Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel
Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum

A magnificent old chapel, a museum and an archaeological site all in one, there is much to explore at Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel

Beautiful picture of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours at night
Beautiful picture of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours at night cc licensed photo by Jazmin Million

Montreal has not just one, but two Notre-Dame churches, both located in Old Montreal. The Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel is a magnificent building, both inside and out.

The chapel that is currently on the site was built in 1771 which is very old by North American standards. It replaced the original Chapel which was completed in 1678 but later, with the exception of the stature and the reliquary, was destroyed by a fire in 1754.

Located on the Saint Lawrence River the chapel was a popular place of worship and prayer for sailors who came into the port and thus became widely known as the sailor's church. Replicas of sailing ships hang from the ceiling as a reminder of this heritage. Speaking of the ceiling, it, along with the rest of the interior, are nothing short of spectacular.

A visit to the chapel would not be complete without also visiting the Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum located within. Marguerite Bourgeoys who lived in the 17th century was the first teacher in Montreal and it was her who founded the original Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel. The museum features a collection of art and artifacts that highlight the culture and history surrounding the chapel and its founder.

A bonus to visiting the museum is the opportunity to go up into the chapel tower which will afford you an excellent view of the Old Port of Montreal and the Saint Lawrence river.

But wait - there is even more to this interesting site! Below the floor of the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours is a remarkable archaeological site that was unearthed in 1996-1997 that unearthed not only the foundations of the original chapel and evidence of the fire, but also native artifacts dating back more than 2400 years; fascinating stuff indeed.

You can also inquire if there is an expert guide available to explore the museum with you in person. When available, there is no additional charge for this service.

Note that the museum is closed from the middle of January through April 30th except for prearranged group tours.



Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes

Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Address: 400 Rue Saint-Paul E, Montréal, QC H2Y 1H4, Canada

Phone: (514) 282-8670

Official Website: Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel

Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel Reviews

Rated 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating A Moving Visit to the Sailors' Church Nestled in the heart of Old Montreal, the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel is a place of profound peace and fascinating history. The chapel's beautiful architecture, preserved over centuries, offers a glimpse into Montreal's past, creating a serene and reflective atmosphere from the moment you step inside. Its intimate scale makes it a truly special and welcoming spiritual home. One of the most unique and touching features of the chapel is the collection of small boat models hanging from the ceiling. It is so good to see these votive offerings, each one placed there as a prayer by sailors and their families for safe passage on their voyages. These ships are a powerful symbol of faith and hope, and they give the chapel a distinctive maritime character that tells a story of Montreal's deep connection to the sea. Whether you are seeking a moment of quiet contemplation or are interested in the rich history of the city, a visit to Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours is a must. The combination of its lovely architecture and the unique tradition of the sailors' prayers makes it a memorable and moving experience.
Herberth Aguilar - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Had a very special trip here this summer. A beautiful chapel and the real gem is to take the tour and explore the undercroft built by Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys. There is a great tour guide here. I can’t recall his name but he has long hair and studies Alexander the Great. He gave a fantastic tour and telling if the history of this place. Truly a worthwhile visit if in Montreal. 5/5.
Jeff Panaka - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating Must visit. The chapel is free and beautiful. The museum and balcony are for ticket purchase on the second floor. Can be purchased separately. Great view from two different floors of the city and St Lawrence River. Probably cheaper too.
Greggy Chua - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Beautiful chapel! Entry is free to the main building to pray and/or look around. There is a small fee ($16 I believe at the time) to visit the Museum and gain access to the Tower Lookout. The view from the top of the tower is great, though it can be difficult to ascend the stairs for those with disabilities. It was also great to learn more about St. Margaret Bourgeois and the pivotal role she played in the development of Montreal.
Damian Frederick - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating Visited on a Sunday. Entrance was free, and it was a rainy day, so it wasn't hectic. It's a beautiful historic church. Loved the stained glass. A must-see when in the area. My kids loved it, and they are easily bored.
Through_Barb_Eyes - 3 months ago

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Directions

Metro Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Line 2 - OrangeChamp-de-Mars5 Minutes

How to get to Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel by Metro

By Metro: Make your way to Champ-de-Mars Metro Station on Line 2 and take the Saint_Antoine Sud (South) exit. Walk to your right (south) along Rue Gosford to Rue Saint Paul and turn to your left. The chapel is on the right hand side just beyond Bonsecour Market.

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