Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal (Basilique Notre-Dame de Montreal)
#2 in Best Things To Do in Montreal
1 of 3
2 of 3Price & Hours
Details
Scorecard
- Value 4.0
- Facilities 4.0
- Atmosphere 5.0
Adorned with intricate statues, colorful stained-glass windows and the famous 12-ton Jean-Baptiste bell, Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal is one of the city's most visited sites. In addition to welcoming tourists and worshippers, it also hosts an evening light and sound show that serves to highlight its spectacular architecture.
Highlights
Canada’s first Gothic Revival church was constructed in 1829, designated a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1982 and declared a National Historic Site of Canada in 1989. The site of many state funerals including, former Prime Minister Pierre-Elliott Trudeau, notable weddings like that of Celine Dion, and memorable musical performances, such as those by Luciano Pavarotti, the basilica is much more than a church. Among the church's highlights are a 7,000-pipe Casavant organ, its stained-glass windows, which were designed by Québec artist Jean-Baptiste Lagacé and tell the story of Montréal's history, and the interior decor, which is carved, painted and adorned with gold leaf.
AURA
AURA, a ticketed light and sound show that features the splendid Casavant organ, takes place Monday through Saturday evenings.
Recent reviews
Recent visitors said the basilica is a must-see, calling the stained-glass windows, carvings, altarpieces and artwork stunning. A few were disappointed that you have to pay to enter the church, but most said it's worth the ticket cost. The AURA presentation is said to be magical and awe-inspiring.
Hours
The Notre-Dame Basilica towers high over the cobblestone streets of Vieux-Montréal (accessible from the Orange Line's Place-d'Armes métro station) and is open to visitors Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and on Sunday from 12:30 to 4 p.m.
Tickets
Timed tickets to the basilica are available online for CA$16 (around $11.75) for adults and CA$10 (around $7.25) for kids ages 6 to 16. A free guided tour is included or you can explore on your own. Tickets to AURA are available for an additional fee online.
For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit the Notre-Dame Basilica's website.
More Best Things To Do in Montreal
#1 Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)
As the site of the original city of Montréal, Vieux-Montréal (accessible from the Orange Line's Place-d'Armes and Champ-de-Mars métro stations) is the hub of the city's history.
The beautiful limestone-clad 18th- and 19th-century buildings have been rescued from demolition and restored despite the city's rapid urbanization. Horse-drawn carriages traverse cobblestone streets and trot past such notable sites as Notre-Dame Basilica, Montréal City Hall, built in 1878, and the monumental Bonsecours Market, a restored heritage building that houses art, design and craft stores.
As the site of the original city of Montréal, Vieux-Montréal (accessible from the Orange Line's Place-d'Armes and Champ-de-Mars métro stations) is the hub of the city's history.
The beautiful limestone-clad 18th- and 19th-century buildings have been rescued from demolition and restored despite the city's rapid urbanization. Horse-drawn carriages traverse cobblestone streets and trot past such notable sites as Notre-Dame Basilica, Montréal City Hall, built in 1878, and the monumental Bonsecours Market, a restored heritage building that houses art, design and craft stores.
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