When I entered, the vaulted ceiling adorned with 4000 gold leaf stars immediately caught my eye. Its skylights, balustrade, choir and organ of 7000 pipes are of a beauty difficult to equal. It was not the first time I set foot in a religious place but it was the first time since I could walk. The long corridors leading to the choir allowed me to run at leisure, and what to say of the multiple rows of benches where I could hide from my parents! 

There are guided tours in French and English several times a day. This allowed my mother to learn about the building’s history, construction and neo-Gothic style. The Notre-Dame Basilica was the first church of this style in Canada. Its construction began in 1824 and ended in 1829. However, it only took 35 months to build, the harsh Quebec winters prevented workers from working during the cold season. The church was named Basilica in 1982 by Pope John Paul II.

I have visited several churches, basilicas and cathedrals before, but the colours coming from the choir of the Notre-Dame Basilica are really special. If you choose to make a free visit, it will take you no more than twenty minutes to go around the place. The guided tour included in the entrance fee is very short and does not allow you privileged access. If you want to see a little more, I advise you choose “The grand tour”. Otherwise, it is still a very nice visit at a low cost.