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.
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
Reach out directly
See what travellers are saying
  • jahhp
    Los Angeles, California634 contributions
    Sorry to say...Overpriced HO-HUM.
    My partner and I went here with high hopes (we have been to Notre Dame in Paris which is STUNNING). I hate to say this about a religious building, but it was a letdown. First of all, the price is expensive. And you can't see much other than what's on the first floor. Is it beautiful? Of course. But I feel robbed. We went to the Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal and had a MUCH better time (and get this...it's FREE). Personally, I would skip the Notre-Dame and head here. The views are spectacular and there's a LOT more to see (you can roam around 5 or 6 floors).
    Visited October 2022
    Written December 2, 2022
  • Harvey689
    Alexandria, Virginia119 contributions
    Beautiful Basilica
    Overall, it's an amazing basilica. The exterior plaza provides a nice setting and unobstructive view of the entry with holiday lightings. The interior is magnificant with its blue light theme and ornate architecture. The entry fee is $15 per person and you can return during the day.
    Visited November 2022
    Written December 2, 2022
  • Inge B
    36 contributions
    beautiful, worth visiting
    Beautiful interior, very well maintained, the balconies are quite special. In front of the Basilique is a nice square where you can enjoy performances of talented street singers. Definitely worth passing by.
    Visited November 2022
    Written December 15, 2022
  • smacc77
    Columbus, Ohio8 contributions
    AURA is a must see
    Highly recommend the AURA light and music show in the Basilica. It is beautiful, moving, and just the right length at 25 minutes. More churches should do this as a way of celebrating the beauty and history, as well as generating funds for repairs and maintenance.
    Visited December 2022
    Written December 27, 2022
  • carb424
    Medway, Massachusetts117 contributions
    Stunning inside and out
    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
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled with family
    Written December 29, 2022
  • david n
    Manchester, United Kingdom4,683 contributions
    $15 per person NOT 30
    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 !
    Visited January 2023
    Written January 7, 2023
  • Gill G
    Thornhill, Canada108 contributions
    Stunning Place To Visit - Do Not Miss It!
    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.
    Visited December 2022
    Written January 9, 2023
  • njoireading247
    Johns Creek, Georgia324 contributions
    Lovely Peaceful Experience
    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.
    Visited December 2022
    Written January 11, 2023
  • Terri G
    Clay, New York106 contributions
    Beautiful, peaceful, spiritual experience
    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.
    Visited January 2023
    Written January 12, 2023
  • Kdawg282
    Doylestown, Pennsylvania1,302 contributions
    Must visit in Montreal!
    What an amazing place to visit! The place is just beautiful throughout. They had a long line to visit but I was able to secure the tickets online from my phone and then skip the line. I highly recommend doing this as it will save you lots of time. The visit doesn't take too long but it's absolutely worth it!
    Visited October 2022
    Written February 4, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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PookyCake
Victoria, Canada13,805 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Described by Lonely Planet as a “19th-century Gothic Revival masterpiece,” the current Notre-Dame Basilica opened in 1829 (though it has its roots in the 17th century). With its high vaulted ceilings, ornate wood pillars, and intricate stained-glass windows, this religious edifice commands our respect the moment you walk through its doors. And how could we do anything less? The extreme level of detail one observes as they walk throughout the basilica highlights just how important Catholicism was in the Montreal of yesteryear. The church and state were, in many ways, intertwined and this is spelled out beautifully in the stained-glass windows, which depict important scenes in Quebec’s history rather than the usual biblical references. The Good, the True and the Beautiful were never as self-evident as they were here.

As I ambled about the basilica, I did note one strong affinity with Notre Dame in Ottawa: The ceilings in both feature beautiful gilt stars, though the blue is far richer in Montreal. It’s a lovely detail – the stars – and helps lend to the sense of peace and calm one experiences when visiting this important cultural and religious site.

Given the stunning architecture, beautiful artwork and historic-cultural-religious significance, it is hardly surprising Notre-Dame was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1989. I was surprised to learn, however, that Notre-Dame was also named the “6th most beautiful building in the world” in 2023 by Angi Magazine. How cool is that?

In any event, if visiting Montreal, be sure to add this stunning basilica to your itinerary. With its confluence of architecture, religion, culture and history, it is sure to please everyone in your party and leave you in a state of heightened awe and wonder at what the world could still be.
Written November 27, 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.

AdamLeaves
Canberra, Australia516 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Solo
Its surprising costly to go in considering that many cathedrals in Rome and elsewhere are free or have a minimal charge. The building itself is interesting but not my favourite in Montreal. Overall I was left underwhelmed.
Written November 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.

Stephanie R
Tappahannock, VA9 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
Theres a $15 CAD which I think is outrageous to visit a church. Kinda defeats the purpose. Jesus is probably like.. 😒🙄.. When you’re inside it’s such a tourist attraction.. it represents capitalism, not God.
Written November 20, 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.

levinfried
Chevy Chase, MD136 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
Spectacularly beautiful but very expensive. Would be better to sign up for the light show at night. The colors and details are spectacular so be sure to take the time to look beyond just the alter and ceiling.
Written November 13, 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.

Chloe Thomas
Russell Springs, KY956 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Family
If you’re in the area, it’s a must visit. Make sure to buy your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in a huge line. We went in the day, but heard the night show is great as well.
Written November 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.

Stephen R
Sydney, Australia1,466 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Solo
I would recommend booking a combo ticket so you can enjoy the basilica on its own during the day, then come back in the evening for the AURA show. Having visited many cathedrals and basilicas around the world I would say that Notre-Dame is easily amongst the most beautiful, the stunning blue-lit sanctuary in the interior is mesmerising. Dotted around the interior are multiple smaller chapels with detailed explanations of their significance.

The AURA show at night is incredible and is a really good way of making use of such a spectacular space. The show is not religious in nature so would be enjoyed by anyone. They don't allow pictures or video during the show and to be honest i think this is the right idea, because it wouldn't do it justice! You truly have to see it for yourself.
Written November 11, 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.

Marie-Christine Payette
La Tuque, Quebec, Canada44 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Friends
I went to see the AURA Experience. It is absolutely amazing. I highly recommend it. The combination of the music and the lights are a great way to highlight the architecture of the Basilica. It's magical. I would see it again because there is just so much to see and I am afraid I missed some details because I was too caught up in the moment.
Written November 5, 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.

Dimitris L
Sydney, Australia44,412 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
Notre-Dame Basilica is a beautiful building. We visited during mass when it was full of worshippers. The art work is fantastic and the architecture is brilliant. This is Montreal's oldest Catholic church, dating back to the mid-17th century.
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.

BKO57
Singapore, Singapore134 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Business
We attended the light and music show - Aura. Amazing and must do. Highlighted the colours and design beautifully
Written October 27, 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.

TERRAvelista
London, UK17,535 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
This is a beautiful cathedral, not as big as Notre Dame in Paris though, but having the same lines, stained windows etc as you find in all the major cathedrals in France, Germany etc - a stated elegance, not enrobed in lots of details as you find in the Portuguese and some Italian or Spanish cathedrals.

There was a small queue when we arrived here mid September and we had to pay the entry fee of 18 CAD (I think).

All the distances in this part of the town are very small and everything is a nice walk. This area reminds me a lot of many European cities, however downtown Quebec City is more on par with the gorgeous little historic places like Venice and Seville
Written October 27, 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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