Oratoire St Joseph
A Mini Pilgrimage to the Oratoire St Joseph du Mont-Royal
What a majestic sight the Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal is, as it towers over plush and meticulously kept gardens. The long road which leads one towards the entrance allows one ample time to reflect on the churches beauty as you make your way towards its front entrance. Before reaching the entrance however you will need to climb more than 280 steps! This can be seen as a mini pilgrimage so be sure to wear the proper shoes on your visit to the basilica if you have any intention of going inside.
The architectural style used is that of Italian renaissance complete with a dome, the 'cupola' as is typically seen in the basilica's of Italy. In fact the dome is the second largest dome in the world, the first being Saint Peter's basilica in Rome. The height of the dome is 236 meters. A variety of architects were involved in the construction and design of the church. The most notable of those were Paul Bellot, Dalbé Viau, Lucien Parent, and Alphonse Venne.
The Saint Joseph's Oratory which is situated on Mount Royal is the largest church in Canada, seating 2,400 people with a maximum capacity of 10,000 people. The height of the church towers 129 metres and the length 105 metres.
Construction of the church began in 1904 by Saint Andre' Bessette, C.S.C, however, it was a small chapel at that time, nothing in comparison to the basilica which you will see as it stands today. The church was later enlarged to accommodate for the growing congregation and this is when it was turned into a basilica. With all the expansion and alterations the basilica was finally finished in 1967.
The church was featured on a 49c stamp issued by the Canadian Post in April of 2004. The stamp was designed by Catherine Bradbury and William Stewart. Their design was based on photography of the church done by Bernard Brault.
During your visit to Saint Joseph's Oratory you will not only enjoy the beautiful gardens and lawn that lead up to it, or the magificent architecture itself; for a very small fee, you can also explore the Oratory Museum which is open daily from 11am - 4:30pm and during July and August you can participate in a fully guided tour, also for a small fee. If you get hungry during your visit you can enjoy a breakfast or light lunch along with some great views at the cafeteria.
If you would like to experience a truly Roman Catholic Church service in the largest church in Canada with the atmosphere of reverence that comes with it, then this is definitely a place to visit. If you are simply a fan of renaissance architecture, you will also want to add this to your list of places to see in Montreal.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: There is a small fee to visit the Oratory Museum or to participate in one of the guided tours that are available during July and August. See the offical website for more information.Oratoire St Joseph Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Address: 3800 Ch. Queen Mary, Montréal, QC H3V 1H6, Canada
Phone: (514) 733-8211
Official Website: Oratoire St Joseph
Oratoire St Joseph Reviews
Rated out of 5![]()
Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal is truly one of the most breathtaking and peaceful places to visit in Montreal. The architecture is absolutely stunning, with its majestic dome standing proudly over the city. Whether you’re visiting for spiritual reasons or simply to explore, the atmosphere is calm, inspiring, and deeply moving.
Walking up the steps feels symbolic and meaningful, and once inside, the beauty of the basilica, the stained glass, and the serene prayer areas create a powerful sense of reflection and tranquility. The panoramic view from the top overlooking Montreal is incredible and worth every step.
The grounds are beautifully maintained, and every corner of the Oratory tells a story of faith, history, and dedication. It’s not just a landmark — it’s an unforgettable experience. A must-visit destination when in Montreal.
DM M - 2 months ago
Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal is truly one of Montreal’s most magnificent and peaceful landmarks. Whether you’re visiting for spiritual reasons, architectural beauty, or simply to enjoy the panoramic view of the city, this place never disappoints.
The architecture is breathtaking, combining grandeur and serenity in a way that instantly captures your attention. Inside, the main basilica is vast, calm, and filled with light, and the smaller chapels offer a more intimate and reflective atmosphere. Even if you’re not religious, you can feel the sense of peace and devotion that fills the space.
The view from the top of Mount Royal is stunning, especially at sunset—you can see much of Montreal’s skyline and beyond. The gardens and surrounding grounds are beautifully maintained, perfect for a quiet walk or just sitting and taking in the view.
There’s also a museum and a small gift shop that are worth visiting, and the staff and volunteers are kind and welcoming. The climb up the steps is symbolic for many visitors, and even if you just go halfway, it’s a meaningful experience.
Overall, the Oratory is a must-see attraction in Montreal—a place that combines spirituality, history, and natural beauty in a way that stays with you long after your visit.
H&M - 5 months ago
An absolutely stunning and peaceful place. The architecture is impressive, both inside and out, and the views over Montreal are beautiful, especially on a clear day. Despite being a major landmark, it feels calm and reflective, which makes it a great place to slow down and take it all in.
The interior is vast yet serene, and the history behind the Oratory adds real depth to the visit. Whether you are religious or not, it is worth coming here for the atmosphere alone. One of the most memorable spots in Montreal.
George Chalhoub - 4 months ago
One of Montreal's gems! This outstanding piece of architecture is definitely a must-see. As opposed to Notre Dame, the entrance is free. If you are Catholic, there is a priest available for object blessings. Make sure you visit everything: the Basilica, the crypt and the Garden of the Cross (closed in the winter). Great place for watching the sunset. Simply iconic!
Roberto Araujo Chahad - 3 months ago
Most serene sunset I have seen so far. People were sitting, playing instruments, enjoying the sunset. The best place to be in the evening is there. The church experience was also pretty nice, and the interior of the church has such intricate architecture – a must-visit place. There was a lot of crowd, so if you don't like crowds, maybe try taking seats a bit downstairs from the actual viewing points. Going down those long stairs revived the inner child in me.
Simran Ravish - 4 months ago
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Directions
| Metro Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Line 5 - Blue | Côte-des-Neiges | 8 Minutes |
How to get to Oratoire St Joseph by Metro
By Metro: Take Metro LIne 5 to Station Côte-des-Neiges; exit to your right (south) along Côte-des-Neiges Road then go right on Queen Mary Road to the entrance.
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Photo Gallery
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View from St Joseph's Oratory cc licensed photo by Eduardo Zárate -
Photo Credit: Andrew-1 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupilami92 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Joe Passe - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: quinet - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: A Disappearing Act - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: A Disappearing Act - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: jcneto - cc license via Flickr

