churches in Canada

The 10 most historic and remarkable churches in Canada

Churches in Canada are some of the most incredible and awe-inspiring buildings. The cathedrals, with their towering steeples and gothic design, easily rank as some of the most impressive architecture this country has to offer.

Here are the most remarkable historic chapels that have only grown more grand with age. 

Basilica of St. John the Baptist, Newfoundland 

This cathedral is found in St. John's historic downtown and has to be one of the finest examples of neo-Gothic architecture. The basilica is the largest building project in Newfoundland history. Started in 1839, construction was not complete until 1855. 

Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, Quebec

The extraordinary beauty of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is found along the Saint Lawrence River, only 30 kilometres from Quebec City. It's most notably known for being one of the five national shrines of Canada. 

Drumheller’s Little Church, Alberta  

Drumheller's Little Church is easily the tiniest church in the country. It only sits six people at a time, but draws hundreds of visitors each year. This charming cathedral is located in the Canadian Badlands. It was first built in 1968 and was later reconstructed by inmates.

Basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Cap, Quebec

Also one of Canada’s national shrines, the site of this church is packed full of history. The first church on the site of this current Roman Catholic church was built as far back as the 17th century. The church has been rebuilt multiple times since then. 

St. Dunstan's Basilica, PEI

It's not hard to see why this cathedral was designated a national historic site of Canada for its grand Victorian architecture. Located in Charlottetown, the church is the centre of the Roman Catholic church in the province of Prince Edward Island. 

Petite Chapelle de Tadoussac, Quebec

This little chapel was built in 1747 and held its first mass in 1750, making it the oldest wooden church in Canada. This national historic site is still sitting pretty in the beautiful countryside of Tadoussac. 

Church of Cooks Creek, Manitoba 

The church, also a designated national historic site, was renovated as part of the Manitoba Prairie Churches Project. This impressive multi-storey domed structure was built almost entirely with volunteer labour. 

Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, Quebec

This church was built in 1771, making it one of the oldest in Montreal. It houses the Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum, dedicated to the life of the nun and founder of the Notre-Dame congregation, as well as to the early history of Montreal and church site. 

St. John’s Anglican Church, Nova Scotia

St. John's Anglican Church is found in the charming colourful port town of Lunenburg. The striking black and white steeple was founded in 1754 and was the second oldest in Canada until it was destroyed by a fire in 2001 and rebuilt. 

Notre-Dame Basilica, Quebec

Notre-Dame is easily one of the most frequented churches in Canada. Situated in old Montreal, its architecture is renowned for its Gothic-Revival design. The church is equally as dazzling inside as out, with stained glass windows and murals depicting the religious history of Montreal on the interior walls. 

Lead photo by

travelmanitoba at Immaculate Conception Church of Cooks Creek, Manitoba 


Latest Videos



Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Travel

Canada is getting a massive new resort that pays homage to Indigenous culture

Burnaby Mountain park in Canada is home to the Playground of the Gods

The Big Muddy Badlands in Saskatchewan are a slice of the Wild West

Mingan Archipelago national park reserve is home to the largest group of monoliths in Canada

Ouimet Canyon has breathtaking fall colours and an unreal lookout bridge

This tiny Scandinavian cottage in the Canadian forest is the ultimate getaway

The Parkhurst Ghost Town is an old logging outpost hidden deep in the Canadian forest

The Eastern Townships in Quebec look absolutely breathtaking in the fall