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Canada/Things to Do in Quebec City, solo trip

Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral (solo trip)

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How Solo-Friendly is Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral?

90%Solo-Friendly
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What makes it 90% Solo-Friendly: A solo traveler can wander freely, join a CAD 5 guided tour, pray or photograph art in peace, and exit whenever desired, since the Basilica needs no special gear or companions.

Google
Reviews4.7/ 5
(from 4,266 reviews)

Positives:

  • Free entry: Admission and self-guided visits are complimentary, making it budget-friendly
  • Quiet reflection: Early mornings offer a peaceful atmosphere for prayer or meditation

Challenges:

  • Limited tour slots: Guided tours have small groups and must be booked in advance to secure a spot
  • French signage: Most informational signs are in French; rely on the audio app for English explanations
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🏖️ Explore Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral?

  • A 17th-century Roman Catholic basilica-cathedral in Old Quebec that functions as the seat of the Archdiocese and primatial church of Canada
  • A Baroque sanctuary with twin asymmetrical spires, a gold-leaf choir canopy upheld by sculpted angels, and Munich-and-Paris stained-glass windows
  • A National Historic Site preserving a historic crypt beneath its foundation and sheltering the tomb of Saint François de Laval, Canada’s first bishop

What is so special about Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral for solo trip?

  1. Explore Baroque art and architecture at your own pace
  2. Learn local history via free audio pilgrimage
  3. Join a small-group guided tour for hidden details
  4. Enjoy quiet reflection in early hours
  5. Combine with nearby historic sites

Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours

Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Enough time to explore the interior, audio exhibits, and guided tour without rushing

(View Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral on Map)

Solo-Friendly Activities in Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral

Self-guided interior visit:

Study the gold-leaf canopy, stained-glass windows, and Casavant organ at your own pace

Tip: Arrive at opening to enjoy quiet and natural light for photos

Balado-Découverte audio pilgrimage:

Follow the free app’s script to learn about St-François de Laval’s tomb and Canadian saints

Tip: Download the app before arrival to avoid Wi-Fi issues inside

Small-group guided tour:

Join a 20-minute tour led by a Basilica guide-animator to see hidden details

Tip: Book by email or phone at least one day in advance; tours run Tue–Sun

Centre François-de Laval exhibit:

Explore the permanent exhibit beside the funeral chapel and watch the introductory video

Tip: No reservation needed; plan 15–20 minutes for the full exhibit

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral

  1. Combine nearby visits: After the cathedral, walk north to explore the Seminary and University of Laval campus
  2. Use audio tour: Bring headphones for the Balado-Découverte app to enhance your self-guided visit
  3. Travel light: Avoid large bags since storage is not available; a small daypack works best
🏖️ Tour Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral

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Patrick Villacorta

Patrick Villacorta

Aug 2025

July 2025. Beautiful cathedral. Uniquely decorated altar (that I've seen). We were sad to see that the holy door wasn't open.

Susanna Di Pasquale

Susanna Di Pasquale

Aug 2025

Beautiful church. We parked nearby. Near everything in old quebec. Had small chapels, a bit of history and a Holy Door. I was a bit disappointed with tye door being closed. We came from Toronto after seeing someone post a photo of the door open. But the person at the gift shop said it isn't open despite being the Jubilee. But the church was clean, Beautiful stain glass windows, amazing architectur...

Lily Ranjbar

Lily Ranjbar

Jun 2025

It’s a beautiful cathedral, but if you’ve visited some of the grand cathedrals in Europe, it might not feel as impressive in comparison. That said, it’s still a must-visit when you’re in Montréal. Tickets are $16, which feels a bit pricey. The square in front of the cathedral is especially charming in the evening, often filled with live music and street performers. It’s a lively and memorable spo...

Michael Galea

Michael Galea

Jun 2025

This is a beautiful church with a lot of history. When you enter, you sense the centuries of prayer that have occurred there. The sanctuary evokes a spirituality that makes you want to linger. We also visited the crypt where bishops and archbishops from the founding of the church were buried. The guide mentioned that there are over 900 people are interned in the crypt.

Abimbola Ogundiran

Abimbola Ogundiran

May 2025

Nestled right in the heart of Old Québec, the Notre-Dame De Québec Basilica is free to the public and much more than just a historical site. When I visited, it left a deep impression on me. The architecture is striking. The exterior is dignified, but it’s the interior that really took my breath away. It was interesting learning about its history and the life of the Bishop of Québec, Saint Francois...

When is the best time to visit Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral (Quebec City, Canada)?

In winter, visit at midday to enjoy warmth and colored light. From June to August, inquire about summer-only crypt tours.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Quebec City on Trip.com

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Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Small-group guided tourCAD 5
Optional donationCAD 2
Coffee nearbyCAD 4
Total EstimatedCAD 11

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral

Address: 16 Rue De Buade, Québec, QC G1R 4A1, Canada

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About Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral

Opening Hours

Monday:7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday:7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday:7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday:7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday:7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday:7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+1 418-692-2533

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