Summary
Quebec has some pretty stunning churches, and anyone who’s seen Montreal’s Notre-Dame Basilica knows it makes the short list. The top of the short list. Scroll further below for information on visiting the basilica.
Notre-Dame Basilica Dates Back to the 17th Century
Declared a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1982, the Notre-Dame Basilica was originally Notre-Dame Church, a smaller, humbler place of worship that was first dedicated in 1682. This was after a decade of building efforts culminated in its eventual consecration under the care of the Catholic Church’s Sulpician Order, the group that founded Ville-Marie, Montreal’s first and oldest borough.
However, by 1824, it was evident that the original church was no longer sufficient to accommodate the congregation’s growing numbers. Consequently, construction began on today’s familiar twin-tower Gothic revival exterior, designed by James O’Donnell, a Protestant Irish American. The church portion was officially opened in 1830, and the Basilica’s two signature towers were fully completed by 1843. At the time, it was the largest church in North America.
The interior was a different story and began its elaborate detailing once the exterior was more or less complete. The artistry associated with the Basilica took well over a generation to fully realize. Tweaks and additions, including one of its most striking features—a small chapel consecrated at the end of 1891 known as the Chapel of Notre-Dame du Sacré-Cœur—have been integral to the structure’s evolution.
Visiting the Notre-Dame Basilica: Visitor Information
Notre-Dame Basilica is one of Montreal’s most popular attractions, offering an imposing architectural sight with an interior you might expect to find in the heart of Paris. However, in this case, you’re only blocks away from the water’s edge of a New World port, in a cobblestone neighborhood that feels like stepping into an old-world picture book.
Notre-Dame Basilica Address
110 Notre-Dame Street West, corner of Place d’Armes
Montréal (Québec) H2Y 1T2
MAP
Tel: (514) 842-2925
How Long Does It Take to Tour Notre-Dame Basilica?
The duration of your visit depends on whether you plan on attending Mass or not. Touring the entire building and chapel could take anywhere from 30 minutes to 90 minutes. A guided tour is offered to visitors at the hour and half-hour on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Note that this schedule is subject to change to accommodate funerals, weddings, and other activities at the Basilica.
When Is Mass?
Mass is celebrated Monday to Friday at 7:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., Saturdays at 5 p.m., and Sundays at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and 5 p.m. The Sunday 11 a.m. mass features live organ music and the Basilica choir. Be advised that services are conducted in French, and schedules may change without notice. For detailed Mass schedule information, please check the official Notre-Dame Basilica website.
When Is the Notre-Dame Basilica Open?
The Basilica opens for prayer at 7:30 a.m. daily. The church welcomes visitors Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Again, this schedule is subject to change to accommodate funerals, weddings, and various activities at the Basilica.
Admission Fees
Modest entrance fees help maintain the Basilica’s pristine condition. Regular admission is $5, ages 7 to 17 are $4, while children aged 6 and under can enter for free. A twenty-minute guided tour is included with admission. Please note that entry for prayer, Mass (except at Christmas and Easter where a small fee is generally charged), Confession, meditation, and participation in the liturgy of the hours remains free.
Parking
Regular metered parking is available on the surrounding streets.
Food Options Near Notre-Dame Basilica
Beware Old Montreal’s tourist traps. The neighborhood has an abundance of them. However, here are some recommendations that have been vetted to ensure a trap-free experience.
Roughly one block away from Notre-Dame Basilica is Kyo, a Japanese izakaya that comes highly recommended. A longer walk east will take you to Le Bremner or heading west leads to Barroco—both excellent fine dining options representing some of the best culinary offerings Montreal has to provide. The former is casual and seafood-oriented, while the latter is upscale and features Franco-Spanish cuisine. For those on a tighter budget looking for a quick bite during the daytime, a short walk (5-10 minutes) from the Basilica leads to Harmonie Bakery and Johnny Chin’s dragon beard candy stand, two popular spots in Montreal’s Chinatown. Keep in mind that neither has seating—you simply order and go.
This profile serves informational purposes only. The opinions expressed are independent of public relations and promotional bias, aimed at directing readers as honestly and helpfully as possible.
Notre-Dame Basilica in Photos
