Wow! Absolutely beautiful church. If you are visiting Ottawa, take the time to stop by and check it out! The craftsmanship was incredible, and there are so many little details around everywhere to take notice of. The ceiling is especially beautiful. When you remember how old this cathedral is and think about what it must have been like to build, it is especially impressive. We went for a Sunday morning service in English at noon. They also offer services in French, and a biliingual service. I would have loved to go to the bilingual, however it started at 9 AM and it wasn't in our plans to get up, ready and there early enough for that. There isn't really a lot of parking, however it is located right near the byward market, parliament and other noteworthy places to visit in Ottawa so we walked over. While they don't want to walking around during the actual masses, check the schedule and stop by for a visit before or after any services. It is free to come in and walk around and appreciate the beauty of this place. I highly encourage you to do so! read more

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It's a beautiful and historic church in the heart of Ottawa. There's no admission fee, instead, you can make a donation to the church. Whether you're visiting or coming here to say prayers, it's definitely worth the trip. The painted glasses, the craftsmanship and all the details included in them is so impressive; I could spend hours in the church, admiring the artwork. The ceiling is the most impressive part about this beautiful cathedral; I loved it. read more

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This cathedral is located in a residential area, which makes it easy for people to come and visit or attend mass. When we entered and saw the church it was a Wow moment. Omg it's beautiful, the Colour's used , glass painting looks amazing when the sun shines on it. It's a huge basilica, the architecture is amazing, it's a must see . The choir sits on top floor and sounds soooo good . read more

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is the oldest and largest church in Ottawa. It is also a National Historic Site of Canada and it's the oldest church in Ottawa. It is located just opposite the National Gallery of Canada and when we visited we found plenty of street parking spaces, so it was quite easy to visit both at the same time. Cathedral is gorgeous inside, just took my breath away.. from vaulted ceilings to all the woodwork and sculptures. read more

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Sadly, doors were closed when we pass by but the exteriors were astonishing. It is just across the national gallery read more

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Ottawa, Ontario

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Another cool Basilica. You can light a candle for whatever $5. I think they are all Paris wannabees. Still worth seeing. read more

Definitely to be visited if you are in Ottawa. Beautiful church, especially the ceiling. The architecture, otherwise as well, is absolutely amazing. Quite a peaceful place where you can relax and pray. This is the place where the famous singer Celine Dion got married. The paid parking lot is right behind the cathedral. There is some street parking as well but if you are there on a weekend, you may as well forget about getting any space in there. Many of the places of interest are close to the cathedral - National Gallery (right opposite), Parliament, Byward Market etc. read more

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Free and it was beautiful inside during weekday in June. We parked across the street at National Art Gallery. The cathedral is very amazing and they offer free tours at certain times. read more

The outside of this church is very impressive - you can see the church spires from many different vantage points in Ottawa. This church has a lot of history in terms of weddings, funerals, etc., of famous people. I found the stained-glass windows to be impressive. read more

Simply gorgeous architecture and beautiful works of art. Everything about this building is awe inspiring. This is the reason I love being a tourist. And why my bucket list is 10 pages long. read more

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica - Beautiful place both inside and out. Brought tears to my eyes being able to witness such beauty. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Ottawa, Ontario

As others have mentioned, this is one beautiful church! Located in Ottawa, Ontario. You can spot the spires of this church all the way from the Parliament building. There was construction outside of the church during our visit here so were unable to really appreciate the exterior. The interior, though, was quite impressive. Simply beautiful. read more

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I've been to the Notre-Dame Basilica so many times since I was little, and even though it was built way back in the 1800s, it's still able to preserve its charm to this day. My most recent visit was the day after Canada Day. A friend of mine was visiting the city and I wanted to take her to some historic sites and tourists' favourite spots. I used to go to Sunday mass with my family here almost 15 years ago, and I remembered the smell the second we walked through the doors. The cathedral itself is huge and beautiful, with such hope- and awe-inspiring architecture and design, from the pews and the glass windows, to the high ceilings and the alter. A long kneeling cushion runs along the bottom of the alter and the candle areas, from right side to the left side of the cathedral, in order to take Communion. There is a second floor seating area for when many people attend mass, and a large organ right above the entrance, with such powerful sound that echos all throughout the cathedral. The mass and sermon are nice and sweet, and not boring or too long. Their choir is also great, and they even hold concerts with different groups of choirs. I'm a huge fan of their Christmas concerts! There are tons of candles to be lit and boxes for donations. They also have a small counter area if you would like to purchase rosaries, pins, prayer cards, etc. read more

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Absolutely beautiful, unbelievable craftsmanship. The organist was playing the whole time read more

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Ottawa, Ontario

It is a beautiful church. The architecture reminds me of the churches in Europe. It's within walking distance from the other attractions. Worth a visit, while in Ottawa. read more

Came here enroute to the Mint and just walking around Ottawa. So I just popped my head in and then out. Mainly to take a photo. This cathedral stands out due to the architecture. Cool spot. Also right across from the art gallery spider read more

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Ottawa, Ontario

The Basilique Cathedrale Notre Dame is the largest church in Ottawa and the home of the Roman Catholic Church in the city. Although originally designed in the neo classical style, it was redesigned to the more popular neo Gothic style before the upper portion of the structure was started in the mid-19th Century. The most outstanding features are the tin capped twin spires painted silver that are visible from many parts of the city, and the beautiful painted vaulted ceilings within. The nave, while simple has a deep blue ceiling between the ribs of the vaults that feels like the end of dusk on a clear night. There is a lot of statuary around the alter, depicting the holy family and many saints. The stained glass windows were replaced fairly recently, and while colorful, are far from outstanding. The Cathedral is worth a visit, especially if you are in need of a reflective moment of prayer or a meditation. On a hot Ontario summer day, it is a cool sanctuary. read more

Absolutely Beautiful! A must if you are in Ottawa. Taking a star off because you have to pay to light a candle, and the organ music made me feel more like I was in a haunted house than this beautiful cathedral. read more

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The Cathedral is beautiful. The architecture is absolutely amazing. Even the ceilings are a work of art. It has also been maintained well. Whatever your religion you can come in here to admire the architecture. There's also an amazing atmosphere to this church. Some very modern churches don't have that feeling of reverence. But this cathedral has presence. You can feel the weight of its history. I would have loved to spend more time in this cathedral just sitting, communing, and meditating. read more

What a beautiful Cathedral. It was the first thing to catch my attention in Ottawa. When I saw their spires, I was really impress. I told my son we had to go to Mass at this Church. We went to Sunday Morning Mass, the 9am Bilingual service. The service was done to perfection. It was a great experience, one of my highlights on Ottawa. read more

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica - Beautiful interior and a wonderful Bilingual mass. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Ottawa, Ontario

An amazing tranquil place to spend time reflecting and the masses with music are extraordinary.

Absolutely STUNNING cathedral that is a must see for anyone in the area. The architecture and gleaming sanctuary will certainly make you gasp for breath upon entering, not to mention the beautifully painted ceiling. I highly recommend this as a place to visit when in Ottawa for all. read more

So today I called to ask if i could do my daughter baptism there so apparently as I don't go to church there I can't do it ! like really? all my life I have been devoted to church , I was baptized and I received my first communion at the Catholic Church, I have even been a choirgirl for 5 years. My uncle is a priest and I did my primary school with the sisters, all that and you telling me i can't do my my daughter baptism at your church because I don't go to this parish... . As a Catholic member I should not be denied that... Shame on you !! read more