Quebec’s Religious Heritage

Quebec was founded in 1534 in the name of the King of France, but it developed and flourished under the guidance of the Catholic Church. This tour will take us to several of the most important churches in Quebec.

Day 1: Montréal

Arrival and short introductory tour of Montréal. We’ll notice the abundance of church structures. Some have active Catholic congregations, some have been decommissioned and repurposed, and others belong to the many faiths that were brought to the city after the territory was ceded to the British crown in 1763. We’ll attend the evening “Let there be Light” show at the Basilica Notre Dame in the Old Port area. A short stroll along the cobbled streets will take us past the 17th century Notre Dame de Bonsecours Chapel to one of the many fine group dining options in the area.

Day 2: Montréal

Start with a visit to Mary Queen of the World Cathedral, including a copy of Bernini’s baldachin in Rome. Visit Christ Church Anglican Cathedral and the Irish church of St. Patrick’s. Dine on smoked meat at a local deli. Spend the afternoon admiring the church’s stained glass, Way of the Cross, and the carillon. Nearby, our group can visit the Notre Dame des Neiges and Mount Royal cemeteries. The Holocaust Memorial Museum is another stop in this neighborhood.

Day 3: Montréal – Trois Rivières

On our way out of Montreal, stop at the Church of the Visitation, the only remaining church built in traditional Quebec-style in Montreal. Next, we’ll visit the Church of St. Genevieve in Berthier. This 1787 church has become a priceless art center and example of French-Canadian architecture. We’ll have lunch in Trois Rivieres and see the stained glass windows at the Cathedral of the Assumption. Our destination for the evening is the guest houses at Notre Dame du Cap Sanctuary.

Day 4: Québec City

Cross to Nicolet to the Museum of Religions. Continue to Quebec City for a tour, including visits to the Notre Dame Des Victoires Church, Basilica of Notre Dame, and Musee de L’Amerique francaise (on the grounds of the first seminary in New France). We’ll have time for independent touring, or visits to the small museums of the Ursulines, Augustines and Bon-Pasteur.

Day 5: Québec City

We’ll visit the Good Shepard Museum in Quebec City, then go to the Bread Ovens Chez Marie for a mid-morning pick-up. Tour the Copper Gallery Albert Gilles for the Christorama panels and a hands-on demonstration on how copper designs are made. We’ll lunch at a charming restaurant in Beapré and tour Sainte Anne de Beaupre, including the chapel, Scala Santa and Way of the Cross. We’ll dine at the Manoir Momerancy at the falls.

Day 6: Québec City – Sherbrook

Travel into the Eastern Townships for visits to the historical churches of Haut-St. Francois. We’ll visit the Abby St. Benoit for a tour of the farm and to hear vesper chants. Our evening is in Sherbrook.

Day 7: Sherbrook – Montréal

We’ll tour Sherbrook , then stop at the Seminary of St. Hyacinthe for a tour of its stained glass and temporary exhibits. Our tour ends at the Montreal Airport for our return home.