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Montreal Self-guided Walking Tour and Scavenger Hunt
Are you planning a visit and/or looking for things to do in Montreal? You should try our scavenger hunts throughout the city in Downtown, Quartier des Spectacles, and Plateau Montreal, to name but a few neighborhoods we go to.You will be challenged at every step. Each challenge will tell you where you are going next…
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Ultimate Montreal Tour
Your tour will begin with a drive through Westmount on your way to Mount Royal. Along the way, you’ll pass by the famous St. Joseph’s Oratory, Canada’s largest church. At Mount Royal, you will take in beautiful views of the city skyline and nature and snap some pictures while you’re there. Following a view of…
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Half day private city tour
Complete tour of the City, taking in over 200 points of interest. Visit historic Old Montreal, City Hall, Place Jacques Cartier, Notre Dame Basilica (admission extra), Olympia Park built for the 1976 summer Olympic games with an optional visit to the tallest inclined tower(Observatory is close on Monday), the Montreal Observatory Tower (admission extra), Mount…
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Half day private city tour – SUV
Complete tour of the City, taking in over 200 points of interest. Visit historic Old Montreal, City Hall, Place Jacques Cartier, Notre Dame Basilica (admission extra), Olympia Park built for the 1976 summer Olympic games with an optional visit to the tallest inclined tower, the Montreal Observatory Tower (admission extra), Mount Royal Park where you…
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Small-Group Sightseeing Tour of Montreal
A fulfilling tour of Montreal in 3 hours! You will get to see Mount Royal, Westmount, St. Joseph’s Oratory, Downtown as well as Saint Helen’s Island, Old Montreal and the Old Port and waterfront.Your tour will begin with a drive through Downtown and Mount Royal via the upscale neighborhoods of Westmount and then visit the…
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City tour; afternoon in Montreal
Have a fulfilling tour of Montreal that fits your schedule ! In this afternoon tour you get to see Westmount, visit St. Joseph’s Oratory and Mont Royal park. You will also visit Le Plateau Mont Royal, one of the most attractive neighborhoods in the city. We shall also visit Downtown, Old Montreal and the Old…
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Montreal Shore Excursion: Pre- or Post-Cruise Guided Sightseeing Tour of Montreal
Make the most of your time in Montreal with this shore excursion before or after your cruise. Aboard a deluxe coach offering live commentary by a friendly guide, you’ll see several top Montreal attractions and more than 200 points of interest such as Old Montreal, Montreal Harbor, Notre-Dame Basilica, Chinatown and Mt Royal Park. Hotel…
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Full-Day City Tour Montreal with Pickup and Local Specialties Tasting
A comprehensive tour of Montreal to see all key attractions in one day. Enjoy local food specialties tasting.Start with a drive to upscale neighborhoods of Westmount and then visit the famous St. Joseph’s Oratory. Visit Mount Royal and enjoy scenic views. Next, see what is still consider as more French neighborhoods of the city and…
As one of Montreal’s top landmarks, St. Joseph’s Oratory is a stop on most hop-on hop-off bus routes, which is a convenient way to explore without the hassle of navigating on their own. Since the oratory is off the beaten path, city tours that provide coach transportation typically include a stop or drive-by viewing. You can also opt for a private tour, which will allow you to tack on an oratory visit to a customized itinerary.
Things to Know Before You Go
- St. Joseph’s Oratory is a must for planners and history buffs.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and prepare to climb 280 steps to reach the main basilica.
- The oratory is wheelchair accessible; wheelchairs are available for free at the votive chapel.
- Guided tours are available for $5 from June through September.
- Mass is typically held in French, though there’s also the occasional mass held in English.
How to Get There
Located just 2.4 miles (4 kilometers) from Downtown, St. Joseph’s Oratory is easily accessible using Montreal’s public transit system. The nearest transit stops are the Côte-des-Neiges metro station on the blue 5 line, Oratoire Saint-Joseph on bus 166, and Victoria and No 4811 on bus 124. If traveling by car, drive north on Côte-des-Neiges Road and turn left on Queen Mary Road. Visitor parking is available for $5 per vehicle.
When to Get There
A place of Roman Catholic worship, the oratory is busiest on Sundays. Go on a weekday for a quieter visit. Mass is held in the cryptic church from Monday to Saturday, and in the basilica on Sunday. An annual celebration of Saint Brother André, patron saint of caregivers in Canada, is held throughout the month of August and includes outdoor concerts, recitals, Wednesday sunsets on the terrace, and exhibits on Brother André.
Music to Your Ears
St. Joseph’s Oratory holds a variety of concerts throughout the year—a local secret often unknown to visitors passing through Montreal. In addition to the Sunday Concert Series that features world-renowned organists from around the globe, the oratory holds frequent carillon recitals, boys’ choir concerts, and sunset performances on the terrace throughout the summer. A full calendar of these events can be found on the oratory’s website.