Notre Dame Basilica

If you appreciate beautiful historical buildings and architecture the Basilica of Notre-Dame is a must see

Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal
Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal cc licensed photo by Geoff Livingston

One of Montreal's most impressive historical sites is the Basilica of Notre-Dame. Referred to as a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture, both the outside and inside of the Basilica are displays of architectural ingenuity.

The Basilica built between 1824-1829 is the work of James O'Donnell an architect from New York and then later (1870-1900) Cure' Victor Rousselot and Victor Bourgeau. When standing outside the Basilica looking up you will see the twin towers looming over you in all their majesty. The western tower is called 'Perseverance' and the eastern tower called 'Temperance'. Each tower is home to the church bells of the Basilica. Perseverance houses the great bell nick-named 'Jean- Baptiste' whilst Temperance houses 10 smaller bells.

The inside of the Basilica is impressive with stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings, sculptures, statues and paintings. But what is even more impressive are the fine details which have gone into creating the Gothic style of the church. The columns, the organ, the church pews, the banisters, the pulpit and the altarpiece are all meticulously and beautifully crafted. The use of rich colours makes one feel as if you are in a spring garden or in some heavenly realm. At night time you can also experience a sound and light show within the Basilica which is bound to make your experience even more so memorable.

In addition to the sound and light show, the Basilica of Notre-Dame also hosts many concerts by various orchestras and other music groups. Admission to these concerts does vary from the admission to the actual Basilica, so be sure to check the website for more details on admission for the concerts. In order to be able to truly experience the majesty of a service at the Basilica, one must attend one of the religious events held there. The traditional organ is played and a traditional church choir leads the worship.

To get a true sense of the history of Montreal you have to visit the basilica for what would a visit to a French city in Canada be without a visit to its Sacré-Cœur.



Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Various admission fees apply, see the website for the full fee schedule.

Notre Dame Basilica Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sunday: 12:30 – 4:00 PM

Address: 110 R. Notre Dame O, Montréal, QC H2Y 1T1, Canada

Phone: (514) 842-2925

Official Website: Notre Dame Basilica

Notre Dame Basilica Reviews

Rated 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating Unfortunately, the building was under renovation, so some parts were closed off. Still, the atmosphere and architecture were absolutely stunning. The colorful stained glass, high ceilings, and intricate details were truly impressive. Without the renovation, it would have been an even more breathtaking visual experience. Just sitting quietly and taking in the surroundings was peaceful and inspiring. In my opinion, anyone visiting Montreal should definitely see this place — it’s one of the most special spots in the city.
Hilal Beyazal Akkuş - in the last week

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5 Star Rating Dame Basilica is one of the most beautiful places I visited in Montreal. It’s a stunning church with incredible architecture colorful lights, detailed woodwork, and a deep blue ceiling filled with golden stars. The inside is peaceful and absolutely breathtaking. It was my first time seeing a church like this, and I was amazed by the beauty and calm atmosphere. There’s also a special light and sound show called AURA in the evening. Tickets are required for both the regular visit and the AURA show, and you can book them online or at the entrance. Tip:Go early to avoid crowds and take your time exploring. Definitely a must-visit spot in Montreal.
Krati Verma - a month ago

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4 Star Rating This review is strictly based on the outside experience as I did not go inside nor watch the show Aura recently. I did watch Aura a few years back and thought it was pretty entertaining. You should buy tickets to the show beforehand to avoid being disappointed. Notre Dame is a very famous church, both for its history, and architecture. Unfortunately, the church was under renovations the times I've visited. You can still go inside, but the scaffolding takes a bit away from the experience. It's certainly still very much worth paying a visit to! The plaza around the church is also worthwhile as there are statues and historical buildings to take in.
Francis Wu - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating The Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal is an architectural and spiritual masterpiece located in the heart of Old Montreal. Stepping inside feels like entering a sacred palace—the stunning Gothic Revival style, intricate wood carvings, and vibrant stained glass windows immediately captivate visitors. The interior is richly decorated, especially the altar, which glows with deep blues and golds. The ceiling painted with golden stars against a deep blue sky adds a celestial feel. The light and color inside the basilica create a serene, almost magical atmosphere.
Muhammad Tariq - in the last week

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5 Star Rating It is very interesting to look with the light show, which is held in the evening every day. It makes no sense to buy a ticket separately, since there is time after the show, you can see and walk everywhere. With a show, you can’t shoot photos and videos, which is sad. It's very beautiful.Entrance up to 5 years free
Oksana Vlas - a month ago

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Directions

Metro Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Line 2 - OrangePlace-d'Armes4 Minutes

How to get to Notre Dame Basilica by Metro

By Metro: Take Metro Line 2 to Place-d'Armes; exit and go right (south) on St. Urbain Street. You will see the Basilica straight ahead as you approach.

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