Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica — Attraction in Ottawa

I was completely taken aback by the breathtaking interior of this basilica! From the outside, I didn't expect much, but once I was inside, I was shocked by the mesmerizing beauty. The vibrant colors and detailed decorations are simply breathtaking. The ceiling especially deserves a lot of attention, and not just because of its detailed arches, but because of the striking dark blue colored vaults featuring gold stars, resembling the night sky. I did like it a lot.

It is free to visit the basilica, unless there is a Mass in progress, when people are not allowed to enter. So, it's a good idea to check the Mass schedule online and plan your visit accordingly. We happened to arrive during Mass, took a peak and decided to wait, which was totally worth it. They also offer guided tours (in French and English, 10 CAD per person) for those who are interested in the building's history and architecture.

While the basilica itself doesn't offer access to the clock towers for panoramic views of the city, you can head over to nearby Major's Hill Park. I particularly liked the view from the little square in front of the National Gallery of Canada, just below the spider statue. Visited on a...

We had our wedding booked with this church several months ago. Today, the office manager who was incredibly rude and unprofessional claimed to have received no deposit and no documents with regards to the booking, despite us having records of same and same having been confirmed by one of the other clerks there. It is an incredibly disorganized system. I highly recommend you book your wedding elsewhere. We were corresponding with different people throughout the process and most of our questions went unanswered. They have now cancelled our ceremony (one week before the wedding) without even so much as a phone call (until today when I called to confirm and finalize what was left to be provided). To do this to a happy couple about to me married is simply astounding and to have such a disorganized office that is based on rudeness and unprofessionalism is much worse. There were no consistent follow ups, no information on the course to be taken and no answers to our questions. Take your wedding elsewhere and I know that my family and I will not be attending this...

Visited it as I grew up in Ottawa, Uplands Airforce Base. On June 1985, I graduated at the Cathedral along with my friend Carmelina Carlucci. Our two families were so proud. I was overwhelmed with the majesty of the church and we each got into line at the end of Mass and were each presented with our grade 12 diplomas while others were receiving their grade 13 diplomas. It was so memorable it was my hope that this tradition of St. Plus X High-school continued for all future graduates. Father Lennard Lunney presented us with our diplomas along side with Sister Noonan. Both have since passed away. Dad was at the Palliative Care Hospital in January 2006 and so we as a family would ho to the mass and pray for him. A joyous place to be for dad during his last days. A place Mom and Dad would take us and then were so proud on my graduation day in 85', now to be there praying for him. In memory this Easter April 20, 2025. Miss them both and the Basilica, I'm now at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Calgary with my family. Do visit, join the parish,...