FAQs
Basilica Information
What year was the basilica built?
Notre-Dame Basilica was built between 1824 and 1829. Its towers were later completed in 1841 (west tower, named Perseverance) and 1843 (east tower, named Temperance).
Is it possible to get married in the Basilica?
Yes, it is possible to get married in the nave of the Basilica itself, or in the Chapelle Notre-Dame du Sacré-Cœur. For more information, visit this page.
Who owns the basilica?
La Fabrique de la paroisse Notre-Dame de Montréal, a non-profit organization that also manages Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery.
Does the basilica offer concerts?
Yes, see the Music section for more information on concerts at the Basilica.
Why do you have to pay to enter the basilica?
Notre-Dame Basilica is managed by the Fabrique de la paroisse Notre-Dame de Montréal, a non-profit organization that assumes full responsibility for its maintenance and restoration. Thanks to ticket sales, maintenance work on the monument has been made possible, enabling future generations to visit this heritage site. The organization is grateful for any donation made to the Basilica. Thank you for your support!
What's the difference between a cathedral and a basilica?
A cathedral is a church managed by a bishop or archbishop responsible for the administration of a diocese. A basilica is a title given to a church in recognition of its religious, historical, architectural and artistic value. Pope John Paul II elevated Notre-Dame to the rank of basilica in 1982.
Was it at the Basilica that Céline Dion got married?
Yes, Céline Dion was married at Notre-Dame Basilica on December 17, 1994, in a ceremony attended by 500 guests. Her son, René-Charles, was baptized in the Notre-Dame du Sacré-Coeur chapel on July 25, 2001, with 250 guests in attendance. The funeral of her husband, René Angélil, also took place at the Basilica on January 22, 2016, with around 1,500 people in attendance. Her grave is now in the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges cemetery, managed by the same organization as the Basilica.
When can I hear the Casavant organ?
Sightseeing tours include an organ performance by Mr. Pierre Grandmaison on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Masses are also accompanied by the organ. Visit the Music section for more information.
Is the Basilica accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Notre-Dame Basilica has been assessed as partially accessible by Kéroul. The main entrance is equipped with a wheelchair ramp. For further information, please consult our data sheet on the Kéroul website.
Is the Notre-Dame of Montréal a replica of Notre-Dame of Paris?
No. Many critics associated the styles of the two when it was first built. This was a mistake. The Notre-Dame of Montréal is in the English Gothic Revival style: its towers are very slender in relation to its central core, its volume is vertical and its façade is sparsely ornamented.
During a trip to France, Pastor Rousselot was impressed by the style and symbolism of the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. He therefore suggested that the architect Victor Bourgeau, who designed the interior of the Notre-Dame of Montréal, take inspiration from it. The Basilica's interior design is reminiscent of the French Gothic Revival style: the blue vaulted ceiling adorned with gold stars and the decorative motifs on the columns, harking back to the interior of the Sainte-Chapelle's lower chapel.
The Experience
How long does the tour last?
2 hours, with an intermission.
Is it possible to take photos and videos during my visit to the Basilica?
Please feel free to take photos (no flash) and share them with others. All we ask is that you do not disturb other participants when taking photos. No videos.
Will it be possible to buy food and drink on site?
No food or drink will be allowed on the premises, and no beverages will be offered for sale.
Can I bring my pets?
Pets are not allowed, except service animals. If you bring a service animal, don't forget to bring proof.
Does the Basilica have a gift store?
The Basilica gift store is temporarily closed. Keep an eye on the Basilica news to find out when it reopens.
The Site
Where is the experiment located?
110 Notre-Dame Street West
Montreal, Quebec
H2Y 1T1 Canada
Will there be toilets on site?
Yes, toilets are available on site.
Is the facility accessible to people with reduced mobility?
The Notre-Dame Basilica has been assessed as partially accessible by Kéroul. The main entrance is equipped with a wheelchair ramp. For further information, please consult our data sheet on the Kéroul website.
Does the facility have a parking lot?
Old Montreal has both paid on-street parking and paid parking lots.
Access
When can you arrive for your tour?
Doors open 1 hour before show time
Can I get free admission to the Basilica?
Concert tickets are required to enter the concert hall.
Tickets
What are the entry conditions for younger visitors?
Admission is free for children aged 12 and under.
Where can you get your tickets?
You can find your tickets in the "Tickets" section of the Fever app (you can download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play). Don't forget to log in with the same email address you used to buy the tickets.
The QR code you'll need to present on the day of the event will also be included in the confirmation e-mail.
Can you buy tickets on site?
Yes, it will be possible to buy tickets on site.
Where can you get tickets?
- On the Fever app, available on Google Play and Apple Store
- On the Fever website
- On site
Can you reserve a ticket for your companion?
If you need assistance during the experience, your companion will be admitted free of charge.
Is it possible to get a refund?
Tickets are generally non-refundable. The general conditions for non-refundable tickets are agreed prior to purchase. However, for any special situation, please contact us and our customer relations team will deal with your request. Don't forget to quote your ticket ID number.
Can you change the date/time of your tickets or change the type of ticket?
We can help you change the date of your ticket or exchange it for another date, time or type of ticket (subject to availability) if you request it at least 48 hours before your session. Contact us for more information. Don't forget to quote your ticket ID number.
Can you transfer your tickets to another person?
Yes, you can transfer your tickets for free to anyone with a Fever account. Just go to the Fever application and open the "Tickets" section. Click on your ticket and then on "Transfer your tickets". If you need any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. Don't forget to include your ticket ID number.
Do I need to print my ticket?
No, your electronic tickets will be validated directly from the Fever application.
What are the official ticket offices for this experience?
Official tickets can only be purchased on Fever. Tickets are not available on any other website or online ticketing service.
I can't find my ticket. What can I do?
You can find your ticket with the QR code in the Fever application, in the "Tickets" section. If you don't have it installed, you can download it from the Apple Store or Google Play. Don't forget to log in using the same account you used to purchase your tickets. If you still can't find your tickets, please contact us.
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