Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral

Visiting the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral in Old Quebec City was one of the most peaceful and inspiring experiences of our trip. The moment you step inside, you’re surrounded by an overwhelming sense of history, faith, and beauty. The architecture is breathtaking — every detail, from the ornate gold altar to the intricate stained-glass windows, tells a story of centuries past. It’s incredible to think that this is one of the oldest cathedrals in North America, and yet it has been so beautifully preserved. The quiet reverence inside contrasts perfectly with the lively charm of Old Quebec just outside, making it a wonderful spot for reflection and calm.

It’s a beautiful cathedral, but if you’ve visited some of the grand cathedrals in Europe, it might not feel as impressive in comparison. That said, it’s still a must-visit when you’re in Montréal. Tickets are $16, which feels a bit pricey. The square in front of the cathedral is especially charming in the evening, often filled with live music and street performers. It’s a lively and memorable spot to soak in the city’s vibe.

Beautiful church. We parked nearby. Near everything in old quebec. Had small chapels, a bit of history and a Holy Door. I was a bit disappointed with tye door being closed. We came from Toronto after seeing someone post a photo of the door open. But the person at the gift shop said it isn't open despite being the Jubilee. But the church was clean, Beautiful stain glass windows, amazing architecture, definitely pop in if you can.

July 2025. Beautiful cathedral. Uniquely decorated altar (that I've seen). We were sad to see that the holy door wasn't open.

This is a beautiful church with a lot of history. When you enter, you sense the centuries of prayer that have occurred there. The sanctuary evokes a spirituality that makes you want to linger. We also visited the crypt where bishops and archbishops from the founding of the church were buried. The guide mentioned that there are over 900 people are interned in the crypt.

Construction Scaffolding on the exterior. The inside was gorgeous and majestic like nothing I've ever seen. No entry fee, only 10 or so other people present. Quiet and reverential. Such beautiful statuary, ornamentation, stained glass windows. Very moving. They ask for $2 or $5 to light a candle, the cost to replace the candle.

My husband and I didn't think we would see a church in North America that would rival those in the United Kingdom. This Bassilica is awesome inspiring and spiritual. We highly recommend that you stop in.

Nestled right in the heart of Old Québec, the Notre-Dame De Québec Basilica is free to the public and much more than just a historical site. When I visited, it left a deep impression on me. The architecture is striking. The exterior is dignified, but it’s the interior that really took my breath away. It was interesting learning about its history and the life of the Bishop of Québec, Saint Francois de Laval. If you visit Québec City, your trip isn't complete without visiting the oldest church in Canada and the seat of the first Catholic bishop outside Europe.

This is a very pretty church in a very busy part of the olde city. That being said, with everything I have read about it's importance to the area, I expected something more....more. Something more grand like Sainte Anne, I mean, the same bishop, Lavall, attended them both. True, Anne was the mother of Mary, she who birthed the Messiah right? (Let's be nice). It's a very simple basilica(more like a church) than its namesake in Paris (now THERE'S a.basilica!). Still, the altar was impressive, even if the rest of the church and chapels were not. There is an information area complete with subtitles "film" about who the Founder was and how holy and blah blah. It is so over dramatized....and that is why we live the French! Still, it is beautiful, and it is close to Frontenac so why not make some Karma and take a gander. Couldn't hurt right?

The basilica has a rich history. It stands on the site of the first mission chapel of New France, built in 1647, and the first parish church of New France, founded in 1664. The original structure was flattened in the Siege of Quebec in 1759. The rebuilt church stood until 1922 when it was ravaged by fire. What we see today was rebuilt after the fire as close as possible to the original. It is gilded in shimmering gold leaf, historical religious paintings, and treasures that date back to the French colonial period. There is a chapel in the cathedral devoted to St. François de Laval, the first bishop of Quebec, canonized in 2014 by Pope Francis. The interior decorations of the church are quite impressive. Designed in the Rococo style, the ceilings are extremely high, and everything appears to be dripping in gold. There are magnificent stained-glass windows lining the outer walls. One of the most remarkable pieces inside the Cathedral is the Baldacchino, a brilliant golden sculpture over the altar at the front. You can also see various works of art and pieces of archives with splendid interior decoration as a background. Also, don't forget about the holy Door. Located in the Notre Dame Basilica-Cathedral, the Holy Door of Québec City is one of seven such doors worldwide, and the only one to be found outside Europe. Restroom: there are many restrooms in nearby areas, one is beside the Bus stop, and another is in the Tourist information center.

NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OF CANADA We visited Notre Dame de Quebec Cathedral Basilica during our recent visit to Old Quebec City. It honors Saint Francois de Laval, the first bishop of Quebec who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Catholic Church in Canada. This is the oldest Catholic church in Canada and has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada. The modest exterior architecture of Notre Dame did not prepare us for the large golden sculptured canopy over the altar (see photos posted by other reviewers). There are chapels within Notre Dame including the Chapel of the Sacred Heart. Here we saw the Holy Door, one of only eight worldwide. Through the gates next to the basilica, we entered the large courtyard of the Seminaire de Quebec that has been training priests since it was established in the 1600s. We read that the buildings that form the courtyard date back to the 1600-1800s. We were unable to visit Notre Dame's museum and crypt that are closed to visitors after the Canada Labour Day weekend. Visit the church website to a link for a very good geo360 interactive tour of the church, museum and crypt.

We've been looking forward to visiting this church when we saw the Holy Door was open for visitors. There were signs at the entrance of the church on how to find the Holy Door. It was a nice calming experience walking towards and through the door. When you get inside the church, it was very overwhelming with the articulate paintings and statues everywhere. We were in awe with everything! Definitely recommend coming here and visiting the Holy Door if you get a chance.

This was my third time visiting this beautiful church in the heart of the old district in Quebec City and it did not disappoint- yet again. It seems to be a quite active congregation as the two times I've randomly stumbled into here, I've found myself listening to a sermon in French (despite it being 8am on a Friday, etc). The interior is beautiful to soak in and the facade is a little less ornate. The location in the heart of Old Town makes it an easy pit stop for reflection no matter your religious beliefs. We somehow pulled off a few peaceful moments with our toddler and baby in tow. Highly recommend a visit if you're in the area!

This church is absolutely stunning and a must see stop on your tour of Quebec. This was our second time stopping by and we were able to go through the Holy Door, which is open until December.

Beautiful Basilica and the entire area around it. Entrance is free and you can wonder inside or go to the yard nearby.

I just love visiting churches and cathedrals when I travel & this cathedral did not disappoint. Serene atmosphere which allowed for moments of reflection. The quietness and candle smells take me back to my youth. It's a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture and apparently is the oldest church in Canada. It truly is stunning.

Ongoing construction at the front park of the church. You could still go in to view. No parking.

The seat of the Archdiocese of Quebec is centered in this basilica. Dating over 350 years old, although rebuilt a number of times due to fires, this church entails beautiful architecture and furnishings. Being the center of the faith community in Quebec, the basilica has been accorded special status. The concept of a Holy Door is where special doors in designated churches are sealed by mortar and concrete and only opened in Jubliee years (special years declared by the Pope as a time of universal forgiveness of sins). There are only eight such celebratory doors in the Roman Catholic world - four in Rome, one each in Spain, France, and the Philippines, and the eighth right here in Quebec City at the Cathedral Basilica of Notre Dame. This special honor was accorded this church with regard to its 350th anniversary and the door was opened in December 2013. As a faith community, this parish has been a wonderful anchor in the Quebec tapestry. Great location, wonderful architecture, a healthy community of believers. It is also a great tourist attraction.

Wonderful cathedral located in Old Quebec City. The outside of the building is set in stone and somewhat uninspiring in design. However, the inside is quite stunning to behold.

The Notre Dame De Quebec Basilica Cathedral is located in the heart of Old Quebec. From the outside, this Catholic Church appears like a modest fairly old church. It is no regular church, though. This Basilica is 350 years old. It is the forebear of all other Catholic parishes in North America. Very historic!! If you are interested in more history, then you can read more online. I will say that this church has a Holy Door! There are only 7 Holy Doors located around the world. Currently, the Holy Door is open. It will be closed and sealed again on November 16, 2016. It will reopen about every 25 years after that. We were very blessed to walk through the Holy Door on our visit here. A very spiritual experience!!!! Worth visiting when you are in Quebec City, Canada! Do not have to be religious in order to appreciate this beautiful church.

Stunning the Holy Door is a must We went here for an Ash Wednesday service. The Cathedral is truly beautiful. Service was nice although surprised by the small attendance. After the service we strolled around and found the holy door. It is the only one in North America and one of eight in the world. So happy we were able to see it.

Dominating Place-Royale is the Church Notre-Dame-des-Victoires built right on top of the spot of the city's first settlement. Step inside this church, one of the city's oldest, to view artwork and a fortress-shaped altar. It's Québec's oldest stone church, built in 1688 after a massive fire in Lower Town destroyed 55 homes in 1682. The church was restored in 1763 and again in 1969. Its paintings, altar, & large model boat suspended from the ceiling were votive offerings brought by early settlers to ensure safe voyages. The Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec ("Our Lady of Quebec City"), is the primatial church of Canada and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Quebec. It is also the oldest North American parish north of Mexico and was the first north of Mexico to be elevated to the rank of minor basilica, by Pope Pius IX in 1874. It is a National Historic Site of Canada, located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Historic District of Old Québec.

This is a beautiful church. All that glittery gold. The Holy See has designated 8 Holy Doors of the world for the Jubilee Year of Mercy. We happened to walk in at the right time as this church is one of them. Some of the doors are opened for a short period of time and then resealed with cement until they are allowed to reopen. The other doors are: 3 in Rome, Vatican, Spain, Manila, and France. The young lady at this church told me after this year the door will close again around November and may not reopen until perhaps 2025 depending on the Pope. Passing thru the door you remove sin and temptation into grace and personal wellness. So like the Catholic Church. All about your sins. I happen to enjoy looking at churches but it doesn't hurt to have sins removed, for the cost of a donation.

The church was very beautiful and the historical aspect was very interesting. My kids really enjoyed it.

Don't judge a book by its cover because the inside of this cathedral is absolutely stunning compared to its outside dull stone walls. There's no fee to pop inside and take a quick look at the cathedral to admire the architecture and beautiful features, so it's worth taking 10-30 minutes out of your day if you'll be around in that area anyway. Head to the front right side of the cathedral and enter through a door to a smaller room to learn a bit about the cathedral and the history.

350 years old. Breathtaking beauty and art everywhere you look. You have to see this....

Beautiful church, and we are glad that we've stumbled across it. its not 'grand' on the outside, and not a lot of signage either. However once inside we couldn't stop admiring it.

Beautiful! Breathtaking! We love this church! This is definitely a must place to visit when you're in Quebec. It's hard to describe on how beautiful this place is. You must see it to appreciate it. Come anytime before December 28th, 2014 if you want to enter the church through the holy door. Once the door is closed, it'll stay close for years, not sure when they'll open it again.

A beautiful old church sitting in Old Quebec city. Definitely work going in and take a peek. It will give you a sense of tranquility from all the tourists walking around old Quebec city.

Blue sky ceiling art, golden structures. And a gift shop to complete your visit. Reminiscent of the beautiful cathedrals in France. Definitely worth a look!

Second time here and both times I found this historic church full of spiritual beauty - both seen and felt. I love the many religious relics displayed; Madonna with child, a beautiful devotion to our lady with all light blue candles and prayer area. Suggested donation to lite a candle is 5.00 US dollars. There was a late morning mass (11 or 11:30) about to begin. A priest was hearing confession in an isolated room toward the back of the church. He was sitting there, alone, in the sacrament of reconciliation, where he was visable through a large glass window. As odd as it might sound, it was actually very beautiful in the magnificence of church relics - the holy family, saints and angels. No one was waiting for confession. I was standing in the gift shop and inquired about it to the sweetheart of a woman behind the counter. She said, "go, go, hurry before he leaves to begin mass!" She held my purchases as I dashed over to sit and talk with this wonderful, kind, gentle French priest. A moment's thought turned out to be a very special encounter. Isn't that what life is all about? The year before when I visited in the summer (2014) I was with my terminally ill mother. To be back inside Notre-Dame de Québec and to pray for her soul, ment so much to me. It will always have a special place in my heart. Va avec dieu

This cathedral is very different from the Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal This cathedral is all white in its interior and therefore appears more well lit than the Basilique Notre-Dame de Montreal. However, both are beautiful in their own right. You don't expect to see the architectural wonder of the interior of the church when looking at it from the outside.

It's nice. It's in Vieux Quebec, so it's easy to get there if you're already in the area. Might as well stop and give it a look. If you want to see something really breathtaking, go to Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church. It's about 10 minutes or so out of the way, but it's so worth it.

I visited here with my fam 3 years ago, and i couldn't believe it's beauty, religious or not this is a place to see for yourself.