Situated in Old Montreal, the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel holds layers of history and unexpected beauty. This “Sailors’ Church,” built in 1771, stands as a tribute to Marguerite Bourgeoys, one of Montreal’s founding figures, and has become a quiet pilgrimage site for both spiritual seekers and sailors. In the 19th century, sailors would stop here to offer thanks for safe passage, and a statue of the Virgin as Star of the Sea, overlooking the harbor, is a nod to these maritime roots.
This nautical-themed chapel is home to an evocative crypt—home to artifacts and Indigenous relics dating back over 2,400 years—that invites contemplation on the city’s layered past. Those who climb the spire are rewarded with one of Montreal’s best-kept secrets: a panoramic view of the Old Port and Saint-Lawrence River.
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