Quebec City: A dream destination for drone photographers?
As a drone pilot, I have always been drawn to Quebec City for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and stunning landscapes. From the iconic Chateau Frontenac to the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec, there are so many amazing points of interest to capture from the air.
However, one thing to keep in mind when flying drones in Quebec City is that the most popular points of interest are located in uncontrolled airspace. Theoretically, this means that flying bigger drones with better cameras is less complicated than in most urban centres and there are few urban centres that are more photogenic than Quebec city. A dream destination? Well no, you don't need permission from air traffic control to fly, but you do need to follow the rules of safe and responsible drone operation outlined by Transport Canada. Basic operations, even in uncontrolled airspace, include maintaining a visual line of sight with your drone at all times, respecting the privacy of others, flying no higher than 120 meters above the ground, and staying at least 30 meters away from people.
Staying 30 meters away from people is almost always a challenge of flying drones in Quebec City due to the busy nature of the city. With so many tourists and locals moving about, it can be difficult to stay away from people and maintain a safe distance. It also has interesting topography which makes maintaining line of sight and RF signal challenging. This is why Quebec is a bit too good to be true. I found it is very important to have an advanced pilot certification to fly there because it allowed me to get within 5 meters of people have a better understanding of drone safety such as dealing with signal loss.
Unfortunately, the weather in Quebec City can also be a challenge for drone pilots. During my recent trip over the New Year, I had planned to fly my drone on several occasions, but the weather didn't cooperate. Between the rain, freezing rain, and fog, it was simply too risky to take to the skies. While these conditions are not typical for Quebec City at this time of year, it is always a good idea to check the weather forecast and be prepared for the possibility of inclement weather.
Despite these challenges, I still believe that Quebec City is a great place to fly drones. The beauty and variety of the city's landscapes, combined with the rich history and culture, make it a unique and rewarding destination for drone photography. Just be sure to follow the rules set forth by Transport Canada, get certified for advanced operations if possible, respect others, and be mindful of the weather, and you'll have a fantastic time capturing some amazing shots.