Discover the must-sees
The Cocathédrale Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue, inaugurated in 1887, is recognized as a heritage building in Old Longueuil. A true masterpiece of built heritage, it blends neo-Gothic architecture with a neo-Byzantine dome adorned with decorative frescoes, stained-glass windows, striking statues and two Casavant organs.
Open from mid-June to early September, its museum presents a permanent exhibition displaying hundreds of artefacts tracing the region’s historical and religious heritage, from its earliest Mohawk inhabitants to the present day.
The co-cathedral also hosts concerts throughout the year, including as part of the Festival Classica, which takes place from late May to mid-June.
Just a five-minute walk from the Cocathédrale Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue, the Centre Marie-Rose offers a glimpse into the life and work of Marie-Rose Durocher. Founder of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary — the first woman teaching order founded by a Canadian — she left a lasting mark on education and community life.
Explore the foundation house, convent, chapel and historic rooms where she lived, and get insight into the social context of the time and the congregation’s mission. While the museum is currently closed, themed outdoor tours are occasionally offered, notably during the Journées du patrimoine religieux (Religious Heritage Days), held annually in September.
Located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River in Varennes, the Sanctuaire Sainte-Marguerite-d’Youville honors Marguerite d’Youville, the first Canadian-born saint. At her birthplace, discover her life, spirituality and dedication to those in need through exhibits showcasing personal artifacts, period clothing, sculptures, photographs and historical documents.
Within walking distance, you’ll also find the Basilica of Saint Anne, where her tomb lies, and the Maison Grise, which welcomes pilgrims and serves the community. This sanctuary offers a moving glimpse into the extraordinary legacy of this devoted woman.
Located on Saint-Bernard Island, Hôtel Manoir d’Youville is a splendid retreat set between the Châteauguay River and Lake Saint-Louis. Formerly owned by the Grey Nuns, this historic site invites you to relax, stay and explore, just 25 minutes from Montreal.
Inspired by the legacy of Marguerite d’Youville, this 115-room hotel continues a tradition of hospitality, kindness and respect for nature, where guests can enjoy wellness areas and local cuisine inspired by the terroir. Admire one of North America’s oldest mills, explore a former dairy transformed into a bistro, and wander an 8-kilometre network of hiking trails.
The Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine is located in the main church of the St. Francis Xavier Mission, in the Mohawk community of Kahnawake. This Jesuit mission, dating back to the 18th-century, preserves a remarkable collection of historical, cultural and archaeological treasures, including the tomb of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, the first North American Indigenous person to be canonized on October 21, 2012.
Across from the church, an interpretation centre open seasonally offers exhibitions and insights into her life, afterlife and legacy, allowing visitors to connect with this important spiritual and cultural heritage.
In Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, explore the Site patrimonial L’Acadie, which features a church dating back to 1801, a presbytery built in 1822 and a calvary inaugurated in 1840. This historic site, a witness to the Acadian deportation, celebrates the Acadian people’s contributions to the region’s cultural heritage.
Visitors can immerse themselves in a range of experiences, including interactive tours with costumed guides, summer cruises, historical scavenger hunts and other cultural activities, offering an engaging way to connect with the enduring legacy of the Acadian community.
