Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel
Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel
4.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Called the Sailors' Church because of the wooden ship models that hang from its ceiling, this church was originally designed by Marguerite Bougeoys, one of Montreal's first teachers. Next to the Chapel, the Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum ($) presents fascinating stories/accounts aænd significant objects to showcase the life and work of Margueærite Bourgeoys, Montreal's first teacher. Visitors can explore the 18th-century stone crypt and climb the tower to admire a stunning view of the St. Lawrence, Old Montreal and downtown. The archaeological site, opened in 1998, has witnessed more than 2,400 years of history. In addition to its new permanent exhibition opened in 2020, the Museum offers a variety of temporary exhibitions and cultural activities, along with school programs. A seasonal music festival is held every December, featuring free concerts with vocal ensembles.
Duration: < 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Ville-Marie
How to get there
- Champ-de-Mars • 5 min walk
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Attractions
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See what travellers are saying
- PghSuePittsburgh, Pennsylvania9 contributionsWhat an unexpected treasure!Unexpected find on a rainy day. So much to see here and definitely worth the modest entry fee. Be sure to go all through the exhibits, from the archeological site down below, to the lookout tower at the top. We loved this!Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten October 21, 2023
- cjyapGriswold, Connecticut913 contributionsLovely Church with quirky decor.We stopped to visit this church while on a walking tour. The church is a lovely one, but what sets it apart are the boat/ships that hang from the ceiling, for this church is also known as the Sailor's Church. The original church burnt down and the only thing that survived was a virgin Mary icon, which is on display in the church. One should definitely stop by.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten November 4, 2023
- TheLeongOhanaUnited States7,505 contributionsVisit The MuseumWe were one of the first visitors that day and wandered through one of the oldest chapels in Montreal. A self guided tour option was available by scanning a QR code or enabling the NFC function on your phone. It was called the Bonsecours Experience and these signs were posted around the church but I could only get 2 of them to work on my phone. The church was a little dark inside but very detailed with a lot of interesting items. One of the unique features inside was the hanging small model ships that were left by sailors. The museum was an additional fee but well worth the CAD14 to learn about Marguerite-Bourgeoys and the work that she did to establish a school for the children and the first chapel of Quebec City. Admission also granted us access to the recently renovated crypt (made from Montreal grey stone) which was first erected over the original chapel and then a climb up to the "Chapelle Aerienne". Here were views of the surrounding area as well as close up of the large statue of Our Lady of the Harbour.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten May 4, 2024
- IAN DWigan, United Kingdom25,853 contributionsOne of the oldestA church in the district of Old Montreal in Montreal, Quebec. One of the oldest churches in Montreal, it was built in 1771 over the ruins of an earlier chapel. The church is located at 400 Saint Paul Street East at Bonsecours Street, just north of the Bonsecours Market in the borough of Ville-Marie (Champ-de-Mars metro station).Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten May 14, 2024
- EricaHobart, Australia6 contributionsMuseum, lookout, chapel, it has everything - a great way to get to know the cityThis place is wonderful! It has a beautiful chapel, and a wonderful museum which is a great way to learn about the city's history through the inspiring story of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys. The lookout affords wonderful views of the port area. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. If you're not likely to enjoy the crowds of the basilicas, visiting here is a great alternative (or, if you're keen, an addition!).Visited August 2024Travelled soloWritten August 12, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,189 reviews
Excellent
669
Very good
422
Average
90
Poor
7
Terrible
1
Reza Sattarzadeh
Muscat, Oman2,546 contributions
Jul 2020 • Solo
This chapel is located at the heart of the historical district of Montreal at St. Paul street and is a relatively small but very well-kept church. I visited in July during my walk around downtown. The chapel is free to enter and visit.
Written December 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PavlaPavla
Chrudim, Czech Republic7,543 contributions
Jul 2023
In this church, there were the models of ships hanging to the ceiling. I've never seen anything like this before. They are said the ships have been placed here by sailors and their families as thanks for safe return from the sea. There were also large glass chandeliers, beautiful stained glass windows and painted ceiling in this church. The church was connected to a museum and a gift shop.
Written August 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cjyap
Griswold, CT913 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We stopped to visit this church while on a walking tour. The church is a lovely one, but what sets it apart are the boat/ships that hang from the ceiling, for this church is also known as the Sailor's Church. The original church burnt down and the only thing that survived was a virgin Mary icon, which is on display in the church. One should definitely stop by.
Written November 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave C
Illinois1,701 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
Well built historical church that was built in 1771 and been excellently preserved. An easy visit for tourists in the area. The Site Marguerite Bourgeoys is a fun museum to visit in the same building as the chapel. It contains many historical artifacts and a nice view of downtown from the tower.
Written June 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LostInTime
Pittsburgh, PA22,261 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
This is the oldest church in the city. It’s near the docks. The roof looks copper or some other form of metal. Signs say it was founded in the 1770s. It’s cool that’s it’s around. The detail is very nice and it’s well maintained.
Written August 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erica
Hobart, Australia6 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
This place is wonderful! It has a beautiful chapel, and a wonderful museum which is a great way to learn about the city's history through the inspiring story of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys. The lookout affords wonderful views of the port area. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable.
If you're not likely to enjoy the crowds of the basilicas, visiting here is a great alternative (or, if you're keen, an addition!).
If you're not likely to enjoy the crowds of the basilicas, visiting here is a great alternative (or, if you're keen, an addition!).
Written August 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PghSue
Pittsburgh, PA9 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Unexpected find on a rainy day. So much to see here and definitely worth the modest entry fee. Be sure to go all through the exhibits, from the archeological site down below, to the lookout tower at the top. We loved this!
Written October 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IAN D
Wigan, UK25,853 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
A church in the district of Old Montreal in Montreal, Quebec. One of the oldest churches in Montreal, it was built in 1771 over the ruins of an earlier chapel. The church is located at 400 Saint Paul Street East at Bonsecours Street, just north of the Bonsecours Market in the borough of Ville-Marie (Champ-de-Mars metro station).
Written May 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tinaNtravel
San Jose, CA2,010 contributions
May 2022
The signage says this is the oldest chapel. It’s certainly a beautiful one. The picture if Mary over the altar is stunning. There is also some beautiful stained-glass windows and other artwork. This church is near the building with the silver dome and is free to enter. It is definitely worth a step inside.
Written June 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frank C
Sarasota, FL415 contributions
Jul 2023
Right next door to our Hotel in Downtown area. Easy walk access. Has History, also, like Notre Dame. Spend time, light a few candles. Many historic paintings and unique Architecture inside. Not busy at all. Great place to visit , no fee.
Written July 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
navya K
Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan
We are visiting Montreal later this month and plan to do Notredame Basilica, old Montreal, port vieux, royal park, botanical garden. Our stay is 2 days. How should I plan to do these effectively? We are a group of 4 adults, 3 children (5,4,3)? Thanks
Written June 13, 2018
MTL_First_Chapel
Montreal, Canada
Dear Navya, The Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel is open (FREE ADMISSION - NO RESERVATION) from Tuesday to Sunday, between 10 A.M. and 6 P.M. It's a short walk to the Metro Champ-de-Mars after you are done visiting the Old Port attractions and you can get to the Botanical Gardens in about 20 minutes time by public transportation.
Written June 19, 2018
What hotel would be within walking distance of Notre Dame? How far is the train station from the hotel? We are spending one night in Montreal and want to capitalize on our time.
Written April 29, 2017
That depends upon your budget. As the other reviewer said, there are many small, reasonably priced hotels (auberges) in Place Jacques Cartier; or you can walk maybe 1/4 mile to upscale hotels on Rue Dorchester, on the downtown side. I don't know about the train station, as we drove. You should definitely schlep up to Schwartz's Deli for some of the greatest smoked meats while you are there.
Written April 30, 2017
Approximately how long is the walking tour of this museum?
Written August 25, 2016
We spent a couple hours there. The only guided tour portion we took was the archaeological dig, since you cNt see that on your own. Nice audio guide for the museum.
Written October 2, 2016
I ask potential visitors to recognize that the Chapel of Notre Dame de Bon Secours is not the same place as the Notre Dame Basilica. I believe some of the reviews here should be on the page for Notre Dame Basilica. Both are worth visiting but the scale and history are different. .
Written May 25, 2015
This site is to review places travelers have visited so others may find they're interested (or not) in visiting the same place/attraction etc.
I have been to both, reviewed both and during the Christmas season attended a Christmas carolling event at Bon Secours that was lovely:)
By the time one is in Montreal, it is obvious which is THE Notre Dame Basilica.
Written May 26, 2015
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