Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal is one of the most breathtaking religious buildings in North America — a massive Gothic Revival church completed in 1829 that sits at the edge of Place d'Armes square in Old Montreal. It was designed by Irish-American architect James O'Donnell, who was so moved by his own creation that he converted to Catholicism to be buried inside. The interior is the real revelation: a vast, deep-blue nave studded with gold stars, illuminated by stained glass windows that depict scenes from Montreal's religious history rather than biblical stories — a rare and deliberate choice that roots the church firmly in its city.

Once inside, you move through a space that genuinely earns the word "awe-inspiring." The main altar, carved by Victor Bourgeau, is an intricate wooden masterpiece in polychrome and gold. The Casavant Frères pipe organ — one of the finest in North America — dominates the rear of the nave with nearly 7,000 pipes. Beyond the main hall, the smaller Chapelle du Sacré-Cœur (Sacred Heart Chapel) at the back was largely rebuilt after a 1978 arson fire and now features a striking bronze altarpiece by artist Charles Daudelin that splits opinion but commands attention. Céline Dion married René Angélil here in 1994, which gives you a sense of the basilica's cultural status in Quebec.

The basilica charges a modest admission fee for daytime visits, which goes toward upkeep — well worth it. Evening brings AURA, an immersive light-and-sound show projected onto the interior that transforms the space entirely and runs most nights; tickets are separate and should be booked ahead. Sunday mornings see the basilica functioning as an active parish, so the noon opening reflects mass schedules — arrive for the show rather than the sightseeing on Sundays. The square outside is a great spot afterward to get your bearings in Old Montreal.