O Canada!

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide, O Canada,
We stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

That's the opening verse of Canada's national anthem. My wife and I just recently returned from a visit to our northern neighbor, specifically to Montreal and Quebec City. It was a return visit to Montreal, but our first visit to Quebec City. Both cities evoke a very European feeling where French is the predominant language. The old parts of the cities preserve much of the old French and British cultures, which played such major roles in the creation of these two cities.

I always take special interest in the architecture of the place I happen to be visiting. I have always had an interest in architecture, my major course of study in college. Wherever I go, I try to leave some time to check out the local architectural landmarks, especially if they include any Frank Lloyd Wright creations. Neither Montreal nor Quebec disappointed in that regard. Both cities combine a harmonious mix of the old and the new. Buildings are generally maintained in excellent condition despite centuries of withstanding the harsh elements.

Children enjoy climbing on a giant "tinker-toy" like sculpture in front of one of the exhibition venues at the Vieux Port in Montreal. The promenade and public park was created in 1992, turning a crumbling commercial wharf into a pleasant place for pedestrians, bicyclists and sun-bathers. The Canon EF 17-40 f4L was used on a Canon 5D.

An office building with no particular significance other that it was located just behind our hotel in Montreal, and its highly reflective, tinted glass provided an impressive canvas for the storm clouds that were gathering. A perspective control lens was used for this capture on a Canon 5D.


The Musee Pointe-a-Calliere in Montreal, is a marvelous modern structure which is located on the site of the founding of the city (originally Ville-Marie) at the juncture of the St. Lawrence and St. Pierre rivers. The museum houses the ruins of the older structures including the renovated Customs House. A permanent archeological dig is currently underway within the walls of this museum. A perspective control lens was used for this capture on a Canon 5D.

An interior view of the arched windows of Sainte Anne de Beaupre. Located just a short drive from Quebec City, the basilica denotes the site of the oldest pilgrimage shrine in North America. The church blends Gothic architecture with Romanesque details, and the 240 stained glass windows magnificently depict the life of Saint Anne. On entering the church, one can see a tower of crutches and canes piled up near the entrance, a testament to the healing powers of Saint Anne de Beaupre. The Canon EF 17-40 f4L was used on a Canon 5D.

No visit to Quebec City would have been complete without a visit to the famous Chateau Frontenac, claimed to be the most photographed hotel in the world. I had to question how any marketing expert could have derived this fact. It's one of those claims that cannot be disputed or determined with any absolute certainly. Surely, there are other landmark hotels in the world who could make the same assertion, and probably do.

This is not a typical shot of this magnificent and historic structure, but the weather never cooperated while we were there. To capture all its glory, the hotel really needs to be captured against a brilliant blue sky, not the muddy gray one we experienced. The turrets and copper roofs gives hint to this magnificent architectural masterpiece. The Canon EF 70-200 f4L was used on a Canon 5D.

Sportsmen launch their kayak into the St. Lawrence River from the shore of Ile d' Orleans, an island just east of downtown Quebec City. The island is home to strawberry farms, apple orchards, antique shops, a chocolateria and exclusive homes. The single coast-hugging road is a mecca for weekend bikers. The Canon EF 70-200 f4L was used on a Canon 5D.