Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

If you’re exploring the touristy/​historical aspects of this city, you will undoubtedly come across the Notre Dame Basilica as it is located across from the Art Gallery and down the street from the Mint. Make sure you check the hours (it was closed on my first attempted visit) and arrive before sundown so you can properly appreciate the stained glass windows. The Basilica is lovely to view from the outside but nothing compares to its ivory and marble interior. The Honey and I were both stunned that this gorgeous monument existed in Ottawa. I would definitely compare Notre Dame to small European churches and basilicas that I have visited. They also had the organ playing the day we visited and the sound was lovely and added to the serenity of the experience.
Don’t forget change so you can light some candles and make a donation to continue operation of this beautiful edifice.

As others have mentioned, this is one beautiful church! Located in Ottawa, Ontario. You can spot the spires of this church all the way from the Parliament building.
There was construction outside of the church during our visit here so were unable to really appreciate the exterior. The interior, though, was quite impressive. Simply beautiful.

What a beautiful Cathedral. It was the first thing to catch my attention in Ottawa. When I saw their spires, I was really impress. I told my son we had to go to Mass at this Church. We went to Sunday Morning Mass, the 9am Bilingual service. The service was done to perfection. It was a great experience, one of my highlights on Ottawa.

Beautiful! Inside and out!

I’ve been to the Notre-​Dame Basilica so many times since I was little, and even though it was built way back in the 1800s, it’s still able to preserve its charm to this day.
My most recent visit was the day after Canada Day. A friend of mine was visiting the city and I wanted to take her to some historic sites and tourists’ favourite spots. I used to go to Sunday mass with my family here almost 15 years ago, and I remembered the smell the second we walked through the doors. The cathedral itself is huge and beautiful, with such hope– and awe-​inspiring architecture and design, from the pews and the glass windows, to the high ceilings and the alter. A long kneeling cushion runs along the bottom of the alter and the candle areas, from right side to the left side of the cathedral, in order to take Communion. There is a second floor seating area for when many people attend mass, and a large organ right above the entrance, with such powerful sound that echos all throughout the cathedral.
The mass and sermon are nice and sweet, and not boring or too long. Their choir is also great, and they even hold concerts with different groups of choirs. I’m a huge fan of their Christmas concerts!
There are tons of candles to be lit and boxes for donations. They also have a small counter area if you would like to purchase rosaries, pins, prayer cards, etc.