Ottawa, Canada — Catholic Pilgrimage Guide

In Canada's capital city, two Gothic spires rise above the Ottawa River—Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, the oldest standing church in Ottawa and the seat of the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall. Built between 1841 and 1885, the basilica's twin towers have witnessed the birth of a nation: Canada's Parliament stands just blocks away, and the great events of Canadian history have unfolded in its shadow.

Ottawa's Catholic heritage reflects both its French-Canadian roots and its role as a multicultural capital. The Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of St. John the Baptist serves the Eastern Christian community. Numerous ethnic parishes minister to immigrants from every corner of the Catholic world. The Archdiocese serves as a bridge between English and French Canada, ministering in both of the nation's official languages.

For pilgrims, Ottawa offers an encounter with the Catholic dimensions of Canadian national life—from the solemn Masses at Notre-Dame to the Byzantine liturgy of the Ukrainian shrine.

📜 History & Spiritual Significance

The first Mass in the Ottawa region was celebrated by French explorers in the early 17th century, but permanent Catholic settlement began with the lumber trade in the early 19th century. Ottawa was selected as Canada's capital in 1857, and Notre-Dame Cathedral (completed 1885) became the parish church of the new nation's leaders.

The cathedral was designed by Antoine Robillard in Gothic Revival style. The interior was decorated by artists and craftsmen throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including the ornate sanctuary and the distinctive blue-painted ceiling studded with gold stars.

The Ukrainian Catholic community established the National Shrine of St. John the Baptist in 1987, providing a center for Byzantine-rite worship in the capital. The church serves as the cathedral of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Toronto and Eastern Canada's Ottawa region.

☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Ottawa

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

The seat of the Archdiocese and Ottawa's oldest church

This Gothic Revival cathedral features an ornate interior with extensive wood carving, stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes and Canadian history, and a striking sanctuary. The basilica serves as the site of major national Catholic events.

Address 56 Guigues Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1N 5H5 GPS 45.429722, -75.693889 Map Google Maps Web notredameottawa.com

St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine

Center of Ukrainian Catholic life in the capital

The shrine features traditional Byzantine architecture and iconography. The Divine Liturgy is celebrated according to the Ukrainian Catholic tradition, with choral responses in Ukrainian and English.

Address 952 Green Valley Crescent, Ottawa, ON K2C 3K7 GPS 45.376526, -75.703213 Map Google Maps Web sjbnshrine.com

St. Patrick's Basilica

A minor basilica in the heart of the city

Designated a minor basilica by Pope Pius XII in 1956, St. Patrick's has served Ottawa's English-speaking Catholics since 1872. The church features beautiful stained glass and carved stone details.

Address 220 Kent Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 2L6 GPS 45.416389, -75.703889 Map Google Maps

🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations

Feast of St. John the Baptist — June 24

The patronal feast of the Ukrainian National Shrine, celebrated with Divine Liturgy and community festivities.

National March for Life — May

Canada's largest pro-life gathering includes Mass at Notre-Dame Basilica.

Red Mass — Fall

Annual Mass for the legal profession at Notre-Dame Basilica, with government and judicial participation.

🛏️ Where to Stay

Fairmont Château Laurier ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — The landmark hotel near Parliament Hill. Reserve this hotel

Lord Elgin Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Historic hotel near Confederation Square. Reserve this hotel

Novotel Ottawa City Centre ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Modern hotel in downtown. Reserve this hotel

🚗 Getting There

By Air: Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) is 10 km south of downtown.

By Train: VIA Rail serves Ottawa from Montréal (2 hours) and Toronto (4.5 hours). The station is on Tremblay Road.

By Bus: Greyhound and other carriers serve Ottawa from major Canadian cities.

By Car: Highway 417 (Queensway) runs through Ottawa. From Montréal, take Highway 40 west to Highway 417. From Toronto, take Highway 401 east to Highway 416 north.