On the evening of June 22, 1888, something extraordinary happened at a small riverside chapel in Cap-de-la-Madeleine. As Father Luc Désilets, Father Frédéric Janssoone, and Pierre Lacroix knelt in prayer before a statue of the Virgin Mary, all three witnessed the same phenomenon: Mary's eyes, normally cast downward in contemplation, opened and gazed directly at them for several minutes. This miracle of the open eyes transformed a modest 17th-century chapel into one of North America's most visited Marian shrines.
The Sanctuaire Notre-Dame-du-Cap now welcomes over a million pilgrims annually to this point where the St. Lawrence River meets the St. Maurice. The original stone chapel—the oldest preserved in Canada—still stands beside a massive octagonal basilica completed in 1964. Between them stretches the Rosary Bridge, built with stones that crossed a miraculously frozen river in 1879. For pilgrims, Cap-de-la-Madeleine offers an encounter with Canada's deep Marian heritage.
The shrine holds the status of National Shrine of Our Lady of the Cape, the spiritual heart of Quebec's Catholic devotion.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
The story of Cap-de-la-Madeleine begins with the arrival of Jesuit missionaries in the 17th century. In 1659, Father Jacques Buteux established a mission among the Indigenous peoples near the confluence of the St. Maurice and St. Lawrence rivers. The small stone church that still stands was completed in 1714—making it the oldest preserved church in Canada.
By the late 19th century, the parish had outgrown its historic chapel. Father Luc Désilets planned to demolish it and use its stones for a larger church. But the mild winter of 1878-1879 prevented the usual ice bridge from forming across the St. Lawrence—the only means to transport building stones from the south shore. In desperation, Father Désilets and his parishioners prayed to the Virgin Mary.
On March 16, 1879, after a sudden cold snap, an ice bridge miraculously formed—just enough to transport the stones across. Grateful for Mary's intercession, Father Désilets decided to preserve the old chapel as a Marian sanctuary rather than demolish it. The statue of the Virgin Mary was installed, and pilgrims began arriving.
The chapel became internationally known after the miracle of June 22, 1888, when the statue's eyes opened before three witnesses. Pope Pius X granted the statue a canonical coronation in 1904. The current basilica, designed by architects Adrien Dufresne and Gérard Malouin, was dedicated in 1964. In 2014, the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate assumed responsibility for the shrine.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Cap-de-la-Madeleine
Basilica of Our Lady of the Cape
The octagonal basilica welcoming pilgrims since 1964
The modern basilica features striking octagonal architecture rising 125 feet, with stunning stained glass windows by artist Jan Tillemans depicting Mary's role in salvation history. The sanctuary accommodates 1,800 worshippers. The basement chapel offers space for smaller gatherings and perpetual adoration.
Old Shrine (Petit Sanctuaire)
Canada's oldest preserved church, site of the 1888 miracle
The original 1714 stone chapel houses the miraculous statue before which the Virgin's eyes opened. The intimate space seats only about 100 pilgrims, creating an atmosphere of profound devotion. The statue was canonically crowned in 1904 and again in 1954.
Rosary Bridge and Gardens
A pilgrimage path of prayer and beauty
The Rosary Bridge spans a small inlet, symbolizing the miraculous ice bridge of 1879. The surrounding gardens cover 25 acres with Stations of the Cross, a Lourdes Grotto replica, and devotional statues representing the mysteries of the rosary.
Way of the Cross
Fifteen outdoor stations wind through the shrine grounds, inviting pilgrims to meditate on Christ's passion amid natural beauty.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
Feast of Our Lady of the Cape — August 15
The principal celebration falls on the Assumption, drawing the largest crowds of the year for solemn Mass and candlelight procession.
Pilgrimage Season — May to October
The shrine operates a full pilgrimage program from late spring through fall, with daily Masses, confessions, and organized retreats.
Novena to Our Lady — June 13-22
Nine days of prayer commemorating the anniversary of the 1888 miracle, culminating on June 22.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Hôtellerie Notre-Dame-du-Cap (pilgrim accommodation) — On-site pilgrim residence operated by the shrine. Simple, clean rooms with meal options. Website
Delta Hotels Trois-Rivières ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Full-service hotel 10 km away in Trois-Rivières. Reserve this hotel
Auberge Gouverneur Shawinigan ⭐⭐⭐ — Comfortable option 30 km north. Reserve this hotel
🚗 Getting There
By Air: Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is 140 km southwest. Québec City Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) is 130 km northeast.
By Train: VIA Rail serves Trois-Rivières from Montréal and Québec City. The shrine is 10 km from the station.
By Bus: Orléans Express operates service to Trois-Rivières from major Quebec cities.
By Car: From Montréal, take Highway 40 east (Trans-Canada). Exit at Route 157 north toward Cap-de-la-Madeleine. The shrine is well-signed. Free parking available.
🔗 Useful Links
Sanctuaire Notre-Dame-du-Cap — Mass schedules, pilgrimage programs, accommodation.
Diocèse de Trois-Rivières — Diocesan information.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Trois-Rivières (10 km southwest) — Historic cathedral city on the St. Lawrence.
Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré (200 km northeast) — Basilica of St. Anne, major Marian shrine.
Montréal (140 km southwest) — St. Joseph's Oratory and Notre-Dame Basilica.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"The Queen of Heaven is powerful enough to preserve her little chapel intact." — Father Luc Désilets, 1879
