Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

About Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is Ottawa's oldest church and the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Ottawa. Located on Sussex Drive directly across from the National Gallery of Canada, it was designated a National Historic Site in 1990.

Construction began in 1841 and was completed in 1885. The design was transformed to Gothic Revival style in 1844 by Oblate priests Adrien Telmon and Damase Dandurand. The apse was designed by Montreal priest-architect Victor Bourgeau in 1862. Pope Leo XIII elevated the church to a minor basilica in 1879.

What to See

• Twin spires — Rising approximately 54.5 metres, visible from Parliament Hill and across the downtown
• Vaulted ceiling — Painted blue with gold stars
• 30 life-sized carved wooden figures — By Quebec sculptor Louis-Philippe Hébert
• 17 stained glass windows — By artist Guido Nincheri, installed 1956–1961
• Casavant pipe organ — Main organ with 52 stops in the rear gallery, plus a second 17-stop choir organ. Originally installed 1871, rebuilt by Casavant Frères in 1892
• Richly gilded apse — Polychromatic interior with intricately carved altars
• Gilded Madonna statue — Atop the facade

Photography of the interior is permitted as long as it doesn't obstruct other visitors.

Visiting Hours

The cathedral is open to visitors outside of Mass, weddings, funerals, and major liturgical celebrations. Hours vary by season:

• Monday: 11:30 AM–6 PM
• Tuesday–Friday: 9 or 10 AM–6 PM (earlier opening May–October)
• Saturday: 9 AM–6 PM (May–Oct) or 2 PM–6 PM (Oct–May)
• Sunday: 8 AM–8:30 PM

Admission is free.

Guided Tours

Available mid-May to mid-October. Approximately $10/person, 45–60 minutes. Advance booking required.

Getting There

• By O-Train: Rideau Station (Line 1), short walk north along Sussex Drive
• By Bus: OC Transpo routes along Sussex Drive
• On Foot: Adjacent to the National Gallery of Canada, Major's Hill Park, and the ByWard Market