Many consumer photo labs offer printing services. However, the quality can vary greatly from one place to another. To help you make informed choices, here is a comparison of different photo labs in Quebec, along with a professional lab reserved for photographers.

 

Control prints – Professional photo lab

To ensure optimal quality for my clients, all products available in my print store are produced in a Canadian lab reserved for professional photographers.

Photo prints are created in a darkroom using light-sensitive archival paper..

In simple terms, images are projected onto paper coated with a light-reactive emulsion. Once the chemical process is complete, the image becomes embedded in the paper. This method ensures colours and contrast remain true to what was intended in post-production. It also provides better longevity, unlike inkjet prints, which may fade over time.

 

My research method

In a poll shared on my Facebook and Instagrampages, I asked my followers where they like to print their photos. The answers varied widely, from small local shops to large multinational chains.

I selected labs that are available in most Quebec cities or offer affordable shipping across the province. For legal reasons, I won’t name them directly, but will instead describe them.

To ensure a fair comparison, I sent the same two files to each lab: one colour photo and one black and white. All prints were ordered in 4 x 6 format on glossy paper. Whenever possible, automatic corrections were turned off.

 

Big-box store

When I arrived, I went to the electronics department. An employee directed me to a self-serve computer to place my order. I plugged in my USB key, selected my files using their software and sent them to the in-store printer. A receipt was then printed so I could pay and pick up the photos.

Even though no automatic corrections were mentioned, it’s very clear they were applied. The photos are extremely contrasty and overexposed, to the point where details are completely lost in both highlights and shadows. This issue appears in both the colour and black and white images. In addition, cyan tones are visible in the black and white photo, which should not happen. Normally, black and white prints should use only black ink. An excessive sharpening effect also seems to have been applied, creating an unwanted HDR look.

My photographer’s rating: 0/5. I wouldn’t print my photos there, even if it were free.

 

 

Office supply store

I went to the print counter with my USB key and asked for glossy photo prints. There was likely a misunderstanding, because that’s not what I received.

The photos were printed on cardstock using a laser printer and then cut by hand. The result is made up of tiny dots of coloured powder. The images are underexposed and the colours are overly saturated. There is also visible dust and a long horizontal line on the black and white print, likely caused by poor machine maintenance. This issue should have been caught and corrected before handing over the prints.

My photographer’s rating: 1/5. It may work for kids’ crafts, but not for quality photo prints you will hang on your walls.

 

 

Pharmacy – In-store kiosk

Most pharmacies offer self-serve printing stations. I connected my USB key, selected my files and sent them to print.

After the big-box experience, I expected something similar. Thankfully, it was slightly better. The result is comparable to a home inkjet printer. However, the photos are still overexposed, highly contrasty and overly saturated. Up close, they also lack sharpness, possibly due to compression or poor machine maintenance.

My photographer’s rating: 2/5. Comparable to printing at home with photo paper.

 

 

Pharmacy – Website

Based on my research, most Quebec pharmacies send their online orders to the same lab. I placed my order through their website and selected my nearest location for pickup.

I used this service for years for my personal photos, but the quality seems to have declined. The prints have a cyan tint and lack saturation, especially in warm tones. The black and white image also shows a cyan cast, indicating that colour ink was used.

My photographer’s rating: 3/5. A decent option for duplicates or children’s photo albums.

 

Warehouse club

To place an order, you need a membership or access to someone else’s account. I uploaded my files online and selected home delivery.

The results are better than several other labs, but still not perfect. The images are slightly underexposed and too contrasty. Colours are also overly saturated.

My photographer’s rating: 3.25/5. An acceptable option for casual prints.

Update: Since January 2023, this photo service has been discontinued and outsourced to a U.S. company with poor quality. I no longer recommend it.

 

Quebec-based photo store chain

I chose to order online with home delivery. The order was shipped quickly and arrived within a few days.

Among consumer labs, this one performs the best. The prints come close to professional quality, although they are slightly overexposed and more contrasty, which softens the colours.

A small trimming error is visible on the black and white print, with a thin white border left on one side.

My photographer’s rating: 3.5/5. A good option for personal photos. However, since brightness and contrast are not fully accurate, I would not print professional images here.

 

 

Comparison between all labs

 

Conclusion

Unsurprisingly, no consumer lab matches the quality of a professional lab. It remains the best option for achieving prints that truly reflect your photographer’s vision, with accurate colours and better longevity.

If using a professional lab isn’t possible, the Quebec-based photo store chain is still a good alternative.

Last update: : May 2026

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