Churches and Cathedrals in Montreal

"The powerful effects of merely stepping inside the Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal, one of the city’s most recognizable buildings, can be traced back to 1830. Construction had ended the year before, and the architect, James O’Donnell, was so transformed by his experience in building the basilica that he converted from Protestantism to Roman Catholicism upon his deathbed. He remains the only person buried in the crypt."

"Founded in 1656, Montréal's oldest church, Notre-Dame Basilica, stands in a far grander incarnation than the original. The twin towers of the neo-Gothic façade face Place d'Armes. The intricate and resplendent interior was designed by Victor Bourgeau."

"A grand Gothic Revival basilica with stained glass depictions of Montreal's religious history has only one soul resting in its crypt."

"Driving around Montreal, you might notice a big, rounded, green roof standing tall on the horizon. That roof belongs to St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, the largest church in Canada and a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. At 97 metres, that huge roof — the dome of the Oratory basilica — is the second highest in the world, behind only Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome."

"Saint Joseph’s Oratory or commonly known as L’Oratoire in Montreal is a national shrine and is the largest church in Canada. At the top of L’Oratoire, indulge in amazing views of Montreal that is great for skyline pictures. Make your way up the stairs to the top of L’Oratoire for your fix of epic pictures."

"St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal is Canada’s largest church. An imposing example of religious architecture, it’s said to have one of the largest domes in the world. Although I didn’t get a chance to visit at this hour, I understand that the best time for photos here is sunset."

"Built in 1847, during the Famine Migration from Ireland, St. Patrick's is to Montréal's Anglophone Catholics what the Notre-Dame Basilica is to their French-speaking brethren. Among the country's purest examples of the Gothic Revival style, it was declared a historic monument and a National Historic site of Canada in 1996. A true feast for the eyes, you will gorge on its magnificent beauty and revel in the intricate ornate details imbued within."

"This stately church, located downtown, was built in the mid-19th century to accommodate the arrival of Irish immigrants seeking a place of worship. The ornate interior – specifically the fleur-de-lys and shamrocks – blends French-Canadian culture with Irish traits. It’s also where Québécois poet Émile Nelligan was baptized on Christmas Day back in 1879."

"St. James United Church is a member of the United Church of Canada and is located in downtown Montreal. The Methodist faith was formed in Montreal in 1807, and the community’s development led to the construction of the current church structure on Sainte Catherine Street in 1888. The community fulfills the spiritual needs of individuals of all ages, asserting the value of everyone, regardless of their culture, color, or sexual orientation, including persons with the most diverse abilities who are experiencing problems, as part of a long heritage of dedication to social justice."

"Why: Erected in 1889, the church is a heritage building that also includes the exterior square onto rue Sainte-Catherine and the ground that wraps around to rue Mayor. It is now often used as a multi-purpose venue for cultural, social, and artistic groups."

"When you finish up at the museum continue walking east along Rue Sainte-Catherine, passing by St. James church until you reach Place des Arts. From this point on the street becomes pedestrian-only."

"Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul is a multicultural Presbyterian congregation. On Notre Dame Street, near the current location of city hall, was founded. In 1843, St. Paul’s Church was built nearby."

"Don’t miss passing by this spa in Les Cours Mont Royal, located inside the commercial portion of the Underground City. One of those legacy spas that’s been serving Montrealers for years—two decades and counting!. —its specialty lies in the range of rejuvenating beautification services it offers among swanky digs."

"Spa Diva is known as Canada’s largest and most elegant full-service day spa. Not only do we want to pamper you, but they also want you to leave feeling more relaxed and like yourself. Their major priority at Spa Diva is you."

"This Old Montreal hotel’s giving other spas in its neighborhood a run for its money with its combination of thermal circuits, massages and body treatments with full package experiences like its bed filled with warm quartz sand where you receive acupuncture and body massages (not to mention the holistic Kansa Wand foot massages!). Even if you’re looking to keep it cheap, the range of options in the thermal circuit—salt, rain, sauna, steam, herbal and ice therapies—goes for a song at $60 (or $45 if you booked a stay at the William Gray Hotel)."

"The Hotel William Gray has a reputation in Montréal as one of the most elegant and refined accommodations, and its spa is no exception. The hotel occupies two buildings, both of which date back to the 18th century. The spa itself is an extension of the hotel’s luxury services."

"Avie Spa is located in historic Old Montreal in the Marriot Springhill Suites with an environment designed for optimum relaxation. Guests can choose from a wide range of services and treatments including hot stone massage, couple’s massage, body exfoliation and wraps, mani/pedi, and soothing hammam."

"Suggestions of good restaurants that offer a special menu for Valentine’s Day Where can we find special menus for Valentine’s Day?. On the eve of Valentine’s Day, the Tastet team […]"

"This Mont Royal mainstay got its start in 1942 when newlyweds Hymie and Freda Shkolnick (RIP) took over Bancroft Snack Bar across from what once was a hockey rink. Word about Freda’s mish-mash omelette and Hymie’s bowling nickname “Beauty” quickly spread, and the rest is history. Nowadays it’s hard to come by a blue booth or counter stool without a short lineup, but the wait is nothing that a Beauty’s Special—a bagel sandwich with lox, red onion, capers and cream cheese—can’t make better."

"One of my friendliest food experiences in Montreal was breakfast at family-owned Beauty's. Beauty's Restaurant was founded in 1942 by Hymie & Freda Sckolnick when they bought the Bancroft Snack Bar. As their luncheonette grew in popularity, patrons began referring to it by Hymie's bowling nickname, Beauty's."

"Seventy years later Beautys is still serving fresh, homemade food on the same corner. Ninety year old Hymie & his son Larry, along with his children, are proud to welcome customers from all over the world."

"Burger de Ville is a family-owned business that started in 2009. These are premium quality burgers, made with fresh produce and they are delicious. The prices are reasonable, there are no airs and graces about the place and everyone is very friendly."

"Jun i is one of Montreal’s best sushi restaurants, if not the best in our view. Chef Junichi Ikematsu rates as one of the best chefs and has trained the greats of our city. The menu of Jun I is characterized by the indisputable delicacy of the plates and the freshness of the products used."

"Juni I, the French-influenced sushi and sashimi spot, is available for take-out and delivery from noon to 8 pm, Mondays to Saturdays."