St. Joseph's Basilica, Edmonton

Saint Joseph’s Basilica, located just west of downtown Edmonton, holds a unique place in the city’s architectural and spiritual landscape. As the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton, it is the seat of the archbishop and stands as the second-largest church in the city. It also holds the rare distinction of being the only minor basilica in Western Canada.

The origins of the basilica date back to 1913, when Edmonton’s English-speaking Catholics outgrew Saint Joachim’s. A basement “crypt church” was built, but full construction faced delays due to both World Wars and the Great Depression. Designed by Roland Walter Lines, the church was finally completed and opened on May 1, 1963, the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker. In 1984, it was elevated to a minor basilica ahead of Pope John Paul II’s visit.

The interior is notable for its 60 stained glass windows that illustrate the Twelve Apostles, scenes from the Bible, Old Testament figures, and the basilica’s connection to Saint Albert, Alberta’s first diocese. The basilica also houses a prized Casavant Brothers organ, which had to be sent to Quebec for repairs after an arson attack in 1980 caused significant smoke and water damage.

Saint Joseph’s gained national attention in 1988 when it hosted the wedding of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky and actress Janet Jones, sparking both criticism and praise due to the couple’s non-Catholic backgrounds. The event highlighted the Church’s spirit of openness and hospitality.

A resilient symbol of faith, Saint Joseph’s Basilica blends historical perseverance with community presence, continuing to welcome visitors and parishioners alike into its sacred space.