Gorgeous Basilica with unique interior carved from wood then ornately painted. We attended the bilingual mass Saturday at 5PM. Priest was great - gave a great homily and made it relatable by incorporating a song from the Bare Naked Ladies. :) We returned to the gift shop the next day and he was running the counter! He was extremely approachable and blessed the medals we purchased.

Pretty incredible architecture with peaceful energy. By donation visits. We self toured, took several photos and prayed. They offer holy water as well if you want to bring a small vile .. you can purchase one in the store, but it was closed when we were there (closed at 5, church open until 830 pm on sundays)

Consecrated as a cathedral in 1846 when Ottawa was still Bytown Notre Dane Basilica stands as a central landmark at the top of Sussex Drive. It replaces an original wooden church and was reconstructed in various guises before the decision was taken to follow the Gothic revivalism popular in Europe. The steeples were not added until 1858 and the apse in 1862. Today its front door opens to a view of the Canadian National Gallery with Louise Bourgeois’s spider sitting outside.

We visited the church on July 3. There is street parking (max 2 hours). The church has no entrance fee. This church also has a blue ceiling like the one in Montreal. The church is not that big, but the stained glass windows are nicer.

A beautiful building, well worth a visit. The building is stunning, inside and out. Closes during services, so watch out for the times. There is a small cafe and gift shop. Not much in it at the moment, but I think they are planning to expand it. We were glad that we didn't miss this one.

Irrespective of one's beliefs it cannot be denied that Notre Dame Basilica is a magnificent building, dating to the early 19th century. The architecture is amazing and particularly the interior is absolutely spectacular. We were lucky to visit on a quiet day so we were able to enjoy the basilica's magnificence in peace and quiet! The church is located opposite the National Gallery. It is definitely worth visiting, at least from an architectural point of view.

Notre Dame Basilica represented the first major stop during our brief visit to Ottawa. When we arrived shortly after 1PM, it wasn’t too busy (a group of school children had just finished exiting as we came upon the main entrance . . . can’t say I was sad to see them go). As such, we were able to take our time exploring the Basilica: Its architecture and intricate interiors demand our attention. Between admiring the edifice, its beautiful design, and taking a moment to reflect, it’s easy to get “lost” in here for at least a couple of hours. The current Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica was completed in 1847 (the original church was made of wood and built in 1832) and its design was heavily influenced by the French Gothic Revival-style in vogue in Europe at the time. As a result, the Basilica features two handsome twin spires that dominate the Ottawa skyline even today; the interiors are intricate and ornate, with high vaulted ceilings painted blue with gold glittering stars; “ribs” supported by faux marble columns (doubtless a Canadian touch); beautiful stained glass windows rife with Biblical figures and imagery; an impressive organ feature; and, a tin roof, which we’re told is a “distinctly” French-Canadian touch. The end result is a Basilica that, regardless of one’s religious background, we can gather in, admire, reflect and be at peace – even if just momentarily. In short, it is a beautiful reprieve from the hurly burly of city life and what, now, feels like an increasingly chaotic world. I’ve said it in other reviews, but it merits repeating here: I am definitely not the religious type, but I certainly appreciate and respect houses of worship. Stepping in here with my partner I couldn’t help but immediately feel at peace – like an awesome wave washed over me. The beautiful synthesis of religion, culture, and society mix and become one. And if you ask him, Saint Joseph will offer a further moment of clarity as you light a candle and silently pray. Whether you come for the architecture, or to experience the Good, True and the Beautiful, Ottawa’s Notre Dame Basilica definitely should be on your itinerary. As the oldest church in the city, and a National Historic Site of Canada (since 1990), it has much to teach us if we have but the eyes to see and the ears to listen.