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
Neighborhood: Ville-Marie
How to get there
- Place-d'Armes • 3 min walk
- Champ-de-Mars • 8 min walk
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See what travelers are saying
- AoneekaSmyrna, Georgia74 contributionsBeautiful!!!!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.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 22, 2024
- ValBouenvoyageQuebec, Canada1,276 contributionsAfter a year we returned there; always Wow!!Excellent show, the theme is always magnificent, the light effects are spectacular. You can go see my camera from last year, I put all the details there to fully appreciate the show. Additional precision Choose a bench on the right side and in the middle (at the height of the side exit doors) for better observation of the play of light. Yes it’s expensive but it’s definitely worth the time spent in this church!Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 8, 2024
- Alondra M1 contributionNotre-Dame de Paris: A Timeless Marvel of Gothic GrandeurNotre-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.Visited March 2024Traveled soloWritten March 8, 2024
- greeneyes630Maugansville, Maryland2,808 contributionsBeautifulWe 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.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 8, 2024
- Jillian BOttawa, Canada13 contributionsAura Light Show Experience at Basilica is an Incredible Immersive ExperienceWe were there to see the light show; and it did not disappoint! After seeing the show as a couple last year, we decided to come back and bring our kids. The music and lighting, combined with the stunning architecture of the basilica, was incredible. The show isn’t long, but is very immersive and such a cool experience. I’d recommend this experience to anyone visiting Montreal.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 14, 2024
- helenandpaul13Worcester, United Kingdom1,696 contributionsOk if you like that sort of thingWent here for the light show. You need to book in advance and take the metro there. As you walk out of the station you turn right and go up the hill. The Dome is then in front of you. Everyone sits in a pew and the show takes place all around you but you are not allowed to photograph it. The show is about half an hour long, but although mum wanted to see it me and the little one were not impressedVisited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 15, 2024
- dominiquemariscotesHermitage, Tennessee33 contributionsBeautiful and HumblingNotre Dame Basilica is definitely a sight worth seeing, even if to admire the architecture. Private tours are available, but it is openly available to the public to wander in at their leisure. Beautiful stained glass and details at the altars make this at least worth a visit.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 20, 2024
- The_Wanderer1992Columbia, Maryland2,605 contributionsBeautifulMy husband and I visited the basilica while in Montreal. It was beautiful and grand inside. My husband was disappointed that he could not see the pipe organ up close. Even though it was beautiful, it was expensive and they charged for everything.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 24, 2024
- Christina BLouisiana6,962 contributionsAbsolutely StunningWe were on a tour and had the opportunity to visit. There is a $15 fee to enter. My husband wasn’t interested so I went in alone. It is absolutely stunning!! Massive, rich in colors, solid old sculpted wood .. just so much to see. From the stain glass, to the statues & mosaic tiles. I think I was inside about 20 mins, could have stayed longer had I not needed to leave. So much detail to take in. A must see if you are in Montreal!!Visited May 2024Traveled soloWritten May 13, 2024
- Dhwani ParekhUnited States175 contributionsWhat a beauty!The church is stunning and a must-see in Montreal. It costs CAD 15 to enter and the ticketing process is well-managed with organized lines. The line wasn't bad the day we went, and we were inside in about 5 mins. It was crowded inside though but people kept moving.Visited December 2023Traveled with friendsWritten May 19, 2024
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 wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Stephen R
Sydney, Australia1,950 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
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.
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.
Written November 11, 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.
Susan E
Melbourne, FL182 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 June 23, 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.
sanju_222323
New Jersey17,804 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
We started our day 1 from here. I can’t think of a better way to start day 1 of your 2 days Montreal itinerary than a visit to the breathtaking Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal. The interior is truly mesmerizing with the colorful ceiling and gold accents.
Go first thing in the morning as it can quickly become crowded.
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.
One of the most impressive sights in Old Montréal is the spectacular interior of the Notre-Dame Basilica. Located on Place d'Armes, this is Montréal's oldest Catholic parish church, founded in 1656. It stands in a far grander incarnation than the original. The twin towers of the neo-Gothic façade face Place d'Armes
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.
Fact-1: it is not only a church, it is 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.
Ticket: The normal ticket is CAD 16; it also hosts an evening light and sound show that serves to highlight its spectacular architecture. The show is called 'The Aura Experience.'
Go first thing in the morning as it can quickly become crowded.
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.
One of the most impressive sights in Old Montréal is the spectacular interior of the Notre-Dame Basilica. Located on Place d'Armes, this is Montréal's oldest Catholic parish church, founded in 1656. It stands in a far grander incarnation than the original. The twin towers of the neo-Gothic façade face Place d'Armes
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.
Fact-1: it is not only a church, it is 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.
Ticket: The normal ticket is CAD 16; it also hosts an evening light and sound show that serves to highlight its spectacular architecture. The show is called 'The Aura Experience.'
Written August 7, 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.
Bernie
Vancouver, Canada991 contributions
Sep 2024 • Family
The Notre-Dame Basilica (French: Basilique Notre-Dame) is a beautiful minor basilica of the Catholic Church located in the charming Old Montreal district of Montreal, Quebec. It was built in 1672 and is right next to the Saint-Sulpice Seminary, facing the lovely Place d'Armes square.
This stunning landmark is known for its incredible 19th-century Gothic Revival architecture, showcasing fantastic craftsmanship. I'm really excited to visit the church, though the $16.00 sightseeing fee is a bit of a bummer, especially with the long lines to get in. Since I'm short on time, I think I'll explore some other tourist spots instead.
Just a heads up, parking can be quite a challenge around here, so I recommend taking a cab to really make the most of your visit. Enjoy!
This stunning landmark is known for its incredible 19th-century Gothic Revival architecture, showcasing fantastic craftsmanship. I'm really excited to visit the church, though the $16.00 sightseeing fee is a bit of a bummer, especially with the long lines to get in. Since I'm short on time, I think I'll explore some other tourist spots instead.
Just a heads up, parking can be quite a challenge around here, so I recommend taking a cab to really make the most of your visit. Enjoy!
Written October 30, 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.
William O
Westfield, MA79 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
This is a beautiful church to see. It costs $16 a person to get inside so if you have a large family, you can be out some money. We spent about 20 minutes there. It’s worth it to see if you haven’t been to a large ornate church. Notre Dame in Old Quebec City is available at no charge and you can leave a donation of your choice.
Written July 26, 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.
phvi2617
Anaheim, CA745 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
This is Montréal's most famous church, and for good reason. The interior is absolutely stunning, with intricate woodwork painted in brilliant blues, golds, and reds. The altarpiece is particularly detailed and resplendent. It was a bit odd paying an entry fee to visit a church, and the Saturday crowds took a bit of the awe out of the experience, but it's still well worth a visit if you enjoy religious art and architecture.
Written July 6, 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.
Riley S
Vancouver, Canada3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Truth and reconciliation at this church is unheard of. If you are Indigenous I recommend you do not come here because you will likely encounter racist staff. This awful woman pictured smiling in the photo, kicked out an Indigenous woman after she had paid for her ticket and was assisting the rest of our family to buy tickets and come into visit. Her name is Marcia (or something similar), she refused to give her full name after the encounter. Such a shame we were so excited to come and visit the cathedral. Until Marcia accuses an indigenous person of our party sneaking in to your Cathedral, with a valid ticket, we have proof of receipts valid from 9-4:30pm. She would not take a moment to listen to what we had to say without shouting being extremely rude and accusing with a terrible smirk on her face. How embarrassing for us she should be ashamed of herself. Where is the truth and reconciliation? Shame on you Marcia.
Written August 14, 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.
Gill G
Thornhill, Canada99 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 January 9, 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.
Lynn M
West Chester, PA327 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We’ve been to many cathedrals in our travels and this is very special. Take time to read the brass plaques starting from the right rear to capture the history of Montreal in the stained glass panels. Also, while admiring the front and the altar, be sure to turn around and notice the magnificent organ with over 7,000 pipes ranging in diameter from 32 feet to 1/4 inch. Admission fee was fair given the maintenance costs involved with a building of this magnificence.
Written August 11, 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.
Mia Andrea
Los Angeles, CA24 contributions
May 2023
I did the AURA show which I thought was going to be very basic and touristy but was recommended to do it by my tour guide (who's a local). It was WILD! I couldn't help but chuckle at the fact I was watching a laser light show in a church. It felt very much like Disneyland's firework show with all the projections on the walls. Nonetheless, I still recommend it. A bit more expensive than I'd liked it to be but I've never seen anything like this before in this kind of setting. If you're not on a tight budget and want to see a fun light show for 20 min or so, and then get to roam around the church for a bit, I recommend it.
Written May 12, 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?
Written June 23, 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 June 23, 2023
Hi, do they allow service dog inside the basilica?
Written November 13, 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 November 14, 2022
Do you have to make reservation for a visit and how long can we spend inside the basilica
Written September 29, 2022
You can enter at will and no tickets are required. You determine the length of your visit. Enjoy!
Written September 30, 2022
Neither a head covering nor a mask is currently required.
Written July 18, 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 April 20, 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 April 21, 2022

Lorena Moreno
Vila Velha, ES
2 contributions
The Aura is it worth? (O espetáculo Aura vale a pena?)
Written January 3, 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 January 4, 2020
How did they rebuild it after the fire so fast? Is it the original size because it seems smaller?
Written September 27, 2019
Again Montreal not Paris !
Written September 29, 2019
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