Pilgrimage to Québec: July 2024
Date posted on April 3, 2024
To commemorate the 350th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Québec, Bishop Crosby invites you to a pilgrimage to visit Québec City, Trois-Rivières, and Montréal from July 13 – 17, 2024, under the leadership of Msgr. Murray Kroetsch. Registration deadline is April 30th.
Highlights include:
- Scenic Departure: Embark on a picturesque coach journey from Hamilton to Québec City, soaking in the beauty of the landscape.
- Historic Québec City: Delve into the UNES-CO-listed city's rich history. Attend a special Anniversary Mass at Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral, including a visit to the Holy Door, and connect with the founders of the Canadian Church.
- Visit the revered St. Anne de Beaupré shrine and the iconic Basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Cap in Trois-Rivières.
- Visit the old city of Montréal, the magnificent Notre-Dame Basilica and St. Joseph Oratory.
- Guided Tours: Uncover Quebec's religious heritage with expert-guided tours, revealing captivating stories and traditions.
Itinerary of the pilgrimage:
DAY #1 - HAMILTON TO QUEBEC CITY (JULY 13)
Embark on your journey as we depart from Hamilton in the morning aboard our
comfortable coach. The scenic drive will take approximately 8 hours, with a delightful lunch stop at an ONroute location near Kingston (Odessa or Mallorytown) around midday. Upon our afternoon arrival in Québec City, we’ll check into the hotel. After settling in, join us for a warm welcome dinner at the hotel. Following dinner, you’ll have some free time to freshen up or
explore the charming surroundings at your leisure.
DAY #2 - QUEBEC CITY - 350TH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS (JULY 14)
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before attending a special Anniversary Mass at the historic Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral. After the mass, take some time to visit the Holy Door and enjoy lunch at your own pace. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the rich history of Québec City with a guided tour led by the Corporation du Patrimoine et du tourisme religieux de Québec. Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites and meet the founders of the Canadian Church. We’ll return to the hotel in the late afternoon, giving you some free time to discover more
religious sites or relax. Dinner will be on your own this evening, allowing you to savour the local cuisine at your leisure.
DAY #3 - QUEBEC CITY AND TROIS-RIVIÈRES (JULY 15)
After breakfast, we’ll check out of our hotel and head to the shrine of St. Anne de Beaupré, a spiritual sanctuary just a short drive from Québec City. Following our visit, we’ll depart for Trois-Rivières, where you’ll have lunch on your own. Conclude the day with a Mass at the beautiful Basilica of
Notre-Dame-du-Cap (Our Lady of the Cape). Spend some time enjoying the prayer atmosphere of this site. Afterward, we’ll check into the Hotel. Dinner will be on your own, allowing you to explore the local dining options or relax at the hotel.
DAY #4 - TROIS RIVIÈRES AND MONTREAL (JULY 16)
After breakfast, we’ll check out of our hotel and depart for Montreal in the morning. Upon our arrival in Montreal, you’ll have lunch on your own before celebrating Mass with fellow pilgrims. Explore the nearby Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral and the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica, where you can attend any services or events happening there. We’ll check into the hotel. Join us for a farewell dinner at the hotel, followed by free time to explore the vibrant city of Montreal at your leisure.
DAY #5 - MONTREAL – HAMILTON (JULY 17)
Enjoy your final breakfast in Montreal before checking out of the hotel. Attend the English Mass at St. Joseph’s Oratory before having lunch on your own. In the afternoon, we’ll depart from Montreal for our return journey to Hamilton. During our drive, we’ll have an optional stop for dinner around Kingston. We anticipate arriving in Hamilton in the mid evening, concluding our memorable journey together.
Includes transportation via coach bus, accommodations, 4 breakfasts and 2 dinners, English-speaking guide, and entrances to sites as per program. A non-refundable deposit of $600 is required by April 30th, 2024 to register. Cost is $1,940 per person for double occupancy, and $2,660 per person for single occupancy.
Frequently asked questions:
Tentatively, our plan is to meet in front of the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King (714 King St. West, Hamilton).
We will be departing to Québec City between 8:00am–8:30am. We will be arriving back in Hamilton in the evening on Wednesday July 17th (approx. 7:30–8:30pm).
Yes, we will ensure that we have parking available for those that wish to leave their cars in Hamilton for the duration of the stay. If you choose to leave your vehicle you are assuming the responsibility and risks associated.
As this is a Diocese-wide event, it would be impossible for us to pick up all pilgrims to bring them to Hamilton. We therefore ask that you ensure that you schedule proper transportation to Hamilton in advance of the departure date. Perhaps, carpooling with others from your area that will also be attending the pilgrimage may be an option for those with concerns.
If you are looking to stay in a hotel instead of driving into Hamilton early, or driving out of Hamilton too late, please inform Matthew Trafford and he can provide Hotel options in the area.
Although there will be some walking involved in traveling to religious sites in close proximity to each other, we will be traveling by bus to locations that are more than a 5 or 10 minute walk away. Most of the walking on the pilgrimage will occur at each religious site and will be completely dependent on how much exploring you would like to do. We have reached out to St. Joseph’s Oratory specifically, and they have informed us that they have shuttle and elevator options for those that can not make the lengthy trek up the stairs. There are also wheelchairs available for borrow once you enter. Please inform us if you have any concerns regarding accessibility.
All other inquiries can be directed to Matthew Trafford: mtrafford@hamiltondiocese.com