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

St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal was founded by Brother André Bessette in 1904 as a small chapel dedicated to St. Joseph. Over the years it expanded significantly, with major construction beginning in 1924 and culminating in a grand basilica completed in 1967. Today, more than 2 million people visit annually.

Yes, from June to September St. Joseph’s Oratory offers a daily guided tour, typically at 1:30pm, for a small fee. Alternatively, you can opt for a private tour, which often includes round-trip transportation from Montreal’s city center. These excursions can offer a personalized and immersive sightseeing experience.

St. Joseph’s Oratory is located at 3800 Queen Mary Road in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on the northwestern slope of Mount Royal. You can reach the oratory by car, bus, or metro. The oratory also offers a free shuttle bus that runs from Queen Mary Road to the Welcome Pavilion.

St. Joseph’s Oratory is open seven days a week, typically from 6:30am–9pm. Masses are held multiple times daily inside the Crypt Church in English and French. Sunday masses inside the basilica take place in French, usually from 11am–12:30pm. The Oratory Museum is open daily from mid-morning to afternoon.

No, entry is free for St. Joseph’s Oratory, including the Crypt Church and the Brother André exhibit. However, a small ticket fee is charged for visiting the Oratory Museum, which is highly recommended. Parking and guided tours also incur a fee.

Yes, visiting St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal is worth it. Architecture enthusiasts can take in the church’s massive dome (one of the largest in the world), its Renaissance Revival exterior, and Art Deco interior. Those interested in Catholicism can find insight into Brother André Bessette’s legacy.