
Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery
A sprawling historic cemetery featuring impressive funerary art, a replica of Michelangelo's Pietà, and a peaceful, park-like atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling historic cemetery featuring impressive funerary art, a replica of Michelangelo's Pietà, and a peaceful, park-like atmosphere.
"A vast and historically rich site, appreciated for its serene atmosphere and impressive funerary art."

Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cemetery is vast; comfortable footwear is essential for exploring its many paths. :athletic_shoe:
Check Hours Before Visiting
Confirm Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery hours online to ensure access during your planned visit. :clock1:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Replica of Michelangelo's Pietà
Chapel
A striking replica of Michelangelo's masterpiece, offering a moment of reflection and artistic appreciation.

War Graves Section
Various sections
A solemn tribute to fallen soldiers, featuring numerous military headstones and a poignant reminder of sacrifice.

Architectural Mausoleums
Throughout the cemetery
Explore grand mausoleums and ornate family crypts showcasing diverse architectural styles and historical significance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Vast Grounds
Understanding Cemetery Services
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery in Montreal, Québec. The grave of Rene Angélil, Celine Dion's manager/husband.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cemetery is vast; comfortable footwear is essential for exploring its many paths. :athletic_shoe:
Check Hours Before Visiting
Confirm Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery hours online to ensure access during your planned visit. :clock1:
Can you walk through Mont Royal cemetery on closed days?
Any cemeteries/graveyards with no gates that are good for a spooky late-night stroll?
Bring a Map
A Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery map is helpful for navigating the grounds and finding specific burial sites. :world_map:
Respectful Conduct
Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor throughout your visit to honor the resting places. :pray:
Headstone Preservation in Montreal
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cemetery is vast; comfortable footwear is essential for exploring its many paths. :athletic_shoe:
Check Hours Before Visiting
Confirm Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery hours online to ensure access during your planned visit. :clock1:
Bring a Map
A Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery map is helpful for navigating the grounds and finding specific burial sites. :world_map:
Respectful Conduct
Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor throughout your visit to honor the resting places. :pray:
Inquire About Services
If seeking information on Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery burials or services, contact administration in advance. :envelope:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery is a vast and historically rich site, appreciated for its serene atmosphere and impressive funerary art, including a replica of Michelangelo's Pietà. However, some visitors have reported significant issues with cemetery administration regarding plot maintenance and communication, leading to disappointment for those seeking timely service.
"A large cemetery of the Catholic faith in the "rural" tradition favoured in the Americas. Nice, calming, but such a design creates considerable open space. Indeed, time is taking its toll, but the descendents of the deceased should embrace their family and the resulting duties. On a Sunday visit in Spring 2024, I saw caring families out in the cemetery taking on the task of cleaning and revitalising the family plot. Ah, get to it. This is the only way."
Alan Walmsley
"My experience with the personnel at this cemetery is terrible. It's been 6 months since my mom's passed and I have paid for all the services, engraving, all that is left is the photo. Impossible to reach the person I've dealt with, leave emails, message,s personally showed up at the front desk to leave a message to the person. Reception said this is very odd and would send an email to that person copying me. Guess what? No email, no response from anyone. Can't call anyone because nobody answers the phone, waited 90 minutes on hold. YOU ALL SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES."
Anthony De Cotiis
"After posted 2 bad reviews, I finally can say, that my problem was solved in 1 week, after I met with the Director of sales.
He truly took the matter seriously and a beautiful monument was installed in a few days before the 1 year anniversary, as was planned."
Yana Popova
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery is accessible by public transport and car. Several bus routes serve the area, and there is parking available on-site. Checking a local transit app or map service before your visit is recommended.
Yes, public transportation is available. Bus lines frequently stop near the cemetery, making it a convenient option for visitors. Consult the STM (Société de transport de Montréal) website for the most up-to-date route information.
Parking is available within the cemetery grounds. The main entrance usually provides access to visitor parking areas.
While some main paths are paved, the cemetery is large and hilly. Visitors with mobility issues may find it challenging to navigate all areas. It's advisable to stick to the main roads for easier access.
From downtown Montreal, you can take a bus or a taxi/rideshare. The bus routes are generally efficient and cost-effective.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, general admission to Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery is typically free. You do not need tickets to walk the grounds.
The cemetery's hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website or call ahead for the most current Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery hours before your visit.
Yes, the cemetery is generally open on weekends. Weekday visits might offer a quieter experience.
There is no entrance fee for visitors to explore the grounds of Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery.
While not always advertised, inquire at the administration office about potential guided tours or historical information sessions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
To locate a deceased at Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery, you can inquire at the administration office. They may have records or a system to help you find the burial location. Online resources like 'Find a Grave' can also be helpful.
The best way to explore is on foot, allowing you to appreciate the art, architecture, and serene atmosphere. Consider bringing a Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery map to navigate.
Yes, the cemetery features a replica of Michelangelo's Pietà and numerous elaborate funerary sculptures and mausoleums.
The condition of the grounds can vary. Some areas are well-maintained, while others may show signs of wear or neglect, particularly with overgrown grass in certain sections.
Photography for personal use is generally permitted, but it's always good practice to be respectful. Avoid intrusive photography, especially during services or family visits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities within Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery. Visitors should plan to eat before or after their visit.
Picnics are generally not permitted as it is a place of rest and remembrance. It's best to refrain from eating on the grounds.
Yes, the surrounding neighborhoods offer various dining options, from casual cafes to more formal restaurants.
While you can bring water, it's advisable to avoid bringing food for consumption on the premises to maintain the solemn atmosphere.
You'll find a range of cuisines in the vicinity, catering to different tastes and budgets.
📸 📸 Photography
The cemetery offers many picturesque spots, including the replica Pietà, grand mausoleums, and tree-lined avenues. Look for interesting architectural details and historical markers.
Photography for personal use is generally allowed, but always be mindful of privacy and respect for those visiting loved ones. Avoid photographing private memorials without permission.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, atmospheric shots. The golden hour can highlight the textures of the monuments.
Drone photography is typically prohibited in cemeteries to ensure peace and respect. Always check local regulations.
A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens is suitable. A wide-angle lens can capture the grandeur of the mausoleums, while a prime lens can focus on intricate details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery map to make the exploration more structured. Pack water and snacks, but be mindful that eating on the grounds is generally discouraged. The cemetery's serene atmosphere can be a powerful way to introduce children to concepts of legacy and the passage of time in a gentle manner.
🏛️ History and Art Enthusiasts
Take your time to wander through different sections, observing the craftsmanship and the stories each monument tells. Researching prominent figures buried here beforehand can enrich your visit. The cemetery's design itself, in the rural tradition, is also a subject of historical interest.
🚶♀️ Solitude Seekers
Find a quiet bench amidst the trees or near a notable monument to simply sit and absorb the serene surroundings. The cemetery provides a unique space for introspection away from the city's hustle and bustle.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Walk Through History and Art
The cemetery is home to a remarkable collection of sculptures, monuments, and mausoleums, reflecting various artistic styles and historical periods. The most prominent artistic feature is the replica of Michelangelo's Pietà, housed within a chapel, offering a poignant artistic and spiritual focal point. Beyond this, the intricate carvings, statuary, and architectural designs of the family crypts and mausoleums are a testament to the craftsmanship of bygone eras. Exploring these structures provides a unique glimpse into the lives and legacies of Montreal's prominent families.
For those interested in genealogy or military history, the Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery burials section includes a significant number of war graves, honoring soldiers from various conflicts. The sheer scale of the cemetery means that finding specific individuals can be a task, and resources like Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery find a grave databases or inquiring at the administration are often necessary. The cemetery's serene environment, despite some areas showing signs of wear, continues to make it a place of quiet contemplation and historical discovery.
Navigating Visitor Experiences and Services
Some reviews highlight issues with communication and service delivery, particularly concerning plot maintenance, inscriptions, and the installation of monuments. While the cemetery is a place of remembrance, ensuring the upkeep of graves and fulfilling contractual obligations for services like engraving has been a point of contention for some families. The administration has, in some instances, resolved these issues after persistent follow-up or intervention from management, suggesting that proactive communication and clear expectations are key when engaging their services.
Despite these challenges, many visitors find solace and beauty in the cemetery's grounds. The presence of families actively tending to their plots indicates a community that values the space. For those planning a visit, checking the Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery hours and utilizing a Notre Dame des Neiges Cemetery map are practical steps to enhance the experience. The cemetery remains a significant site for both personal reflection and historical exploration in Montreal.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit