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Saint Joseph's Oratory
Saint Joseph’s Oratory church was founded in 1904 by Brother André Bessette. After the congregation rapidly outgrew the church twice, construction began on a third church in 1924. The modern 3,000-seat church that resulted is still the largest church in Canada, and its copper dome is one of the world’s largest.
Built on the slopes of Mount Royal, the hill at the heart of Montreal, Saint Joseph’s Oratory towers over the city around it. Walk up the steps of the long promenade to the church’s balcony and enjoy views that stretch for miles. Look for the Rivière des Prairies in the distance, which borders the island of Montreal to the north.
The inside of the church is open and brightly lit. Angular arches run along the nave, and colored lighting adds cheer to the tall ceilings. During his lifetime, Brother André gained a reputation for having healing powers and was later canonized as a saint. Look around the church to see the crutches hanging from the walls which are a testimony to his special gift.
Check out the votive chapel, which features a dazzling display of light and color. Long slopes of red and green candles lead up to an illuminated statue of Saint Joseph, patron saint of Canada. A blue light illuminates him from above.
Pay a small fee to visit the oratory museum which contains holy relics including the heart of Brother Andrè. The museum also contains over 200 nativity scenes collected from all over the world.
Getting to Saint Joseph’s Oratory involves uphill walking, regardless of what form of transportation you take. There is a bus stop at the end of the promenade and the closest metro stops are several blocks to the west. The church offers parking, but it charges a fee on all days except Sunday. Despite the many steps leading up to its doors, the church is completely wheelchair accessible.
Best Lodging Options Near Saint Joseph's Oratory
Per night/room
Apr. 6 - Apr. 7
Best Western Plus Montreal Downtown-Hotel Europa
1240 Drummond Street, Montreal, QCLocated in Ville-Marie, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Sainte-Catherine Street and The Underground City. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and Bell Centre are also within 10 minutes. Peel Station is 6 minutes by foot and Lucien L'Allier Station is 7 minutes.
Per night/room
Apr. 6 - Apr. 7
Loews Hotel Vogue
1425 de La Montagne, Montreal, QCThis family-friendly Montreal hotel is located in the entertainment district, within a 5-minute walk of Sainte-Catherine Street and The Underground City. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and Eaton Centre are also within 10 minutes. Peel Station is only a 5-minute walk and Lucien L'Allier Station is 7 minutes.
Per night/room
Apr. 6 - Apr. 7
Hotel Bonaventure Montreal
900 rue De La Gauchetiere West, Montreal, QCLocated in Ville-Marie, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of The Underground City, Bell Centre and Christ Church Cathedral. Notre Dame Basilica and Saint Joseph's Oratory are also within 6 mi (10 km). Montreal Central Station is only a 2-minute walk and Bonaventure Station is 2 minutes.
Per night/room
Apr. 6 - Apr. 7
Hotel Terrasse Royale
5225 Côte-des-Neiges, Montreal, QCLocated in Côte-Des-Neiges—Notre-Dame-De-Grâce, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Saint Joseph's Oratory and University of Montreal. Montreal Holocaust Museum and Montreal Museum of Fine Arts are also within 3 mi (5 km). Cote des Neiges Station is only a 2-minute walk and University of Montreal Station is 11 minutes.
Per night/room
Apr. 6 - Apr. 7
Le Nouvel Hotel & Spa
1740 Rene-Levesque West, Montreal, QCLocated in Ville-Marie, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Sainte-Catherine Street, The Underground City and Bell Centre. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and McGill University are also within 1 mile (2 km). Guy-Concordia Station is 6 minutes by foot and Lucien L'Allier Station is 7 minutes.
Nice One Bedroom Condo
3300 Avenue Troie, 205, Montreal, QCLocated in Côte-Des-Neiges—Notre-Dame-De-Grâce, this condo is within a 15-minute walk of Saint Joseph's Oratory, University of Montreal and Mount Royal Park. Sainte-Catherine Street and Montreal Museum of Fine Arts are also within 3 miles (5 km). Cote des Neiges Station is 7 minutes by foot and University of Montreal Station is 11 minutes.
Mont Royal: 15 MIN From Downtown Montreal 1 Bdrm
4870 Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges, 810, Montreal, QCLocated in Côte-Des-Neiges—Notre-Dame-De-Grâce, this apartment building is within 2 miles (3 km) of Saint Joseph's Oratory, University of Montreal and Sainte-Catherine Street. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and The Underground City are also within 3 miles (5 km). Cote des Neiges Station is 10 minutes by foot and University of Montreal Station is 15 minutes.
2 Bedrooms Whole Apartment 10min TO Downtown
4790 Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges, Montreal, QCLocated in Côte-Des-Neiges—Notre-Dame-De-Grâce, this apartment building is within 2 miles (3 km) of Saint Joseph's Oratory, University of Montreal and Sainte-Catherine Street. Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and The Underground City are also within 3 miles (5 km). Cote des Neiges Station is 11 minutes by foot and University of Montreal Station is 16 minutes.
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