10 Must-Visit Monasteries In Canada

1. Thrangu Monastery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

When you see the colorful flags in the picture, you can guess right away that Thrangu Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Yes, Thrangu Monastery is such a special place because it is the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery that was built in Canada.

Situated in Richmond, the monastery was opened to the public for the first time in 2010. The most prominent feature of this religious building is perhaps its gold-leafed Buddha statue whose height reaches 15 feet (approximately 4.57 m). In addition to the tall Buddha statue, you can also observe smaller Buddha statues and traditional Buddhist elements on the ceiling and throughout the building.

Thrangu Monastery

Address: 8140 No 5 Rd, Richmond, BC V6Y 2V4, Canada

Website: Thrangu Monastery

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 12pm, 1:30pm - 5:30pm (closed on Mon)

Price: Free

2. Birken Forest Monastery

If you happen to be traveling near Kamloops in British Columbia, you have to stop by Birken Forest Monastery, which is a Buddhist monastery that is regularly used as a training center for the monks and as a retreat center for common people. The monastery follows the teaching tradition of Thai monk Ajahn Chah. You can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the monastery and you are welcome to give charity.

Birken Forest Monastery

Address: 7000 Smith Lake Forest Service Rd, Knutsford, BC V0E 2A0, Canada

Website: Birken Forest Monastery

Opening hours: 11am - 5pm (daily)

Price: Free

3. Tisarana Buddhist Monastery

Another Buddhist Monastery that is worth visiting is Tisarana Buddhist Monastery that can be found in Ontario, not far from Ottawa. Similar to Birken Forest Monastery, Tisarana Buddhist Monastery also follows the tradition of Ajahn Chah and additionally Ajahn Sumedho. Many Buddhist monks reside in the monastery and you are welcome to observe their practice and ritual. If you’re looking for places similar to wellness retreats, this monastery is an excellent sanctuary as well.

Tisarana Buddhist Monastery

Address: 1356 Powers Rd, Perth, ON K7H 3C5, Canada

Website: Tisarana Buddhist Monastery

Opening hours: 5am - 7pm (daily)

Price: Free

4. Westminster Abbey

Moving on from the Buddhist and Tibetan monasteries, there is Westminster Abbey that is considered to be quite old as it was established in 1939. Set in peaceful greenery with all the lush trees, mountains and hills in the surrounding, Westminster Abbey is home to the Seminary of Christ the King and is made up of a community of Benedictine monks. Marvel at the fine example of Gothic and British architecture before going inside to have some tranquil moments where you can dedicate your prayers.

Westminster Abbey

Address: 34224 Dewdney Trunk Rd, Mission, BC V2V 6Y5, Canada

Website: Westminster Abbey

Opening hours: 6am - 7:45pm (daily)

Price: Free

5. Queen of Peace Monastery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

On your trip to Squamish in British Columbia, you will come across a monastery that is set in the middle of the remarkable wilderness of Coast Mountain and that monastery is called Queen of Peace Monastery. The monastery finished its construction in 2012 and houses a number of Dominican sisters.

Everyone, regardless of faith, is welcome to soak up the tranquility and scenic vistas of the monastery. Come early in the morning so you can participate in the morning prayers and singing performed by the nuns.

Queen of Peace Monastery

Address: 1021 Cloudburst Crescent, Garibaldi Highlands, BC V0N 1T0, Canada

Website: Queen of Peace Monastery

Opening hours: Mon: 6am - 7pm; Tue - Sun: 6am - 8pm

Price: Free

6. All Saints Monastery

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Situated in Dewdney, British Columbia, All Saints Monastery is an Orthodox Christian monastery that was established in 1968. Similar to the other monasteries, All Saints Monastery is the answer you need if you are looking for a serene place to visit. You are more than welcome to join the services that are held every Saturday and Sunday.

All Saints Monastery

Address: 37323 Hawkins Pickle Rd, Dewdney, BC V0M 1H0, Canada

Website: All Saints Monastery

Opening hours: Sat: 5pm; Sun: 8am & 10am (service times)

Price: Free

7. Avatamsaka Monastery

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Set in Alberta, Avatamsaka Monastery was established to promote Dharma Realism Buddhist teaching through meditation, chanting of the name of the Buddha and the study of Dharma teachings, among others. The lives of the monks and nuns at this monastery start as early as 4 am every single day, and you are welcome to observe their rituals and practice throughout the day.

Moreover, the monastery also hosts Buddhist celebrations and offer retreat sessions and Buddhist-related activities like sutra lectures and meditation classes every now and then.

Avatamsaka Monastery

Address: 1009 4 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0K8, Canada

Website: Avatamsaka Monastery

Opening hours: 4am - 10pm (daily)

Price: Free

8. St. Anthony Coptic Orthodox Monastery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Another Orthodox monastery that can be found and should be visited while you are exploring Ontario is St. Anthony Coptic Orthodox Monastery. It is the first monastery to cater to the needs of the Coptic Orthodox community in Canada and if you are interested in enriching your faith and rituals, you can discuss your intentions with the monastery.

Otherwise, you can simply visit the monastery to wonder at the surrounding idyllic landscape and neighboring small towns that will certainly bring joy to your mind and soul.

St. Anthony Coptic Orthodox Monastery

Address: 608 Miners Point Rd, Perth, ON K7H 3C5, Canada

Website: St. Anthony Coptic Orthodox Monastery

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

Price: Free

9. Monastery of Mount Carmel Spiritual Retreat and Conference Centre

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Nestled in Niagara Falls, Monastery of Mount Carmel Spiritual Retreat and Conference Centre is among the most beautiful monasteries across Canada. Admire the stained glass windows and wood carvings throughout the entire 1894 monastery. The monastery is also used to host plenty of religious retreats, spiritual activities and workshops throughout the year.

Monastery of Mount Carmel Spiritual Retreat and Conference Centre

Address: 7020 Stanley Ave, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 7B7, Canada

Website: Monastery of Mount Carmel Spiritual Retreat and Conference Centre

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: Free

10. Monastery of the Virgin Mary the Consolatory

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Last but not least is the Monastery of the Virgin Mary the Consolatory that is located in Brownsburg, Quebec. The tranquil setting of the monastery lets you focus on your prayers and contemplate on what you can do to bring yourself closer to God. The Orthodox Christian sisters reside in the monastery and they aim at introducing the traditions of Orthodox Byzantine.

Monastery of the Virgin Mary the Consolatory

Address: 827 Chemin de la Carrière, Brownsburg, QC J8G 1K7, Canada

Website: Monastery of the Virgin Mary the Consolatory

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 5pm

Price: Free

Visit Canada's monasteries

While spending most of your time exploring the shopping malls, historical places, theme parks, and other top-notch attractions in Canada, make sure to also spare some time to visit some of the monasteries, if not all, that are mentioned above. Soak up the serenity and tranquility exuded from those monasteries and your vacation in Canada will be a complete package.