Highlights of Saint Joseph Chapel
Saint Joseph's Oratory in Montreal is the largest church in Canada. It is a Catholic church dedicated to Saint Joseph, completed in 1967.
The official name is Oratoire Saint-Joseph-du-Mont-Royal (in French), or Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal (in English). Mont-Royal is the name of the mountain from which Montreal got its name.
The Great Dome and Exterior
Saint Joseph’s Oratory was built on the western slope of Mount Royal. The cross on the roof marks the highest point in Montreal.
The exterior was designed in the Renaissance Revival style and is crowned by one of the world's largest domes.
Statue of Saint Joseph and votive candles
This is a statue of Saint Joseph holding the infant Jesus. Saint Joseph was Jesus’s foster father. Saint Mary conceived Jesus through the Holy Spirit, not through a relationship with Saint Joseph.
Votive candles are placed around the statue of Saint Joseph.
Interior of the Basilica and Pipe Organ
The interior, including the altar, is designed in the Art Deco style.
This pipe organ was designed and built by the German organ builder Rudolf von Beckerath.
Cross-cultural expression in small exhibits
For some reason, figures of saints have been carved into a bowling pin. If you knock it over, you might be struck by divine punishment.
The scene of Jesus’s birth, known as the “Star of Bethlehem,” is for some reason presented here as a diorama, with Red Fuji from Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji in the background. From left to right are Saint Joseph, Jesus, the Virgin Mary, a shepherd, and the three wise men from the East.
Basic information about Saint Joseph’s Oratory
The information below was checked against official sources on October 11, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
- 🔗 Official website
- Information on the opening hours and services of Saint Joseph's Oratory.
Accès au sanctuaire et horaires | L'Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-RoyalDécouvrez les plages horaires précises pendant lesquelles nos divers services sont ouverts et fermés pour répondre ...saint-joseph.org
- 📍 Address
- 3800, chemin Queen-Mary, Montréal (Québec) Canada, H3V 1H6
- 🕒 Opening hours
- Daily 6:30–21:00.⚠️ The doors close 10 minutes before closing, and hours may change without notice under special circumstances.
- 💶 Admission
- Individual admission to the oratory is free. Different conditions apply to groups arriving by charter bus. Museum admission is as follows:
- Adults “over 18 years old (plus de 18 ans)”:CA$3
- Ages 7–17:CA$1
- 6 years and under:free
The admission price for age 18 is not specified. The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 16:30, and the ticket counter is open until 16:00.
- ⏱️ Visit duration
- Allow approximately 1 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours to visit the basilica, votive chapel, Brother André's tomb, the crypt church, the exhibits and the original chapel.⚠️ The visit will take longer if you attend Mass, visit the museum or gardens, or account for hills and movement around the site.
Getting to St. Joseph's Chapel
The official transportation information describes a route taking approximately 10 minutes on foot from Côte-des-Neiges station.
Accessibility and cars
The chapel’s main facilities are wheelchair accessible. You can travel from the main entrance to the basilica by elevator, and accessible parking spaces are reserved for permit holders. Parking is available on the grounds. For public transit routes and schedules, the chapel directs visitors to STM information.
The related guide “【モントリオール】観光スポット・グルメ・交通・モデルコースを解説” is currently available only in Japanese.
