Even though the world is full of darkness and chaos, faith keeps us going. It motivates us to become better people and encourages us not to give up regardless of the circumstances.
If you are ever feeling lost traversing through the complexity of life, why not take some time to connect with God and give yourself some time to find perspective? Besides, attending church helps us connect with people and gives us a sense of belonging.
1. St. Patrick Basilica
It was built under the administration of architect Augustus Laver. The church is one of the oldest in the city. It was initially founded in 1855 and dedicated to St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
Not only is the building made of local stone, but the Gothic Revival style is phenomenal. The enchanting basilica is featured on Ottawa Architectural Heritage Day.
In addition, the church was awarded by NACIA (North American Copper in Architecture Awards) in 2009 under the category of historical restoration. To learn about the church events, choir, mass timing, and so on, visit their official website: https://basilica.ca/.
 2. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
The church was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1990 and a heritage site by the city of Ottawa. Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica is the oldest and largest church in the city. The church is the seat of the city’s Roman Catholic Archbishop.
Undoubtedly, the beauty of this place is enhanced by its Neoclassical-Gothic revival architecture style. To find out about the events, mass time, church working hours, and so on, check their website: https://www.notredameottawa.com/
3. St. Joseph’s Church
The church was founded in 1856 by missionaries from the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. The church is also an anglophone congregation near its partner, the Francophone Église Sacré-Cur. Additionally, the church was believed to be built on the resting place of many laborers who were killed in the establishment of the infamous Rideau Canal.
The church was built in the typical Roman Renaissance and later changed to Neo-Gothic to make it more fire-resistant. The first two churches built earlier were destroyed due to fire and lack of space to accommodate people.
Nevertheless, checking their official website for more information regarding their mass timings and upcoming events is better. Therefore, check the link to the church’s website: https://www.st-josephs.ca/.
4. St. Francois dAssise
The St. Francois d’Assise church was established in 1958 as a Catholic and French-speaking parish. The church is aesthetically pleasing and frequently conducts acoustic and musical concerts, which you should witness. It is unforgettable, as the ambiance is riveting!
Check their website to learn more about their choir, mass times, working hours, and so on: http://stfrancoisdassise.on.ca/.
5. Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
The church’s current building was built in 1931. Initially, when it opened in 1932, it received public backlash as the building looked more like a protestant church than a Roman Catholic one. Consequently, changes were made in the structures.
Despite the controversy, the church won plaudits for its modern Gothic architecture, designed by John Gibb Morton. However, one must check their website for details, as the timings vary.
Therefore, check the link to their website to learn more about the church and its events: https://blessedsacrament.ca/.
6. St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral
Immigrants from Lebanon built the St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral in the years 1990–1992, but the congregation was formed in 1929.
The church is well known for celebrating the Lebanese festival and is accommodating to people of different ethnicities. Besides, the Norman-Gothic architecture enhances the beauty of the church.
Their website has information regarding the events conducted, and if you are interested, look at it to find the recent updates. https://steliascathedral.com/
7. Christ Church Cathedral
The church was opened in 1873 and named the Cathedral of the Diocese in 1897.
Undoubtedly, the church does not miss mentioning the critical aspects of Christianity, which are told in small details on the walls and windows. In comparison, its English-Gothic architectural style makes it even more beautiful.
The church’s hours vary; therefore, it is better to check their website: https://www.ottawacathedral.ca/.
8. St. Theresa Roman Catholic Church
The church was built by the famous architects of Ottawa, W.E. Noffke and Sylvester, in the Romanesque Revival architectural style. The work was completed in 1933.
Initially, it was part of St. Patrick Parish, which consequently split to form a brand new church of its own, and St. Theresa has been a downtown church ever since.
Find more updates, such as the events, choir, and mass timings, through their website: https://www.sttheresaottawa.com/
9. Ottawa Chinese Bible Church
The church was established in 1976 to help Chinese immigrants worship as they migrated to Ottawa. Further, the church included Canadian-born people and formed an English congregation.
Therefore, check their website to find out about the events and timings: https://www.ocbconline.ca/
10. St. Anthony of Padua
The church was built in 1925 by Guido Nincheri and is named after St. Anthony of Padua.
Although the church was destroyed by fire just four years after its completion, the current structure is built with very little wood. The church also serves as a gathering medium for the Italian-Canadian community in Ottawa.
It is advised to check the timings and events; therefore, one must visit https://stanthonyparish.ca/. In addition to that, make sure you reach on time so that you get to catch the serenity of this beautiful church.
Conclusion
Church is a perfect place to unwind, meet people, and understand different perspectives. Ottawa’s churches stand as timeless symbols of spiritual and architectural richness.
From the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica’s Gothic splendor to the serene charm of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, each edifice tells a story of faith and community. These sacred spaces foster religious practices and serve as cultural landmarks, bridging the past with the present.
In Ottawa’s diverse tapestry, churches provide a sense of continuity, offering solace and connection to residents and visitors alike. As pillars of spirituality and history, these churches contribute significantly to the city’s identity and collective heritage.
Last Updated on by Namrata
