Montreal Notre Dame Basilica Aura Show 2026: Booking & Best Seats

During a recent trip through Eastern Canada, I made sure to include an overnight stay in vibrant Montreal. Our accommodation was conveniently located, and I’d heard countless recommendations to experience the breathtaking Aura Show at the Notre Dame Basilica. Naturally, I added it as an optional extra when booking our tour!

It was during this planning that I discovered there isn't just one Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris – Canada’s Montreal boasts its own magnificent basilica!

The Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal stands as the city's oldest church and is celebrated as one of the largest basilicas in North America.

The Montreal Notre Dame Basilica is an architectural marvel, its towering facade dominating the skyline. The area around it is always bustling, surrounded by museums, galleries, and fantastic restaurants.

It's no surprise then that we spotted an old-fashioned car parked right outside the basilica. Our guide mentioned that you can take a scenic tour around the area in one of these classic vehicles, though it comes with a bit of a hefty price tag!

Montreal Notre Dame Basilica

⏰ Operating Hours

Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Saturdays: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Sundays: 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM

🎟️ Admission Fees

Adult: ~$12 USD

Student (ages 17-22): ~$10 USD

Please note, these are for general admission only. Aura Show tickets are priced separately.

❗️You can still enjoy the interior after the Aura Show concludes.

The Notre Dame Basilica Aura Show unfolds within the stunning interior of the basilica, offering a dazzling display of lights synchronized with powerful, immersive sound.

The Aura Show typically lasts about 25 minutes. Showtimes can vary by season, so I highly recommend checking the official booking website for the most current schedule before your visit.

Book Your Montreal Notre Dame Basilica Aura Show Tickets Now!

Montreal Notre Dame Basilica AURA Experience Tickets - Montreal | Fever

Generally, the Aura Show runs one session on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays around 6:00 PM. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, there are usually two showtimes.

Sunday tickets tend to sell out incredibly fast, so if you have a specific date in mind, be sure to book well in advance!

>>Montreal Notre Dame Basilica Aura Show Experience & Cruise Tour<<

I was so excited for the Notre Dame Basilica Aura Show during my Montreal trip. Even after seeing a small preview, I knew it was an experience I absolutely had to have!

Here's a crucial tip: I highly recommend arriving at the Notre Dame Basilica **20-30 minutes before the show begins**.

There's a secret to getting the best view of the Aura Show: aim for the **center seats, about two-thirds of the way back** from the very front. This spot offers the most magnificent perspective of the entire spectacle!

Because the basilica's interior is so grand, the best viewing spot for a light show isn't always right at the front. A little further back, in the middle, truly is the sweet spot.

Before the show starts, the basilica is bathed in a stunning violet glow, creating an incredibly beautiful atmosphere unlike anything I'd seen even in Europe.

I attended the 6:00 PM show at the Montreal Notre Dame Basilica, arriving about 15 minutes beforehand. Unfortunately, all the prime viewing spots were already taken by then!

While I was a little disappointed not to get the absolute best view, I still managed to find a decent seat towards the center.

The show itself lasted about 20 minutes, with the sound and light combining to tell a story that felt like watching a captivating film unfold.

Just a heads-up: photography is strictly prohibited during the performance. Once the show concludes, you're welcome to linger and explore the interior a bit more, though most people tend to head out right away!

Doesn't this photo look absolutely stunning?! There were quite a few people around, but thanks to a little AI magic, I managed to remove them all, leaving me with this magnificent shot of the Notre Dame Basilica's interior!

After the Aura Show, I took a leisurely stroll through the nearby streets. With the harbor and water nearby, seagulls soared overhead, and the entire area exuded a charming beauty.

My Canadian adventure, exploring Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec, each with its unique atmosphere, was incredibly refreshing and truly made for a delightful trip before heading back to our accommodation.

In Montreal, we stayed at the Hyatt Place Hotel. For more details, check out my review below!

Canada Travel Montreal Downtown Hyatt Place Hotel Location Breakfast Review

>>Montreal Notre Dame Basilica Aura Show Experience & Cruise Tour<<