Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal, Montreal

The vast Gothic Revival basilica has been presiding over the city on this spot since 1829. The interior is dramatically opulent with black walnut woodwork, finely carved pine statues, an ornate raised pulpit and a 1,648-pipe French classic organ. If visiting a nearly 200-year-old church seems a little dusty, think again: Notre-Dame has both God and technology on its side. Giant screens descend from the church vaults and act as stages for the story of the basilica during the striking “And Then There Was Light” sound-and-light show. Despite some initial begrudging, we found it really brought the church to life—and at just half an hour long, it didn’t drag on. The show usually runs twice a night, Tuesday through Saturday. It’s an easy one to slot in before or after a dinner booking, although the lines snake down the cobblestone block on nights in July and August.

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