Discover one of our greatest cultural treasures: our historical and religious heritage!
The Saint-Lawrence River Shrines (Sanctuaires du Fleuve) invites you to a unique heritage experience at seven distinctive sites between Châteauguay and Varennes, with stops in Kahnawake, La Prairie, Longueuil and Boucherville.
From the very first approach, you can see the particularities of the various architectural styles and the ingenuity of the craftsmen of the time.
Free or reduced admission
Don’t hesitate to cross the threshold and explore a museum space brimming with treasures. Exceptional works of art, artifacts, furniture and other elements of built heritage, all rich in anecdotes and singular stories.
Let us tell you the story of the site and its colorful characters, to better understand the path we’ve travelled and the foundations of our Quebec identity and culture.
The seven sanctuaries on this itinerary are open to the public on a summer schedule or by appointment. Contact each one for information on individual visits, or call 1 844-900-8291 (Manoir d’Youville) for group visits (10 people or more).
Two New Heritage Routes
The first structured religious tourism circuit in Quebec, the Saint-Lawrence River Shrines has paved the way for the creation of two new heritage circuits in the Montérégie region:
The Montérégie region has the highest density and diversity of heritage. The sites bear witness to several eras (pre-colonial, New France, English rule, Loyalists, Patriots…), not forgetting the aboriginal presence and the beginning of the industrial era.
Come and explore the many facets of our living heritage.
Sanctuary of Saint Marguerite d’Youville, Varennes
Discover the life, spirituality, and legacy of the first Canadian woman to be declared a saint—right where it all began.
Visit the exhibition centre, the funeral chapel located inside the 1887 Sainte-Anne Basilica, and the Maison Grise, a welcoming place for pilgrims and a hub for community support. Also on site: a temporary exhibition and guided visits of the basilica.
• 201, Sainte-Anne Street, Varennes, QC J3X 1R6
https://www.sanctuairesdufleuve.com/en/sainte-marguerite-dyouville-sanctuary/
Sainte-Famille Church, Boucherville
Founded in 1667, Boucherville is one of the oldest cities in Québec and the Church Square is the historic heart of the city. Built in stone, the church, flanked by the former convent on the right and the former presbytery on the left, dominates the place. In addition to the beauty of the church, which features a high altar considered one of the masterpieces of Quebec's ancient sculpting, a museum of sacred art has been built. Numerous artifacts and objects of interest.
• 560, Marie-Victorin Boulevard, Boucherville, QC J4B 1X1
http://sanctuairesdufleuve.com/en/sainte-famille-church/
Marie-Rose Centre, Longueuil
Explore the Heritage of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) This museum space highlights 18th- and 19th-century buildings, including the original Foundation House and the congregation’s first cemetery. It offers a unique glimpse into regional history and the life of Marie-Rose Durocher, founder of this religious teaching institute. While interior access is limited, visitors can enjoy a self-guided outdoor tour with interpretive signage and occasional guided activities.
• 80, rue Saint-Charles Est, Longueuil, QC J4H 1H9
https://www.sanctuairesdufleuve.com/en/centre-marie-rose/
Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue Co-cathedral, Longueuil
Inaugurated in 1887, this neo-Gothic church features a neo-Byzantine dome and is officially recognized as a heritage building. It houses the tomb of Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher, founder of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM). The on-site museum showcases artifacts dating back to the parish’s founding in 1697 and traces the legacy of the Lemoyne family and the early history of Longueuil. A temporary exhibition is also available.
• Corner of Saint-Charles Street and Chemin Chambly, Longueuil, QC J4H 1J3
https://www.sanctuairesdufleuve.com/en/saint-antoine-de-padoue-co-cathedral/
La Nativité-de-la-Sainte-Vierge Church, La Prairie
A visit to this sanctuary is an invitation to immerse yourself in the history of La Prairie, where you'll discover intriguing relics of the past, such as an ancient mass grave and a bell dating back to 1767! The church, built in 1840, preserves many works of art ready to be unveiled: bronze high altar, spectacular pulpit, stained-glass windows... Also available: Guided tours of Old La Prairie and the Archaeology Museum.
• 145 chemin Saint-Jean, La Prairie, QC J5R 2J9
https://www.sanctuairesdufleuve.com/en/la-nativite-de-la-sainte-vierge-sanctuary/
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine, Kahnawake
Jesuit Mission of the 18th century located in the Mohawk community of Kahnawake. Built in 1720 in the old Fort St. Louis, the mission exhibits historical, cultural and archaeological treasures, including the tomb of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, a young Native American, canonized on October 21, 2012. Located in front of the church, the Interpretation Center is open on specific terms and schedule.
• 1 River Road, Kahnawake, QC J0L 1B0
http://sanctuairesdufleuve.com/en/saint-kateri-tekakwitha-shrine/
Youville Manor, Châteauguay
Manoir d'Youville is located on the site of the Châteauguay seigneury, acquired in 1765 by Marguerite d'Youville, founder of the Sisters of Charity of Montreal (Grey Nuns). At the time, the site was mainly used to cultivate land to feed the sick, notably at the Hôpital général de Montréal, run by the Grey Nuns. Its location on Saint-Bernard Island, bordering the Châteauguay River and Lake Saint-Louis, gives it a picturesque touch, while revealing some of its heritage attractions: one of the oldest mills in North America, a grotto, a cemetery... A wildlife refuge is also open to the public.
• 498 bd d'Youville, Châteauguay, QC J6J 5T9
https://www.sanctuairesdufleuve.com/en/youville-manor/
Come see what the Saint Lawrence River Shrines have to offer!
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