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Notre-Dame Basilica

Notre-Dame Basilica

Notre-Dame Basilica
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksChurches & Cathedrals
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.
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
Reach out directly
See what travellers are saying
  • Aoneeka
    Smyrna, Georgia74 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful!!!!
    Oh my god! Pun intended. I love visiting extravagant churches with beautiful architecture and this one did not disappoint. I will say the tour doesn’t take that long and the reason I said oh my god about my visit is because we went to the Arua experience in the evening. The lighting designers for the Arua experience are incredible artists and put together an incredible immersive light show complete with moving projections and detailed lighting to highlight the beauty within the building. If the Arua experience is still around go because it is worth the price.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written February 22, 2024
  • ValBouenvoyage
    Quebec, Canada1,276 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    After a year we returned there; always Wow!!
    Excellent show, the theme is always magnificent, the light effects are spectacular. You can go see my camera from last year, I put all the details there to fully appreciate the show. Additional precision Choose a bench on the right side and in the middle (at the height of the side exit doors) for better observation of the play of light. Yes it’s expensive but it’s definitely worth the time spent in this church!
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written March 8, 2024
  • Alondra M
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Notre-Dame de Paris: A Timeless Marvel of Gothic Grandeur
    Notre-Dame is a timeless masterpiece of Gothic architecture, captivating visitors with its stunning beauty and history. From the intricate sculptures that adorn its façade to the majestic stained glass windows that illuminate its interior, every detail of this cathedral tells a story of craftsmanship and devotion. Its importance transcends mere architecture; It symbolizes the heart of Paris and the spirit of France. Entering Notre-Dame is like stepping back in time, where one can feel the echoes of centuries past through its halls. A visit to this emblematic place is a journey through history and a profound experience that captivates in every sense.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written March 8, 2024
  • greeneyes630
    Maugansville, Maryland2,796 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful
    We bought tickets for the evening light show. We were given the opportunity to walk around the Cathedral before and after the show. The light show was okay. I don’t think there is more the choreographers could do. Husband hated the lasers. I just love the church and artifacts. It’s a beautiful church.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written March 8, 2024
  • Jillian B
    Ottawa, Canada13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aura Light Show Experience at Basilica is an Incredible Immersive Experience
    We were there to see the light show; and it did not disappoint! After seeing the show as a couple last year, we decided to come back and bring our kids. The music and lighting, combined with the stunning architecture of the basilica, was incredible. The show isn’t long, but is very immersive and such a cool experience. I’d recommend this experience to anyone visiting Montreal.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written April 14, 2024
  • helenandpaul13
    Worcester, United Kingdom1,688 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Ok if you like that sort of thing
    Went here for the light show. You need to book in advance and take the metro there. As you walk out of the station you turn right and go up the hill. The Dome is then in front of you. Everyone sits in a pew and the show takes place all around you but you are not allowed to photograph it. The show is about half an hour long, but although mum wanted to see it me and the little one were not impressed
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written April 15, 2024
  • dominiquemariscotes
    Hermitage, Tennessee33 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful and Humbling
    Notre Dame Basilica is definitely a sight worth seeing, even if to admire the architecture. Private tours are available, but it is openly available to the public to wander in at their leisure. Beautiful stained glass and details at the altars make this at least worth a visit.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written April 20, 2024
  • The_Wanderer1992
    Columbia, Maryland2,616 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful
    My husband and I visited the basilica while in Montreal. It was beautiful and grand inside. My husband was disappointed that he could not see the pipe organ up close. Even though it was beautiful, it was expensive and they charged for everything.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written April 24, 2024
  • Christina B
    Louisiana6,964 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely Stunning
    We were on a tour and had the opportunity to visit. There is a $15 fee to enter. My husband wasn’t interested so I went in alone. It is absolutely stunning!! Massive, rich in colors, solid old sculpted wood .. just so much to see. From the stain glass, to the statues & mosaic tiles. I think I was inside about 20 mins, could have stayed longer had I not needed to leave. So much detail to take in. A must see if you are in Montreal!!
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written May 13, 2024
  • Dhwani Parekh
    United States175 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What a beauty!
    The church is stunning and a must-see in Montreal. It costs CAD 15 to enter and the ticketing process is well-managed with organized lines. The line wasn't bad the day we went, and we were inside in about 5 mins. It was crowded inside though but people kept moving.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written May 19, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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
4.5 of 5 bubbles20,448 reviews
Excellent
15,097
Very good
4,241
Average
819
Poor
157
Terrible
134

Jack L
Orne, France194 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020 • Couples
If you are from Europe or have spent time there, you might not be overly impressed by this basilica. However, what it lacks on the exterior it makes up for on the interior. European cathedrals are largely built in stone—both outside and in—but the interior of Notre Dame is made out of wood—highly decorated wood at that! The stained glass isn’t that impressive as it is of its time (early 19th century), but it provides vignettes of Montreal’s early days. The organ is a ‘wow factor’, as it has 7,000 pipes—making it one of the largest in North America. The use of back-lighting and Virgin Mary blue also give the church its peculiar beauty. We visited Notre Dame as part of an old city walking tour, which included the price of entry; so we would recommend that if you aren’t familiar with Montreal. But in any case, it is certainly worth a visit.
Written March 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.

AroundtheWorldin_180
United States13 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2019
This is a beautiful basilica that rivals the European churches across the Atlantic. It is worth taking time to admire the details and handiwork. Early morning worked well for us and if you wander around Old Town and return in the afternoon there are a variety of performers in the plaza during summer. It is a MUST see!
Written May 25, 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.

Michelle T
6 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

889helena12345
Birmingham, UK16 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022 • Couples
Beware! Despite taking our money for an online ticket the venue was not actually open - we booked for 9am as we had a train to catch. Tickets were sold for a 9am slot. After waiting outside in the freezing cold for the best part of an hour, we had to leave. There was no sign of any staff members to let us in/speak to, and the queue was approximately 50 people long by this point. Disappointing we were able to book tickets for when the venue was not actually open.
Written April 28, 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.

BlackSavannah
North Vancouver, Canada76 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2021 • Family
We saw the 9PM AURA show tonite. When we arrived at 8:35, a line was already formed outside. COVID vaccine status was checked and we sat down within 5-10 mins. The light show started at 9:13PM. The lights and the sound effects was really stunning and impressive. After the light show, we were allowed to linger around to take pictures and to walk around the church. We stayed for another 10 mins, took a lot of great picture before we left. The tickets are quite expensive ($34 adult, $22 student) but I would recommend as I don’t think you can see such a unique light show somewhere else.
Remember to buy tickets online at the website.
Written November 13, 2021
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.

wendymurcia87
Canada494 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • Friends
The cathedral must be very beautiful day and night, you must pay 8CAD for the entrance, we had already paid for the Aura Event so that included it. The cathedral retains its structure and Gothic architecture very well, which makes it different from most cathedrals. What I really recommend more than just entering the church is to see the AURA Event. It's the best show I've seen in my life.
Written February 9, 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.

Marla E
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
Written December 2, 2021
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.

Wildflower01945
Amherst, MA736 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
We went specifically for Aura, the light show, and got there 15 minutes early as instructed. This gives you time to look at the cathedral and see the various small light shows they have staged in the alcoves.

The church is really beautiful! I was impressed even before the light show. The show we went to (9pm Saturday) filled the cathedral about 3/4. That is a lot of people. I suggest sitting near the back because then you can see the entire show which is projected from the front sections.

The show about 40 min.: images of seasons, shining lights on the architecture to form designs, laser show. Various music - church to current, which was loud at times. It was lots of fun and well done. Well worth the $69 for 2 seniors and 1 child plus service charge for online reservations. I was glad we had made reservations. The line was long for tickets and it was cold! I chose to have them send the pdf to my phone but the ticket pick up line was not long.

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Written March 3, 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.

WindSister04
43 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022
So, I'm not really sure what the hype was all about.

The good: I got my ticket online before arriving, so I skipped the line outside. It was unique and quite inspiring to see the incredible architecture. The stained glass was pretty, also, oddly unique to the founding of Montreal (as opposed to more Biblical scenes).

The bad: $15 for entry, only could walk around the main sanctuary (not like you got to see any gardens or the chapel behind the main area). It was super crowded, noisy AF, and people were super disrespectful. Suggested offerings for candles was $2-$15, boxes everywhere asking for donations (like, what does my ticket money support then?).... It was really dark inside, surprisingly dark actually, so it was harder to see the details of the architecture. They said the self tour should be around an hour, but I had trouble filling more than 40 mins. Ultimately, I left with a headache and felt like I should have donated money to somewhere else instead.

Thoughtful idea: instead of paying to walk around, attend a service. There are listings on the church website for when Mass is held, it's open to the public, and you're more likely to get something unique and spiritual than a bunch of tourists acting stupid.
Written July 2, 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.

Susan E
Melbourne, FL183 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023
The Basilica is gorgeous on the inside. If you have been to other famous cathedrals such as Notre Dame de Paris, Chartres, Winchester, Salisbury, etc., you might be surprised by how small it is and due to its age it does not have the history behind it as the others do. I enjoyed just sitting in a pew and taking in the decoration and then walking around to read the plaques and see the work up close. I heard some people grumble about the price to get in ($15 Canadian), but I considered it a donation to preserve the artistry. They do offer organ concerts as part of the ticket price several days a week and I wish I had been there at the right time to hear it. For the record, I was there on a rainy Saturday June morning, arrived about 30 minutes before opening and was first in line to buy a ticket. The queue got long behind me about 10 minutes before they opened.
Written June 23, 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.

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Notre-Dame Basilica (Montreal, Quebec): Address, Phone Number, Attraction Reviews - Tripadvisor

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