Located at 16, rue de Buade in the UNESCO World Heritage Historic District of Old Québec, the Cathedral Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec offers you an unforgettable encounter with Canadian history. As the oldest church in Canada and the nation's first minor basilica, this primatial church serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Quebec. Originally established on the 1633 site of Samuel de Champlain's chapel, the site has endured a dramatic past, including destruction during the 1759 Siege of Quebec and a devastating 1922 fire.
When you visit, you will marvel at the finest Neo-classic façade in Québec—designed in 1843 to resemble Paris's church of Sainte-Geneviève—and admire interior woodwork by the famous Baillairgé family. Inside, you can view rich decorations, including stained glass windows, fine paintings, an episcopal throne dais, a baldaquin, and a chancel lamp gifted directly by King Louis XIV of France. Down in the crypt, you will walk above the final resting place of four governors of New France and former bishops, including François de Laval.
The cathedral also features a rare holy door, constructed for its 350th anniversary. It is a deeply historical national treasure you simply cannot miss while exploring Quebec City.
What to see at Notre-Dame Basilica-Cathedral
- Oldest church in Canada and first minor basilica in the nation
- Stunning Neo-classic façade modeled after Sainte-Geneviève in Paris
- Historic crypt holding four governors of New France and Bishop François de Laval
- Rich interior featuring a chancel lamp gifted by King Louis XIV
- Rare Holy Door constructed for the cathedral's 350th anniversary
Visiting tips
Be sure to look for the historic chancel lamp inside the cathedral, which was a special gift from King Louis XIV.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Notre-Dame Basilica-Cathedral is easy to reach on Quebec City’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Quebec City travel guide.
See the full Quebec City travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.