Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is a truly captivating city. Each year, its culture, architecture—including its churches—world-class museums, and galleries attract tourists and travelers from around the globe. Even the locals are passionate admirers. Ottawa Future presents a list of the best churches in Ottawa. If you still think this isn’t exciting, it’s time to change your mind and broaden your horizons.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
Residents might take this unique place for granted, but it is a national historic site. The cathedral stands as a living monument of monumental architecture in Ottawa.
In 1839, parish priest Jean-François Cannon, along with church elders, began planning the construction of a stone church, intending to replace a wooden chapel with a building similar to St. Patrick’s Church in Quebec. However, the designs turned out to be very different. Construction began in 1841, but the idea of building the new church around the chapel was abandoned. A year later, the wooden structure was destroyed by fire. In the same year, the plans changed to build a larger church.
The arrival of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate in 1844 halted construction due to a lack of funds. The following year, Father Telmon revised the original plans. The new design incorporated a clearly classical first level, while the windows reflected a neo-Gothic style. In 1846, the walls and roof were completed, and in 1847, the church was consecrated as a cathedral. In 1858, Father Dandurand completed the facade with his unique design.
In 1879, the cathedral installed its first series of stained glass windows, created by English glassmaker Harwood. In the same year, it was granted the status of a minor basilica. In 1944, a carillon with five bells was installed, and twelve years later, new stained glass windows illustrating the lives of Jesus and Mary were added.
By 1978, the basilica was recognized as a heritage site in Ottawa. In 1999, it closed for restoration. The basilica offers a tranquil place for silent prayer. Visitors are captivated by the magnificent murals, intricate carvings, finely crafted stained glass, indigo ceilings with stars, and hundreds of religious statues. Each person crossing the threshold of Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica finds a sense of peace and solace.
Saint Patrick’s Basilica
The parish was founded in 1855. This Roman Catholic church, located in downtown Ottawa, is the oldest serving the English-speaking community. Additionally, the parish served the residents of Hull (Gatineau), mostly of Irish heritage. The basilica was named after Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and was elevated to basilica status in 1995.
The building, constructed in Gothic Revival style from sturdy stone, features carved ceilings, stenciling, stained glass, oak pews, and marble altars, creating a deeply atmospheric setting. Many decorations, the ceiling, and some stained glass windows are works by Guido Nincheri. The church can accommodate up to 1,000 worshippers.
Saint Patrick’s Basilica offers various social and religious groups for parishioners, such as the Knights of Columbus (a global Catholic fraternal service order), the Legion of Mary (an international association of Catholics), a Christian meditation group, and more. The basilica also houses five choirs and an organ.
Christ Church Cathedral
One of the oldest and most renowned churches in Ottawa, Christ Church Cathedral is located in the northwest of the city. This cathedral is a consistent addition to Ottawa’s list of architecturally significant buildings. Visitors can find historic art pieces in the cathedral, including the archives of the Diocese of Ottawa.
The church is modest yet serene, allowing worshippers to immerse themselves in divine glory, enjoy stained glass, hymnals, and view the organ, inscriptions, and dedications. A notable example is the stained-glass memorial window “I Am Alive Forevermore,” dedicated to Major Robert Donaldson. In 1982, Christopher Wallis designed and installed a stained-glass memorial window depicting the cathedral’s history and the early English and French explorers.
Interestingly, Christ Church Cathedral supports the development of sacred music. Locals join the cathedral choir for boys and girls, and in 2018, the cathedral added a mixed-voice adult ensemble.
Saint Anne’s Catholic Church
Built in 1873, Saint Anne’s Catholic Church is an example of traditional Quebec church architecture in Ontario—a rarity in the city’s architectural landscape. It serves as the home of Saint Clement Parish, a bilingual community that celebrates Mass and sacraments in Latin daily.
Saint Anne’s Catholic Church is part of Ottawa’s heritage sites, with a commemorative plaque honoring it in the city. Architectural highlights include a domed roof, facade sculptures, and a simple stone facade with a medieval rose window and classic rounded arches. The three-tiered spire of the bell tower adds a striking contrast to the rest of the building.
St. John the Evangelist Church
St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church in Ottawa has a fascinating history. In 1853, the Duke of Newcastle allocated a piece of land for building a chapel for Anglican soldiers. Initially, a small school and chapel, called St. John’s, were constructed on the site. The church later became an Episcopal chapel until 1874. The congregation here is sizable.
The church’s interior design is remarkable, featuring a fully wooden interior. Exterior walls are stone and brick. The exquisite stained glass contrasts beautifully with the otherwise solemn atmosphere. A notable feature is the “Ascension Window” above the Elgin Street entrance, complementing the window above the main altar depicting Christ’s life. Each stained glass window tells a story of God’s will and the joy of Christ. Every window was donated by parishioners as a gesture of gratitude.
In the church’s northeast corner, a handmade pipe organ from 1977, with 2,000 pipes, is situated in an area for instrumental and choral performances.
In 1951, the Warriors’ Chapel was completed. Described by visitors as a “quiet and solitary place,” it is used for meditation and prayer. St. John’s Church identifies itself as a large and progressive church, focusing on liturgical renewal, music, and social service. The church hosts arts festivals, concerts, and even political meetings and supports LGBT communities.
First Baptist Church
Part of the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec, the First Baptist Church in Ottawa was founded in 1857 by architect James Mather. The church has installed memorial plaques dedicated primarily to congregation members who served and those who gave their lives during the Great War.
The church’s grounds were expanded in 1916 and renovated 12 years later. A massive organ was installed in the church between 1966 and 1967. This Gothic Revival-style church is one of Ottawa’s most notable.
Visitors to the sanctuary will appreciate two unique stained-glass windows, including one illustrating the Ottawa Valley theme.
St. Alban’s Anglican Church
Located in Sandy Hill, St. Alban’s Anglican Church is among Ottawa’s oldest churches. Named after the first British Christian martyr, Saint Alban, the church is built in Gothic Revival style with limestone rubble walls, adding to its historical significance. The pressed metal gabled roof and Irish cross atop the roof contribute to its distinctive architecture.
The church hosts various events and social activities, such as monthly free meals for students and youth, annual city-wide events, and other community initiatives.
Knox Presbyterian Church
Named after John Knox, the founder of Presbyterianism in Scotland, Knox Presbyterian Church in Ottawa combines English Gothic and Norman church architecture. Its sanctuary immediately captivates visitors with tall columns, marble and stone accents, and two stained-glass windows.
Knox Church was established following a split in St. Andrew’s Congregation, Ottawa’s first Presbyterian church, over loyalty to the Church of Scotland and the Free Church. This led to the creation of Knox Church on Ottawa’s outskirts in 1844. The church moved to central Ottawa in 1874, and the previous building was given to St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church. The current Knox Church, designed by John Ewart and Henry Spratt in 1931, opened in 1932.
St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church
Founded on August 14, 1867, St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church was built in the second half of the 19th century and is among Ottawa’s most famous churches. Its proximity to government institutions attracted prominent visitors like Canada’s governors-general and members of the royal family.
Inside, a stunning interior awaits. Windows like the “Ottawa Window,” designed by William Geddes and presented as a war memorial on November 9, 1919, and the church’s connection to Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry add to its historic charm.
St. Paul’s Eastern United Church
Located in downtown Ottawa, St. Paul’s Eastern United Church is one of Ottawa’s oldest congregations, built in the Romanesque style. The church, near the University of Ottawa, was constructed from 1888 to 1889 by architect S.R. Badgley, who also designed St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church. The church acquired its name after merging with nearby St. Paul’s Cathedral and Eastern Methodist Church.
In 2003, the church witnessed a revival with increased membership, Sunday school participation, and financial support. Many new attendees are young families or single individuals. The church also collaborates with partners outside of St. Paul’s Church.
This sanctuary offers a peaceful place for rest and prayer. It is quite well-known and is a fascinating site with its own rich history.
Why You Should See Ottawa’s Churches
Every city has its unique history, and Ottawa, for instance, is known for its rich and vibrant culture. Beyond world-class museums, galleries, restaurants, and leisure venues, the capital is home to some of the finest churches in the world. The list above showcases must-see locations during your visit.
Churches are not just about aesthetics; they are, above all, about spirituality. In such places, you feel something special—a sense of peace and balance. That’s why it’s worth setting aside time for this kind of spiritual retreat.
