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
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: YesNotre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 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 out of 5
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 - 8 months ago
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 - 7 months ago
An extraordinary and beautiful house if worship filled with history and worthy of restoration. I only wish I had spent more time here.
Words are not enough to describe the experience.
William Ascroft - 8 months ago
Nice little chapel and a real gem in Old Montréal, featuring the tomb of Marguerite Bourgeoys. Free entry to the chapel, but if you want the view over the river, you have to buy a ticket and climb the stairs.
Li - a month ago
Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours is one of the oldest churches in Montreal. It was constructed in 1771 upon the grounds of an earlier chapel along Rue St. Paul and next to the Bonsecours Market in Old Montreal. Opening hours are 10am to 6pm daily. Entry is free and there is staff on hand to answer any questions you have about the church history, crypt, ruins or museum.
You'll find a Norman Gothic style, stone exterior with bell tower and fronted by a gilded statue of Mary with the Christ Child. The interior includes a nice ceiling fresco, altarpiece and interesting ships hanging alongside chandeliers along with artworks and stained glass windows. The church also has tomb and connection to St. Marquerite Bourgeoys, founder of the Notre Dame Chapel.
All in all, Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours is a nice little church that can be conveniently seen while sightseeing around Rue St. Paul and the Old Port. Worth a 15 minute visit if you are interested in visiting historic churches during your travels.
BradinHK - 9 months ago
Directions
| Metro Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Line 2 - Orange | Champ-de-Mars | 5 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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Photo Gallery
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Looking towards Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours and Bonsecours Market from Rue St-Paul cc licensed photo by Yuri Long -
Photo Credit: dgjarvis10@gmail.com - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: dgjarvis10@gmail.com - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: dgjarvis10@gmail.com - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: dgjarvis10@gmail.com - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: dgjarvis10@gmail.com - cc license via Flickr
