Oratoire St Joseph

A Mini Pilgrimage to the Oratoire St Joseph du Mont-Royal

Saint Joseph's Oratory
Saint Joseph's Oratory cc licensed photo by Olivier Bruchez

What a majestic sight the Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal is, as it towers over plush and meticulously kept gardens. The long road which leads one towards the entrance allows one ample time to reflect on the churches beauty as you make your way towards its front entrance. Before reaching the entrance however you will need to climb more than 280 steps! This can be seen as a mini pilgrimage so be sure to wear the proper shoes on your visit to the basilica if you have any intention of going inside.

The architectural style used is that of Italian renaissance complete with a dome, the 'cupola' as is typically seen in the basilica's of Italy. In fact the dome is the second largest dome in the world, the first being Saint Peter's basilica in Rome. The height of the dome is 236 meters. A variety of architects were involved in the construction and design of the church. The most notable of those were Paul Bellot, Dalbé Viau, Lucien Parent, and Alphonse Venne.

The Saint Joseph's Oratory which is situated on Mount Royal is the largest church in Canada, seating 2,400 people with a maximum capacity of 10,000 people. The height of the church towers 129 metres and the length 105 metres.

Construction of the church began in 1904 by Saint Andre' Bessette, C.S.C, however, it was a small chapel at that time, nothing in comparison to the basilica which you will see as it stands today. The church was later enlarged to accommodate for the growing congregation and this is when it was turned into a basilica. With all the expansion and alterations the basilica was finally finished in 1967.

The church was featured on a 49c stamp issued by the Canadian Post in April of 2004. The stamp was designed by Catherine Bradbury and William Stewart. Their design was based on photography of the church done by Bernard Brault.

During your visit to Saint Joseph's Oratory you will not only enjoy the beautiful gardens and lawn that lead up to it, or the magificent architecture itself; for a very small fee, you can also explore the Oratory Museum which is open daily from 11am - 4:30pm and during July and August you can participate in a fully guided tour, also for a small fee. If you get hungry during your visit you can enjoy a breakfast or light lunch along with some great views at the cafeteria.

If you would like to experience a truly Roman Catholic Church service in the largest church in Canada with the atmosphere of reverence that comes with it, then this is definitely a place to visit. If you are simply a fan of renaissance architecture, you will also want to add this to your list of places to see in Montreal.



Facts For Your Visit

Fee: There is a small fee to visit the Oratory Museum or to participate in one of the guided tours that are available during July and August. See the offical website for more information.

Oratoire St Joseph Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Thursday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Friday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Saturday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Sunday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Address: 3800 Chem. Queen Mary, Montréal, QC H3Y 1N5, Canada

Phone: (514) 733-8211

Official Website: Oratoire St Joseph

Oratoire St Joseph Reviews

Rated 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating Saint Joseph’s Oratory is a beautiful and peaceful place in Montreal. Its large dome stands out, and the walk up the stairs, surrounded by gardens, feels special. Inside, the space is calm and impressive, with stunning stained glass and a beautiful pipe organ. You can also visit the tomb of Saint Brother André and enjoy amazing views of the city. It’s a wonderful place to reflect and appreciate the beauty and history. Believe me it’s truly beautiful and spiritual best place this was the second beautiful place I visited 😇
Alisha Lal - 3 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating We were very impressed with the architecture inside the oratory. This place is spread out to multiple floors and each one provides a unique experience. On the top floor, you’ll have a splendid view of the city and also can enjoy the exterior view of the building. There’s also a gift shop on the top floor. There’s multiple paid parking spaces available; you can also drive to the top floor and park there, but the space is limited. There’s construction ongoing on the premises to build an elevator and making it easier to navigate between the floors.
Alaleh - FoodyTO - 4 months ago

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5 Star Rating Pros: * Magical winter wonderland: The Oratory is stunningly beautiful covered in snow, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere. * Nativity scene: The large outdoor Nativity scene is a must-see, especially at night when it's illuminated. * Sledding hill: Enjoy a bit of fun and excitement sledding down the hill behind the Oratory. * Warm drinks and treats: Warm up at the onsite cafe or grab a hot chocolate from one of the vendors. Cons: * Can be crowded: The Oratory is a popular destination, especially on weekends and holidays, so be prepared for crowds. * Steep climb: The Oratory is built on Mount Royal, so there's a steep climb to reach the main entrance. This can be challenging in winter, especially for those with mobility issues. * Limited hours: The Oratory closes earlier in the winter than in the summer, so be sure to check the hours before you go. Overall: Visiting the Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal in winter is a unique and unforgettable experience. The beauty of the snow-covered Oratory is simply breathtaking, and the festive atmosphere makes it a special place to visit during the holiday season. However, be prepared for crowds and challenging weather conditions.
Sushi M - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Great historic church, just remember that you will have to climb around 100 step stairs to get to it. There is also a drive path in the back but no parking. They also have a museum inside which was free to visit on Jan 1. Remember to be respectful at all times as it is an active place of worship.
rashid muhammed - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal is an awe-inspiring site in Montreal, both outside and within. Approaching the oratory, its massive dome—the third largest of its kind in the world—dominates the skyline and offers a grand, spiritual presence. The long staircase leading up to the basilica creates a sense of pilgrimage, flanked by gardens and stations of the cross. Inside, the experience shifts to a serene and contemplative atmosphere. The basilica’s modernist design is impressive, with a vast interior that feels both minimalist and majestic. The natural light pouring through the stained-glass windows enhances the space’s sacred quality. Highlights include the tomb of Saint Brother André, the founder, and a beautiful pipe organ that fills the oratory with resonant melodies during services. The oratory also features a museum, exhibits of religious art, and an observation area offering panoramic views of Montreal. The combination of architectural grandeur and spiritual depth makes Saint Joseph’s Oratory a memorable and reflective destination.
Luciano Carvalho - 2 months ago

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Directions

Metro Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Line 5 - BlueCôte-des-Neiges8 Minutes

How to get to Oratoire St Joseph by Metro

By Metro: Take Metro LIne 5 to Station Côte-des-Neiges; exit to your right (south) along Côte-des-Neiges Road then go right on Queen Mary Road to the entrance.

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