Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
Church Roman Catholic cathedral in Ottawa, Gothic Revival architecture
A 19th-century Gothic Revival cathedral in Ottawa, noted for twin towers, stained glass and a carved wooden interior. Visitors attend services, concerts and guided tours to study its architecture and civic role.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is a 19th century Roman Catholic cathedral located in downtown Ottawa, Ontario. It serves as the principal church for the local Catholic jurisdiction and is one of the city’s major ecclesiastical buildings.
The building is noted for its Gothic Revival interior and traditional church furnishings including a prominent nave, stained glass and a decorated sanctuary. It functions as an active parish with regular liturgies, concerts and civic services.
Construction of the present building dates to the 19th century and it has been continuously used as a central Catholic church in Ottawa since that period. The cathedral also functions as the ceremonial and administrative focal point for the local archdiocese.
The basilica stands in central Ottawa in the city’s downtown area and is accessible from other central neighbourhoods and civic sites.
- Cathedral seat: The principal Roman Catholic church in Ottawa and the seat of the local archdiocese, serving regular worship services and community events.
How to Get to Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica #
The basilica faces Sussex Drive, a short walk from the ByWard Market and the Rideau Canal. From downtown Ottawa, it’s a 5-10 minute walk east from the Parliament area; OC Transpo buses serve nearby stops. Paid parking is available in nearby lots, but walking from central points is the fastest option.
Tips for Visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica #
- Attend an organ recital if dates align; the basilica's Casavant organ and acoustics reward live music.
- Enter via Sussex Drive to appreciate the façade and the river-facing position; security checkpoints can appear during national events.
- Observe the compass rose set into the floor near the high altar-the workmanship and wear tell a lot about parish continuity.
Best Time to Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica #
Visit year-round; for fewer crowds and better light, late afternoon in shoulder seasons is recommended.
Weather & Climate near Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica #
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -16°C to 27°C. Moderate rainfall (929 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -6°C and lows of -16°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. The wettest month with 90 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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