Pavel D.
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Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica
I was completely taken aback by the breathtaking interior of this basilica! From the outside, I didn't expect much, but once I was inside, I was shocked by the mesmerizing beauty. The vibrant colors and detailed decorations are simply breathtaking. The ceiling especially deserves a lot of attention, and not just because of its detailed arches, but because of the striking dark blue colored vaults featuring gold stars, resembling the night sky. I did like it a lot.
It is free to visit the basilica, unless there is a Mass in progress, when people are not allowed to enter. So, it's a good idea to check the Mass schedule online and plan your visit accordingly. We happened to arrive during Mass, took a peak and decided to wait, which was totally worth it. They also offer guided tours (in French and English, 10 CAD per person) for those who are interested in the building's history and architecture.
While the basilica itself doesn't offer access to the clock towers for panoramic views of the city, you can head over to nearby Major's Hill Park. I particularly liked the view from the little square in front of the National Gallery of Canada, just below the spider statue. Visited on a Monday, July 2023.
It is free to visit the basilica, unless there is a Mass in progress, when people are not allowed to enter. So, it's a good idea to check the Mass schedule online and plan your visit accordingly. We happened to arrive during Mass, took a peak and decided to wait, which was totally worth it. They also offer guided tours (in French and English, 10 CAD per person) for those who are interested in the building's history and architecture.
While the basilica itself doesn't offer access to the clock towers for panoramic views of the city, you can head over to nearby Major's Hill Park. I particularly liked the view from the little square in front of the National Gallery of Canada, just below the spider statue. Visited on a Monday, July 2023.
House of Commons of Canada
If you're planning to tour one of the government buildings on the ''Hill,'' it should be this one!
We were lucky to secure the tickets on the very same day of our visit, however I suggest reserving them in advance online. If there are no tickets available, try your luck anyway by visiting their ticket office in person early in the morning, and you might be able to get some, like us. They apparently keep some tickets available for walk-ins, which is a thoughtful touch! Additionally, tours are available in English and French.
Before the tour itself, we had to pass through airport style security, and because of that we nearly missed the beginning of the tour. It's advised to arrive at least 20 minutes before the tour starts. Normally that would be the time to explore the gift store, but because of our late arrival we had to do that after the tour.
Visiting the rooms and chambers of the House of Commons was exceptional and went beyond my expectations! And when I say our guide, Kennedy, was knowledgeable, it would be an understatement. He knew so much about the building, its history, symbolic meaning of some of the features, the government, democratic system - and just about everything else. I did really appreciate his enthusiasm which translated into one of the best tours I have been part of. I was not bored even for a split of a second. We had the opportunity to visit the main auditorium (we did visit some other committee rooms as well) where the members of parliament sit, which is extraordinary in itself. How the modern architecture blends seamlessly with the century-old building is stunning. I particularly enjoyed the explanation about the portraits of the prime ministers and why J. Trudeau's is missing (you'll have to visit to find out the answer).
The guided tour lasted approximately 45 minutes, was very well organized and cohesive, mainly thanks to the group size. The group consisting of only seven visitors (not sure that's a standard or an anomaly), made the whole experience smooth and intimate. We were allowed to take pictures and even encouraged, but video recording was not permitted. Overall, it was one of the most informative tours I've experienced, leaving me with a deeper appreciation for Canadian history and architecture. Visited on a Monday, July 2023.
We were lucky to secure the tickets on the very same day of our visit, however I suggest reserving them in advance online. If there are no tickets available, try your luck anyway by visiting their ticket office in person early in the morning, and you might be able to get some, like us. They apparently keep some tickets available for walk-ins, which is a thoughtful touch! Additionally, tours are available in English and French.
Before the tour itself, we had to pass through airport style security, and because of that we nearly missed the beginning of the tour. It's advised to arrive at least 20 minutes before the tour starts. Normally that would be the time to explore the gift store, but because of our late arrival we had to do that after the tour.
Visiting the rooms and chambers of the House of Commons was exceptional and went beyond my expectations! And when I say our guide, Kennedy, was knowledgeable, it would be an understatement. He knew so much about the building, its history, symbolic meaning of some of the features, the government, democratic system - and just about everything else. I did really appreciate his enthusiasm which translated into one of the best tours I have been part of. I was not bored even for a split of a second. We had the opportunity to visit the main auditorium (we did visit some other committee rooms as well) where the members of parliament sit, which is extraordinary in itself. How the modern architecture blends seamlessly with the century-old building is stunning. I particularly enjoyed the explanation about the portraits of the prime ministers and why J. Trudeau's is missing (you'll have to visit to find out the answer).
The guided tour lasted approximately 45 minutes, was very well organized and cohesive, mainly thanks to the group size. The group consisting of only seven visitors (not sure that's a standard or an anomaly), made the whole experience smooth and intimate. We were allowed to take pictures and even encouraged, but video recording was not permitted. Overall, it was one of the most informative tours I've experienced, leaving me with a deeper appreciation for Canadian history and architecture. Visited on a Monday, July 2023.
Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral
Beautiful church nestled amidst modern skyscrapers in the heart of Montreal!
It is bigger than expected, honestly the size is humongous, especially when standing inside the main nave - after all this is a (tad smaller) replica of Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. I found a lot of appreciation for the interior design and decoration - the colors are a bit muted and definitely not as extravagant as Basilica Notre-Dame, but very impressive nevertheless. The bishop's mortuary chapel was my favourite part - beautifully decorated, however not publicly accessible (the doors to the chapel are locked).
Entry to the church is free, but small donations are recommended. It's not allowed to take pictures during the masses, but I believe if you are subtle enough, you may snap one or two. A little gift store with religious items is handy as well. The church has multiple entrances/exits, but entering from the front is the most spectacular as you get to see the statues of patrons atop the main entrance, which creates a stunning first impression. I only wish the large cupola was open to the public, as I imagine the views from the top would be breathtaking!
The best way to reach the Church is by Metro as the Bonaventure station is on the same block. It's also wheelchair accessible, making it convenient for all visitors. Visited on a Sunday, July 2023.
It is bigger than expected, honestly the size is humongous, especially when standing inside the main nave - after all this is a (tad smaller) replica of Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. I found a lot of appreciation for the interior design and decoration - the colors are a bit muted and definitely not as extravagant as Basilica Notre-Dame, but very impressive nevertheless. The bishop's mortuary chapel was my favourite part - beautifully decorated, however not publicly accessible (the doors to the chapel are locked).
Entry to the church is free, but small donations are recommended. It's not allowed to take pictures during the masses, but I believe if you are subtle enough, you may snap one or two. A little gift store with religious items is handy as well. The church has multiple entrances/exits, but entering from the front is the most spectacular as you get to see the statues of patrons atop the main entrance, which creates a stunning first impression. I only wish the large cupola was open to the public, as I imagine the views from the top would be breathtaking!
The best way to reach the Church is by Metro as the Bonaventure station is on the same block. It's also wheelchair accessible, making it convenient for all visitors. Visited on a Sunday, July 2023.
Japanese Garden
This is a Japanese garden review - not the Chinese garden review!
I must admit that I felt a slight disappointment during my visit to this Japanese garden, especially when comparing it to the other spectacular sections of the Montreal Botanical Gardens. Having visited many other Japanese gardens in my life, I can say that this one falls on the lower end of my favorites list. Don't get me wrong; it is still beautiful, but it simply didn't meet my expectations.
There were a few aspects that I didn't fully appreciate. Firstly, the pathways needed more upkeep. After the rain, several of them had puddles of water, making it challenging to navigate without stepping on the otherwise perfect grass.
The absence of stones was a major letdown for me. On one of the signposts, it mentioned that stones are one of the essential components of the gardens, but strangely, they were nowhere to be found except for a few in the distant waterfall cascade. I could not even see them and admire them. They were even missing from the lake! Seeing the fabric covering the bottom of the lake was very unusual and took away the magical essence that Japanese gardens are meant to evoke.
Although you can walk around the lake, half of the path goes through a thick forest, which obstructs the view of the lake. The garden features a few buildings, with the main pavilion being the most interesting one. It houses lavatories, a water fountain, and a workshop area. Additionally, there's a small bonsai exhibition in the yards, offering valuable information on cultivating bonsais.
Overall, my impression was that this was a nice manicured garden around the lake - nothing more, nothing less. I visited on a Saturday in July 2023.
I must admit that I felt a slight disappointment during my visit to this Japanese garden, especially when comparing it to the other spectacular sections of the Montreal Botanical Gardens. Having visited many other Japanese gardens in my life, I can say that this one falls on the lower end of my favorites list. Don't get me wrong; it is still beautiful, but it simply didn't meet my expectations.
There were a few aspects that I didn't fully appreciate. Firstly, the pathways needed more upkeep. After the rain, several of them had puddles of water, making it challenging to navigate without stepping on the otherwise perfect grass.
The absence of stones was a major letdown for me. On one of the signposts, it mentioned that stones are one of the essential components of the gardens, but strangely, they were nowhere to be found except for a few in the distant waterfall cascade. I could not even see them and admire them. They were even missing from the lake! Seeing the fabric covering the bottom of the lake was very unusual and took away the magical essence that Japanese gardens are meant to evoke.
Although you can walk around the lake, half of the path goes through a thick forest, which obstructs the view of the lake. The garden features a few buildings, with the main pavilion being the most interesting one. It houses lavatories, a water fountain, and a workshop area. Additionally, there's a small bonsai exhibition in the yards, offering valuable information on cultivating bonsais.
Overall, my impression was that this was a nice manicured garden around the lake - nothing more, nothing less. I visited on a Saturday in July 2023.
Chinese Garden
An absolute highlight of Montreal Botanical Garden!
I was looking forward to seeing this section of the garden as I have heard amazing things, and I was not disappointed! In fact, it became one of my most favorite parts of the entire visit.
The garden is meticulously designed in a stunning Chinese style, complete with pagodas, pavilions and moon bridges. The careful arrangement of plants, water and stones creates a sense of harmony and tranquility, especially in the early morning when it's relatively quiet. Unfortunately the popularity of the garden takes its toll as the day progresses and gets very busy, even on a rainy day. I'd suggest coming here first thing in the morning and then continue with the rest of the gardens.
There are no food or drink options here. In fact, nowhere in the gardens, so bringing your own would not be a bad idea. I could totally easily imagine a little stand or stall selling authentic Chinese tea, as I experienced in another Chinese garden in Manheim, Germany, and it added an extra level of enjoyment to the experience.
Overall, the Chinese garden is a picturesque place, offering photo opportunities at every turn. It's also an excellent spot to relax, whether on one of the benches or inside a pagoda. There is a little yard behind the main pavilion featuring a rock garden and bonsai that is worth checking out!
Visited on a rainy Saturday, July 2023.
I was looking forward to seeing this section of the garden as I have heard amazing things, and I was not disappointed! In fact, it became one of my most favorite parts of the entire visit.
The garden is meticulously designed in a stunning Chinese style, complete with pagodas, pavilions and moon bridges. The careful arrangement of plants, water and stones creates a sense of harmony and tranquility, especially in the early morning when it's relatively quiet. Unfortunately the popularity of the garden takes its toll as the day progresses and gets very busy, even on a rainy day. I'd suggest coming here first thing in the morning and then continue with the rest of the gardens.
There are no food or drink options here. In fact, nowhere in the gardens, so bringing your own would not be a bad idea. I could totally easily imagine a little stand or stall selling authentic Chinese tea, as I experienced in another Chinese garden in Manheim, Germany, and it added an extra level of enjoyment to the experience.
Overall, the Chinese garden is a picturesque place, offering photo opportunities at every turn. It's also an excellent spot to relax, whether on one of the benches or inside a pagoda. There is a little yard behind the main pavilion featuring a rock garden and bonsai that is worth checking out!
Visited on a rainy Saturday, July 2023.