Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal: tickets, hours and what to see inside

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal stands in Old Montreal, on Place d'Armes. A daytime visit here is paid, and prices are listed below in the tickets section (as of 09/2026, basilica's official website). This is not a fifteen-minute exhibit. The blue vault, stained glass, and organ keep you inside longer than you planned.

If you're in Montreal for a couple of days, the basilica often becomes the main impression of the trip. Below you'll find opening hours, prices, a short sightseeing plan, and the answer to when to come without the crowds.

This basilica grew out of a small 17th-century parish church. Today it is one of the symbols of Quebec and a national historic site of Canada.

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Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal: the essentials

💡 In short:

• A daytime visit is paid; for adult and child prices, see the tickets section (as of 09/2026, current rates).
• Sunday mornings are reserved for masses; details in the tickets section.
• Prices and opening hours: 09/2026, verified on the official website.

History: from parish church to basilica

The first church appeared on the site of the current basilica in 1672. It was the city's only Catholic church and gradually stopped fitting all its parishioners. By the early 19th century, the congregation commissioned a new church, and the main work took place from 1824 to 1829 (as of 09/2026, Canadian Encyclopedia). The towers were added later. The basilica became the first major example of Gothic Revival architecture in Canada.

The architect of the basilica

The new church was designed by James O'Donnell, an American architect of Irish descent. He was a Protestant, but became so attached to his building that he converted to Catholicism and asked to be buried in the crypt (as of 09/2026, Canadian Encyclopedia). And so he remained in the basilica he himself conceived.

The basilica's capacity is measured in thousands of people. In scale, it is one of the largest churches in the country, and today it hosts masses, weddings, and concerts.

© Pierre5018 · CC BY-SAPhoto: Pierre5018, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Facade architecture and the bell

The cathedral facade resembles Notre-Dame de Paris, but it is not a copy. The architect developed the familiar image in his own way and added his own details. Three figures on the facade symbolize Canada, Quebec, and Montreal (as of 09/2026, basilica official website).

The Jean-Baptiste bell, cast in Britain, hangs in the west tower. Its ringing carries far over Old Montreal. This bell does not ring every week, only on special occasions.

© LCormier · CC BY-SAPhoto: LCormier, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Interior: blue vault and stained glass

Inside, a deep blue vault with gold stars greets you. The interior decoration was done by Canadian artist Victor Bourgeau (as of 09/2026, basilica official website). His work contrasts sharply with the restrained facade.

The altar is decorated with carved sculptures of prophets made from rare woods. The stained glass was made in Limoges, France. It tells the religious history of Montreal rather than classic biblical scenes. Behind the main altar is the Sacred Heart Chapel. It was restored after the 1978 fire.

© Diego Delso · CC BY-SAPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Tickets and opening hours

For a tourist visit, admission is paid. You can buy a ticket in advance. A daytime adult ticket costs about 16 CAD, children 6-16 about 10 CAD, preschoolers enter free (as of 09/2026, basilica rates). Prices and hours change by season. Check them before your trip.

In the evening, the cathedral hosts AURA, a light and sound show by Moment Factory. One session lasts about 30 minutes (as of 09/2026, AURA show page). Show tickets cost more than a daytime visit, and it is better to book them in advance.

• Who it's for: those who want to see the basilica interior and understand Montreal's history.
• Not for: those looking for a quiet church without a stream of visitors.
• The catch: on Sundays before noon, the cathedral is occupied by masses, and tourists are not allowed inside (as of 09/2026, basilica official website).

Cathedral tickets on Tiqets

The cathedral today: organ and concerts

The main organ was built by the Canadian firm Casavant Frères. From time to time, organ concerts are held here, with performances by a symphony orchestra and church choir. If you are lucky with the date, you will hear the organ live.

© Diego Delso · CC BY-SAPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Celine Dion was married in the cathedral, and Pope John Paul II visited it. If you want to see other places in the country, start with this overview of Canada's attractions.

How to get there and when to visit

The cathedral stands in Old Montreal, on Place d'Armes. The nearest metro station is called Place-d'Armes, and from there you can walk to the entrance in under a minute. The Old Port, city hall, and the waterfront are nearby, so it's easy to continue your walk on foot.

If you want to take in the interior without rushing, come in the morning on a weekday. By midday, tour groups arrive and the halls get noisy. On Sundays, the cathedral is occupied with masses until noon, so pick a different time.

Open on the map

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to enter Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal?

Daytime visit prices for adults and children are listed in the table in the tickets section (as of 09/2026, rates). The evening AURA show costs more than a daytime ticket, so check prices on the official website before buying. In summer, tickets sell out faster, and it's better to book them in advance.

When is the cathedral open to tourists?

Opening hours by day of the week are listed in the table in the tickets section (as of 09/2026, basilica's official website). The exact schedule depends on the season, so check it on the official website. The quietest option is early morning on weekdays.

What should you definitely see inside?

The main highlights inside are the blue vaulted ceiling with gold stars, the Limoges stained glass, and the carved altar with sculptures of the prophets. Walk around the cathedral in a full circle, because the interior looks different from different angles. A relaxed visit takes about an hour, and slightly more with the AURA show.

Is the AURA show worth it?

The AURA show was created by Moment Factory studio and lasts about 30 minutes (as of 09/2026, AURA official website). Light and music are projected directly onto the cathedral's vaulted ceiling and columns. If you're into modern formats, get a ticket for the evening.

How to get to the cathedral?

The metro station and the short walk from it are described in the "How to get there and when to visit" section. If you're driving, look for parking in the neighboring blocks of Old Montreal: there are few spots right by the square.

A map and a short video of the interior will help you get oriented on site.

The video will show you the inside of the cathedral.

In short: what's worth booking

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal is worth setting aside at least an hour for. During the day you'll see the blue vaulted ceiling and stained glass, and in the evening you can catch the AURA show. It's better to buy tickets in advance, especially on weekends and in high season.

• If you just want to see the interior: get a daytime ticket.
• If you want to catch the evening show: book AURA in advance.
• If you're traveling with kids: preschoolers get in free.

Compare tickets for the cathedral and the AURA show on Tiqets