Notre-Dame Basilica
Notre-Dame Basilica
4.5
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals
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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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Plan your visit
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
2,586 within 5 kms
Attractions
475 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
20,142 reviews
Excellent
14,885
Very good
4,181
Average
794
Poor
154
Terrible
128
David P
Washington DC, DC92 contributions
Apr. 2022
I was pleasantly surprised by the Basilica. The colors of the space were so vibrant. The architecture was incredible. A lot to take in. I highly recommend stopping by Notre-Dame when in Montreal. It's not to be missed, in my opinion.
Written January 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
S S
London, Canada73 contributions
Jan. 2023
I never imagined it would be so gorgeous inside! Some may not find the entry fee worth it, but for those who enjoy architecture, history,...and just beauty will appreciate it.
Written January 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Terri G
Clay, NY103 contributions
Jan. 2023
Friend and I stopped here on a Friday morning around 11am. Ordered our tickets online ($15 per person) but it really didn't make a difference since we still needed to stand in the same line to get in and could have bought them on site. It is a self guided tour of the basilica and there are small signs around the church explaining certain statues and frescos. The inside is just beautiful. Was very quiet & peaceful as you would expect even with a number of people doing the self guided tour. Everyone was very respectful of the church and the people in it.
Written January 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
njoireading247
Johns Creek, GA258 contributions
Dec. 2022
A beautiful church with quite a history. The signage is done well and you can spend quite some time examining the interiors. Beautiful colors and the organ and stained glass windows were amazing. Definitely need to have this on your itinerary when in Montreal.
Written January 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gill G
Thornhill, Canada108 contributions
Dec. 2022
I visited this during a freezing cold Christmas visit in December. Montreal was full of snow and slush, but this beautiful building captivated me from the very first sight and I was not disappointed!
It costs $15 (Canadian) to get in. As there was a steady stream of people going in, I thought it might be busy, but not only was it HUGE, but tourists are respectful, quiet and there was room for everyone.
What an incredible place the Basilica is! There are beautiful glass panels, frescos, paintings and statues absolutely everywhere and the scenery on the ceiling and back fresco is out of this world. There are huge benches for you to sit down, take it all in and even use the prayer room (for the price of a $2 candle). You can take pictures and videos if you wish, which is great, because you won't want to miss ANY of what is inside!
There are also washrooms at the back and the Basilica itself is warm and has a very special atmosphere. Definitely the best place to visit in Montreal in the winter and I would highly recommend anyone go there - it's the best $15 I've spent in a long time.
It costs $15 (Canadian) to get in. As there was a steady stream of people going in, I thought it might be busy, but not only was it HUGE, but tourists are respectful, quiet and there was room for everyone.
What an incredible place the Basilica is! There are beautiful glass panels, frescos, paintings and statues absolutely everywhere and the scenery on the ceiling and back fresco is out of this world. There are huge benches for you to sit down, take it all in and even use the prayer room (for the price of a $2 candle). You can take pictures and videos if you wish, which is great, because you won't want to miss ANY of what is inside!
There are also washrooms at the back and the Basilica itself is warm and has a very special atmosphere. Definitely the best place to visit in Montreal in the winter and I would highly recommend anyone go there - it's the best $15 I've spent in a long time.
Written January 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
david n
Manchester, UK4,224 contributions
Jan. 2023
The signs are confusing mentioning different prices outside the door but the price is actually $15 per person which is the best $15 dollars spent ever as the inside is stunning. The photos cannot do it justice. That wow factor as we entered this morning will be remembered forever !
Written January 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
FoxFrancis
Boston, MA255 contributions
Dec. 2022 • Family
My wife really wanted to see the basilica. We were shocked and disappointed to see a sign saying the cost is $30 CAD per person - not per family or per adult but PER PERSON! At the risk of being a bad Catholic, hard pass. We went to the AA iodine and Planetarium for less.
Written January 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
carb424
Medway, MA109 contributions
Dec. 2022 • Family
Highly recommend visiting and walking around the entire perimeter inside and then sitting down to soak it all in. Amazing place and stunning art and architecture. I also recommend purchasing your tickets online ahead of time so you can skip ticket line which was very long when we arrived. We purchased tickets online right there and were able to skip the line and go right in
Written December 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Astrobeemer
Vancouver, Canada609 contributions
Jan. 2022 • Couples
One of the most beautiful Houses of worship I have visited. The colors in the pictures don’t do it justice - in person it is quite mesmerizing.
Written December 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Schrodinger Cat
Eastern USA214 contributions
Dec. 2022
VERY interesting church architecture. Do not miss the small chapel located in the hallway behind the alter. Note the "Canadian history" related stained glass windows.
Written December 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
nursemac
Lake Hiawatha, NJ23 contributions
Hi, do they allow service dog inside the basilica?
BD Mom
Black Diamond, Canada4 contributions
I emailed them and this is the response: "Yes they are, but please have your documentation / certificate with you as you will have to show it when entering the Basilica."
Do you have to make reservation for a visit and how long can we spend inside the basilica
tweedybird26
Floral Park, NY707 contributions
You can enter at will and no tickets are required. You determine the length of your visit. Enjoy!
BackPacker21458
Leesburg, VA
Is a head covering required for Mass?
maryel998
Gulfport, FL287 contributions
Neither a head covering nor a mask is currently required.
Lorena Moreno
Vila Velha, ES2 contributions
The Aura is it worth? (O espetáculo Aura vale a pena?)
on_the_go_98765
Tucson18,229 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, MA1,655 contributions
Again Montreal not Paris !
elodieanoumea
Rocbaron, France127 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
Notre-Dame Basilica (Montreal, Quebec): Address, Phone Number, Attraction Reviews - Tripadvisor
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 17 Notre-Dame Basilica tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Notre-Dame Basilica:
- (0.10 km) Hôtel Place d'Armes Old Montreal
- (0.14 km) Le Saint-Sulpice
- (0.19 km) Hotel Nelligan
- (0.18 km) Hôtel Bonaparte
- (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) Kyo Bar Japonais
- (0.09 km) Brasserie 701
- Attractions near Notre-Dame Basilica:
- (0.03 km) Old Montreal Walking Tour
- (0.04 km) AURA Experience
- (0.04 km) Parc de La Presse
- (0.04 km) Maisonneuve Monument
- (0.04 km) Native Tours