Irrespective of one's beliefs it cannot be denied that Notre Dame Basilica is a magnificent building, dating to the early 19th century. The architecture is amazing and particularly the interior is absolutely spectacular. We were lucky to visit on a quiet day so we were able to enjoy the basilica's magnificence in peace and quiet! The church is located opposite the National Gallery. It is definitely worth visiting, at least from an architectural point of view.

Notre Dame Basilica represented the first major stop during our brief visit to Ottawa. When we arrived shortly after 1PM, it wasn’t too busy (a group of school children had just finished exiting as we came upon the main entrance . . . can’t say I was sad to see them go). As such, we were able to take our time exploring the Basilica: Its architecture and intricate interiors demand our attention. Between admiring the edifice, its beautiful design, and taking a moment to reflect, it’s easy to get “lost” in here for at least a couple of hours. The current Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica was completed in 1847 (the original church was made of wood and built in 1832) and its design was heavily influenced by the French Gothic Revival-style in vogue in Europe at the time. As a result, the Basilica features two handsome twin spires that dominate the Ottawa skyline even today; the interiors are intricate and ornate, with high vaulted ceilings painted blue with gold glittering stars; “ribs” supported by faux marble columns (doubtless a Canadian touch); beautiful stained glass windows rife with Biblical figures and imagery; an impressive organ feature; and, a tin roof, which we’re told is a “distinctly” French-Canadian touch. The end result is a Basilica that, regardless of one’s religious background, we can gather in, admire, reflect and be at peace – even if just momentarily. In short, it is a beautiful reprieve from the hurly burly of city life and what, now, feels like an increasingly chaotic world. I’ve said it in other reviews, but it merits repeating here: I am definitely not the religious type, but I certainly appreciate and respect houses of worship. Stepping in here with my partner I couldn’t help but immediately feel at peace – like an awesome wave washed over me. The beautiful synthesis of religion, culture, and society mix and become one. And if you ask him, Saint Joseph will offer a further moment of clarity as you light a candle and silently pray. Whether you come for the architecture, or to experience the Good, True and the Beautiful, Ottawa’s Notre Dame Basilica definitely should be on your itinerary. As the oldest church in the city, and a National Historic Site of Canada (since 1990), it has much to teach us if we have but the eyes to see and the ears to listen.

This is a beautiful neo-gothic cathedral. The interior features elaborate wood carvings and a striking blue ceiling with painted stars reminiscent of Notre-Dame de Montréal. I attended a special bilingual mass for Canada Day with lovely music. The cathedral is open every day with exact hours posted on their website.

Notre Dame basilica is located right near the Byward market and facing the National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian mint which I highly recommend to visit: - free to access, unlike the one in Montreal charging 15 dollars, sometimes bring groups of people, thus making it a bit busier - gorgeous inside and outside, of course is not as big as the Parisian Notre Dame and you can sit down watching the stained glass windows, it's lines and simply meditate on life and eternity - great people to answer your questions and a place most surely we will return to even for a few minutes.

An incredible church. The towers stand out, they are bright silver, shining on the day we were there in the brilliant sunshine. Check on visitor hours before you go they seem to be quite restrictive. On the day we were there where were only two half hour slots!