St. Joseph's Oratory

Oratoire Saint-Joseph

The largest church in Canada, it has an impressive neo-Renaissance exterior and a contemporary bell tower. The Basilica has a beautiful, restrained, somewhat stark Art Deco interior, complete with unusual, elongated wooden statues of saints, and combined with the great height of its ceiling, it may seem somewhat forbidding, but it also has a more traditionally expressive series of statues of the Stations of the Cross and Crucifix at the altar and a pretty series of mosaics behind the altar. It is a favourite pilgrimage for devotees of Brother André, who was reputed to have healed the sick and handicapped. Includes a remarkable collection of crutches and canes from the healed. In good weather, it is also possible to stroll through the beautiful garden next to the Oratory which features the Stations of the Cross in marble sculptures. The garden is peaceful and beautifully maintained. The views from both the Oratory and the garden are magnificent and well-worth the climb. Watch for the faithful climbing on their knees to the top.

• Wheelchair accessible

• history
• outdoors
• museum

Address

3800 Chemin Queen Mary

Getting there

métro Côte-des-Neiges

Website

saint-joseph.org (opens in a new tab)