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Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal

Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal

Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal
4.5
Religious SitesChurches & Cathedrals
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
About
Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount-Royal, founded by Saint Brother André in 1904, is a catholic sanctuary and the largest shrine dedicated to Saint Joseph in the world. It receives over 2 million visitors yearly. We welcome everyone to partake in panoramic views, music concerts and special religious celebrations; come discover natural, cultural and spiritual treasures in the heart of the city. You will marvel at the votive chapel containing 10,000 candles, the Oratory Museum featuring nativity scenes from around the world, the Original Chapel, the spectacular Garden of the Way of Cross, the Crypt Church and the largest domed Basilica in North America.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Parc du Mont-Royal
Montreal was named for this hilly highland, where the tallest spot in the city overlooks its most extensive parkland. The greenspace of Parc du Mont-Royal is an outdoorsman's dream, with hiking trails and nature walks that cater to every season and level of athlete. In the winter, cross-country skiers, tobogganers, and ice skaters don their equipment by Beaver Lake and its pavilion, while the warmer months bring families and competitors to the pitches of Jeanne-Mance Park for tennis, soccer, football, baseball, volleyball, or a dip in the community pool. A perfect spot for a stroll or a picnic, the forest foliage is dotted with sculpture art and offers views of some of Mont-Royal's oldest edifices, the towering St. Joseph's Oratory and the mausoleums of Notre-Dame-des-Neiges. Home to musical celebrations and twilight snowshoeing alike, visit here to walk, write, rest, think, or just be.
How to get there
  • Côte-des-Neiges • 9 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
  • AndyBaha
    45 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very impressive
    We walked to here from Mont Royal. It is a long trek made a bit longer by the building works. But so glad we made the effort. The whole site is very impressive. The Basilica is a complete contrast to Notre Dame in that it has a modern feel, but scale of building leaves a lasting impression. The other parts of the building were interesting as well
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 7 October 2023
  • SonnySY
    Vancouver, Canada33 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Peaceful place to meditate
    Beautiful solemn place not to be missed while in Montreal. There at least 5 floors to explore inside the premises plus breathtaking view outside the oratory. Lots of people hang out to view the fantastic sunset
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 9 October 2023
  • TheMahdi
    Boracay, Philippines248 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Historical Place to Visit
    It's a beautiful and historical place and has a good terrace for photo taking asside from the different parts to visit inside. I think it was the largeat basilica i saw in Montreal. And has different levels and make sure to visit all of them since you are already there. The interior design of the main chapel was simpler than what i expected (comparing to ther churches and basilicas in Montreal but its minimal design still is beautiful. I believe in summer it has a better garden view and in summer usually they do the necessary repairs. Yoi have access through bus and after the main entrance wgich is the Parking gate you shall wait for the Shuttle to bring you up to the 5th level of basilica where the main entrance and exit is located. Remember my review is in Dec and winter season. I believe this changes in summer.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 17 December 2023
  • Dale S
    Newmarket, Canada29 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Peaceful, inspiring and beautiful
    This was my first time visiting Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal and we were in awe of the immensity of the building, its' timeless history and pristine architecture. And, the views at the top were splendid. It is a large and impressive shrine dedicated to St. Joseph and founded by Saint Brother Andre with so much to see and learn. We found the Basilica and Crypt to be incredible with ample opportunity to light votive candles in quiet surroundings. It is a place of great faith, peacefulness and faith.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 28 April 2024
  • Christina B
    Louisiana6,965 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visited while on a Tour
    Massive in size is an understatement. So many levels to see. We were able to see a number of areas. The church, the statues, the history, the hall of candles for pray.. the tomb. The inner rock wall as well as the original church. Glad we had a chance to visit here. Beautiful place and worth a visit if you are visiting Montreal.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 13 May 2024
  • IAN D
    Wigan, United Kingdom26,337 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Largest church in Canada
    This Oratory is gigantic, the crypt is bigger than many churches i have visited. This is the only church i have been in with escalators to reach the main chapel. It is a very calming place and so much to see. We loved the windows and also the outside viewing platform. A must when visiting Montreal
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 14 May 2024
  • Wilma A
    Northern California, California65 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing beauty and great experience
    I am glad i was able to see this place. It's amazingly beautiful and a great experience. Facing the building entrance view, left side of the church is the "Station of the Cross Garden".” the balcony leading from the main church entrance is quite a beautiful view on Montreal. Also, has a historical museum of Brother Adrea Bessett and the St Joseph Oratory.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 21 May 2024
  • ujvala
    Chicago, Illinois5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lots of steps to climb for a fantastic view of Montreal
    This place is not on the regular bus tour itineraries of Montreal city but it is worth taking the time for a separate visit on one’s own. It’s fairly easy to get to by bus from downtown Montreal. Lots of steps to climb - but you’re treated to a fantastic view of Montreal at the top.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 6 July 2024
  • Lisa B
    Bedford, New Hampshire44 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A really nice experience!
    There were soooooo many steps to reach the top, but it was a fun experience and absolutely worth it. The view was fantastic. The inside of the church was gorgeous, but it might have been helpful to have a guide book or app to explain what we were seeing. We did appreciate the fact that we were allowed to walk around and explore. Thank you for a lovely experience!
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 6 July 2024
  • Jane P
    Chicago, Illinois20 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Plan enough time to see this site and visit on a sunny day
    A must see site on the outskirts of Montreal. The place is huge and allows you to see every aspect of the inside. Be ready to spend at least an hour to take it all in. Would suggest taking the Metro - an easy walk there via many signs gets you warmed up to hike up all the stairs. And it’s free!
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 13 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.5
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Jae W. Lee
Long Island, NY5,872 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019
Since the Oratory was undergoing major restoration works until 2022, the main “99 Step Staircase”, through which devout Catholics used to climb on their knees, was closed. Instead, we walked up countless concrete steps from the top of the driveway to reach the observation area with a great view of the city. Upon entering the building from the observation area, we passed the gift shop and went up to the Basilica via the up-escalator. When we entered the Basilica, we were pleasantly surprised at the sight of the simple and yet elegant sanctuary with a crucifix of Jesus and pretty stained glass windows behind the high altar. After admiring the contemporary style Basilica, we returned to the gift shop area, and took a different escalator form there to the bottom level where Votive Chapel and Crypt Church were located. Votive Chapel was awesome with St. Joseph’s statue standing like a lamp stand with countless votive candles surrounding him. The nearby Rock of Mount Royal Shrine with a statue of St. Mary was impressive. Above all, the Crypt Church, with marble statue of Saint Joseph standing behind the altar, was surprisingly elegant and inspiring. The beautiful stained glass windows and the colorful pipe organ enhanced the elegance of the Church. After admiring these facilities, we returned to the giftshop area and the observation area outside. We then walked down the staircase to the ground level. The Oratory was amazing and inspiring, and it is a must visit landmark.
Written 28 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ArtsyGalBaltimore
Maryland892 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2023
Well worth a visit to the largest shrine dedicated to St. Joseph with early 4:30 closure. Parking affected by construction but we parked on the street for free (varies by weekday). Multi-level structure from sublime to pedestrian (passageways). Small museum with nativity scenes from throughout the world, interesting at $3C. Basilica and Crypt amazing with ample opportunity to light votive candles. Invested in a $3C guidebook at entrance and well worth it. Large gift shop. Visit multi-cultural experience with a wide range of visitors. Main alter quite beautiful.
Written 1 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nico Samneil Sy Salado
Newport, VT2,001 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022 • Family
Same as the basilica of montreal, everything has a price here but the view is fantastic! On sunday when there is a mass, there is no entrance fee. Pretty modern interior. Feels like im in an airport though. Lol. There is a bus shuttle that transports people for free if parking space is full on top.
Written 23 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dominika K
Guelph, Canada145 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2023 • Family
We have been to Montreal many times and never had a chance to visit till now. Worth the visit, absolutely beautiful. Our youngest is a wheelchair user and it was very wheelchair accessible, it was easy to get around. Everyone was very friendly. We were also very lucky to get a blessing from a priest for our family on one of the lowest floors they provide blessings and counselling for anyone who like to receive them. Parking was $ 5.00 and one minute walk to the door, plenty of wheelchair accessible parking.
Written 20 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ashley J
Dallas, TX108 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2023 • Couples
We were really looking forward to coming here and entering up the grand staircase that is mentioned in others’ reviews. However, when the shuttlebus brought us up from the parking lot, we were dropped at the back of the building, and it was a comparatively underwhelming entrance. You walk down some hallways that feel like an old sports arena and pass drink machines and bathrooms before getting into the main part of the church. A, I going to the rodeo or an important church?

The parts covered by other reviews already do justice to the magnitude and impressiveness of the religious aspects. The architecture is absolutely amazing and it’s a very solemn place. I imagine for devout person or a person searching for answers, it is a very special experience. Speaking as a non-religious person, I felt like there were a lot of attempts to collect money whether through multiple gift shops or the gawdy “swipe to pay” card readers for lighting a votive or saying a prayer etc. It massively cheapened the experience. Even the map guides cost 3 dollars. We never met anyone from the church or were greeted or anything like that - it was a completely independent self-guided tour, which in some ways was nice.

Highlights include scenic overlook of the city, crypt level, and votive hall.
Written 17 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

sharrongeg
Henderson, NV3,788 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022
Super happy it was not blazing hot the day we decided to walk up to the Oratory. Quite the hike. Yes there is a small bus type shutter that you can ride for free, but we were up for the walk (or lat least we thought we were)

Main building has huge starkly modern cathedral on the top floor and an more intiamate sanctuary below. Signage almost non-existant, and it really would have helped. Had to ask a janitor how to get down to the crypt.

We did appreciate the free entry. Brochure in English very informative.
Written 10 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

sanju_222323
New Jersey17,362 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2024 • Couples
the largest shrine in the world dedicated to St. Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, and Canada’s patron saint. It is a mecca for pilgrims, with its huge Renaissance-style domed basilica dating to 1924.

Hey, doesn't matter, if you don't consider yourself religious. It's worth adding to your Montréal itinerary for its timeless beauty and the incredible views that can be seen from its perch above the bustling city.

St. Joseph’s Oratory is quite a majestic sight to behold from both afar and up close. Its dome is the highest point in Montreal and is the third largest of its kind in the world. It welcomes several million visitors each year. Many miracles are supposed to have happened here which is one of the many reasons why people of faith make their way to St. Joseph's Oratory.

Tip: it has lots of stairs - so there is a shuttle bus to the top (pls do tip the driver) and then you can start from top to bottom, you are welcome :)

St. Joseph's Oratory was designed in an Italian-Renaissance style with a copper dome rising 318 feet high. There are many areas of oratory to explore, including a museum of religious art and artifacts.
Written 26 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DJ
Calgary, Canada7 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021 • Family
Don’t bother. With the construction the place is like getting stuck in a 90s marble building with escalators that only add confusion.
I’ve been here in the past and it was great. Give it a skip until it’s better. Kids groaned and so did we.
BTW not a place to risk getting Covid.
Written 2 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Explorer_IM
Cambridge, Canada561 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022
As they say in French Superbe (stunning) church and experience. Renovations are on so they are running a shuttle from parking lot to the church. There are washrooms and gift shop on site along with an eatery. We enjoyed views of Montreal from up top and also the superb architecture of this Oratory on a sunny windy day.
Written 23 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

KangKang
Tainan, Taiwan17,928 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2023 • Family
Montreal's St. Joseph's Cathedral is located on the southwest side of Mount Royal. When you see this majestic building from the bottom of the mountain, you will be amazed and feel its solemnity. This church is mainly dedicated to St. Joseph, the father of Jesus, and can accommodate tens of thousands of people to pray. It is the largest church in Canada. Overlooking Montreal, the view is wide. There is a free shuttle bus to the church at the bottom of the mountain, and there are also escalators inside the church, which is very friendly to tourists and believers.
Google
Written 2 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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