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Notre Dame Quebec: Ultimate Visitor’s Travel Guide 2024

ByNina Clapperton

Have you heard about Notre Dame Quebec?

If you’re visiting Quebec, Canada, you should definitely carve out time to visit Notre Dame Quebec. It’s the oldest church or cathedral in Quebec City and is completely free. 

The historic piece of architecture is a significant part of Quebec City’s history, and it goes by many names, such as the Quebec Cathedral, Quebec Basilica, Basilica of Notre Dame Quebec, and Notre Dame de Quebec. 

I’m originally from Ontario, but I’ve visited Quebec City multiple times. Each time, I’m reminded that Notre Dame Quebec is one of the city’s most impressive features! 

Here’s everything you need to know to make your experience stress-free and memorable!

✅Book a Quebec City Sightseeing Tour and drive by Notre Dame Quebec

different sculptures and statues inside notre dame quebec

About Notre Dame QC

The famous architect, Jean Baillairgé, built Notre Dame in 1667. It was the first church made of stone in the city of Quebec, Canada.

Since commissioned, the building has required several renovations, which have, over time, transformed the structure to its current glory and beauty. It remains fully operational today and is truly a sight to behold. 

So if you’re visiting Quebec, it’s a must-stop! 

As you probably know from the name, this cathedral is in Quebec, a French-speaking province of Canada. It was the first stone church built in Quebec City, Canada. 

The structure looks modest from the exterior, but the interior of the church is quite intricate. Most travelers only take time to see the church from the street, but If you have time, be sure to enter Notre Dame Quebec, to step inside the church to see the beautiful chapel. 

Furthermore, some notable figures are buried in the crypt of Notre Dame Quebec, including past governors of New France and Quebec’s first bishop. 

History of Notre Dame, Quebec

Believe it or not, Notre-Dame-de-Québec was the first Catholic parish in North America. In 1674, it acquired cathedral status by becoming the seat of the vast Diocese of Québec. Then 200 years later, it officially became a ‘Basilica’ (the highest permanent designation a church can receive). 

The history of the iconic Quebec church in Canada hasn’t been a smooth ride. 

It was the first stone church built in the city, which helped the basilica/cathedral remain standing through intense shelling, fires, and other damage. 

However, these trials have made it necessary to perform numerous reconstructions and renovations, transforming the once modest church into the stunning Basilica it is today! 

The National Historic Site, Cathedrale Notre Dame Quebec, is also a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site (recognized in 1985). 

The latest significant addition to The Notre Dame of Quebec is a Holy Door constructed in 2014 to celebrate the cathedral’s 350th anniversary. The Holy Door is the only of its kind in the Americas and one of just 8 worldwide. 

The Holy Door represents the passage to salvation in the catholic church, symbolizing eternal life, and is an entry point to God’s mercy. 

Where is Notre Dame in Quebec?

Notre Dame of Quebec is in the heart of Old Quebec, Canada, right in between the Cour intérieure du Petit Séminaire de Québec and Montmorency Park National Historic Site. It’s also very close to the St Lawrence River ferry to Levis, Canada. 

Physical Address: 16 Rue De Buade, Québec, QC G1R 4A1, Canada

notre dame quebec winter

How to get to Notre Dame in Quebec

You can walk to the famous Basilica from most places near Old Quebec, but if you are too far to get here on foot, you can also take public transportation. 

The nearest bus stops are De Baude and Hotel De Ville. Each of these stops is a short, 2-minute walk away.

You can also “hop off” here while on a hop-on-hop-off bus around Quebec City, Canada.

Additionally, if you are driving your own car in Quebec City, you will find several public parking lots nearby, as well as street parking with automatic pay stations.

When to Go to Notre Dame

Be sure to visit Notre Dame in Quebec during opening hours. 

Opening hours for visiting Notre Dame Quebec are 7:30 AM – 4 PM, Monday through Saturday. 

Sunday opening hours are from 8:45 AM to 4 PM. 

If you wish to attend mass at the Notre Dame Quebec City, these are Monday to Saturday at 8 AM, Sunday at 9:30 AM, and Tuesday and Thursday at 12:10 PM. So, plan your visit accordingly to align with these specific times. 

Mass features live music, including an organ and the basilica choir, but it’s important to note that the service is conducted in French (not English). 

grey building of notre dame quebec with 2 towers and arched windows. the building is near 2 tall yellow buildings

How to Prepare For Your Visit

Before visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral in Quebec, it’s important to prepare for your visit. 

There isn’t an entrance fee to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, which is surprising because many UNESCO-recognized World Heritage sites have costly entrance fees.

Always be mindful that this is a place of worship, so wear appropriate clothing if you’re visiting in the summer months. While the church doesn’t enforce a dress code, covering your shoulders and knees is a good rule of thumb when visiting religious attractions. 

Day Tours That Include Notre Dame, Quebec

You can visit Notre Dame in Quebec City independently during the opening hours, but a few sightseeing tours of Quebec City feature the famous Notre Dame. 

Book a tour to learn more about the history of Notre Dame Basilica and other famous places in Old f Old Quebec.

If a guided tour feels like too much, you can book a less formal Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour. 

These bus tours take you around Quebec City (15 stops) and have a dedicated guide to tell you more about each interesting place you’ll pass on the way to/from your destination.

FAQs

Can you visit the church in Quebec with crutches?

Yes, it is possible to visit the Basilica or church in Quebec while you are on crutchesNotre Dame is in Quebec City, specifically Old Quebec, one of the most exciting neighborhoods near the St. Lawrence River. You can avoid the steps at the front of the basilica by using the ramp entrance for wheelchairs to access while on crutches.

What are the Notre Dame Quebec Quebec City mass times?

The mass times at Notre Dame Quebec City include:
– Monday to Saturday at 8 AM
– Sunday at 9:30 AM
– Tuesday and Thursday at 12:10 PM

What are the Notre Dame Quebec hours?

Opening hours to visit the interior of the Notre Dame Quebec are 7:30 AM- 4 PM (Monday through Saturday) and 8:45 AM to 4 PM (Sunday).

How much does it cost to visit Notre Dame Cathedral Quebec?

It is completely free to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral in Quebec.

Where is Notre Dame, Quebec it located?

Notre Dame, Quebec, is located in the historic district known as Old Quebec. The Old Quebec area sits on the St. Lawrence River and has two parts – Upper Town and Lower Town.

Is Notre-Dame Québec open?

Yes, Notre Dame, Quebec, is currently open. Be sure to reference the opening hours when planning your visit to the cathedral.

Can you get married in Notre Dame Quebec?

Yes, you can get married in the Notre Dame Quebec cathedral. Typically any baptized Roman Catholic can be married at a basilica. The cost isn’t public, but the nearby Montreal Basilica costs between $3,000-5,000.

Is Notre Dame in Montréal or Quebec City?

Notre Dame is in Quebec City, specifically Old Quebec, one of the most exciting neighborhoods near the St. Lawrence River.

What’s the difference between Notre Dame, Quebec vs. Montreal?

The structures are quite different. Quebec Notre Dame is stone and appears modest from the outside. The Notre Dame Montreal is a grand structure with extensive stained glass, but Notre Dame Montreal has more significnace and history. Both are definitely worth a visit.

Conclusion:

If you’re visiting Quebec City, you definitely want to take the time to see the Quebec City Church or Notre Dame in Quebec. 

This church is an iconic structure with significant history and an intriguing evolution over the centuries, making it a favorite among history buffs. 

Better yet, you can also pair this iconic landmark by booking a more elaborate tour!

Whether you visit Quebec on a road trip or spend a few months in Canada, I hope you find Quebec City as exciting as I do. 

Also, before you go, be sure to check out my comprehensive Canada Travel Guide.

✅Book a Quebec City Sightseeing Tour and drive by Notre Dame Quebec

More Fun Things to Do in Quebec:

Canada Travel Planning Guide

🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?

100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!

💧Can you drink the water in Canada?

Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.

🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?

Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)

📲 Will my phone work in Canada?

Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.

🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?

My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).

Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!

✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?

For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.

🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?

Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.

Nina Clapperton is the founder of Nina Out and About. She has lived in 18 countries in the past 10 years, explored more than 30 countries, and has done most of it solo. A Canadian native, she also shares her favourite things to do in the True North. She helps over 100,000 people per month plan their expat adventures and Canadian trips.