Notre-Dame Basilica, Montreal: Address, Phone Number, Notre-Dame Basilica Reviews: 4.5/5
Notre-Dame Basilica
Notre-Dame Basilica
4.5
About
Montreal's oldest Catholic church, built in 1656, is known for its intricately designed interior, which includes stained glass chronicling the history of the city.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Ville-Marie
How to get there
- Place-d'Armes • 3 min walk
- Champ-de-Mars • 8 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,182 within 5 kms
Café Olimpico - Vieux-Montréal
155
0.4 km$ • Cafe
Espace Cafe & Espresso Bar
426
0.1 km$ • Quick Bites • Cafe • Healthy
Brasserie 701
1,670
89 m$$ - $$$ • French • Contemporary • Canadian
Restaurant Bonaparte
2,120
0.2 km$$$$ • French • European • Canadian
Stash Cafe
1,292
0.2 km$$ - $$$ • Polish • European • Eastern European
Kyo Bar Japonais
1,201
0.1 km$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Sushi • Asian
Modavie
4,611
0.2 km$$ - $$$ • French • European • Wine Bar
Terrasse William Gray
361
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Bar • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
Restaurant Épik
242
0.2 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Ristorante Quattro
920
0.1 km$$$$ • Italian • Tuscan • Central-Italian
Attractions
424 within 10 kms
AURA Basilique
465
38 mChurches & Cathedrals
Maisonneuve Monument
17
44 mMonuments & Statues
Parc de La Presse
3
44 mParks
Place d'Armes
535
50 mPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Old Montreal
13,611
99 mPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Centaur Theatre
78
0.1 kmTheatres
Bank of Montreal (Banque de Montreal)
91
0.1 kmSpeciality Museums • Architectural Buildings
Bank of Montreal Museum
26
74 mSpeciality Museums
L'Affichiste Vintage Poster Gallery
11
98 mArt Galleries
Aldred Building
11
62 mArchitectural Buildings
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
19,906 reviews
Excellent
14,726
Very good
4,133
Average
778
Poor
146
Terrible
123
spawithlisab
Fort Worth, TX287 contributions
Dec. 2021
we visited in December and it was perfect. The church was very close to our hotel , so we went twice! The history and architecture are just are beautiful as churches in Europe. Worth the visit and entrance fee for sure. Do not miss this site.
Written January 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jessica B
Cambridge, MA2 contributions
Jan. 2022 • Couples
Worth seeing. You have to purchase tickets in advance. We purchased ours online for the following day. You go in, and are allowed to walk around and take pictures for an hour. We enjoyed our visit.
Written January 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Doctor Dev
8 contributions
Nov. 2021
Definitely, visit this landmark. It is beautiful. The architecture, the quality and the size are breathtaking.
Written December 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
boatnerd23
Sombra, Canada64 contributions
Dec. 2021
Definitely worth the ticket price. It was very well organized and absolutely beautiful light show and music. Better than firesworks.
Written December 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
deathroll
St. Petersburg, FL155 contributions
Dec. 2021
The basilica is both beautiful and impressive, very much worth a visit. Aura (the show) is pretty good, the lighting excellent, the organ music leaves room for improvement. Woulda been nice to hear a choir or some holiday music. If I had to do it over, I’d just visit and enjoy the basilica.
Written December 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
The Hungry Rabbit
St. Catharines, Canada16 contributions
Nov. 2021 • Couples
Absolutely breath taking, wish we could have made it to the Aura show but none the less we’re still impressed.
COVID Protocol
When you arrive you will have to show you’ve booked your ticket online along with your proof of vaccination and wear a mask.
Inside there are spots to sanitize your hands, sit and pray if you wish.
COVID Protocol
When you arrive you will have to show you’ve booked your ticket online along with your proof of vaccination and wear a mask.
Inside there are spots to sanitize your hands, sit and pray if you wish.
Written December 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Alexander K
Hamilton, Canada1 contribution
Nov. 2021 • Couples
I’ve been there before when you could visit the Basilica without a prepaid ticket. It’s wonderful. Nowadays some people make a commercial enterprise out of it.
We could not come in last time we visited Montreal. That is sad..
We could not come in last time we visited Montreal. That is sad..
Written December 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Michelle T
3 contributions
Nov. 2021
You must buy tickets ahead of time and my partner and I decided to buy the Aura light show tickets for 8pm. We didn't have to wait in line for too long, and once we got in, we found a seat near the middle. It was filling up slowly, and it was not until 8:15pm that the actual show started, which was unfortunate for those who came early like us and had to sit for half an hour for others to arrive. The light show itself was AMAZING! It was so well done and entertaining and the soundtrack along with it was really well done. The tickets were expensive ($36/pp) but after the show, which was about 30 minutes, we were able to explore the Basilica at our own pace and take pictures. The church is really well maintained and there is a lot to take in. Due to some construction, the outside of the church had scaffolding around it which took away from it's beauty. However, on a clear day and with one of the guitar buskers outside playing music, the Basilica is definitely worth checking out.
Written December 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Marla E
3 contributions
Nov. 2021
The beauty and the richness of decoration on every single surface has to be seen to be believed. Set aside more time than you expect so you can really walk around and examine every nook and cranny.
My feeling every time I come is overpowering awe and wonder. No surface is left untouched. No color goes unused. Everything is embellished with not only paint and gilt but washes of light and gleaming reflections. I alternated between weeping from the beauty and laughing with joy that something like this even exists. If you love art, design, and architecture, this will be a seriously life-changing visit.
Note that tickets can only be purchased online, vaccinations are REQUIRED, and be careful to get tickets for the basilica, not the Aura show.
My feeling every time I come is overpowering awe and wonder. No surface is left untouched. No color goes unused. Everything is embellished with not only paint and gilt but washes of light and gleaming reflections. I alternated between weeping from the beauty and laughing with joy that something like this even exists. If you love art, design, and architecture, this will be a seriously life-changing visit.
Note that tickets can only be purchased online, vaccinations are REQUIRED, and be careful to get tickets for the basilica, not the Aura show.
Written December 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
LL_
Montreal, Canada1 contribution
Nov. 2021 • Friends
For those who are thinking of visiting the church for Aura show, please be aware that the website ticketing information is misleading.
I bought Aura show tickets and saw website FAQ states for question “IS IT POSSIBLE TO VISIT THE BASILICA BEFORE OR AFTER THE PERFORMANCE?” and answer that “As the performances take place at the end of the day, it is not possible to visit the Basilica
after the show. However, it is possible to visit the Basilica during its daily opening hours and return in the evening to see AURA.” It does not mention additional ticket is required for the sightseeing visit.
However, when I went to the church and asked a staff if we can visit for sightseeing, I was told the FAQ “it is not what it means”. So just be careful of their misleading advertising.
I bought Aura show tickets and saw website FAQ states for question “IS IT POSSIBLE TO VISIT THE BASILICA BEFORE OR AFTER THE PERFORMANCE?” and answer that “As the performances take place at the end of the day, it is not possible to visit the Basilica
after the show. However, it is possible to visit the Basilica during its daily opening hours and return in the evening to see AURA.” It does not mention additional ticket is required for the sightseeing visit.
However, when I went to the church and asked a staff if we can visit for sightseeing, I was told the FAQ “it is not what it means”. So just be careful of their misleading advertising.
Written November 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lorena Moreno
Vila Velha, ES2 contributions
The Aura is it worth? (O espetáculo Aura vale a pena?)
on_the_go_98765
Tucson17,063 contributions
Yes. It is a unique experience. The lights, sound, and the beauty of the church is really something without equal. The description for the event is as follows:
"Light unveils the richness of the Notre-Dame Basilica’s heritage and invites us to celebrate its beauty.
The experience begins with a path of lights, revealing the Basilica’s wealth of exquisite works. A progressive immersion into a sonically and visually captivating universe guides visitors to the heart of Notre-Dame.
Then, light, orchestral music and grandiose architecture combine to create a unique, three-act multimedia spectacle.
Allow yourself to be transported by AURA and discover an unexpected, stunning universe presented upon one of the most sublime canvases imaginable: the Notre-Dame Basilica."
Do buy your tickets in advance. It does sell out. Lines at the door can be long so maybe plan to buy your tickets early and then come back a show time.
How did they rebuild it after the fire so fast? Is it the original size because it seems smaller?
46oceangirl
Westford, MA1,641 contributions
Again Montreal not Paris !
elodieanoumea
Rocbaron, France121 contributions
combien de temps faut-il compter pour la visiter?
1550 samuelo
Queretaro City, Mexico83 contributions
El show de luces y sonido dura aproximadamente 20 min, creo que 40 min extras para la catedral es suficiente, pero depende de los gustos e intereses de cada persona
Is there mass there tonight
Sam
Montreal, Canada27 contributions
Every Sunday till noon that’s for sure but for the rest of the week need to check on the website
shellster
Edmonton Canada1,048 contributions
I have arthritis in my knees . Is it a standing show or can we sit ?
Strowd1
Kings Mountain171 contributions
There is some walking, but ample opportunities just to sit and observe. We did not take the organized tour, Using the pamphlets provided we walked and sat to quietly take in the experience. The facility is well equipped for accessibility. This a highlight of our Montreal visit.
What is seniors admission to the light show? What times is the light show on in July?
Christiane B
12 contributions
In July the shows are mainly at 6:00pm, 8:00pm and 9:30pm, depending on the day. On Monday there is no late show and the first one is at 4:00pm. It is not always the same, so you might want to check on the web site. There is no show on Sunday. Seniors from 60 and + pay a total of 24$ including service fees. You may buy your tickets on ticketpro. You also may get more information on the show and basilica on the Montreal basilica website. And prepare to be amazed!
philippi666
Mumbai, India23 contributions
Do we need to buy tickets for the sound and light show? What are the timings?
995valeryv
Makati, Philippines44 contributions
I am not sure about the lights and sound show tickets, but I bought a ticket to enter the Basilica. There is a sign there that says one has to buy entrance tickets to visit the inside of the Basilica with or without a guide. The reason they gave for the entrance fee was to help in the upkeep of the Basilica.
As a former Montrealer, I was appalled when I was asked to pay to visit the Basilica back in March. I was showing the city to relatives visiting for the first time. I can understand charging to see the light and sound show but it was not on at that moment.
sheritin
San Diego114 contributions
Is was not that much money. Paying a small fee that is used to up keep such a beautiful cathedral is worth it. It was truly amazing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Notre-Dame Basilica
- We recommend booking Notre-Dame Basilica 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 21 Notre-Dame Basilica tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Notre-Dame Basilica:
- History Walking Tour of Old Montreal (From C$26.45)
- Montreal City Sightseeing Tour with Live Commentary (From C$61.04)
- Secret Food Tours Montreal w/ Private Tour Option (From C$105.16)
- Montreal Shore Excursion: Walking Tour of Old Montreal (From C$26.45)
- Old Montreal History Walking Tour (From C$25.43)
- Hotels near Notre-Dame Basilica:
- (0.10 km) Hôtel Place d'Armes Old Montreal
- (0.14 km) Le Saint-Sulpice
- (0.18 km) Hôtel Bonaparte
- (0.19 km) Hotel Nelligan
- (0.21 km) Epik Hotel Montreal
- Restaurants near Notre-Dame Basilica:
- (0.04 km) Xavier Artisan, Place d'Armes
- (0.04 km) Maison Bagatelle
- (0.06 km) Ssense
- (0.13 km) Espace Cafe & Espresso Bar
- (0.09 km) Brasserie 701
- Attractions near Notre-Dame Basilica:
- (0.03 km) Old Montreal Walking Tour
- (0.04 km) AURA Basilique
- (0.04 km) Parc de La Presse
- (0.04 km) Maisonneuve Monument
- (0.04 km) Native Tours