Canada
Catholic Shrines in Canada
St. Joseph’s Oratory, Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré & the Martyrs’ Shrines
Pilgrimage Overview
Canada is home to some of North America’s most treasured Catholic pilgrimage destinations. From the magnificent St. Joseph’s Oratory on Mount Royal in Montreal — built through the tireless faith of Blessed André Bessette — to the ancient shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré near Quebec City, where countless miraculous healings have been reported for over three centuries, Canada offers a profound pilgrimage experience in a land of breathtaking natural beauty.
Pilgrims also discover the legacy of the North American Martyrs — Jesuit missionaries who gave their lives to bring the faith to the Indigenous peoples of Canada — and the rich French Catholic culture that shaped the identity of Quebec for four centuries.
Spiritual Highlights
Pray at St. Joseph’s Oratory on Mount Royal, one of the largest churches in the world
Visit the tomb of Blessed André Bessette, the miracle worker of Montreal
Venerate the relics of St. Anne at the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré
Explore Old Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Visit the Martyrs’ Shrine at Midland, Ontario, honouring Canada’s Jesuit martyrs
Discover the historic Notre-Dame Basilica in Old Montreal
Experience the natural grandeur of Niagara Falls near the Martyrs’ Shrine region
Quick Facts
May – October
Easy to Moderate
7–10 Days
Catholic heritage of French Canada.
Key Holy Sites
St. Joseph’s Oratory – Montreal
One of the largest churches in the world and a place of healing, built through the faith and perseverance of Blessed André Bessette, known as the “Miracle Man of Montreal.” Over two million pilgrims visit each year.
Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré – Quebec
One of the oldest pilgrimage sites in North America, drawing pilgrims since 1658. The basilica houses a relic of St. Anne and has been the site of countless miraculous healings.
Notre-Dame Basilica – Montreal
A masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture and one of Canada’s most iconic churches, with a breathtaking interior of hand-carved wood and brilliant stained glass.
Martyrs’ Shrine – Midland, Ontario
A national shrine honouring the eight North American Martyrs — Jesuit missionaries and their Indigenous companions who were killed for the faith in the 17th century.
Old Quebec City
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most European city in North America, with its fortified walls, Place Royale, and magnificent Cathedral of the Holy Trinity.
Cap-de-la-Madeleine – Shrine of Our Lady of the Cape
One of Canada’s national Marian shrines, dedicated to Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, on the banks of the St. Lawrence River.
