint-Louis Street in Old Quebec before the massive influx of tourists. Nothing blocks the view of the buildings across the street.
Photography Technique
Today, the area is beautifully lit, and the few clouds add dynamism to the sky. Rather than capturing the scene around noon, it’s better to wait until dinnertime. The light remains bright, and the sun’s angle at that hour creates some nice shadows.
I’m taking advantage of a clothing sale to add some life to the photo. By framing the shot with a Canon EF 11–24 mm f/4L USM zoom lens, I can include the little multicoloured dresses in the image. We use whatever we can to improve the final result of the photographic composition.
Canon’s high-performance zoom lens allows me to capture numerous buildings while preserving all the vertical lines, without distortion.
Old Quebec buildings and virga.
Above is an alley in Old Quebec, near Saint-Louis Street, but in a different context. This is a composite photo, meaning the sky is not the original one. I had some fun using digital editing software to search for clouds with precipitation that doesn’t reach the ground (virga).
The final result creates an interesting atmosphere, though it’s a bit gloomier than the first shot. The pronounced bluish tint on the building on the right comes from adjusting the vibrance. I moved the slider a little further to the right than usual.
So, we have two very different photos: an unaltered, authentic view of Rue Saint-Louis, and a composite alleyway.
Here are a few photography tips for taking a decent photo of the Price Building, the only skyscraper in Old Quebec, with the multicoloured fountain at Quebec City Hall.
Ideally, you should use an ultra-wide-angle lens. In the picture above, I’m using the Canon EF 11–24 mm F/4L USM zoom lens. At 11 mm, it frames the Price Building and the fountain without cutting anything out.
It’s best to photograph the scene during the blue hour. At this time, the cloud formations that are still visible create a more vibrant sky. The colours of the water jets also stand out better. Of course, a tripod and a camera shutter release cable are necessary.
The height and colour of the water jets vary constantly. It takes several attempts to get the jets high enough and achieve the desired colour. This way, you’ll capture large reflections on the tiles that ultimately create long, straight lines of colour.
It’s well known that fountains attract children… and parents. The main challenge when taking photos comes from the number of people making selfies and standing still in the water jets. It’s during those rare moments when no one enters the frame that you capture the scenery.
Shooting in RAW format allows you to enhance the data recorded by the camera later on. I use a fairly low ISO and a shutter speed between 1/60 and 1/125. A slower shutter speed also produces good results and alters the texture of the water jets. The depth of field is around 9.0.
The narrow, winding streets combined with the tall houses of Old Quebec are captured beautifully with the Canon EF 11-24 mm F/4L USM ultra-wide-angle lens. It is the widest zoom lens Canon has ever produced.
It has the appearance of a “fisheye” lens, but it doesn’t distort vertical lines, even at 11 mm. This results in more realistic-looking buildings when that’s the desired effect.
Photography Tips
The photo above requires waiting until the end of the day for better light. Position the tripod so that it captures two alleys at the same time. The rule of thirds helps place the main building for a superior photographic composition. This rule of thirds, like other rules for that matter, is always just a suggestion.
The houses at the end of the alley on the right add colour and variety. They also create a visual barrier that draws the eye back to the foreground.
A remote shutter release connected to the camera minimizes camera shake. Five photos taken at different apertures achieve the desired HDR effect.
Of course, fleeting shadows—“ghosts” are often unavoidable in a city with many tourist attractions. This occurs when people move while the camera takes five photos spaced a few seconds apart. The Photomatix software offers the option to reduce the number of these ghosting effects, but you shouldn’t overuse this feature, as it can compromise the picture’s quality.
Verify in Photoshop or a similar digital editing software if the buildings are straight. Shooting in RAW rather than JPEG allows for additional adjustments to achieve a superior final result.
Click the link to see more photos of Quebec City on my blog.
Michel Rabagliati never disappoints me. I thoroughly enjoyed reading his latest book, *Y a d’la joie*. The author starts off strong with a few drawings that speak volumes about the influence of the media today. Then he lets us into his life by taking us on a tour of his neighborhood in Montreal. I particularly enjoy the true stories, as they possess an intensity I don’t find in works of fiction.
Here’s a quick aside: while reading Mr. Rabagliati’s book, I was passing through Montreal and took a few photos, including one of the city with the lilacs in bloom.
Lilacs in bloom in Montreal in the spring of 2026
And since the Montreal Canadiens were playing a game that evening that would later eliminate the Buffalo Sabres, it was a must to capture the city’s buildings lit up in red, white, and blue.
Buildings in Montreal decked out in the Montreal Canadiens’ colors during the 2026 playoffs
Now back to the book. The author presents us with an uncensored Montreal—the one you don’t see on postcards. He rightly rails against the idiots who deface the beautiful murals in his neighborhood and elsewhere in the city. Fortunately, there are still buildings where the artwork remains intact, as shown in the two photos below.
Mural on a building in Montreal 2026
Joker mural in Montreal
Mr. Rabagliati introduces us to the businesses in his neighborhood, the people who work there, and those he deals with on a regular basis. He stops by to say hello to his daughter and reminisces about the good times. I love the book’s slow pace and its human touch. His style and words remind me of the Icelandic author Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir.
In short, a superb book that lets us catch our breath a little and reconnect with life bit by bit. If you’d like to see the author in his daily life, you’ll enjoy “Y a d’la joie.”
An evening after the rain at the Station de la plage, Québec 2024
The information below applies to those interested in stand-up paddleboarding in Quebec City, from the “station de la voile” towards the “station de la plage” and the surrounding area.
Before setting out, check the general weather forecast.
Those with some aviation knowledge should check the CYQB TAF (Terminal Area Forecast) for wind estimates.
Also check the tide table (Lauzon) to see if the tide is rising or falling.
Wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) is mandatory. A wetsuit is strongly recommended, as the water in the St. Lawrence remains cold, even in summer. Here’s a useful rule for deciding what to wear: the water temperature plus the air temperature, compared to 37 °C. If the result is less than 37, a wetsuit is preferable. If the water is 10 °C or colder, regardless of the air temperature, a waterproof layer is essential.
For water temperature near Quebec City, click on “water temperature.”
Buoys measure the temperature. Another possible site for the winds: Windy.
Wetsuits come in various thicknesses (2, 3, or 5 mm for slightly colder conditions).
The wetsuit should fit snugly against the body to prevent air pockets from forming between the skin and the material. If you’re in saltwater, you can apply lotion to your skin under the wetsuit (since water seeps through the wetsuit and can irritate the skin).
Hypothermia: the human body can withstand a maximum of fifteen minutes in water at 5 °C.
Station de la Plage and showers in Quebec City.
The “rule of 12” is taken into account when launching a paddleboard on the river. Each hour corresponds to a more or less rapid rise or fall in water flow. On the St. Lawrence River near Quebec City, the tidal range is three metres. A tidal cycle lasts about 6 hours. During the first hour (1/12) = 1/12 of three metres = .25 metres. The tide changes by .25 metres during the first hour. The second hour (2/12) = .50 metres. The third and fourth hours: 3/12 each. Therefore, during the third and fourth hours, the tide varies by 0.75 metres each hour. The fifth hour: 2/12. Sixth hour: 1/12.
From the “station de la voile”: if the tide is falling and winds are blowing from the S, SW, W, or NW, there are two obstacles when heading west. There is a headwind component, and the person paddles against the current. Check whether the wind strength allows you to launch the board and head west first, especially if the tide is falling.
The safer approach is to exert effort at the start of the trip and coast on the return.
If you decide to head west with an incoming tide, the trip out will be very easy, but you’ll have to paddle hard on the way back.
To gauge the effort required, you can choose a reference point along the Champlain Promenade and note how far the board drifts when you’re not paddling. Then, compare that to your progress when paddling normally. For example, during a trip westward with an ebb tide (water flowing back to the sea) and winds from 250 degrees at 10 knots, I paddled for over an hour just to reach the first stone pier near the “station de la plage”. This included using the double paddle.
At the ends of the stone jetties extending into the river at the sailing and beach stations, waves come from all directions.
Kneeling on the board, you can catch higher waves and have more power to paddle.
The BBC Manila carries wind turbine blades on the St.Lawrence Seaway near Quebec City.
The river has short, long, and very long waves that mix. You may dip a few feet in the through and rise back up on the ridge when the wave is large. There are also times when you’re pushed sideways. Keep an eye on the shore to see which way you’re being carried.
To maintain your balance, keep your eyes on the horizon at all times. Alternate between twenty-minute sessions standing up and then kneeling to rest. If necessary, set up a board seat and use a double paddle while seated for a change.
You must not stray too far from the shore to avoid becoming a victim of sailboats or jet skis travelling at high speeds in areas that require more cautious navigation.
When a large ship passes offshore, two-foot waves arrive a few minutes later, gently lift you up, then continue on and crash against the banks on either side of the river. They return to the paddleboarder much later and are much weaker.
The container ship Hapag_Lloyd Quebec Express and the container ship MSC Paola are sailing around Île d’Orléans near Quebec City.
Take this opportunity to relax. Since this is a water sport, it’s normal to end up in the water from time to time.
There’s a beach near the “station de la voile.” It has few sharp rocks. However, keep an eye out and avoid going there when the tide is at its highest.
Have fun!
A paddleboarder on the St. Lawrence River, as imagined by AI.
Lovecraft style photo of a Quebec City residence near the Cap-Blanc stairway.
The Cap-Blanc Staircase, built in 1868 and the longest in Quebec City, has 398 steps leading to the Plains of Abraham. Many athletes use it every day to stay in shape. But tonight, I’m using a photography technique that makes the scene look a little less pleasant.
The camera’s tilt exaggerates the slanted lines of the old stone building near the staircase. This gives it a slightly more unsettling appearance while allowing us to see a not so inviting patch of sky.
The staircase itself, normally in very good condition, appears distorted due to the excessive use of the wide-angle lens. The result lends an even more sinister air to the scene.
To top it all off, as luck would have it, light streams from a few windows, just like in certain horror movies. Will the surprise come from the top floor or the dark rooms in the basement? Lovecraft’s versions , reimagined by François Baranger, spark the imagination.
For comparison, the photo below shows the staircase and the neighboring house as they appeared during the day, without any photographic effects.
The Château Frontenac in the evening with low clouds during Spring 2026
In Quebec City, we had several consecutive days of rain in April while there was still snow on the ground. The warm rain melts the snow quickly, saturating the air with moisture and leading to fog and low-hanging clouds. Night photography enthusiasts know that this is an opportunity not to be missed for capturing special effects.
In the photo above, you can see low-hanging clouds above the Château Frontenac in Old Quebec. Fortunately, the central tower remains clearly visible. This is the perfect moment to capture the light reflecting off the clouds and onto the street.
Photographic Composition
Train in foggy weather in Quebec City during Spring 2026.
Tonight, the wind is blowing less strongly near Gilmour Hill than in the Port of Québec. A persistent fog covers this section of Champlain Boulevard.
For the composition, I use the stationary railcar as the focal point between the lit road on the left and the headland on the right. It serves as a link for an imaginary diagonal line that cuts the image in half, running from the lower left corner to the upper right corner of the frame.
The Boulevard Champlain in Quebec City in fog, April 2026
The fog softens and unifies the elements of the scene above. The photographic composition takes into account the path that guides the eye toward the center of the photo. There, a strategically placed fir tree prevents the gaze from wandering off toward the horizon. On either side of the image are two contrasting elements, differing in height, color, and state (nature vs. industry).
Oil tanker Cap Pembroke near Quebec City April 2026
Sailing from Ingleside (US YIG) in the Gulf of Mexico, the Greek-flagged oil tanker Cap Pembroke is heading toward the Valero Energy facilities in Lévis (CA QUE). The crew leaves the Gulf of Mexico in T-shirts and arrives in the icy waters of the St. Lawrence River a few days later.
The tanker can be seen as it rounds Île d’Orléans at high tide, assisted by two tugboats from the Ocean Group.
At very low speeds, the steering efficiency of a ship like the Cap Pembroke is greatly reduced. Measuring 277 meters long and 48 meters wide, it relies on tugboats to avoid obstacles and navigate the tides and winds of the river near Quebec City.
Femme assise, an hyperrealist sculpture by Sam Jinks at the MNBAQ in 2026.
The exhibition “Hyperrealism: This Is Not a Body,” on view in Quebec City at the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ), runs through November 15, 2026. It is sure to become a major tourist attraction for the upcoming summer in Quebec City.
Some forty sculptures are on display for the public to view, including works by well-known artists such as Ron Mueck and Maurizio Cattelan.
An artist draws one of Marc Sijan’s scuptures at thev MNBAQ.
Above, a man who is clearly very talented took the time to pull out his sketchbook and draw a sketch of the sculpture “Mise au coin” by Marc Sijan.
Femme et enfant, a creation by Sam Jinks at the MNBAQ in 2026.
Visitors experience a whole range of emotions. There’s something for everyone, from the simplest to the strangest, as in the photo below, where a young person (“The Comforter,” by Patricia Piccinini) is holding something—it’s hard to say exactly what—in her arms.
A work by Patricia Picinini that has everyone talking at the MNBAQ.
