Top Churches and Religious Sites in Quebec City Are Worth A Visit

Québec City has a remarkable amount of religious variety. Discover the historical religious sites that this city has to offer. These Quebec City churches and holy places are a must-see.

1. Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral

The construction of Notre Dame de Québec in 1647 resulted in the founding of the first Roman Catholic parish north of the Spanish colonies.

Is it worth a visit?

• The sole Holy Door found outside of Europe (the reopening is scheduled for December 8, 2023, for two years).
• The magnificent baldachin over the altar and tabernacle is similar to a scaled-down replica of the one in Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica.
• The canonized tomb of St. François de Laval, the first bishop of Québec.
• The crypt and final burial place of four New France governors as well as bishops.

2. Cathedral of the Holy Trinity

Between 1800 and 1804, the first Anglican cathedral was built outside of the British Isles. The iconic London church St. Martin-in-the-Fields served as the inspiration for the British Artillery officers’ design.

Is it worth a visit?

• The King’s Gift: a display of the magnificent silver Communion Service that King George III gave to the Cathedral
• Monuments honoring British commanders and aristocrats, including the Duke of Richmond, who hosted the infamous ball prior to the Battle of Waterloo, may be found in the Royal Pew, which has King George III’s Arms.
• A highly rare English chamber organ was constructed in London around 1790.
• Several exquisite stained-glass windows were created in London.

3. Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church

The Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church is located in the Petit-Champlain neighborhood’s Place-Royale.

It is the oldest stone church in Canada and was constructed on the foundations of the second “habitation” of the city’s founder. The Battle of the Plains of Abraham in 1759 nearly destroyed it, but it was entirely rebuilt in 1816. It still serves as a symbol of Old Quebec today.

• Check out Explore Old Port In Quebec City, the Most Charming Sightseeing of Quebec

Is it worth a visit?

• The only original component is the tabernacle of the Sainte-Geneviève chapel.
• The Brézé vessel replica was rescued from the Notre-Dame-de-Québec basilica-ruins cathedral in 1759.
• The custom of blessing buns in honor of Saint Geneviève.

4. Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine

About 350 years have passed since the first pilgrims came to this location to honor Saint Anne. Go inside to take in the basilica’s magnificent stained glass, murals, mosaics, and stone and wooden sculptures. Pope Francis paid a pastoral visit to the Shrine in the summer of 2022 as a part of his outreach to the indigenous peoples.

Is it worth a visit?

• The vault is adorned with mosaics that tell the life of Saint Anne.
• The Way of the Cross, where pilgrims can make a contemporary journey past 14 stations that represent key events in Christ’s suffering.

We advise making a pit stop at Albert Gilles Copper Art Studio, Museum, and Boutique on your way to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré to learn about this local artist who embellished more than 35 churches around North America, including the stunning main gates of the Shrine.

You can visit the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine without a car while taking in the stunning scenery from the river thanks to a river shuttle between Old Québec and the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré dock.

• Do you know 10 Facts About Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City

5. Monastère des Augustines

North of Mexico, in 1639, Augustinian nuns constructed the first hospital on the continent. They dedicated their lives to helping others with physical and mental problems for nearly 400 years. They contributed to the advancement of contemporary medicine as well.

Is it worth a visit?

• Architecture that seamlessly combines antique and modern elements.
• The permanent exhibition’s 40,000 objects from 12 Augustinian monastery hospitals show the social and spiritual work done by Augustinian nuns in Québec over the years.

6. Pôle culturel des Ursulines (Ursulines Monastery Museum)

Here, the Ursulines established the first girls’ school in North America. In 1642, they reached where they are today.

Is it worth a visit?

• The chapel’s furnishings include one of the city’s oldest collections of sculpted wood.
• Musée des Ursulines, showing the riches of the oldest religious teaching community in the country, such as liturgical decorations embroidered in gold in the 17th and 18th centuries.
• Summertime in the gorgeous garden, which was just made public.

• Don’t miss 7 Most Charming Towns in Quebec If You Want To Escape The City