St. Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal (L'Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal) Tours and Activities
12 Reviews

St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal (L'Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal) located in Montreal’s Westmount neighborhood, is Canada’s largest church and a registered National Historic Site. Started as a small chapel in 1904, the Roman Catholic basilica has grown to contain a cryptic church, a museum, gardens, a 56-bell carillon, and one of the largest church domes in the world.
The Basics
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.
Address: 3800 Chemin Queen Mary, Montreal QC H3V 1H6, Canada
Admission: Varies
12 Tours and Activities to Experience St. Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal (L'Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal)
Sort by:Featured

Montreal City Sightseeing Tour with Live Commentary
1156
Experience an overview of Montreal on this guided sightseeing tour of the city. Visit many of Montreal’s top attractions and historical sites like Notre-Dame Basilica, Chinatown, Mount Royal Park, Olympic Stadium, Saint Joseph's Oratory, Old Port, and Old Montreal, to name a few. Hop aboard a comfortable motor coach and get to know the largest city in Quebec province, with live commentary from a professional tour conductor. Montreal hotel pickup and drop-off included.
…More
From
$48.41
From
$48.41
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Helicopter Tour Over Montreal
37
See Montreal from above on this helicopter tour of the city. During the ride, catch views of the Olympic Stadium, downtown Montreal, Mount Royal, and other sights as you soar at an altitude of 1,500 feet (457 meters). Before taking off, you’ll receive a safety briefing and be able to get comfortable with the aircraft.
…More
From
$161.37
From
$161.37
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Secret Food Tours Montreal w/ Private Tour Option
136
Montreal is one of Canada’s most exciting foodie destinations with everything from gourmet cuisine to classic French dishes, to tasty street food. On this tasting tour, explore Montreal neighborhoods such as Little Italy and Mile End with a local guide, stopping at bars, restaurants, bakeries, and delicatessens. Along the way, sample a variety of local and European-inspired dishes including gnocchi, Alsatian tarts, and Montreal-style bagels, accompanied by Quebecois beer and sweet crepes.
…More
From
$155.88
From
$155.88
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Ultimate Montreal Tour
9
With limited time in Montreal, this small-group half-day tour ensures you don’t miss any of the highlights. Visit Olympic Park and take in the views from the Olympic Tower, enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the St. Lawrence River, and see sights including Notre Dame Basilica, Mount Royal, and the Old Port of Montreal.
…More
From
$145.23
From
$145.23
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Highlights of Montreal a Guided City Tour by Scooter
45
Have only a limited amount of time in Montreal? See more of the city in less time on a private scooter tour. Pick between morning and afternoon tour times, meet your guide, and set off aboard your stylish scooter. You’ll spy the highlights of Old Montreal, will journey to trendy Mile End, will admire Mount Royal Park, will stop at a famous bakery for a bagel snack, and more.
…More
From
$129.09
From
$129.09
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
Learn More

Ottawa to Montreal VIP Day Trip by Train
* Experience Greater Montreal
* Place Ville Marie & the famous underground shopping center
* Mount Royal & St-Joseph Oratory
* Old Montreal & Old Port
* 8 Stops at the most historical & beautiful places.
…More
From
$288.80
From
$288.80

Half day private city tour
2
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 Royal Park where you will have a panoramic view of the downtown area and the river. Here you will visit St. Joseph Oratory which is one of the world?s most visited shrines with a dome that reaches 97 meters. Discover Montreal through hundreds of places of interest with a friendly, knowledgeable & bilingual driver guide.
…More
From
$365.70
per group
From
$365.70
per group

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 will have a panoramic view of the downtown area and the river. Here you will visit St. Joseph Oratory which is one of the world?s most visited shrines with a dome that reaches 97 meters. Discover Montreal through hundreds of places of interest with an uninterrupted commentary of a friendly, knowledgeable & bilingual driver guide.
…More
From
$602.31
per group
From
$602.31
per group
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Learn More

City tour; afternoon in Montreal
1
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 Port and waterfront.
Your tour will take you in a drive through the upscale neighborhoods of Westmount and then you shall visit the largest Basilica in Canada, the famous St. Joseph’s Oratory. Next will be a drive to Mont Royal where you will get to walk in the city's most well known park and breathtaking views. The tour will take you then to Le Plateau Mont Royal, where you can appreciate it's architecture and lifestyle. Downtown will come next before concluding the tour by visiting Old Montreal and the Old Port area.
…More
From
$95.17
Price varies by group size
From
$95.17
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Montreal City Hop-on Hop-off Tour
734
Explore the best of Montreal on this narrated, hop-on hop-off, double-decker bus tour. Visit many of Montreal’s top attractions — like Notre-Dame Basilica, Chinatown, Mount Royal Park, Crescent Street, Old Port and Old Montreal, to name just a few. With this two day pass, you can board at any of the 10 stops and get to know the largest city in Quebec in customized fashion, with live onboard commentary from a bilingual professional tour conductor.
…More
From
$45.99
From
$45.99
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Montreal Shore Excursion: Pre- or Post-Cruise Guided Sightseeing Tour of Montreal
56
Before or after your cruise, get a comprehensive guided sightseeing tour of Montreal aboard a deluxe coach. Your informative and friendly guide will offer live commentary as you pass by several key attractions in the city and more than 200 points of interest, such as Old Montreal, Notre-Dame Basilica and Mt Royal Park.
…More
From
$48.41
From
$48.41
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Night on Montreal Tour
3
See the sights of Montreal lit up after dark during this small-group nighttime tour. Depart after the sun sets for a driving tour up Mount Royale, with views of Saint Joseph's Oratory. Back in Old Town, see the Notre Dame Basilica and ride the Observation Wheel, ending with a traditional snack of poutine.
…More
From
$88.75
From
$88.75
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
Things to do near Montreal
- Things to do in Quebec
- Things to do in Ottawa
- Things to do in Quebec City
- Things to do in Salem
- Things to do in Boston
- Things to do in Toronto
- Things to do in Niagara Falls
- Things to do in Buffalo
- Things to do in Niagara Falls & Around
- Things to do in Long Island
- Things to do in Newark
- Things to do in New York City
- Things to do in Brooklyn
- Things to do in New York
- Things to do in Massachusetts