The 1675 original chapel was the first stone church built in Montreal outside the fortified walls of Ville-Marie.
Archaeological excavations under the chapel floor revealed indigenous hearths and artifacts dating back to the Woodland period.
The wooden statue of the Virgin Mary atop the facade was carved in the 19th century to replace an earlier version.
The interior contains 14 miniature ships, given as ex-votos by sailors to thank the Virgin for protection during perilous voyages.
Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys was canonized in 1982, and her reliquary is located within the chapel’s sanctuary.
The chapel's spire was rebuilt in the 1890s following a fire and offers a view of the Old Port from its observation deck.
Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours is known as the Sailors' Chapel and serves as the final resting place of Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys, Montreal's first teacher and founder of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame. The site includes the Marguerite Bourgeoys Historic Site and museum, which displays archaeological artifacts discovered beneath the chapel floor. The present building dates to 1771, constructed over the foundations of a 1675 stone chapel that was destroyed by fire. The architecture features a distinctive wooden statue of the Virgin Mary facing the St. Lawrence River, reflecting its historical role as a beacon for sailors and settlers. The museum wing provides access to the crypt containing the saint's remains and an exhibition on 17th-century colonial life. The chapel's interior is noted for its collection of votive miniature ships hanging from the ceiling, traditionally offered by mariners. It remains an active religious site while functioning as a cultural institution dedicated to the preservation of local history.
The interior ceiling featuring the hanging votive ships and the outdoor square facing the river.
Climb the stairs to the chapel's observation deck for a distinct vantage point of the Old Port and the St. Lawrence River.
Visit the archaeological site in the basement to view the exposed foundations of the 17th-century structure.
Allow extra time to explore the attached museum, which provides necessary context for the site's religious and colonial significance.
Do not mistake the chapel for the much larger Notre-Dame Basilica located further west in Old Montreal.
Closed on Mondays throughout the year.
Maintain a quiet tone in accordance with the site's role as a place of active worship and burial.
