Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal, Montreal: Hours, Address, Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal Reviews: 4.5/5
Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal
Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal
4.5
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
About
Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount-Royal, founded by Saint Brother André in 1904, is a catholic sanctuary and the largest shrine dedicated to Saint Joseph in the world. It receives over 2 million visitors yearly. We welcome everyone to partake in panoramic views, music concerts and special religious celebrations; come discover natural, cultural and spiritual treasures in the heart of the city. You will marvel at the votive chapel containing 10,000 candles, the Oratory Museum featuring nativity scenes from around the world, the Original Chapel, the spectacular Garden of the Way of Cross, the Crypt Church and the largest domed Basilica in North America.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Parc du Mont-Royal
Montreal was named for this hilly highland, where the tallest spot in the city overlooks its most extensive parkland. The greenspace of Parc du Mont-Royal is an outdoorsman's dream, with hiking trails and nature walks that cater to every season and level of athlete. In the winter, cross-country skiers, tobogganers, and ice skaters don their equipment by Beaver Lake and its pavilion, while the warmer months bring families and competitors to the pitches of Jeanne-Mance Park for tennis, soccer, football, baseball, volleyball, or a dip in the community pool. A perfect spot for a stroll or a picnic, the forest foliage is dotted with sculpture art and offers views of some of Mont-Royal's oldest edifices, the towering St. Joseph's Oratory and the mausoleums of Notre-Dame-des-Neiges. Home to musical celebrations and twilight snowshoeing alike, visit here to walk, write, rest, think, or just be.
How to get there
- Côte-des-Neiges • 9 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,076 within 5 kms

Restaurant Ermitage
67
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Russian • Eastern European

Duc de Lorraine
428
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • French • Cafe • European

Boulangerie Premiere Moisson
83
0.5 km$ • Bakeries • French • Canadian

La Caverne
51
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • Russian • Eastern European
Boucherie Atlantique
7
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Deli

Dulce Paradise Patisserie Bresilienne
6
0.4 km$ • Brazilian • Cafe • South American

Kabab
39
0.5 km$ • Lebanese • Fast food • Mediterranean
CARAïBOUFFE
2
0.4 km

Le Kebab
1
0.3 km

Eggspectation
41
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
Attractions
480 within 10 kms

Montreal Holocaust Memorial Centre
189
1.6 kmHistory Museums

Notre-Dame Basilica
20,013
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals

Rue Ste.-Catherine
3,335
1.1 kmNeighbourhoods
Jardins Du Chemin De La Croix
0.1 kmGardens

Old Montreal
13,685
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Mount Royal Park
10,569
2.1 kmParks

Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery
59
0.8 kmBattlefields • Cemeteries

Barbie Expo
1,342
3.5 kmSpeciality Museums

Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal
4,522
3 kmArt Museums

L'Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal (OSM)
269
4.3 kmSymphonies
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
5,304 reviews
Excellent
3,345
Very good
1,535
Average
337
Poor
58
Terrible
29
sharrongeg
Henderson, NV2,799 contributions
Super happy it was not blazing hot the day we decided to walk up to the Oratory. Quite the hike. Yes there is a small bus type shutter that you can ride for free, but we were up for the walk (or lat least we thought we were)
Main building has huge starkly modern cathedral on the top floor and an more intiamate sanctuary below. Signage almost non-existant, and it really would have helped. Had to ask a janitor how to get down to the crypt.
We did appreciate the free entry. Brochure in English very informative.
Main building has huge starkly modern cathedral on the top floor and an more intiamate sanctuary below. Signage almost non-existant, and it really would have helped. Had to ask a janitor how to get down to the crypt.
We did appreciate the free entry. Brochure in English very informative.
Written August 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jim K
West Chester, OH9 contributions
Definitely worth a visit, although the extensive construction currently in progress makes it a bit less peaceful and picturesque. There is a shuttle that takes you from the street entrance on Queen Mary Rd up to the building entrance.
The history of Brother André and the Oratory is interesting, and the building is beautiful inside and out. The basilica may not exhibit the highly ornate, classical style of older cathedrals, but it has a modern beauty all its own.
Nice views of the city from the deck outside the basilica -- it might not be apparent from some photos, but you're pretty high up.
The history of Brother André and the Oratory is interesting, and the building is beautiful inside and out. The basilica may not exhibit the highly ornate, classical style of older cathedrals, but it has a modern beauty all its own.
Nice views of the city from the deck outside the basilica -- it might not be apparent from some photos, but you're pretty high up.
Written July 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NatalieA00
Keller, TX30 contributions
We had to take a little bus instead of hiking up the famous steps but it was still great. We enjoyed the outdoors garden (chemin de croix) since we'd somehow had never found it before
Written July 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lisa S
Casselberry, FL119 contributions
My husband found this and we were both very glad we went! Amazing story of Fr. Andre Bissette and St Joseph’s Oratory! Once I saw the museum displays I remembered reading about it years ago. Not to be missed!
Written July 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
hammonl
Chattanooga, TN237 contributions
I was with a travel group from the US and we had a local tour guide. We were only able to see the outside due to the construction but the guide provided the history so we could appreciate the importance. It's beautiful.
Written July 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brian T
650 contributions
Couples
After all the favorable reviews, we decided to go here instead of the Botanical Gardens, mistake. Grant it, it is a very large church, but it has no architectural style of interest. It is unattractive. At No fault to the church, there is a lot of construction so the views from the steps are of cranes and construction work.
Written June 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tina H
Kannapolis, NC94 contributions
Family
This church is amazing. If you get there near time for mass, you can hear the most amazing pipe organ, played expertly!! What a great visit
Written June 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pritchp
Bedford, UK237 contributions
We were looking forward to our visit but were disappointed. So much construction work taking place. Surprised by how modern the interior is. We thought it felt cold and unwelcoming. Very confusing building.
Written June 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LunaLove
London, Canada1,045 contributions
Couples
Second largest RC church in the world after the Vatican ... there is even an escalator! Lots of steps up the hill so take a shuttle unless you are an athlete.
Written May 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
robjustrob
Lethbridge, Canada1,792 contributions
took some photos of this building and they looked so much like the taj mahal that i didnt even realize it at the time. a cool piece of canadian architecture for sure.
Written May 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Aub
12 contributions
If you go early in the morning, e.g. 7 or 8 AM will everything be open to see?
Tom U
Huntsville, AL2 contributions
I am puzzled by the two heads on the statue of PIERRE the apostle. Is that PAUL's head (beheaded) perched on his left shoulder, or what?
I can't make out the inscription but it looks like PAUL-PIERRE.
Please help me.
Dziekuje!!
Lorena Moreno
Vila Velha, ES2 contributions
is it free to visit? (é de graça para visitar o interior?)
L'Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal
Montreal, Canada1 contribution
Yes it is. Large groups are asked to pay a visiting fee. There is a small fee for vehicle parking.
LauraJean
DeKalb, IL200 contributions
Is there a handicapped entrance here? Elevator? Lift?
O.M.
Montreal, Canada395 contributions
Yes there is elevator/lift/handicapped entrance if you park on top of the hill. However, I suggest you call visitor’s center at 514 733-8211 ext. 2793 to make sure it's not closed temporarily because of the ongoing renovation project.
sandysays16
Palm Springs, CA1 contribution
What is the best way to travel to St. Joseph’s Oratory from Old Town Montreal?
O.M.
Montreal, Canada395 contributions
By subway (exit Cote des Neiges/blue line) with 10 mins walk (right and right) to Queen Mary street where the Oratory is. By cab or Uber from the Old Port (will be around CDN$20). Enjoy your visit.
sandysays16
Palm Springs, CA1 contribution
What is the best way to travel to Saint Joseph’s Oratory from Old Town Montreal?
azandkarimi
Kish Island, Iran212 contributions
You can use metro. Use orange line and change line in Snowdon station and get on blue line. Cote des Neiges station is 10 min walk to St Joseph
domenic t
Toronto, Canada
Accomodations nearby
L'Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal
Montreal, Canada1 contribution
Hello Domenic,
We offer lodging at the John XXIII Pavilion, right next to the Oratory.
If you go, let us know how you liked your stay!
Voyager307548
Naples, FL3 contributions
What are the hours for the tours of Saint Josephs Oratory of Mt. Royal? Also, what are the scheduled mass times in English?
Maz S
Montreal, Canada17 contributions
Open hours: 6am-9pm
Click the link below for masses schedules:
saint-joseph org/en/spirituality/faith-encounters/masses-schedule/
Escuche un concierto de órgano en el Oratorio hace dos años y lo disfrute, quisiera repetir la experiencia
L'Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal
Montreal, Canada1 contribution
Por favor encuentre información sobre conciertos en nuestro sitio web. saint-joseph punto org
Frequently Asked Questions about Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal
- Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal is open:
- Sun - Sat 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- We recommend booking Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 17 Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal:
- Greater Montreal 5-hour VIP Guided City Tour (From C$124.88)
- Montreal City Sightseeing Tour with Live Commentary (From C$61.39)
- Secret Food Tours Montreal w/ Private Tour Option (From C$89.01)
- Ultimate Montreal Tour (From C$203.60)
- Helicopter Tour Over Montreal (From C$255.78)
- Hotels near Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal:
- (0.12 km) John XXIII Pavilion
- (0.31 km) The 3707
- (0.57 km) Hotel Terrasse Royale
- (3.13 km) The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal
- (3.26 km) Le Mount Stephen
- Restaurants near Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal:
- (0.34 km) Restaurant Ermitage
- (0.32 km) Duc de Lorraine
- (0.33 km) Le Kebab
- (0.36 km) Boucherie Atlantique
- (0.36 km) CARAïBOUFFE
- Attractions near Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal:
- (0.39 km) AquaMermaid
- (1.53 km) 'Round Table Tours
- (1.57 km) Montreal Holocaust Memorial Centre
- (4.84 km) Notre-Dame Basilica
- (1.05 km) Rue Ste.-Catherine