Saint Joseph's Oratory Tours and Activities

Saint Joseph\'s Oratory featuring a park, a castle and religious elements
Saint Joseph\'s Oratory which includes heritage architecture, art and outdoor art
Saint Joseph\'s Oratory which includes a statue or sculpture and religious elements
Saint Joseph\'s Oratory which includes heritage elements, religious aspects and a church or cathedral
Saint Joseph's Oratory


Sitting high above the city, this modern basilica and “house of miracles” offers tranquility, soaring Italian Renaissance architecture and Montreal’s best views.

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.

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Best Lodging Options Near Saint Joseph's Oratory

Hotel Terrasse Royale

Hotel Terrasse Royale

3 out of 5
5225 Côte-des-Neiges, Montreal, QC
Hotel Terrasse Royale
Hotel Le Cantlie Suites

Hotel Le Cantlie Suites

3.5 out of 5
1110, Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC
Hotel Le Cantlie Suites
Hotel Bonaventure Montreal

Hotel Bonaventure Montreal

4 out of 5
900 rue De La Gauchetiere West, Montreal, QC
Hotel Bonaventure Montreal
Best Western Plus Montreal Downtown-Hotel Europa

Best Western Plus Montreal Downtown-Hotel Europa

3.5 out of 5
1240 Drummond Street, Montreal, QC
Best Western Plus Montreal Downtown-Hotel Europa
Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel

Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel

4 out of 5
1201 Boulevard Rene-Levesque West, Montreal, QC
Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel
Hôtel Ruby Foo's

Hôtel Ruby Foo's

3.5 out of 5
7655 Decarie boulevard, Montreal, QC
Hôtel Ruby Foo's
Le St Martin Hotel Particulier Montreal

Le St Martin Hotel Particulier Montreal

4 out of 5
980 Boul. De Maisonneuve West, Montreal, QC
Le St Martin Hotel Particulier Montreal
Hotel Omni Mont-Royal

Hotel Omni Mont-Royal

4.5 out of 5
1050 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC
Hotel Omni Mont-Royal
Chateau Versailles

Chateau Versailles

3.5 out of 5
1659 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC
Chateau Versailles
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Saint Joseph's Oratory

Saint Joseph's Oratory offers a variety of engaging activities, including live music events and vibrant festivals. Visitors can enjoy terrific concerts and explore a permanent exhibition showcasing the site's rich history. Additionally, nearby shopping malls provide opportunities for retail therapy, making it a perfect destination for those looking to indulge in both culture and leisure while in Montreal.

Shopping

For shopping near Saint Joseph's Oratory, visit Crescent Street and Eaton Centre, both 3.2km away, offering a mix of family-friendly and city vibes. Atwater Market, also 3.2km away, provides a unique public market experience with local goods and a vibrant atmosphere.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant energy of the Bell Centre, a sports facility that offers thrilling games. Indulge in luxury at the Mount Royal Club, a private retreat. For ultimate relaxation, unwind at Bota Bota, Spa on a Boat, where wellness meets the tranquil waters of the St. Lawrence River.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motorsport at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, located 6.4km from Saint Joseph's Oratory, offering an exhilarating atmosphere. For winter enthusiasts, Mont Saint-Bruno Ski Resort, 16.4km away, provides fantastic skiing opportunities. Enjoy water sports and outdoor adventures at Maeva Surf, just 12.9km from the oratory.

Nightlife

In Montreal, the Outremont Theatre, located 3.2km from Saint Joseph's Oratory, offers a romantic and cultural atmosphere for family entertainment. The nearby Imperial Cinema, 4.8km away, is perfect for a cozy movie night. Don't miss the Theater du Rideau Vert, also 4.8km away, for a delightful theatrical experience.

Find the best attractions near Saint Joseph's Oratory

When visiting Saint Joseph's Oratory in Montreal, you can explore a variety of attractions including local colleges and urban parks. This area offers a rich cultural experience alongside opportunities for outdoor activities. Notable points of interest include the Oratory of Mount Royal and the iconic Oratoire Saint Joseph. Whether you're seeking a vibrant city experience or serene green spaces, you'll find plenty to enjoy around this magnificent landmark.

  • McGill University: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of one of Canada's top universities. Stroll through its beautiful campus, admire the stunning architecture, and soak in the lively city vibes that come from its diverse student population, all located 3.2km from Saint Joseph's Oratory.
  • Sainte-Catherine Street: Explore the heart of Montreal's shopping district on Sainte-Catherine Street. With an array of shops, boutiques, and cafes, this bustling street, also 3.2km away, offers a dynamic urban experience perfect for strolling and people-watching.
  • Mount Royal Park: Enjoy a serene escape in this expansive urban park, ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. With scenic trails, picnic areas, and breathtaking views of the city, Mount Royal Park is a refreshing retreat only 3.2km from Saint Joseph's Oratory.

Best time to go to Saint Joseph's Oratory

Visitor numbers around Saint Joseph's Oratory is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Saint Joseph's Oratory is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January15.8°F (-9.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February18.0°F (-7.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March28.4°F (-2.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
April42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July70.7°F (21.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August68.9°F (20.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November36.3°F (2.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December25.0°F (-3.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Saint Joseph's Oratory

When visiting Saint Joseph's Oratory in Montreal, take advantage of the free entry and explore nearby attractions like McGill University and the Old Port. The most budget-friendly months to visit are January to March, with Tuesdays being the cheapest day to stay. Use Expedia to find eco-friendly accommodations and compare prices, ensuring you book the best deals. Consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for added savings. Enjoy your trip while keeping costs low!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Saint Joseph's Oratory are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Saint Joseph's Oratory is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Saint Joseph's Oratory is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Saint Joseph's Oratory with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.