Tour the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal. This guide provides ticket prices, mass schedules, and visiting hours for the landmark.
Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal hits you the moment you walk through the doors. When I first visited, I stopped dead in my tracks – the interior is an explosion of deep blue, red, gold, and purple that makes some European cathedrals look positively restrained by comparison. This isn’t subtle Gothic elegance. This is 19th-century Quebec going absolutely wild with colour and ornamentation.
The basilica sits in Old Montreal facing Place d’Armes, and welcomes around 11 million visitors annually. It’s one of North America’s most visited monuments, and once you see the interior, you understand why. This cathedral plays a small part in making Montreal Canada’s best city.
Quick answer: Notre-Dame Basilica Montreal tickets and opening hours
Adult tickets cost CAD $16 for daytime visits (ages 6-16: $10, under 5: free). The basilica is open Monday-Friday 9am-4:30pm, Saturday 9am-4pm, Sunday 12:30pm-4pm. All ticket sales after 4pm must be made online or by phone. The AURA evening light show costs $37 (adults). All prices are in Canadian dollars and include taxes.
At a glance
| Adult ticket price | CAD $16 (daytime visit) |
| Opening hours | Mon-Fri: 9:00-16:30<br>Sat: 9:00-16:00 | Sun: 12:30-16:00 |
| Address | 110 Notre-Dame Street West, Montreal, QC H2Y 1T1 |
| Metro station | Place-d’Armes (Orange line) |
| Free for | Children under 5 |
| Ticket vendor | Fever (1-807-787-4557) |
How much does Notre-Dame Basilica Montreal cost?
When I checked in January 2026, there are two distinct experiences available – daytime sightseeing and the evening AURA light show – each with its own pricing.
Daytime sightseeing visit prices
| Ticket type | Price (CAD) | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $16.00 | Ages 23+ |
| Senior | $15.00 | Ages 65+ |
| Student | $14.00 | Ages 17-22 with valid student ID |
| Child | $10.00 | Ages 6-16 |
| Free | $0.00 | Children 5 and under |
| Group | $14.00 per person | 10+ people |
| Family (4 people) | $56.00 | 2 adults + 2 children (ages 6-16) |
| Family (3 people) | $49.00 | 2 adults + 1 child (ages 6-16) |
AURA evening light show prices
The AURA experience is a multimedia light and sound show created by Moment Factory that transforms the basilica into an immersive spectacle. Pricing varies between weekdays and weekends (including Fridays):
| Ticket type | Price (CAD) | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $37.00+ | Ages 23+ |
| Senior | $32.00+ | Ages 65+ |
| Student | $31.00+ | Ages 17-22 with valid student ID |
| Child | $22.00+ | Ages 6-16 |
| Free | $0.00 | Children 5 and under |
| Group | $35.00+ per person | 10+ people |
| Family (4 people) | $140.00+ | 2 adults + 2 children (ages 6-16) |
| Family (3 people) | $118.00+ | 2 adults + 1 child (ages 6-16) |
Important: AURA prices fluctuate from weekdays to weekends. The prices listed are starting prices – expect to pay more for Friday-Sunday shows. Check the exact price when booking at feverup.com.
Combined day + night ticket
If you want to do both the daytime visit and AURA show on the same day, you must exit after the sightseeing visit and return in the evening according to your AURA showtime. Contact Fever for combo ticket pricing.
All prices include GST and QST (provincial taxes) and are quoted in Canadian dollars.
Is Notre-Dame Basilica Montreal free to enter?
No, there’s no free entry option for tourists. Unlike many European cathedrals that allow free access for prayer, Notre-Dame Montreal operates as a ticketed attraction. Even if you just want to quickly look inside, you need to purchase admission.
However, attending Mass is free and open to everyone. If you’re willing to sit through a service (conducted entirely in French), you can experience the interior without paying the admission fee. Mass times are listed below.
Children under 5 always enter free, regardless of whether it’s a daytime visit or AURA show.
The basilica accepts the Companion Leisure Card (CAL), which grants free admission to the companion of a person with disabilities.
What time does Notre-Dame Basilica Montreal open?
Opening hours for daytime visits:
Monday to Friday:
- 9:00am – 4:30pm (EST)
Saturday:
- 9:00am – 4:00pm (EST)
Sunday:
- 12:30pm – 4:00pm (EST)
Important: On-site ticket purchases are only available during these hours. All ticket purchases after 4:00pm must be made online through Fever or by calling 1-807-787-4557.
AURA evening show times: Check directly with Fever for current showtimes as they vary by day of the week and season. Shows typically run in the evening after the basilica closes to daytime visitors.
Mass times (free to attend):
Monday to Friday:
- 7:30am and 12:15pm (Sacred Heart Chapel)
Saturday:
- 5:00pm (Nave of the Basilica)
Sunday:
- 9:00am, 11:00am, and 5:00pm (Nave of the Basilica)
All Masses are conducted in French only. Adoration takes place Monday-Friday in the Sacred Heart Chapel from 8:00-8:45am and 12:45-1:30pm.
Do I need to book Notre-Dame Basilica Montreal tickets in advance?
Strongly recommended, especially during summer (June-September) and around Christmas. The basilica attracts enormous crowds – over 11 million visitors annually – making it one of North America’s most visited monuments.
Walk-up tickets are available during regular opening hours (before 4pm), but you risk long queues and potential sellouts during peak periods. For visits after 4pm and all AURA shows, advance online booking is mandatory.
All tickets are sold exclusively through Fever. You cannot buy them directly from the basilica’s website. For questions or issues with tickets, contact Fever at 1-807-787-4557 or [email protected].
Important: All ticket sales are final and cannot be refunded or exchanged. Make sure you’ve got the right date and time before purchasing.
Built by an Irish-American Protestant for French Catholics
The current basilica was designed by James O’Donnell, an Irish-American Protestant architect from New York. This was quite unusual – a Protestant designing what would become one of French Canada‘s most important Catholic churches. O’Donnell was so moved by his creation that he converted to Catholicism before his death and requested burial in the basilica. His wish was granted; he’s the only person buried there.
Construction began in 1824 and the basilica was completed in 1829, though interior decoration continued for decades. The design is Gothic Revival, which was cutting-edge architecture in the 1820s when Neoclassicism still dominated. O’Donnell’s twin towers rise 69 metres and were the tallest structures in Montreal for years. The west tower houses the massive “Gros Bourdon” bell, weighing 10,900 kilograms – one of North America’s largest bells.
The basilica replaced a smaller church that had stood on the same site since 1672. It briefly served as Montreal’s cathedral from 1821-1822 before being designated a basilica in 1829 when dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
The most colourful church interior you’ll see
The interior is genuinely overwhelming. Victor Bourgeau oversaw the interior decoration from 1872-1879, creating the explosion of colour and ornament you see today. The sanctuary is dominated by deep blues scattered with gold stars, rich reds, purples, and greens – all illuminated by dim lighting that makes the whole space feel theatrical.
The main altar and reredos are carved wood gilded in gold leaf, featuring hundreds of hand-carved figures. It’s Baroque excess meets Quebec craftsmanship.
The stained glass windows aren’t the usual biblical scenes. Instead, they depict the religious history of Montreal from its founding as Ville-Marie. Created by Jean-Baptiste Lagacé in 1929 for the basilica’s 100th anniversary, they show everything from the arrival of the first settlers to the construction of the church itself. This is unique – most church windows stick to scripture.
The Casavant Frères organ contains 7,000 pipes and is one of the largest in North America. It’s still used for regular concerts and services.
Behind the main altar is the Sacré-Coeur Chapel (Sacred Heart Chapel), rebuilt in 1982 after a fire destroyed the original in 1978. The reconstruction used contemporary materials – bronze, wood, and Quebec limestone – creating a striking contrast with the ornate Victorian main sanctuary. This is where smaller weekday Masses are held.
The choir loft holds 32 bronze statues representing various saints and historical religious figures from Montreal’s history.
What’s included with your Notre-Dame Basilica ticket?
Your daytime admission includes:
- Entry to the main nave and sanctuary
- Access to the Sacré-Coeur Chapel (when not in use for services)
- View of the stained glass windows depicting Montreal’s religious history
- Self-guided tour at your own pace
- Photography for personal use (no tripods)
Not included:
- Audio guides (not currently offered)
- Guided tours (available for groups of 15+, must be booked separately)
- Access during Masses (free to attend, but for worship not tourism)
AURA ticket includes:
- The complete multimedia light and sound show (approximately 30-40 minutes)
- Immersive experience with music, projections, and lighting effects
The AURA experience
Created by Montreal-based Moment Factory (the multimedia studio behind productions worldwide), AURA transforms the basilica into an immersive light and sound show. The entire interior – from the vaulted ceiling to the altar – becomes a projection canvas, synchronized with orchestral music.
I haven’t experienced AURA myself, but reviews are generally positive. Some find it genuinely moving, others think it’s a gimmicky tourist trap. At $37+ per ticket, it’s definitely pricey. If you’re fascinated by multimedia art installations and don’t mind the cost, it might be worth it. If you’re primarily interested in the basilica’s architecture and history, the daytime visit covers that thoroughly.
The show runs year-round with varying schedules. Check Fever’s website for current showtimes.
Things to do near Notre-Dame Basilica
The basilica sits in Old Montreal, surrounded by the city’s historic quarter. Everything is within walking distance:
Place d’Armes (directly in front) – Historic square with a monument to Paul de Chomedey, Montreal’s founder. Surrounded by architectural landmarks including the Bank of Montreal’s ornate headquarters and the New York Life Building. Free. Perfect spot for photos of the basilica’s exterior. 5 minutes.
Pointe-à-Callière Museum (400 metres, 5 minutes) – Montreal’s archaeology and history museum built over actual archaeological ruins. You can walk through excavations of the city’s original settlement and see artifacts from Indigenous peoples through to modern Montreal. $20 CAD adults, $13 students. Allow 1.5-2 hours.
Old Port of Montreal (600 metres, 7 minutes) – Revitalized waterfront area along the St. Lawrence River with walking paths, seasonal activities (ice skating in winter, beach areas in summer), and the Montreal Science Centre. Free to walk around, various paid attractions available. Great for strolling and people-watching.
Bonsecours Market (700 metres, 8 minutes) – Historic 1847 market building now housing boutiques, art galleries, and artisan shops. Free to browse, though items for sale obviously cost money. Beautiful Neoclassical architecture. Allow 30-45 minutes.
Saint-Paul Street (400 metres, 5 minutes) – Old Montreal’s oldest street, lined with galleries, restaurants, cafés, and boutiques. Free to wander. Cobblestone streets, 18th and 19th-century buildings, lots of atmosphere. Great for dinner after visiting the basilica.
Elsewhere in Montreal, you can try river surfing at La Vague A Guy.
Practical tips for visiting Notre-Dame Basilica
- Location: 110 Notre-Dame Street West, at the corner of Saint Sulpice Street in Old Montreal. There are plenty of excellent Old Montreal hotels nearby, although there are also accommodation options in Centre Ville.
- Getting there: Metro to Place-d’Armes station (Orange line), then a 2-minute walk. The basilica faces Place d’Armes square.
- Parking: No parking at the basilica. Street parking (paid meters) or commercial lots in Old Montreal. Download the Agence de mobilité durable parking meter app for street parking.
- Ticket vendor: All tickets sold through Fever only. Call 1-807-787-4557 or visit feverup.com. You cannot buy from the basilica’s website.
- No refunds: All sales final. Double-check dates and times before purchasing.
- After 4pm: Must book online or by phone. No on-site sales after 4pm.
- Time needed: 30-45 minutes for daytime self-guided visit. AURA show is 30-40 minutes.
- Photography: Allowed for personal use. No tripods. No flash during services.
- Dress code: Respectful attire recommended but not strictly enforced.
- Accessibility: Partially accessible (Kéroul certified). Check their accessibility fact sheet at keroul.qc.ca for details.
- Free Mass option: If you’re Catholic (or just curious), attending Mass lets you see the interior free. All services in French only.
- When to visit: Weekday mornings are quietest. Avoid summer weekends and Christmas season if you dislike crowds.
- Combined with AURA: If doing both on the same day, you must exit after daytime visit and return for your evening show time.
- Temperature: The basilica maintains cool interior temperatures year-round. Bring a light layer even in summer.
Celebrity connections
Céline Dion married René Angélil here in 1994. The wedding was televised nationally and watched by 500 million people worldwide. The basilica has hosted numerous other high-profile weddings and funerals, cementing its status as Quebec’s most important Catholic church.
The basilica’s funeral for former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau in 2000 drew international attention, with dignitaries from around the world attending.
FAQs about Notre-Dame Basilica Montreal
How much does it cost to visit Notre-Dame Basilica Montreal? $16 CAD for adults (daytime visit). Seniors $15, students $14, children 6-16 $10, under 5 free. AURA evening show starts at $37 for adults.
When was Notre-Dame Basilica Montreal built? Construction began in 1824 and was completed in 1829. Interior decoration continued until 1879.
Is it the same as Notre-Dame in Paris? No, completely different building. Montreal’s Notre-Dame is a 19th-century Gothic Revival basilica. Paris’s Notre-Dame is a medieval Gothic cathedral (currently closed after the 2019 fire).
Do I need to book tickets in advance? Strongly recommended, especially in summer and during Christmas. Walk-up tickets available before 4pm but may sell out during peak periods.
Can I attend Mass for free? Yes, attending Mass is free. Services are Monday-Friday 7:30am and 12:15pm, Saturday 5pm, Sunday 9am, 11am, and 5pm. All conducted in French.
Is the AURA show worth it? Depends on your interests. At $37+, it’s expensive. If you love multimedia art installations, it’s impressive. If you mainly want to see the architecture, the daytime visit covers that.
Where do I buy tickets? Only through Fever: call 1-807-787-4557, email [email protected], or visit feverup.com. Not available from the basilica directly.
Can I get a refund? No, all ticket sales are final and cannot be refunded or exchanged.
What metro station is nearest? Place-d’Armes on the Orange line, 2 minutes walk to the basilica.
How long should I spend there? 30-45 minutes for a thorough daytime visit. The AURA show is about 30-40 minutes.
Is it wheelchair accessible? Partially accessible (Kéroul certified). Check the accessibility fact sheet at keroul.qc.ca for specific details.
