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St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica: A Downtown Toronto Landmark

A historic Gothic Revival cathedral in downtown Toronto, offering daily Mass and stunning architectural details.

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St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica, located in Toronto's Garden District, is a historic Roman Catholic cathedral and a significant architectural landmark. Built in the English Gothic Revival style, it serves as the mother church of the Archdiocese of Toronto and a spiritual center for Catholics in the city.

A brief summary to St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica

Local tips

  • Check the official website for the most up-to-date information on Mass schedules and special events.
  • Arrive early for Mass, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a good seat.
  • Consider taking public transportation, as parking in the area can be limited and expensive.
  • Take time to admire the stained-glass windows and the intricate woodwork throughout the cathedral.
  • Visit the cathedral during a performance by the St. Michael's Choir School to experience their angelic voices.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica is easily accessible by public transportation. From Union Station, take the Line 1 subway northbound to Queen Station. Exit and walk east on Queen Street East, then turn north onto Bond Street. The cathedral will be on your left. The fare is approximately $3.30 CAD. Alternatively, take the 505 streetcar from Dundas Station and get off at the Church Street stop, which is a short walk from the cathedral.

  • Walking

    From Yonge-Dundas Square, walk east on Dundas Street East to Bond Street. Turn left onto Bond Street, and the cathedral will be on your right. The walk is approximately 5 minutes. From the Eaton Centre, exit onto Dundas Street and walk east to Bond Street. The cathedral is a few blocks north on Bond Street.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout Toronto. A short taxi ride from Union Station to St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica will cost approximately $6-9 CAD. Note that fares may vary depending on traffic and demand.

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Discover more about St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica

St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica, situated at 65 Bond Street in Toronto, stands as a testament to the city's rich religious and architectural heritage. Consecrated in 1848, the cathedral is one of Toronto's oldest churches and a prime example of English Gothic Revival architecture. Designed by William Thomas, who also designed eight other churches in the city, its construction was largely funded by Irish immigrants. Originally located on the city's northern edge, the surrounding area was once described as "wild, unbroken forests". However, as Toronto expanded, the cathedral became a central landmark. In 1842, Bishop Michael Power recognized the need for a new Catholic church to serve the growing Catholic population. The cornerstone, laid on May 8, 1845, contains fragments from York Minster Cathedral in England, connecting Toronto's past as the town of York to its present. Bishop Power, who died in 1847 while tending to Irish Famine victims, is buried in the cathedral's crypt. The cathedral's exterior showcases a 14th-century English Gothic style, while the interior is lavishly decorated with stone and stucco ornamentation. Stained-glass windows, created in Munich by Etienne Thévenot, add vibrant hues of light throughout the space. The elegant spire, completed in 1867, reaches a height of 84 meters (275 feet). A major restoration project, completed in 2016, revived the cathedral's original splendor, including its hand-painted ceiling and intricate woodwork. The cathedral also features a $2-million pneumatic pipe organ built by Casavant Frères. Today, St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica continues to serve as a spiritual center, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. It hosts daily Masses and various events, and its architectural treasures are once again brought into the light.

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