Chapelle of Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours

This was my first stop on my first full day in Montréal. After a rough evening the day before, I had dialed my expectations back — however, the friendly greeting by two church employees (volunteers?) and the absolute beauty of the chapel itself put me back on track.
I got the audio guide, and for only $ 5 I really recommend it. The guide will provide general background information on the chapel itself, its history, and many of the decorative touches that adorn the interior. Do you know why those hearts are hung on the wall near the altar? Why models of ships are hung throughout the nave? How the interior painting was thought to be lost? You will if you get that guide. It was also a welcome excuse to sit, out of the heat of the day, listen, and learn.
I’m guessing that most tourists begin and end their church visits at the Notre Dame Basilica up the road — don’t be that tourist. Head the few blocks north and enjoy.

I have passed this old church hundreds of times but I’ve never gone inside prior to today. I knew this was the oldest chapel in Montréal, but it was really nice to go in and experience the peaceful, understated serenity of this old, humble church (especially after just visiting Basilica Notre Dame, and experiencing that church’s grandeur).
I appreciated how there was no charge to go in and check out the interior (we did not opt to go to the museum, for which there is a charge).
I wasn’t aware that this is called «The Sailors’ Church». There are model ships suspended from the church’s ceiling. Very interesting.
I hear that one can climb a tower and be rewarded with a wonderful view of the city (if one pays the museum cost of admission).

This episode of Chapelle’s show takes us back to the 1600’s and focuses on a young woman named Marguerite Bourgeoys. (She was canonized in 1982).
She’s considered the ‘mother of the colony’, the colony being Ville-​Marie, the future Montréal. Called to teach, she helped educate children and provide aid to the poor. On the site of the current chapel (from 1771) lies the remains of the original stone structure Marguerite would have known.
The actual chapel is far humbler than the grand basillicas found elsewhere in Montréal. Walking through the museum, however, you’ll learn quite a bit about Marguerite Bourgeoys. In fact, one room is dedicated to explaining her life through… scenes in a dollhouse. These dolls were made by sisters in the late 20^th century and can be considered Madame Alexander meets Madame Bourgeoys.
The best attraction by far in the museum is the staircase that leads to the top of the chapel. You’ll have amazing views of Vieux Montréal from the top. There stairs are fairly steep so take your time.
The view alone adds an extra star to this review.
Alas, there was no mention of Rick James in this episode of Chapelle’s show.

Founded by Sister Marguerite Bourgeoys with a long rich history as Montréal’s oldest chapel since 1771 – as per the chapel and museum’s website:
Despite of the lack of time during my brief three day visit in 2003, I was able to seek a peek inside very briefly.