After two smaller churches were built on the slopes of Mount Royal in 1904 and 1917, the most recent version was completed in order to house the growing number of churchgoers in the area. This beautiful 'House of Miracles' is one of Montreal’s most-loved icons and the largest church in Canada, soaring high above the city on the hill at Mount Royal.
The dome, one of the largest of its kind in the world, is visible from most points in the city, as it sits proudly in the city’s original centre. The long walkway to the church is surrounded by beautiful gardens and lots of green space. Once you reach the church, you view the beautiful, panoramic sights of the Montreal skyline, with even better views from the church’s balcony.
Step inside to enjoy a spacious and bright interior with modern architecture. The colourful lights inside the church help visitors to feel at ease and relaxed in the peaceful building.
You will notice a lot of wooden crutches up against the walls of the church. This is to symbolise all the people that the church’s charismatic founder, Brother André Bessette, supposedly healed during his life. Brother André was canonised as a saint after all these miracles, and more, were attributed to him.
Saint Joseph’s Oratory also contains a magnificent votive chapel, with hundreds of colourful candles lighting up a statue of Canada’s patron saint, Saint Joseph. It is one of the prettiest parts of the site.
Saint Joseph’s Oratory charges a small fee to enter the nearby museum, which houses religious artefacts, including Brother André’s heart and over 200 nativity scenes.
Located on Mount Royal in the city centre, there is quite a long and steep hill to get to the church. You can get there by bus and metro but you will still need to walk uphill, so take appropriate shoes. Paid parking is available during the week and is free on Sundays.
