Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel
Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum

A magnificent old chapel, a museum and an archaeological site all in one, there is much to explore at Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel

Beautiful picture of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours at night
Beautiful picture of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours at night cc licensed photo by Jazmin Million

Montreal has not just one, but two Notre-Dame churches, both located in Old Montreal. The Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel is a magnificent building, both inside and out.

The chapel that is currently on the site was built in 1771 which is very old by North American standards. It replaced the original Chapel which was completed in 1678 but later, with the exception of the stature and the reliquary, was destroyed by a fire in 1754.

Located on the Saint Lawrence River the chapel was a popular place of worship and prayer for sailors who came into the port and thus became widely known as the sailor's church. Replicas of sailing ships hang from the ceiling as a reminder of this heritage. Speaking of the ceiling, it, along with the rest of the interior, are nothing short of spectacular.

A visit to the chapel would not be complete without also visiting the Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum located within. Marguerite Bourgeoys who lived in the 17th century was the first teacher in Montreal and it was her who founded the original Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel. The museum features a collection of art and artifacts that highlight the culture and history surrounding the chapel and its founder.

A bonus to visiting the museum is the opportunity to go up into the chapel tower which will afford you an excellent view of the Old Port of Montreal and the Saint Lawrence river.

But wait - there is even more to this interesting site! Below the floor of the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours is a remarkable archaeological site that was unearthed in 1996-1997 that unearthed not only the foundations of the original chapel and evidence of the fire, but also native artifacts dating back more than 2400 years; fascinating stuff indeed.

You can also inquire if there is an expert guide available to explore the museum with you in person. When available, there is no additional charge for this service.

Note that the museum is closed from the middle of January through April 30th except for prearranged group tours.



Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes

Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Address: 400 Rue Saint-Paul E, Montréal, QC H2Y 1H4, Canada

Phone: (514) 282-8670

Official Website: Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel

Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel Reviews

Rated 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel in Montreal, and it was a truly enchanting experience. This historic chapel, often referred to as the "Sailors' Church," is a remarkable blend of spiritual tranquility and architectural grandeur. Upon entering, I was immediately struck by the stunning stained glass windows that bathe the interior in a kaleidoscope of colors. Each window tells a part of Montreal's rich history and the chapel's role in the community throughout the centuries. The artwork and details are truly captivating, making it easy to lose track of time as you take in each intricate design. The view from the balcony, overlooking the Old Port of Montreal, is breathtaking and offers a serene spot for reflection. The chapel is also home to a small museum, which provides fascinating insights into its storied past and the lives of those who worshipped there. To top it all off, the staff were incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable, eager to share the chapel's history and answer any questions. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or someone seeking a peaceful retreat, I highly recommend a visit to the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel. It's a gem in the heart of Montreal that offers a unique glimpse into the city's cultural and religious heritage.
Louie Smirnoff - 4 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating I was delighted to attend a free holiday concert. A brass duo serenaded us on the front steps and we were served hot wassail until we were ready to go inside and get settled. The choir sang Renaissance music, and the acoustics were excellent! Only downer was no restroom, had to run to the market next door.
Cristin Grossi - a month ago

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4 Star Rating Around Bonsecours Street, there are three (3) historical memorial public influences to know about: the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel and the museum of Marguerite Bourgeoys. The chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours (Lady of Good Help) is Montreal’s oldest stone church, sitting for hundreds of years. Siting very close to the Saint-Laurent River, as the port became busier, the chapel became very popular among the sailors who paid tribute to Notre-Dame-of-Bon-Secours for their safety. The Sailor’s Church interior pays homage to its title with miniature ships suspended from the ceiling. Admission is free, but going to the top costs some bucks. However, it gives you a panoramic view of the old port of Montreal.
Sanjay Gupta - 2 months ago

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4 Star Rating One of many churches in the old Montreal area, this one has an interesting front piece of wood which is very reminiscent of older French street frontings, although not usually shown on a church.
Graham Tranter - 3 weeks ago

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4 Star Rating Beautiful church. A bit small but the decor and architecture from the outside is amazing. Inside there are some historic art pieces and the music catholic stained glad glass.
Leonard - 5 months ago

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Directions

Metro Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Line 2 - OrangeChamp-de-Mars5 Minutes

How to get to Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel by Metro

By Metro: Make your way to Champ-de-Mars Metro Station on Line 2 and take the Saint_Antoine Sud (South) exit. Walk to your right (south) along Rue Gosford to Rue Saint Paul and turn to your left. The chapel is on the right hand side just beyond Bonsecour Market.

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