Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica

I recently had the chance to visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica in Ottawa, and it truly exceeded my expectations. From the outside, the twin spires and detailed façade stand out beautifully, but the interior is what leaves you speechless. The carved wooden details, hand-painted ceilings, and colorful stained-glass windows create a warm, spiritual atmosphere. The sound of the grand organ adds to the sense of awe and peace. It’s a perfect place for quiet reflection and appreciating art, architecture, and history all in one. Services are offered in both English and French, reflecting Ottawa’s cultural harmony. If you visit the city, don’t miss this stunning landmark — it’s one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in Ottawa

🏛️ What It Is • Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is the largest and oldest standing church in Ottawa and serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Ottawa–Cornwall.  • It’s also a designated National Historic Site of Canada since 1990, recognized for its impressive architecture and historical importance.  📍 Where It’s Located • Address: 385 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada — in a historic part of the city near institutions like the National Gallery.  🕰️ History & Architecture • The church was originally planned in 1839 as a parish church.  • It became a cathedral for the Diocese of Bytown (now Ottawa) in 1847, and later a basilica in 1879.  • The design blends French Gothic Revival with classical and French-Canadian architectural elements, highlighted by its twin spires and bells that help shape Ottawa’s skyline.  • The interior is richly decorated with carved wood, a painted vaulted ceiling with stars, ornate altars, statues, and stained-glass windows — many by noted artists like Guido Nincheri.  🎨 Interior & Art • Inside you’ll find a soaring nave with Gothic arches, intricately detailed sanctuary artwork, and beautiful stained glass that tells biblical stories.  • The altar area and sanctuary are gilt and highly ornamental, showcasing 19th-century craftsmanship from Canadian artisans.  🕍 Visiting Today • The basilica is open daily for visitors and private prayer, usually with free access (though guided tours may have a fee).  • Hours: Typically 9 AM–6 PM on weekdays and 9 AM–7 PM on weekends (these can vary on special days).  • Masses are held in English, French, and bilingual services throughout the week and especially on Sundays.  • There’s also a café on site (Café des Tours) where you can get drinks and snacks and — in many seasons — guided tour tickets.  🎟️ Things to Know • Visiting during Mass may close parts of the basilica to tourists temporarily.  • Guided tours are offered at certain times and typically cost a modest fee purchased on site.  • It’s a peaceful spot for reflection, sightseeing, and seeing one of Ottawa’s finest examples of religious architecture.

This church in Ottawa is a must visit landmark and one of the city's most breathtaking sights. Whether you're into architecture, history, or simply looking for a quiet inspiring place to reflect, the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica is not to be missed when visiting. The twin silver spires is so eye-catching even from far away, very majestic. Once you step inside, the beauty is breathtaking, every angle reveals more craftsmanship and history, and I could easily spend hours admiring it all, inside and out.

Ottawa’s oldest church, Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, is more than a landmark — it’s a quiet masterpiece. The twin spires glow against the night sky, and the golden statue above the entrance catches the light in a way that feels almost sacred. I walked past it on a winter night, and even without stepping inside, I felt its presence. It reminded me how beauty and reflection can live side by side — especially in a season of quiet and snow. A must-visit in Ottawa, especially if you’re seeking a pause from the rush of modern life.

Beautiful building. Hard to get good pictures inside without disturbing everyone even though it wasn't a mass time. Loved hearing the bells ring at noon and 6 pm. They do ask all visitors to pay some money even if you don't do the tour.

An architectural beauty & masterpiece. The Basilica holds a lot of history as the oldest Catholic Church in Ottawa. The church still holds regular mass and it's open to the public and tourists. A historical landmark in Ottawa that's absolutely worth Visiting.

I had a wonderful experience visiting this church. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the community made me feel comfortable right away. The service was meaningful, and the message was inspiring. It’s a peaceful place for reflection and worship.

Amazing - peaceful place with lots of arts. The art on wall and cowering is amazing . There was a read with lots of candles which offered peace. You can come to this church , and meditate for hours in peace and silence .

It's a beautiful and historic church in the heart of Ottawa. There's no admission fee, instead, you can make a donation to the church. Whether you're visiting or coming here to say prayers, it's definitely worth the trip. The painted glasses, the craftsmanship and all the details included in them is so impressive; I could spend hours in the church, admiring the artwork. The ceiling is the most impressive part about this beautiful cathedral; I loved it.

This cathedral is located in a residential area, which makes it easy for people to come and visit or attend mass. When we entered and saw the church it was a Wow moment. Omg it's beautiful, the Colour's used , glass painting looks amazing when the sun shines on it. It's a huge basilica, the architecture is amazing, it's a must see . The choir sits on top floor and sounds soooo good .

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is the oldest and largest church in Ottawa. It is also a National Historic Site of Canada and it's the oldest church in Ottawa. It is located just opposite the National Gallery of Canada and when we visited we found plenty of street parking spaces, so it was quite easy to visit both at the same time. Cathedral is gorgeous inside, just took my breath away.. from vaulted ceilings to all the woodwork and sculptures.

Wow! Absolutely beautiful church. If you are visiting Ottawa, take the time to stop by and check it out! The craftsmanship was incredible, and there are so many little details around everywhere to take notice of. The ceiling is especially beautiful. When you remember how old this cathedral is and think about what it must have been like to build, it is especially impressive. We went for a Sunday morning service in English at noon. They also offer services in French, and a biliingual service. I would have loved to go to the bilingual, however it started at 9 AM and it wasn't in our plans to get up, ready and there early enough for that. There isn't really a lot of parking, however it is located right near the byward market, parliament and other noteworthy places to visit in Ottawa so we walked over. While they don't want to walking around during the actual masses, check the schedule and stop by for a visit before or after any services. It is free to come in and walk around and appreciate the beauty of this place. I highly encourage you to do so!

Another cool Basilica. You can light a candle for whatever $5. I think they are all Paris wannabees. Still worth seeing.

Sadly, doors were closed when we pass by but the exteriors were astonishing. It is just across the national gallery

Definitely to be visited if you are in Ottawa. Beautiful church, especially the ceiling. The architecture, otherwise as well, is absolutely amazing. Quite a peaceful place where you can relax and pray. This is the place where the famous singer Celine Dion got married. The paid parking lot is right behind the cathedral. There is some street parking as well but if you are there on a weekend, you may as well forget about getting any space in there. Many of the places of interest are close to the cathedral - National Gallery (right opposite), Parliament, Byward Market etc.

Free and it was beautiful inside during weekday in June. We parked across the street at National Art Gallery. The cathedral is very amazing and they offer free tours at certain times.

The outside of this church is very impressive - you can see the church spires from many different vantage points in Ottawa. This church has a lot of history in terms of weddings, funerals, etc., of famous people. I found the stained-glass windows to be impressive.

Simply gorgeous architecture and beautiful works of art. Everything about this building is awe inspiring. This is the reason I love being a tourist. And why my bucket list is 10 pages long.

As others have mentioned, this is one beautiful church! Located in Ottawa, Ontario. You can spot the spires of this church all the way from the Parliament building. There was construction outside of the church during our visit here so were unable to really appreciate the exterior. The interior, though, was quite impressive. Simply beautiful.

Absolutely beautiful, unbelievable craftsmanship. The organist was playing the whole time

I've been to the Notre-Dame Basilica so many times since I was little, and even though it was built way back in the 1800s, it's still able to preserve its charm to this day. My most recent visit was the day after Canada Day. A friend of mine was visiting the city and I wanted to take her to some historic sites and tourists' favourite spots. I used to go to Sunday mass with my family here almost 15 years ago, and I remembered the smell the second we walked through the doors. The cathedral itself is huge and beautiful, with such hope- and awe-inspiring architecture and design, from the pews and the glass windows, to the high ceilings and the alter. A long kneeling cushion runs along the bottom of the alter and the candle areas, from right side to the left side of the cathedral, in order to take Communion. There is a second floor seating area for when many people attend mass, and a large organ right above the entrance, with such powerful sound that echos all throughout the cathedral. The mass and sermon are nice and sweet, and not boring or too long. Their choir is also great, and they even hold concerts with different groups of choirs. I'm a huge fan of their Christmas concerts! There are tons of candles to be lit and boxes for donations. They also have a small counter area if you would like to purchase rosaries, pins, prayer cards, etc.

It is a beautiful church. The architecture reminds me of the churches in Europe. It's within walking distance from the other attractions. Worth a visit, while in Ottawa.

Came here enroute to the Mint and just walking around Ottawa. So I just popped my head in and then out. Mainly to take a photo. This cathedral stands out due to the architecture. Cool spot. Also right across from the art gallery spider

Absolutely Beautiful! A must if you are in Ottawa. Taking a star off because you have to pay to light a candle, and the organ music made me feel more like I was in a haunted house than this beautiful cathedral.

The Cathedral is beautiful. The architecture is absolutely amazing. Even the ceilings are a work of art. It has also been maintained well. Whatever your religion you can come in here to admire the architecture. There's also an amazing atmosphere to this church. Some very modern churches don't have that feeling of reverence. But this cathedral has presence. You can feel the weight of its history. I would have loved to spend more time in this cathedral just sitting, communing, and meditating.

The Basilique Cathedrale Notre Dame is the largest church in Ottawa and the home of the Roman Catholic Church in the city. Although originally designed in the neo classical style, it was redesigned to the more popular neo Gothic style before the upper portion of the structure was started in the mid-19th Century. The most outstanding features are the tin capped twin spires painted silver that are visible from many parts of the city, and the beautiful painted vaulted ceilings within. The nave, while simple has a deep blue ceiling between the ribs of the vaults that feels like the end of dusk on a clear night. There is a lot of statuary around the alter, depicting the holy family and many saints. The stained glass windows were replaced fairly recently, and while colorful, are far from outstanding. The Cathedral is worth a visit, especially if you are in need of a reflective moment of prayer or a meditation. On a hot Ontario summer day, it is a cool sanctuary.

What a beautiful Cathedral. It was the first thing to catch my attention in Ottawa. When I saw their spires, I was really impress. I told my son we had to go to Mass at this Church. We went to Sunday Morning Mass, the 9am Bilingual service. The service was done to perfection. It was a great experience, one of my highlights on Ottawa.

An amazing tranquil place to spend time reflecting and the masses with music are extraordinary.

Absolutely STUNNING cathedral that is a must see for anyone in the area. The architecture and gleaming sanctuary will certainly make you gasp for breath upon entering, not to mention the beautifully painted ceiling. I highly recommend this as a place to visit when in Ottawa for all.

So today I called to ask if i could do my daughter baptism there so apparently as I don't go to church there I can't do it ! like really? all my life I have been devoted to church , I was baptized and I received my first communion at the Catholic Church, I have even been a choirgirl for 5 years. My uncle is a priest and I did my primary school with the sisters, all that and you telling me i can't do my my daughter baptism at your church because I don't go to this parish... . As a Catholic member I should not be denied that... Shame on you !!