Notre-Dame Basilica Montreal
A masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture, this basilica captivates with its celestial blue ceiling and vibrant stained glass.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the magical light show
Notre-Dame Basilica Montreal
Best Time
Experience the magical light show
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture, this basilica captivates with its celestial blue ceiling and vibrant stained glass.
"The AURA light show is an unforgettable blend of music, lights, and storytelling that brings the space to life."
🎟️ Book AURA Tickets Early
AURA is popular! Secure your tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment.
🤫 Be Respectful During Mass
It's an active church. Keep noise low and avoid photos during services.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 37,385 reviews
Type
Church
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
AURA Light Show
An immersive blend of music, lights, and storytelling that brings the basilica to life. Truly magical!
Intricate Gothic Architecture
Marvel at the soaring ceilings, vibrant stained-glass windows, and detailed woodwork. A feast for the eyes.
Deep Blue Celestial Ceiling
The iconic ceiling, adorned with thousands of gold stars, creates a breathtaking celestial effect.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book AURA Tickets in Advance
Respect the Sacred Space
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Went to mass at Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal today
Pro tip: if you are asked for money in order to enter the Basilica, just tell the guards/staff that you'd like to go in to pray. Works everytime.
🎟️ Book AURA Tickets Early
AURA is popular! Secure your tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment.
🤫 Be Respectful During Mass
It's an active church. Keep noise low and avoid photos during services.
Notre-Dame Basilica Sightseeing Visit vs Aura
Hey everyone! I'll be visiting Montreal for a very short period and can only do either of the Sightseeing Visit and Aura. I'm a huge architecture fan and want to see all that this place has to show. Will I get enough time and access, either before or after the show, to see it…
Notre Dame Basilica
Glorious.
✨ Attend Sunday Mass for Free
Experience the basilica and its beauty without an entry fee by attending Sunday Mass.
📸 Photography Etiquette
Be mindful of others and avoid flash photography, especially near prayer areas.
Visiting The Notre Dame Cathedral
For clarification, Montreal's Notre Dame, in the old port, isn't a cathedral, it is a basilica. Montreal \*does\* have a cathedral, which is called Marie Reine du Monde (Mary Queen of the World), and is located downtown. It is worth a visit if you are into religious buildings…
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book AURA Tickets Early
AURA is popular! Secure your tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment.
🤫 Be Respectful During Mass
It's an active church. Keep noise low and avoid photos during services.
✨ Attend Sunday Mass for Free
Experience the basilica and its beauty without an entry fee by attending Sunday Mass.
📸 Photography Etiquette
Be mindful of others and avoid flash photography, especially near prayer areas.
🚶 Explore Old Montreal
Combine your visit with a stroll through the charming streets of Old Montreal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Notre-Dame Basilica Montreal for its breathtaking architecture and the magical AURA light show. Many are awestruck by the intricate details and the serene atmosphere, finding it a profoundly beautiful and uplifting experience. Some note that while it's a place of worship, the visual splendor makes it a must-see for all.
"Unforgettable Experience at Montreal Notre-Dame Basilica.
Even if you're not religious, the AURA light show at Montreal’s Notre-Dame Basilica is absolutely worth seeing. The basilica itself is stunning, with its deep blue ceiling and intricate Gothic architecture. But the real highlight is the AURA show—an immersive blend of music, lights, and storytelling that brings the space to life.
The story is easy to follow and beautifully presented. Outside, the square is full of energy with street performers and local charm. Inside, it’s pure magic. Highly recommend this to anyone visiting Montreal!"
Gabriel
"It was a wonderful experience visiting this church. It made me feel truly amazed. Learning about its history made it even more meaningful.
Although part of the building is under renovation, every corner of the church is full of beautiful and intricate details.
Even though there were a lot of people inside, most were very respectful. However, I did notice one or two people trying to take photos inside the prayer room, which was disappointing. I think it would be helpful if someone could guide visitors near the prayer area to remind them to be quiet and respectful.
After I finished praying, people continued to take photos and talk, which made me feel a bit upset.
Overall, it was an incredible experience to visit such a stunning and historic building in Montreal. I would definitely recommend it to everyone."
min nie
"Went to the Basilica for a light and music concert/show. It was amazing. Goes without saying the building is beautiful. Very awe inspiring. So much details and ornate architecture. Worth checking out."
Simon R
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Notre-Dame Basilica Montreal is conveniently located in Old Montreal. You can easily reach it by public transport, with several bus routes stopping nearby. The closest metro station is Place-d'Armes. Walking from the metro is also a pleasant option, taking about 5-10 minutes. Driving is possible, but parking in Old Montreal can be challenging and expensive.
Yes, Notre-Dame Basilica is very accessible by public transport. The Place-d'Armes metro station (Orange Line) is a short walk away. Several bus lines also serve the area, making it easy to reach from various parts of Montreal.
Parking near Notre-Dame Basilica can be difficult. There are several paid parking lots and street parking options in Old Montreal, but they can fill up quickly and be costly. Consider using public transport or ride-sharing services for a more convenient experience.
Yes, Notre-Dame Basilica is a prominent landmark situated in the heart of Old Montreal, making it a central part of any visit to the historic district.
For ease and to avoid parking hassles, taking the metro to Place-d'Armes and walking is often recommended. It's a scenic route through Old Montreal.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a paid admission fee is required for sightseeing visits to Notre-Dame Basilica. However, attending Sunday Mass grants free entry. The AURA light show also requires a separate ticket.
Ticket prices for sightseeing visits are typically around $15 CAD for adults. Prices for the AURA light show are separate and can vary. It's best to check the official website for the most current pricing.
You can visit Notre-Dame Basilica for free by attending Sunday Mass. For general sightseeing, an admission fee applies.
Tickets for sightseeing visits and the AURA light show can be purchased online through the official Notre-Dame Basilica Montreal website or at the ticket office on-site. Booking online in advance is highly recommended, especially for AURA.
Opening hours vary depending on the season and if there are special events or services. Generally, the basilica is open for sightseeing during the day, with specific hours for AURA shows in the evening. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date schedule.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
AURA is an immersive multimedia experience that uses light, music, and projection mapping to tell the story of the basilica's architecture and history. It's a popular evening attraction.
Many visitors find the AURA light show to be an unforgettable and magical experience, highly recommending it for its stunning visuals and emotional impact.
Photography is generally permitted inside Notre-Dame Basilica, but flash photography is discouraged, especially during services or quiet times. Be respectful of other visitors and the sacred nature of the space.
Parts of the basilica may occasionally be under renovation, but efforts are made to ensure that visitors can still experience its beauty. Check the official website for any specific closure information.
There is no strict dress code for sightseeing, but it's advisable to dress respectfully, as it is a place of worship. For attending Mass, more formal attire is appreciated.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no restaurants located directly inside Notre-Dame Basilica. However, the surrounding Old Montreal area is filled with a wide variety of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining establishments.
Old Montreal offers numerous excellent dining choices. You can find everything from traditional Quebecois cuisine to international flavors. Popular spots include restaurants along Rue Saint-Paul and Place Jacques-Cartier.
It is generally not permitted to bring food or drinks inside the basilica to maintain its cleanliness and sanctity. Please consume any food or beverages outside before entering.
📸 📸 Photography
The main nave, with its stunning blue ceiling and intricate details, offers incredible photo opportunities. The altar area and the vibrant stained-glass windows are also highly photogenic.
Flash photography is generally discouraged inside Notre-Dame Basilica to respect the atmosphere and prevent damage to the delicate artwork and stained glass.
Daytime visits offer natural light through the stained-glass windows, creating beautiful colors. Evening visits are ideal for capturing the AURA light show.
Tripods may be restricted, especially during busy periods or services, to avoid obstructing other visitors. It's best to check with staff on-site if you plan to use one.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit