Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica Tours

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica showing a city, a church or cathedral and religious elements
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica which includes a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica which includes interior views, a church or cathedral and heritage elements
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica featuring a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and interior views
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica showing interior views, a church or cathedral and heritage elements


Be inspired by the Canadian religious art and Gothic Revival architecture of one of Ottawa’s oldest and largest houses of worship.

With soaring arches, terraced galleries and stained-glass windows, the Notre Dame Basilica is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture. Built in 1885, the basilica is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Ottawa. It is one of the largest and oldest surviving churches in Ottawa and a Canadian National Historic site.

As you enter the nave, the arches frame the long chamber and propel the eye toward the altar. Slim stone columns on either side separate the aisles and form arches that support the domed ceiling overhead. Terraced galleries look out onto the nave, while stained-glass windows with Biblical depictions adorn the walls. Above the galleries the row of blind arcades creates a textural architectural image, reflecting the style of Victorian Gothic architecture. As you look up, notice how the arches and the curved lines leading up toward the domed ceiling create a sense of movement and vastness in the space.

The sanctuary around the altar is rich in Gothic adornments, original iconography and sculptures of Biblical figures inspired by medieval traditions. These images combine traditional aspects of the church with 19th-century Canadian traditions. Take a moment to look at the lateral altars at the entry to the sanctuary. These are sculpted from wood, covered with gold leaf and adorned with valuable stones. The stunning reredos, the altarpiece behind the main altars, is 50 feet (15 meters) high and depicts the Christ of Glory in the center. Notice the detail on the main altar it is decorated with relief on a bronze tabernacle of the resurrection, the nativity and Christ’s teachings.

Notre Dame Basilica is open daily for mass and private prayer. However, sightseers are requested to time their visits between services, so check the website for times before visiting. Guided tours of between 30 and 45 minutes are available and advance booking is required. The basilica is easily accessible by public transportation, parking is available and it is a short walk to Parliament Hill and the National Gallery of Canada.

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Best Lodging Options Near Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

Fairmont Chateau Laurier

4.5 out of 5
1 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

Les Suites Hotel Ottawa

4 out of 5
130 Besserer St, Ottawa, ON
Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
ANDAZ OTTAWA BYWARD MARKET, BY HYATT

ANDAZ OTTAWA BYWARD MARKET, BY HYATT

4 out of 5
325 Dalhousie Street, Ottawa, ON
ANDAZ OTTAWA BYWARD MARKET, BY HYATT
Hôtel Chateauneuf Gatineau—Ottawa

Hôtel Chateauneuf Gatineau—Ottawa

3.5 out of 5
2 Montcalm Street, Gatineau, QC
Hôtel Chateauneuf Gatineau—Ottawa
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Downtown Ottawa East by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Downtown Ottawa East by IHG

2.5 out of 5
235 KING EDWARD AVENUE, Ottawa, ON
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Downtown Ottawa East by IHG
DoubleTree by Hilton Ottawa Downtown

DoubleTree by Hilton Ottawa Downtown

4 out of 5
33 Nicholas St, Ottawa, ON
DoubleTree by Hilton Ottawa Downtown
Lord Elgin Hotel

Lord Elgin Hotel

4 out of 5
100 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON
Lord Elgin Hotel
AC Hotel BY Marriott Ottawa Dwtn

AC Hotel BY Marriott Ottawa Dwtn

4 out of 5
201 RIDEAU STREET, OTTAWA, ON
AC Hotel BY Marriott Ottawa Dwtn
The Westin Ottawa

The Westin Ottawa

4 out of 5
11 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, ON
The Westin Ottawa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

During your visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica in mid-October, immerse yourself in the rich history of the site while enjoying nearby activities such as shopping and sports. The cathedral often hosts public meetings, providing a unique opportunity to engage with the local community. Don't miss the chance to explore the vibrant atmosphere surrounding this iconic landmark.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, visit Byward Market Square, just 0.2 miles away, offering a vibrant public market atmosphere. Rideau Centre and Sparks Street Mall, both 0.4 miles away, feature family-friendly shopping and entertainment options, perfect for souvenirs and gifts.

Recreation

TD Place Stadium, located 2 miles from Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, offers an energetic atmosphere with various sports events. For relaxation, visit Nordik Spa-Nature, 7 miles away, where you can indulge in soothing body treatments. The Ottawa River Parkway, only 0.3 miles away, provides peaceful trails for leisurely walks amidst nature.

Adventure

At Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, you can enjoy thrilling adventures at Camp Fortune, a ski field located 9 miles away, featuring exhilarating ski runs. Alternatively, head to Parc Pee Wee Park, also 9 miles away, for an exciting ski experience. Don't miss the Pineault Ski Lift, 9 miles from the basilica, offering more skiing adventures.

Nightlife

Experience the excitement at Casino du Lac Leamy, just 2 miles away, where romance and city vibes meet. For family fun, check out Tag Zone - Indoor Paintless Paintball, located 1 mile away. Don't miss the Great Canadian Theatre Company, 3 miles away, offering captivating cultural performances.

Find the best attractions near Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

When visiting the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica in Ottawa, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to all types of travelers. Explore historic buildings, relax in urban parks, and delve into local history at nearby museums. This area offers a rich cultural experience, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Don't miss the chance to admire the stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral and its surroundings, making your trip truly memorable.

  • Parliament Hill: Located 0.4 miles from Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, Parliament Hill is the heart of Canadian democracy. This iconic site features stunning Gothic Revival architecture and is surrounded by beautiful gardens, offering a glimpse into the country's political culture. Don’t miss the Changing of the Guard ceremony in summer!
  • University of Ottawa: Situated 0.8 miles away, the University of Ottawa is Canada's largest bilingual university. Its historic campus boasts beautiful architecture and vibrant student life, making it a cultural hub. Explore art galleries and attend events showcasing diverse academic disciplines.
  • Rogers Centre Ottawa: Just 0.4 miles from the cathedral, this event venue hosts conferences and performances. With a modern design, it offers a dynamic atmosphere for business and entertainment events, making it a key location for networking and cultural experiences.

Best time to go to Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

Visitor numbers around Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January15.3°F (-9.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February17.2°F (-8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March27.9°F (-2.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
May55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July69.4°F (20.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August67.5°F (19.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October48.2°F (9.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November35.4°F (1.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December24.6°F (-4.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

Visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is budget-friendly, as entry is free. For savings, plan your trip in March or December to January when accommodation prices drop, especially on Mondays. Avoid Saturdays, which are pricier. Use Expedia to customize your stay, filter for eco-friendly hotels, and book travel packages to save on flights and activities. Joining Expedia's One Key membership offers exclusive discounts and the chance to earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Consider exploring free activities nearby to enhance your experience without additional costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica are March and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your travel preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay near Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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