Notre-Dame Basilica
Notre-Dame Basilica
4.5
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.
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
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,231 within 5 kms
Attractions
493 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Mobile4384207 contributionsAmazing DetailThis beautiful church is a must see when visiting the Old Port of Montreal. The intricate details, artwork, staircase, organ, and stained glass were stunning. It was a warm place to sit and just soak in your surroundings. It was reasonable priced for an activity that does not have a time limit on it.Visited March 2023Written 21 March 2023
- Tina SWashington DC, District of Columbia119 contributionsVisit if the Notre Dame ChurchLoved this church, the architecture was amazing and the tour was very educational. I learned so much about the extraordinary women’s who made major impacts during that time. The credit card machines near the prayer candles takes away from the spiritual experience.Visited March 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 30 March 2023
- Mary-LuciaBBedford, Canada66 contributionsBeautiful church, worth it to see the artistry and outdoor groundsA must see attraction in Old Quebec inside and out! The grounds are lovely and you’d think you were in a European city with the old world charm and stained glass. The kids loved the outdoor spaces and it was a great sight seeing excursion for the whole family!Visited May 2022Travelled with familyWritten 30 March 2023
- StormyWindLondon, United Kingdom164 contributionsWonderful Mesmerising Light ShowAbsolutely spectacular light show in the basilica, unlike anything I have ever seen before. We were mesmerised. Funny thing to say as we were in a religious building but the experience itself was quasi-religious. I recommend very highly, one of the best things I have ever seen. Weekly at 7pm and 9pm except Sundays, easy to book online …Visited March 2023Travelled with familyWritten 1 April 2023
- Trevor ANew York City, New York77 contributionsAbsolutely GorgeousWhat a gorgeous site! It was made even better by going to the Aura light show. Going earlier in the day to see the church as it is was a good idea, so we could see the differences during the light show.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 April 2023
- OmanRobCanmore, Canada1,369 contributionsGo see Aura immersive experienceThe basilica is impressive in itself but the Aura immersive experience is simply breathtaking. It’s like Disney married the Catholic Church and Hans Zimmer wrote the score - it’s simply awe inspiring GO SEE IT ! RobVisited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 April 2023
- DrJimmy33982Fort Myers, Florida87 contributionsMust SeeI highly recommend taking the (optional) AURA experience. Aside from that, the main sanctuary and altar area is as impressive as it gets in any RCC anywhere on Earth. Of course, the balconies are closed. A very holy place indeedVisited April 2023Written 7 April 2023
- Renee S4 contributionsAbsolutely BeautifulWe like touring old churches whenever we visit new cities. The Notre-Dame in Montreal is the most beautiful that I’ve seen. It’s very easy to get tickets to visit during the day. However I would strongly suggest waiting and getting tickets to the AURA show as it is even more magical and majestic. The cathedral is absolutely beautiful and even more than what you would ever expect in a historical church.Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 7 April 2023
- Laurie WSeoul, South Korea235 contributionsRespiteWe went during cold weather and ducking into this beautiful church was a welcome respite; peaceful, historical, a wonderful moment to reflect on how lucky you are to be able to travel. A nice tour and then off for a fabulous lunch at a nearby restaurant. Great fun! Book online so you have your ticket and can sweep past the amateurs!Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 April 2023
- Kelly J5 contributionsBreathtakingOur visit was an experience neither will forget. We entered the basilica and were so taken in by the beauty of it, we didn't even realize we had separated. Then we sat in stunned silence. I don't think anyone should visit Montreal without visiting Notre-Dame. I am so grateful that I did and understand now why the French wept in the streets when the one in Paris burned. I will be forever haunted by the majesty of Montreal's most sacred treasure.Visited April 2023Written 17 April 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
20,329 reviews
Excellent
15,013
Very good
4,218
Average
809
Poor
157
Terrible
132
greeneyes630
Maugansville, MD687 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
We bought tickets for the evening light show. We were given the opportunity to walk around the Cathedral before and after the show. The light show was okay. I don’t think there is more the choreographers could do. Husband hated the lasers. I just love the church and artifacts. It’s a beautiful church.
Written 9 March 2024
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.
Alondra M
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Solo
Notre-Dame is a timeless masterpiece of Gothic architecture, captivating visitors with its stunning beauty and history. From the intricate sculptures that adorn its façade to the majestic stained glass windows that illuminate its interior, every detail of this cathedral tells a story of craftsmanship and devotion. Its importance transcends mere architecture; It symbolizes the heart of Paris and the spirit of France. Entering Notre-Dame is like stepping back in time, where one can feel the echoes of centuries past through its halls. A visit to this emblematic place is a journey through history and a profound experience that captivates in every sense.
Written 8 March 2024
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.
Aoneeka
Smyrna, GA74 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Oh my god! Pun intended. I love visiting extravagant churches with beautiful architecture and this one did not disappoint. I will say the tour doesn’t take that long and the reason I said oh my god about my visit is because we went to the Arua experience in the evening. The lighting designers for the Arua experience are incredible artists and put together an incredible immersive light show complete with moving projections and detailed lighting to highlight the beauty within the building. If the Arua experience is still around go because it is worth the price.
Written 22 February 2024
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.
Ruth H
North Vancouver6 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Notre -Dame is worth the visit. It's simply breathtaking and such intricacy is hard to see in our modern time. From the carvings to the mosaic on the dome and the stained glass..it's really quite stunning.
Written 18 January 2024
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.
R. K. V.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam2,590 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
outstanding. an absolutely stunning interior worth seeing even at the exorbitant ticket costs required for a religious location.
Written 9 January 2024
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.
Amilcar Guzman
Harwood Heights, IL545 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
A historic and simply beautiful building in Montreal. A simply must see if you are a fan of history, gothic architecture or chuches!
Written 4 January 2024
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.
Lynna H
Gettysburg, PA3 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
It’s a spectacular experience on the inside. Not one that I was expecting. I’m glad I paid the $15 to go in and see it. Highly recommended.
Written 2 January 2024
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.
Charlotte S
3 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Looks just like the photos. A definite must in my opinion. Was breathtaking and the highlight of our trip to Montreal. Feels so peaceful and serene. The architecture and history leaves you stunned.
Written 30 December 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.
TheMahdi
Boracay, Philippines164 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
A beautiful and elegant basilica to visit.
Located in Old Montreal rests an old Notre Dame Montreal.
It has a large organ with 7000pipes and has beautiful interior.
The wood statues are wonderfully crafted and definitely a place to visit.
There is an entrance fee of CAD15 per person. (The only Church/Basilica with entrance fee in Montreal).
Located in Old Montreal rests an old Notre Dame Montreal.
It has a large organ with 7000pipes and has beautiful interior.
The wood statues are wonderfully crafted and definitely a place to visit.
There is an entrance fee of CAD15 per person. (The only Church/Basilica with entrance fee in Montreal).
Written 17 December 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.
Journey612225
Concord, Canada1 contribution
Apr 2023 • Family
Amazing, fantastic , have fun riding a carriage driven by the horse, Also, I was in awe when I see the”Basilica of Notre Dame” so….. beautiful!, amazing!!!We went shopping too!!! Beautiful city”!!!!!
Written 13 December 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.
IF I just want to enter to look around , do I still need to buy a ticket?
Travread
Baltimore, MD172 contributions
Yes, I believe a ticket will be needed unless you have something very specific.
nursemac
Lake Hiawatha, NJ24 contributions
Hi, do they allow service dog inside the basilica?
BD Mom
Black Diamond, Canada5 contributions
I emailed them and this is the response: "Yes they are, but please have your documentation / certificate with you as you will have to show it when entering the Basilica."
Do you have to make reservation for a visit and how long can we spend inside the basilica
tweedybird26
Floral Park, NY767 contributions
You can enter at will and no tickets are required. You determine the length of your visit. Enjoy!
BackPacker21458
Leesburg, VA
Is a head covering required for Mass?
maryel998
Gulfport, FL290 contributions
Neither a head covering nor a mask is currently required.
Lorena Moreno
Vila Velha, ES2 contributions
The Aura is it worth? (O espetáculo Aura vale a pena?)
on_the_go_98765
Tucson18,350 contributions
Yes. It is a unique experience. The lights, sound, and the beauty of the church is really something without equal. The description for the event is as follows:
"Light unveils the richness of the Notre-Dame Basilica’s heritage and invites us to celebrate its beauty.
The experience begins with a path of lights, revealing the Basilica’s wealth of exquisite works. A progressive immersion into a sonically and visually captivating universe guides visitors to the heart of Notre-Dame.
Then, light, orchestral music and grandiose architecture combine to create a unique, three-act multimedia spectacle.
Allow yourself to be transported by AURA and discover an unexpected, stunning universe presented upon one of the most sublime canvases imaginable: the Notre-Dame Basilica."
Do buy your tickets in advance. It does sell out. Lines at the door can be long so maybe plan to buy your tickets early and then come back a show time.
How did they rebuild it after the fire so fast? Is it the original size because it seems smaller?
46oceangirl
Westford, MA1,715 contributions
Again Montreal not Paris !
elodieanoumea
Rocbaron, France182 contributions
combien de temps faut-il compter pour la visiter?
1550 samuelo
Queretaro City, Mexico83 contributions
El show de luces y sonido dura aproximadamente 20 min, creo que 40 min extras para la catedral es suficiente, pero depende de los gustos e intereses de cada persona
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Frequently Asked Questions about Notre-Dame Basilica
- Hotels near Notre-Dame Basilica:
- (0.10 km) Hôtel Place d'Armes Old Montreal
- (0.14 km) Le Saint-Sulpice Hotel Montréal
- (0.19 km) Hotel Nelligan
- (0.18 km) Hôtel Bonaparte
- (0.22 km) Le Petit Hotel Saint-Paul
- Restaurants near Notre-Dame Basilica:
- (0.04 km) Maison Bagatelle
- (0.06 km) Ssense
- (0.13 km) Kyo Bar Japonais
- (0.09 km) Brasserie 701
- (0.14 km) Ristorante Quattro
- Attractions near Notre-Dame Basilica:
- (0.04 km) AURA Experience
- (0.04 km) Parc de La Presse
- (0.04 km) Maisonneuve Monument
- (0.04 km) Native Tours
- (0.05 km) Boutique Et Galerie Legende