Buddhism in British Columbia's Gulf Islands & Vancouver Island

Buddhist Victoria, Vancouver Island, and the Gulf Islands rebirth in British Columbia samsara

Buddhism on Bowen Island, Denman Island, Galiano Island, and Saltspring Island, as well as in Courtney, Duncan, Metchosin, Nanaimo, Qualicum Beach, Sooke, and Victoria

Copyright © 1998, 2007 Buddhist Women's Network of Toronto

  • Bowen Island Zendo 
  • e-mail: bowenzen.ca
  • Head: Eshin John Godfrey; Japanese Rinzai Zen; affiliated with Rinzai-Ji in Los Angeles
  • Activities: Zazen: Monday 7:30pm - 9pm. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 5 am - 6 am.
  • Language: English
  • Updated August 7, 2003
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  • Buddhist Chaplain at University of Victoria
  • Interfaith Office, Student Services Building
  • 3800 Finnerty Road
  • Victoria, BC
  • 250/721-8338
  • Eshu Karl Martin, resident monk of the Victoria Zen Centre, holds the Buddhist chaplaincy
  • Since 1989
  • Activities: Meditation on Tuesday evenings from 7 - 8 PM in the interfaith chapel (uvic.ca/buildings/cha.html). Office hours 1:00 - 5:30 PM, Tuesdays, at the Chaplaincy Office.
  • Web site: web.uvic.ca/chaplain/buddhist.htm
  • Language: English
  • Updated September 18, 2007
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  • Chùa Hai An
  • Chanh Thien Buddhist Society
  • 587 7th St.
  • Nanaimo, BC V9R 1G1
  • 640-741-1022
  • Thich Phap An; Pure Land; affiliated with The Union of Vietnamese Buddhist Churches in Canada
  • Updated October 25, 2006
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  • Chùa Pháp Hoa
  • Chua Phap Hoa
  • 4207 Carey Rd.
  • Victoria, BC V8Z 4H1
  • 250-744-1135; 250-727-2582
  • Resident director: Dai Duc Thich Tinh Tri; Pure Land
  • Language: Vietnamese
  • Updated March 20, 1999
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  • Chùa Vạn Hạnh
  • Chua Van Hanh
  • Chanh Dang Buddhist Society
  • 933 Colville Rd.
  • Victoria, BC V9A 4P4
  • 250-380-9004
  • Converted residence
  • Resident director: Thích Pháp Ấn; Pure Land; affiliated with The Union of Vietnamese Buddhist Churches in Canada
  • Activity: Sesshin, chanting of sutra, and discussion, on Sundays starting at 2 PM.
  • Language: Vietnamese
  • Updated October 25, 2006
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  • Dharma Fellowship of His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa
  • The Hermitage
  • 7131 Denman Rd.,
  • Denman Island, B.C., V0R1T0
  • 250-335-9146
  • E-mail: infodharmafellowship.org
  • Web site: www.dharmafellowship.org
  • Head Lama: Ven. Kunzang Palden Rinpoche; Board of Directors: Anne de Cosson
  • Tradition: Western Buddhist, Karma-Kagyu tradition
  • Updated May 25, 2005
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  • Insight Meditation Centre of Victoria
  • Mailing Address: 2994 Spring Bay Road
  • Victoria, B.C., V8N 1Z3
  • 250-472-6700
  • e-mail: paulmacraemac.com
  • Teacher: Paul MacRae, lay teacher and former monk. The Centre operates as a satellite group of the Aukana Trust in Bradford-on-Avon, England (www.aukana.org.uk). Spiritual head: Alan James.
  • Since September, 1996
  • Activity: weekly meetings and personal meditation instruction, in Insight (Vipassana) and Lovingkindness (metta) meditation. Please contact the centre for further details.
  • Contact: Paul MacRae
  • Language: English
  • Updated September 5, 2004
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  • Kathok Gonpa Drub Dey Od Sel Ling
  • Tibetan Buddhist Clear Light Center
  • Tibetan Retreat Center
  • 2800 Grafton Avenue,
  • Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1W8
  • 250-752-1280; fax: 250-250-2968
  • e-mail: djayerstelus.net
  • Head: Lingtrul Rinpoche, who is also Abbot of the Draling Monastery in Golok, Tibet, and a lineage holder of the Great Perfection teachings. He is a Nyingma teacher in the traditions of Kathok, Palyul and Longchen Nyingthig.
  • The retreat center contains a temple, lamas' residences, a retreat cabin, and room for tenting on 20 acres.
  • Activities: Regular sitting; Ngondro practice (Longchen Nyingthig) Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM; Rigdzin Dupa Tsok, Tara, Phowa and Fire Puja when lamas are in residence.
  • Web site: www.kathokgonpa.ca
  • Contact: David and Jane Ayers at djayerstelus.net
  • Updated December 7, 2005
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  • Kunzang Dechen Osel Ling
  • (Mount Tuam Buddhist Retreat)
  • 268 Mt Tuam Rd.
  • Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 1V5
  • 250/380-8610
  • e-mail: karmaisthelawhotmail.com
  • Head and founder: Kalu Rinpoche; Tibetan Kagyu
  • Resident director: Janet Goforth (Tara); affiliated with Kagyu Kunghab Chöling, Vancouver
  • Since 1976; rural
  • Activities: 3-year retreat, individual retreats, daily group meditation, morning and evening (Tara, Samata, Chenrezig), instruction available; open to Buddhist practitioners and meditators of other traditions; 160 acres on Mount Tuam, Salt Spring Island overlooking Satellite channel; open year round.
  • Web site: www.kkc.bc.ca/kdol.html.
  • Updated April 26, 2005
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  • Mindfulness Community of Victoria
  • Meeting location: Friends Meeting House, 1831 Fern St.
  • Victoria, BC
  • Mindfulness practice in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh
  • Since 1999. Meets in rented space at Friends (Quakers) Meeting House.
  • Activities: Every Thursday: sitting and walking meditation, chanting, tapes of Dharma talks, dharma discussion, tea 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
  • Day of Mindfulness practice Sunday bi-monthly 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
  • Web site: www.mindfulnessvictoria.org
  • Contact: Monica Kingsbury kmonicaislandnet.com 250-383-2451 or Elizabeth Harris elizabeth.harrisshaw.ca 250-370-5102
  • Language: English
  • Updated April 13, 2008
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  • Nichiren Buddha Hokkeko
  • 3437 Drinkwater Road (look for highway signs)
  • Duncan, BC   V9L 5Z2
  • 250-715-1976
  • e-mail: buddhapenlan.com
  • Since 2006.
  • Guide Teacher: Henry Landry; tradition: Nichiren Mahayana Dharma (lay organization of Nichiren Shoshu)
  • Activities: Activities: Wed. 7:30 PM Shodai Chanting, Friday 6:30 PM Gongyo Meditation, Sunday 10:30 AM Discovering Your Buddha Nature.
  • Web site: www.penlan.com
  • Language: English 
  • Updated June 12, 2006
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  • Ocean View Meditation Group
  • meeting location: Queenswood Centre
  • 2494 Arbutus Road
  • Victoria BC
  • mailing address: 31-2161 Haultain Street
  • Victoria BC V8R 2L9
  • 250 595 4348
  • e-mail: infoneilmckinlay.com
  • Since 2007
  • Lay teacher: Neil McKinlay; in the lineage of Chogyam Trungpa as presented by Dr Reginald Ray. Affiliated with Dharma Ocean
  • Activities: monthly meetings. Introductory classes and workshops.
  • Web site: http://www.neilmckinlay.com/docs/Ocean View Meditation Group.pdf
  • Contact: Neil McKinlay
  • Language: English
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  • Sakya Thubten Kunga Chöling
  • Victoria Buddhist Dharma Society
  • 3371 Maplewood Rd.
  • Victoria, BC V8P 3N1
  • 250/385-4828 (telephone and fax)
  • e-mail: sakyaisland.net
  • Since 1974
  • Head: Lama Tashi Namgyal; Tibetan, Sakya. Affiliated with Sakya Center College, Dehra Dun, India (H.H. Sakya Trizin) and with Sakya monastery in Seattle, Washington.
  • Activities: daily meditation and ceremonies, monthly Tsogkor, weekly teachings by Geshe-la, retreats; open to all interested in Buddhism.
  • Web site: www.island.net/~sakya/
  • Updated September 5, 2004
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  • Salt Spring Island Buddhist Meditation Group
  • Salt Spring Island, B.C.
  • meeting: Ganges Yoga Studio
  • 250-537-2378
  • e-mail: matthewphyllistelus.net
  • Since 1985. Meeting in a yoga studio.
  • Lay teacher: Matthew Coleman; Kagyu
  • Activities: meditation and teaching on Monday evenings at 7:15; periodic retreats; annual visits from Rinpoches
  • English Updated October 18, 2006
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  • Salt Spring Vipassana Community
  • mailing address: 201 Sky Valley Rd
  • Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2C7
  • 250-538-0173
  • Associated with Vipassana BC
  • Activities: Sitting group Monday evening 7:30 - 9 p.m. The Barn, 190 Reynolds Road (South End). Meditation and dharma class (ongoing drop-in) Thursday evenings 7:30 - 9 p.m. Ganges Yoga Studio, Upper Level, Grace Point Square, Ganges. Heather Martin.
  • Web site: www.ssivipassana.org
  • Contact: Christine Mauro 250-538-0173 or Heather Martin 250-653-9729
  • Updated June 8, 2005
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  • Salt Spring Zen Meditation Circle
  • Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2C6
  • e-mail: levgramtelus.net
  • Teacher: Peter Levitt; Soto, in the tradition of Shunryu Suzuki
  • Activities: Weekly meditation on Wednesday evening; sesshin and other weekend retreats several times a year.
  • Contact: Rowan Percy 250-537-2831
  • Updated October 19, 2006
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  • Sherab Chamma Ling
  • Tibetan Bon Buddhist Centre
  • Meeting address: Room 218, 2270 Cliffe Ave.
  • Mailing address: 12 - 390 Cowichan Ave.
  • Courtenay, BC V9N 7T4
  • 250-334-0306
  • e-mail: chammatelus.net
  • Resident founder and teacher: Geshe YongDong Losar , , ,   Tibetan Bon Buddhism; associated with Nangzhing Monastery in Tibet, Norbutse Monastery in Nepal and Menri Monastery in Dolanj. India.
  • Since 2003. Meetings in a rented facility.
  • Activities: Regular Tuesday evening drop-in teaching - 7:30 pm; Sunday drop-in meditation 11 am - 1:00 pm. Ngondro and Tsok ritual practices on Thursdays 7:30 pm; once a month Sunday Workshops; twice a year weekend retreats. Regular teachings in Quadra Is., Gabriola Is., Nanaimo, B.C. and in the Malaspina University/College in Nanaimo and Duncan B.C. Please check our website calendar for current dates and topics for teachings in all locations. By request, GesheLa does traditional Tibetan Astrology, private spiritual counseling & consultations, performs traditional house blessings and purifications.
  • Web site: www.sherabchammaling.com 
  • Contact: Norma Forrest
  • Language: English
  • Updated December 5, 2005
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  • Shinzanji Temple
  • Heart Mountain Temple
  • Victoria, BC V8S 3V3
  • 250/598-9345; fax: 250/598-9365
  • e-mail shinzanjihotmail.com
  • Spiritual advisor: Shinzan Miyamae Roshi; Japanese Rinzai Zen
  • Since 1999
  • Activity: weekly zazen, sesshins held at different times throughout the year, classes in dharma theory, koan studies, public talks and counseling with the Roshi. Shinzan Miyamae Roshi presides during sesshin twice a year. Please contact us by e-mail or phone for a schedule.
  • Contact: Eshin Melody
  • Updated 1 February, 2002
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  • Sooke Meditation & Mindfulness Centre
  • mailing address: 2375 Kamaureen Place
  • Sooke, BC V0S 1N0
  • 250-642-6065
  • e-mail: bozrozshaw.ca
  • Head: Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh; Vietnamese Zen
  • Since 2003.
  • Activity: We meet each week for sitting, walking, and tea meditation.
  • Contact: Phil N. Rossner (Tâm Pháp)
  • Updated June 25, 2006
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  • Thubten Chöling
  • Thubten Choling
  • 5810 Wilson Ave.,
  • Duncan, BC V9L 1K4
  • 250/748-6028 
  • e-mail: karunamariayahoo.ca
  • Spiritual inspiration: His Holiness Dalai Lama
  • Resident director: Maria Shaneman; Mahayana
  • Since 1984
  • Activities: Dharma Teachings are offered by visiting Lamas or long term Buddhist practitioners. Periodic weekend retreats, individual practice instruction, and connections with other centres/traditions are offered. Currently, the resident hosted Teacher is Nagkpa Lama Kalzang Dorje who is giving profound Dzokchen Teachings. Weekly Buddhist Teaching on Sunday evenings at 7:30 are free of charge and donations are appreciated.
  • Updated September 5, 2004
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  • Victoria Shambhala Meditation Centre
  • #1 - 2033 Belmont Avenue
  • Victoria, BC V8R 3Z7
  • 250/383-9108
  • e-mail: victoria.shambhalagmail.com
  • Since 1992; former church building
  • Head: Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche; Tibetan
  • Activity: Tuesdays - Sangha Night & Talk/Discussion (chants from 6:50 p.m, meditation begins at 7:05 p.m.) Wednesdays - Newcomers and Open House 7 p.m. Mondays - Medicine Buddha Group 7:30 p.m. Nyinthuns - monthly on 2nd and 4th Saturdays: 9 a.m. - 12 noon. All Open Houses and introductory meditation instruction are free of charge. The group offers several graduated programmes of study, including practice weekends and other retreats.
  • Web site: www.shambhala.org/centers/victoria/
  • Updated April 7, 2008
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  • Victoria Vipassana Community
  • e-mail: infovictoriavipassana.org
  • Associated with Vipassana BC
  • Activities: Weekend retreats and a study group
  • Web site: www.victoriavipassana.org
  • Updated March 31, 2008
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  • Victoria Zen Centre
  • 4970 Nagle Rd, RR #6
  • Sooke, BC  V0S 1N0
  • 250/642-7936
  • e-mail: eshuzenwest.ca
  • Head: Kyozan Joshu Sasaki Roshi of Mt. Baldy, California. Resident monk Eshu Karl Martin , ordained in the Zen lineage of Rinazai-ji under Kyozan Joshu Sasaki Roshi in Los Angeles, CA. Resident monk: Eshu
  • Since 1980.  Main meditation hall in a rural setting on three acres. Sitting groups at University of Victoria and in Sooke.
  • Activity:  Introduction to Zen Meditation course, meditation on Sunday 9 AM - noon; 3rd Sunday of each month, an all-day intensive, 6 AM - 5 PM.  May and December five-day intensives.  Meditation on Tuesday evenings from 7 - 8 PM in the University of Victoria Interfaith Chapel (uvic.ca/buildings/cha.html).
  • Web site: www.zenwest.ca
  • Contact: Eshu
  • Language: English
  • Updated September 18, 2007
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  • Vipassana Sitting Group in Nanaimo
  • 528 Arbutus Ave.
  • Nanaimo, BC  V9S 5E3
  • 250-754-1245
  • e-mail: oldwomantelus.net
  • Since 2000.  Meet in a private home.
  • Associated with Vipassana BC
  • Activity: Wednesday evening sitting at 7:30
  • Contact: Mildred
  • Updated July 5, 2006
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  • Yeshe Khorlo Nyingma Buddhist Centre
  • 839 Foul Bay Rd
  • Victoria, BC V8S 4H6
  • 250/658-0357
  • e-mail: informationyeshekhorlo.ca
  • Since 1994
  • Founder: H.E. Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche; lineage: Pema Lingpa; Bhutanese Nyingma; resident teacher: Ven. Lopon Sang-ngag Yeshe
  • Activities: scheduled Madyamika teachings, meditation and instruction. Guru Rinpoche and Dakini Tsok held on 10th and 25th of lunar calendar.
  • Web site: www.yeshekhorlo.ca
  • Updated March 6, 2007
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