Canada’s capital is predominantly a Christian city. Ottawa is home to the center of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese, as well as an Anglican diocese. The majority of Ottawa’s residents practice Catholicism or one of the Protestant denominations. In addition to these religions, Ottawa’s population represents a variety of other faiths. More on ottawa-future.com.
Ottawa is rich with holy sites for every religion. These are churches with remarkable architecture and histories. For a tourist visiting Ottawa, a single day would not suffice to explore all of the unique sacred architectural sites in the city. Each church is unique, with its own special interior design and architecture. The stained glass windows, present in nearly every church in Ottawa, make a particularly strong impression. Each work is unique, and none are alike, each with its own ancient story. A visiting tourist, after exploring any one of these sites, can truly immerse themselves in Ottawa’s religious world and discover the rich history not only of the religion but also of each sacred building.
Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica
Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica is not only a holy site in Ottawa but also a national historical landmark for all of Canada. It is one of the largest and oldest churches in the city. Notre Dame Cathedral in Ottawa vividly showcases religious art, serving as a perfect place for prayer and meditation.
The walls are adorned with captivating murals, intricate carvings, and tastefully executed stained glass. The indigo-coloured ceiling, depicting the glow of stars, is particularly striking. Tourists can also view sculptures of prominent religious figures connected to Ottawa and Notre Dame Cathedral. Thirty ancient sculptures by sculptor Louis-Philippe Hébert can be seen in the choir hall. The cathedral is genuinely unique, a true architectural masterpiece, and one of the oldest and most popular sacred sites in Ottawa, where visitors can find true peace for their souls.
Saint Sacrament Catholic Church
One of the finest holy sites in Ottawa, Saint Sacrament Church has been awarded for its extraordinary yet contemporary religious design. At first glance, the building might seem simple, especially compared to other holy sites in Ottawa, but this is far from true.
Saint Sacrament Catholic Church was designed by architect John Gibb Morton and built in 1931 in a Perpendicular Gothic style. A special copper memorial plaque was installed in the church to commemorate parishioners and soldiers of the Canadian Armed Forces, with a memorial plaque blessed on Christmas Day in 1946, honoring those who fell during World War II.
Saint Sacrament Church will leave no visitor indifferent. This work of modern religious architecture is among the top places for quiet prayer and for appreciating stunning sacred artworks.
Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral is one of Ottawa’s oldest religious sites, located in the city’s northwest. This stunning structure displays the grand historical heritage of the cathedral.
Every June, this unique sacred site is included in the “Doors Open Ottawa” program. Visitors to the cathedral can explore ancient religious art and historical archives from the Ottawa diocese.
Many treasures in the Cathedral of Christ the King bear inscriptions worth studying. For visitors, Christ Church Cathedral will be an ideal place to deepen their knowledge of Ottawa’s religious development and truly immerse themselves in its history.
Ottawa Baptist Church
This was the first Baptist church in Ottawa and remains the main Baptist church in the capital.
Since 1985, the Ottawa Baptist Church building has been recognized as a heritage site. Additionally, the church is a member of the Canadian Baptist Union of Ontario and Quebec.
The church building resembles the Gothic Revival style. The renowned architect James Mather designed this religious architectural masterpiece. The church features magnificent stained glass, one of which illustrates the Ottawa Valley theme. Visitors will be amazed by the beautiful stained glass windows, one of which depicts the Ottawa Valley theme.
St. Patrick’s Basilica
St. Patrick’s Basilica is regarded as the best Roman Catholic church in Canada’s capital. The basilica, like other famous holy sites in Ottawa, is quite old, with a history dating back to 1855. Located at 281 Nepean Street in the heart of Ottawa, St. Patrick’s Basilica mainly serves the English-speaking community of the city.
It’s notable that the materials for the basilica’s construction were sourced locally. The building, constructed in 1855, features a Gothic style. The church’s interior boasts a carved ceiling, stenciled marble altar, numerous beautiful stained glass windows, and renowned oak pews. Inside, the walls are adorned with wonderful paintings by artist Guido Nincheri.
St. Patrick’s Basilica can accommodate a thousand parishioners for services. Near the entrance, a list of the church’s parishioners who perished in World War I and World War II is displayed. In 2009, St. Patrick’s Basilica won the “North American Copper in Architecture Awards,” and the grant funds were used for restoring this sacred and historic site.
Saint Anne Catholic Church
Saint Anne’s Catholic Church was designed by the notable architect Lecourt. This holy place exemplifies classic Quebec architecture, a style now largely abandoned. Located in Lower Town on ancient Patrick Street, this church was one of Ottawa’s first sacred sites.
The building displays a rather unusual and now rare Quebec architectural style, impressing with its simplicity and the stone façade adorned with a medieval-style rose window. The church has stylish doors and windows, along with three unique sculptural niches decorated with classic semicircular arches.
In 1978, the city government declared Saint Anne Catholic Church the largest heritage site in Ontario.
St. Paul’s-Eastern United Church
Another of Ottawa’s oldest churches, St. Paul’s-Eastern United Church, is located near the University of Ottawa at the intersection of Daly and Cumberland streets. The church, built from stone in Romanesque style, was constructed between 1888 and 1889. The architect of this unique holy site was Badgley.
Originally, the building looked slightly different, as it was built directly on sand. The original structure featured a spire, later removed due to subsidence. After the unification of St. Paul’s and the Eastern Methodist Church, the holy site acquired its current name.
This church ranks among Ottawa’s top locations for residents and tourists to enjoy a moment of prayer.
St. John the Evangelist Church
This Anglican church, named after St. John the Evangelist, is a true masterpiece of Ottawa’s art and architecture. With a distinctive design and superb religious architecture, it is a must-see for tourists in Ottawa.
The unique holy site of Ottawa is made entirely of wood, complemented by exquisite stained glass windows. Outside, the church is adorned with stone. The church’s stained glass windows depict the mystery and glory of Christ’s life.
St. John the Evangelist Church is frequently used for events of various kinds, including festivals, art meetings, and even political gatherings. Additionally, this church in Ottawa supports the LGBT community.
Saint Alban’s Anglican Church
Located in Ottawa’s Sandy Hill area, St. Alban’s Church is another sacred and historic site. Named after Britain’s first martyr, Saint Alban, the church holds heritage status for the entire province of Ontario.
Built in a delicate Gothic style, St. Alban’s incorporates elements marking it as a provincial heritage site, such as its rubble walls, elongated pointed windows with geometric patterns in the sanctuary, an Irish cross atop the vestry roof, and a metal roof and bell.
Many large events have taken place here, including “The Open Table,” a monthly free meal for young people and university students in Ottawa. The church has also participated in Ottawa’s “Big Give” contest, among other activities.
Knox Presbyterian Church
Named after John Knox, the founder of the Presbyterian movement in Scotland, Knox Presbyterian Church is an exceptional religious architectural site in Canada’s capital.
The church building combines Norman ecclesiastical style and English Gothic. The true beauty of Knox Church lies in its columns, marble, and stonework. It also features beautiful and unique stained glass windows, making it one of the most popular holy sites for prayer in Ottawa.
The church has undergone several reconstructions. The first Knox Church was built in 1845 in Sandy Hill by architect Kennedy. Another Knox Church was constructed on Elgin Street by architect Langley, near the Second City Hall, but it was demolished in 1932. The current Knox Church was built on Lisgar Street in 1933, designed by notable Canadian architects John Albert Ewart and Henry Sproatt.
St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church
The small St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church on Mackay Street in New Edinburgh is also one of Ottawa’s most well-known churches. Although small, it astonishes with its magnificent interior. Visiting this church provides a sense of peace, and its beauty is truly unparalleled.
Built in the mid-19th century, St. Bartholomew’s welcomes parishioners from all surrounding areas. Each visitor can learn about the ancient history of this religious community and see the most beautiful stained glass windows. The walls of St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church are adorned with memorial plaques bearing the names of community members who contributed significantly to the church during World War I.
These are Ottawa’s finest and most popular holy sites, where visitors can enjoy unique works by renowned local architects, marvel at the sanctuary designs, and see incredible stained glass windows and diverse religious objects. Most churches in Ottawa are in the Gothic style, evoking castle-like structures. In this style, most of the capital’s buildings are constructed, so visitors can admire Ottawa’s unique architecture not only in holy places but throughout this historic city with its many ancient Gothic Revival structures.