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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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Ville-Marie
How to get there
- Place-d'Armes • 3 min walk
- Champ-de-Mars • 8 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
- Tracy PCharlestown, Indiana20 contributionsCombo ticketBeautiful and breathtaking church. I did the combo ticket to see the church earlier in the day and the light show in the evening. I wish the light show was in silence - people were loud. The show was wonderful! Also, don’t turn your phone light on in the church- it is blinding to others!Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 3 October 2023
- Nick FAirdrie, Canada132 contributionsA piece of Europe right at homeThis is a little bit of Europe right at home in Canada.. was honestly very impressed with how nice and ornate it was, definitely has the same or better grandeur than most European basilicas. The craftsmanship is incredible. Also they have quite clean and functional bathrooms which is a nice touch. There are some areas that are prayer only so photos should be avoided, and take off hats out of respect. I also lost my wallet inside somewhere.. came back and asked.. they didn't know.. so I went searching and eventually one of the people working there came running for me and they found it! I was and am so genuinely thankful and grateful. My only constructive criticisms are that for $15 per person the amount you get to see seemed limited.. it would be incredible if you could access upper levels. Also the gift shop was inexplicably closed which was sad!Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 October 2023
- SonnySYVancouver, Canada33 contributionsStill looks the same over the years.Third visit to the cathedral over the course of 35 years. First two times were voluntary contribution and this time, an entrance fee was charged. I understand the need for funds, but it is a church and should be open to everyone. Only upgrades were the meditation room at the back of the church and interac machine to light votive candlesVisited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 October 2023
- RG02Swindon, United Kingdom304 contributionsAnother Notre Dame.It’s one of the things to do if you’re in the city. Quite a magnificent building, although not particularly old. The inside is very ornate, with some beautiful stained glass windows on either side of the aisle. The huge organ at the bottom of the nave would be lovely to listen to.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 October 2023
- Diane GAustin, Texas49 contributionsAwe-inspiring!If you're in Montreal, the Basilica is a treat to the eyes and you shouldn't miss it! We did the Aura in the evening too and it was unlike anything we'd ever seen before--utterly amazing! Get there a little early and try to sit in the middle of the church for the best view.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 18 October 2023
- Ron MSaint Thomas, Canada8 contributionsBeautifulWhat a gorgeous building! The architecture, artwork, and stained glass windows were outstanding. We took numerous photos, and this was a visit we’ll never forget. The admission price was reasonable, and we had lots of time to walk about and view whatever we wanted that was available to the public. Afterwards we did a walking tour of Old Montreal where Notre Dame Basilica is located. It was a thoroughly enjoyable morning.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 October 2023
- TERRAvelistaLondon, United Kingdom18,505 contributionsYou have to pay here, unlike Notre Dame in Quebec cityThis is a beautiful cathedral, not as big as Notre Dame in Paris though, but having the same lines, stained windows etc as you find in all the major cathedrals in France, Germany etc - a stated elegance, not enrobed in lots of details as you find in the Portuguese and some Italian or Spanish cathedrals. There was a small queue when we arrived here mid September and we had to pay the entry fee of 18 CAD (I think). All the distances in this part of the town are very small and everything is a nice walk. This area reminds me a lot of many European cities, however downtown Quebec City is more on par with the gorgeous little historic places like Venice and SevilleVisited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 27 October 2023
- Dimitris LSydney, Australia50,924 contributionsBeautiful buildingNotre-Dame Basilica is a beautiful building. We visited during mass when it was full of worshippers. The art work is fantastic and the architecture is brilliant. This is Montreal's oldest Catholic church, dating back to the mid-17th century.Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 November 2023
- Marie-Christine Payette45 contributionsA unique experience you won't forgetI went to see the AURA Experience. It is absolutely amazing. I highly recommend it. The combination of the music and the lights are a great way to highlight the architecture of the Basilica. It's magical. I would see it again because there is just so much to see and I am afraid I missed some details because I was too caught up in the moment.Visited November 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 5 November 2023
- Stephen RSydney, Australia1,952 contributionsStunning basilica!I would recommend booking a combo ticket so you can enjoy the basilica on its own during the day, then come back in the evening for the AURA show. Having visited many cathedrals and basilicas around the world I would say that Notre-Dame is easily amongst the most beautiful, the stunning blue-lit sanctuary in the interior is mesmerising. Dotted around the interior are multiple smaller chapels with detailed explanations of their significance. The AURA show at night is incredible and is a really good way of making use of such a spectacular space. The show is not religious in nature so would be enjoyed by anyone. They don't allow pictures or video during the show and to be honest i think this is the right idea, because it wouldn't do it justice! You truly have to see it for yourself.Visited September 2023Travelled soloWritten 10 November 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.
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4.5
20,422 reviews
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157
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134
889helena12345
Birmingham, UK16 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Beware! Despite taking our money for an online ticket the venue was not actually open - we booked for 9am as we had a train to catch. Tickets were sold for a 9am slot. After waiting outside in the freezing cold for the best part of an hour, we had to leave. There was no sign of any staff members to let us in/speak to, and the queue was approximately 50 people long by this point. Disappointing we were able to book tickets for when the venue was not actually open.
Written 28 April 2022
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.
BlackSavannah
North Vancouver, Canada74 contributions
Nov 2021 • Family
We saw the 9PM AURA show tonite. When we arrived at 8:35, a line was already formed outside. COVID vaccine status was checked and we sat down within 5-10 mins. The light show started at 9:13PM. The lights and the sound effects was really stunning and impressive. After the light show, we were allowed to linger around to take pictures and to walk around the church. We stayed for another 10 mins, took a lot of great picture before we left. The tickets are quite expensive ($34 adult, $22 student) but I would recommend as I don’t think you can see such a unique light show somewhere else.
Remember to buy tickets online at the website.
Remember to buy tickets online at the website.
Written 13 November 2021
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.
wendymurcia87
Canada494 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
The cathedral must be very beautiful day and night, you must pay 8CAD for the entrance, we had already paid for the Aura Event so that included it. The cathedral retains its structure and Gothic architecture very well, which makes it different from most cathedrals. What I really recommend more than just entering the church is to see the AURA Event. It's the best show I've seen in my life.
Written 9 February 2020
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.
Marla E
2 contributions
Nov 2021
The beauty and the richness of decoration on every single surface has to be seen to be believed. Set aside more time than you expect so you can really walk around and examine every nook and cranny.
My feeling every time I come is overpowering awe and wonder. No surface is left untouched. No color goes unused. Everything is embellished with not only paint and gilt but washes of light and gleaming reflections. I alternated between weeping from the beauty and laughing with joy that something like this even exists. If you love art, design, and architecture, this will be a seriously life-changing visit.
Note that tickets can only be purchased online, vaccinations are REQUIRED, and be careful to get tickets for the basilica, not the Aura show.
My feeling every time I come is overpowering awe and wonder. No surface is left untouched. No color goes unused. Everything is embellished with not only paint and gilt but washes of light and gleaming reflections. I alternated between weeping from the beauty and laughing with joy that something like this even exists. If you love art, design, and architecture, this will be a seriously life-changing visit.
Note that tickets can only be purchased online, vaccinations are REQUIRED, and be careful to get tickets for the basilica, not the Aura show.
Written 2 December 2021
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.
Wildflower01945
Amherst, MA736 contributions
Mar 2020
We went specifically for Aura, the light show, and got there 15 minutes early as instructed. This gives you time to look at the cathedral and see the various small light shows they have staged in the alcoves.
The church is really beautiful! I was impressed even before the light show. The show we went to (9pm Saturday) filled the cathedral about 3/4. That is a lot of people. I suggest sitting near the back because then you can see the entire show which is projected from the front sections.
The show about 40 min.: images of seasons, shining lights on the architecture to form designs, laser show. Various music - church to current, which was loud at times. It was lots of fun and well done. Well worth the $69 for 2 seniors and 1 child plus service charge for online reservations. I was glad we had made reservations. The line was long for tickets and it was cold! I chose to have them send the pdf to my phone but the ticket pick up line was not long.
If you found this review helpful, please press thank below.
The church is really beautiful! I was impressed even before the light show. The show we went to (9pm Saturday) filled the cathedral about 3/4. That is a lot of people. I suggest sitting near the back because then you can see the entire show which is projected from the front sections.
The show about 40 min.: images of seasons, shining lights on the architecture to form designs, laser show. Various music - church to current, which was loud at times. It was lots of fun and well done. Well worth the $69 for 2 seniors and 1 child plus service charge for online reservations. I was glad we had made reservations. The line was long for tickets and it was cold! I chose to have them send the pdf to my phone but the ticket pick up line was not long.
If you found this review helpful, please press thank below.
Written 3 March 2020
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.
WindSister04
43 contributions
Jul 2022
So, I'm not really sure what the hype was all about.
The good: I got my ticket online before arriving, so I skipped the line outside. It was unique and quite inspiring to see the incredible architecture. The stained glass was pretty, also, oddly unique to the founding of Montreal (as opposed to more Biblical scenes).
The bad: $15 for entry, only could walk around the main sanctuary (not like you got to see any gardens or the chapel behind the main area). It was super crowded, noisy AF, and people were super disrespectful. Suggested offerings for candles was $2-$15, boxes everywhere asking for donations (like, what does my ticket money support then?).... It was really dark inside, surprisingly dark actually, so it was harder to see the details of the architecture. They said the self tour should be around an hour, but I had trouble filling more than 40 mins. Ultimately, I left with a headache and felt like I should have donated money to somewhere else instead.
Thoughtful idea: instead of paying to walk around, attend a service. There are listings on the church website for when Mass is held, it's open to the public, and you're more likely to get something unique and spiritual than a bunch of tourists acting stupid.
The good: I got my ticket online before arriving, so I skipped the line outside. It was unique and quite inspiring to see the incredible architecture. The stained glass was pretty, also, oddly unique to the founding of Montreal (as opposed to more Biblical scenes).
The bad: $15 for entry, only could walk around the main sanctuary (not like you got to see any gardens or the chapel behind the main area). It was super crowded, noisy AF, and people were super disrespectful. Suggested offerings for candles was $2-$15, boxes everywhere asking for donations (like, what does my ticket money support then?).... It was really dark inside, surprisingly dark actually, so it was harder to see the details of the architecture. They said the self tour should be around an hour, but I had trouble filling more than 40 mins. Ultimately, I left with a headache and felt like I should have donated money to somewhere else instead.
Thoughtful idea: instead of paying to walk around, attend a service. There are listings on the church website for when Mass is held, it's open to the public, and you're more likely to get something unique and spiritual than a bunch of tourists acting stupid.
Written 2 July 2022
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.
Susan E
Melbourne, FL183 contributions
Jun 2023
The Basilica is gorgeous on the inside. If you have been to other famous cathedrals such as Notre Dame de Paris, Chartres, Winchester, Salisbury, etc., you might be surprised by how small it is and due to its age it does not have the history behind it as the others do. I enjoyed just sitting in a pew and taking in the decoration and then walking around to read the plaques and see the work up close. I heard some people grumble about the price to get in ($15 Canadian), but I considered it a donation to preserve the artistry. They do offer organ concerts as part of the ticket price several days a week and I wish I had been there at the right time to hear it. For the record, I was there on a rainy Saturday June morning, arrived about 30 minutes before opening and was first in line to buy a ticket. The queue got long behind me about 10 minutes before they opened.
Written 23 June 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.
Suzanne
177 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
You can't pay at the door you have to pay online only. The staff offer you a WiFi code stood outside and help you navigate the website but I did find it ridiculous I had no choice but to create an account just to look around a place I am unlikely to return to since I was on holiday. There was no guest checkout option. It should not be this difficult to pay and go in, and the emails advertising local Montreal events have already started.
However once inside it is absolutely stunning and worth it.
However once inside it is absolutely stunning and worth it.
Written 26 June 2022
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.
Gill G
Thornhill, Canada102 contributions
Dec 2022
I visited this during a freezing cold Christmas visit in December. Montreal was full of snow and slush, but this beautiful building captivated me from the very first sight and I was not disappointed!
It costs $15 (Canadian) to get in. As there was a steady stream of people going in, I thought it might be busy, but not only was it HUGE, but tourists are respectful, quiet and there was room for everyone.
What an incredible place the Basilica is! There are beautiful glass panels, frescos, paintings and statues absolutely everywhere and the scenery on the ceiling and back fresco is out of this world. There are huge benches for you to sit down, take it all in and even use the prayer room (for the price of a $2 candle). You can take pictures and videos if you wish, which is great, because you won't want to miss ANY of what is inside!
There are also washrooms at the back and the Basilica itself is warm and has a very special atmosphere. Definitely the best place to visit in Montreal in the winter and I would highly recommend anyone go there - it's the best $15 I've spent in a long time.
It costs $15 (Canadian) to get in. As there was a steady stream of people going in, I thought it might be busy, but not only was it HUGE, but tourists are respectful, quiet and there was room for everyone.
What an incredible place the Basilica is! There are beautiful glass panels, frescos, paintings and statues absolutely everywhere and the scenery on the ceiling and back fresco is out of this world. There are huge benches for you to sit down, take it all in and even use the prayer room (for the price of a $2 candle). You can take pictures and videos if you wish, which is great, because you won't want to miss ANY of what is inside!
There are also washrooms at the back and the Basilica itself is warm and has a very special atmosphere. Definitely the best place to visit in Montreal in the winter and I would highly recommend anyone go there - it's the best $15 I've spent in a long time.
Written 9 January 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.
db2411
Moscow, Russia11 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
It's one of the most, if not the most popular sight in Montreal, and you really can miss it if you are travelling through Montreal. During normal open hours you can buy a ticket and go inside. The ticket worth it, but I'm here to talk about what happens outside open hours. In the evening look up the schedule on the website of basilica under "aura" tab. This show is breathtaking, I have never seen anything like this before. It is better than any light show that i have ever visited (I'm sure that this will apply to you after you watch this show). It like 3D cinema but 100 cooler. I strongly reccomend to visit it.
Written 20 February 2020
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?
Written 23 June 2023
If you tell the person at the counter that you want to light a candle at the Saint Anthony statue ( or saint of your choice) they shouldn't charge you, its quite expensive at $15 Canadian to enter so don't feel bad about asking to get in for free! You can always put a couple of bucks in the box if you want. I'm a Catholic so often visit churches when on holidays and feel its a bit cheeky of churches to have a compulsory charge to enter if you wish to worship or even have a bit of a look!
Written 23 June 2023
Hi, do they allow service dog inside the basilica?
Written 13 November 2022
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."
Written 14 November 2022
Do you have to make reservation for a visit and how long can we spend inside the basilica
Written 29 September 2022
You can enter at will and no tickets are required. You determine the length of your visit. Enjoy!
Written 30 September 2022
Neither a head covering nor a mask is currently required.
Written 18 July 2022
Can you visit the basicilca to take photos early in the morning if there is no mass? E.g. 8 AM on a Saturday?
Written 20 April 2022
The hours vary but yes you can go when there are no services. See their website for hours and to buy a ticket.
Written 21 April 2022
Lorena Moreno
Vila Velha, ES
2 contributions
The Aura is it worth? (O espetáculo Aura vale a pena?)
Written 3 January 2020
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.
Written 4 January 2020
How did they rebuild it after the fire so fast? Is it the original size because it seems smaller?
Written 27 September 2019
Again Montreal not Paris !
Written 29 September 2019
combien de temps faut-il compter pour la visiter?
Written 21 September 2019
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
Written 21 September 2019
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