Buddhism in Eastern Ontario

The following list shows all known Buddhist temples and centers in Eastern Ontario. rebirth in samsara

Gloucester, Kanata, Kingston, Kinmount, Locust Hill, Madoc, Mountain, Navan, Nepean, Orleans, Ottawa, Perth, Peterborough, Tamworth

Copyright © 1998, 2008 Buddhist Women's Network of Toronto


  • Buddha's Light International Association
  • BLIA
  • 886 Somerset Street
  • Ottawa Ontario K1R 6R7
  • (613)236-7743 Fax: (613)236-7743
  • Spiritual head: Ven. Master Hsin Yun
  • Tradition: Pure Land, Chan (BLIA is an organization of monastic and lay Buddhists in which Humanistic Buddhism is practiced in our everyday life.)
  • Associated with: Fo Guang Shan, Taiwan
  • Activities and schedule: Monthly gathering for ceremonial practices
  • For more information: http://blia.org
  • Language: Mandarin, Cantonese, and Taiwanese only for now
  • Updated: 3 Dec, 2002

  • Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation
  • 67 Bowhill Avenue
  • Ottawa (Nepean) Ontario K2E 6S8
  • (613)224-7710
  • E-mail: tzuchiottawahotmail.com
  • (For over 30 years Tzu Chi has concentrated its four missions in Charity, Medicine, Education and Culture. Over the decades, Tzu Chi has expanded its volunteer activities to include environmental conservation, bone marrow donation, and international relief)
  • Associated with: Tzu Chi Foundation
  • For more information: http://www.tzuchi.ca
  • Updated: 5 Dec, 2002

  • Buddhist Place
  • 588 Stewart Street (mailing address)
  • Peterborough Ontario K9H 4C1
  • (705)876-0859
  • E-mail: inquiriesbuddhistplace.org
  • Founded: 2000
  • Operates under the guidance of a spiritual advisory committee of ordained sangha from the Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions
  • Activities and schedule: Meditation sessions, Dharma talks and discussions. See web site for more information: http://www.buddhistplace.org
  • Language: English
  • Updated: July 31, 2007

  • Chittamani Mahayana Meditation Centre
  • 1872 Bromley Rd.
  • Ottawa Ontario K2A 1C1
  • Tradition: Tibetan, Gelugpa (Since Zasep Rinpoche arrived in Canada, his students there have started other centers)
  • Activities and schedule: Group meditation 8-10 pm Monday; Monthly Medicine Buddha Initiation; Monthly Weekend Retreat; Two 10-14 days Retreats per year
  • For more information: http://www.gadenforthewest.org/centers/chittamanicentre.html
  • Contact: infodharma.ca
  • Updated: 11 Nov, 2006

  • Chùa Phô Ðà
  • 1002 Somerset Street West
  • Ottawa Ontario K1R 6R9
  • (613)231-2516 Fax: (613)234-7756
  • Founded: 1994
  • Resident director: Ven. Thich Bon Dat
  • Tradition: Pure Land
  • Associated with: Vietnamese Unified Buddhist Congregation of Canada
  • For more information: http://www.thuvienhoasen.org
  • Language: Vietnamese
  • Contact Pham Tien Dzung (English speaking)
  • Updated: 7 Jan, 2000

  • Crystal Staff
  • 59 Sparks Street Station B
  • Ottawa Ontario K1P 5R1
  • (613)238-6511
  • E-mail: crystalstaffcrystalstaff.org
  • (Crystal Staff is part of a network of groups around the world established by a native Torontonian, Namgyal Rinpoche, who has blended traditional Tibetan and Burmese Buddhism with western esoteric teachings. For more information, see Web site.)
  • Associated with: Dharma Centre of Canada
  • Activities and schedule: Crystal Staff periodically brings teachers to Ottawa for periods of a few days to a few weeks
  • For more information: http://www.crystalstaff.org
  • Contact Susan Rejall
  • Updated: 27 May, 2002

  • Dharma Centre of Canada
  • Galway Road
  • Kinmount Ontario K0M 2A0
  • (416)778-8193 or (705)488-2704 Fax: (705)488-2215
  • E-mail: AdminOfficedharmacentre.org
  • Founded: 1970
  • Spiritual Head: Ven. Namgyal Rinpoche
  • (A native Torontonian, Namgyal Rinpoche has blended traditional Tibetan and Burmese Buddhism with western esoteric teachings)
  • For more information: http://www.dharmacentre.org
  • Language: English, Tibetan
  • Updated: 24 Jan, 2004

  • Dieu Khong Nepean Buddhist Center
  • 51 Slack Rd
  • Ottawa, Ontario K2G-0B7
  • E-mail: chuadieukhonggmail.com
  • Bhikshuni: Thich Nu Chan Giai Nghiem
  • Tradition: Zen, Vietnamese (Engaged Buddhism in the Tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh)
  • Associated with: Plum Village (France)
  • Activities: Wednesdays 7:00pm-9:00pm (English) and Sundays 10:00 am - 2:00 pm (Vietnamese). For details, see web site at dharma.ncf.ca/pagoda/index.html
  • Language: Vietnamese, English
  • Updated: November 29, 2007

  • Hilda Jayewardenaramaya
  • 1481 Heron Road
  • Ottawa Ontario K1V 6A5
  • (613)248-0396 Fax: (613)596-5340
  • Founded: 1989
  • Viharadhipathi: Ven. Ambalangoda Sudharma TheroVen. Walasmulle Sirisumana Thero
  • Tradition: Theravada
  • Activities and schedule: Sil before or after Poya, Bodhi Pooja every Saturday, Daham Pasala every Sunday, Sinhala class every Sunday
  • Language: Sinhala, English
  • Updated: 4 Nov, 1998

  • Huong Hai Zen Forest
  • 121 Bridgewater Road
  • Tweed Ontario K0K 3J0
  • (613)478-5984
  • E-mail: huonghaithientutweedyahoo.ca
  • Spritual Leader: Bikhu Thich Thong Tri
  • Activities and schedule: Dharma Teachings, meditation, retreats.
  • For more information: http://www.zenforestmeditation.com
  • Updated: 4 Feb, 2006

  • Insight Retreats
  • 243 Bellevue Street
  • Peterborough Ontario K9H 5E7
  • (705)743-1267
  • E-mail: insightretreatsyahoo.ca
  • Founded: 1990
  • Lay teachers: Norman Feldman and Molly Swan
  • Tradition: Theravada, Vipassana (Varied background with the focus on wisdom and compassion; our approach is closest to the Theravada tradition of Southeast Asia.)
  • Activities and schedule: Weekly meditation and discussion groups in the Lindsay-Peterborough area; Vipassana retreats with Norman Feldman and Molly Swan and other invited teachers, mostly held near Orangeville, Ontario.
  • For more information: http://www.insightmeditationretreats.ca
  • Contact Ellie Stewart(705)743-1267
  • Updated: March 20, 2008

  • International Buddhist Progress Society of Ottawa
  • 1950 Scott Street
  • Ottawa Ontario K1Z 8L8
  • (613)759-8111 Fax: (613)236-7743
  • Tradition: Pure Land
  • Associated with: FoGuangShan
  • Updated: 5 Dec, 2002

  • Juniper Hill Retreat Centre
  • 671 Godolphin Rd, RR #1
  • Campbellford Ontario K0L 1L0
  • Founded: 2006
  • Activities and schedule: Solitary retreats
  • For more information: http://www.juniperhillretreat.org
  • Contact Madeline Conacher or Louis Allen (705)632-0793
  • Updated: 7 May, 2007

  • Kadam Changchub Ling
  • 1290 Dorchester Avenue
  • Ottawa Ontario K1Z 8E7
  • Founded: 1979
  • Head: Ven. Karma Thinley Rinpoche. Tradition: Tibetan, Kagyu
  • Activities: weekly meditation is open to those interested in traditional Tibetan meditation practice. It consists of small group of sincere students who practice quietly together. No money and no politics; no agenda

  • Kingston Zendo
  • 307 Frontenac Street (mailing address)
  • Kingston Ontario K7L 3S9
  • (613)542-4294
  • E-mail: griffinpost.queensu.ca
  • Founded: 1974
  • Teacher & director: Albert Low
  • Tradition: Zen, Soto & Rinzai mix (In the tradition of Yasutani Roshi and Philip Kapleau Roshi)
  • Associated with: Montréal Zen Center
  • Activities and schedule: We meet to meditate and listen to a CD recorded teisho every Sunday from 8 to 10:30 AM in the John Deutch Centre at Queen's University. Visitors are welcome.
  • For more information: http://zenmontreal.ca/en/affiliates/kingston.htm
  • Contact Malcolm or Sharon
  • Updated: 24 Feb, 2006

  • Kryirong Chöling Retreat
  • 687 Gilmore Road
  • Tamworth Ontario K0K 3G0
  • (613)379-5133
  • Founded: 1987
  • Spiritual advisor: Ven. Zasep Tulku Rinpoche
  • Spiritual advisor: Ven. Jamyang Khen Rinpoche
  • Director: Douglas Budden (Tenzin Wangpo)
  • Tradition: Tibetan, Gelugpa (Under the auspices of the Dalai Lama; from an initiative begun in 1975 following the first visit to North America by HH Gyalwa Karmapa XVII)
  • Associated with: Kyirong Chöling has been dedicated as "Zong Labrang", the future seat of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche when he returns to North America from Gaden Shartse Monastery; also designated as "Jamyang Shedrup Ling" Dharma center by Khen Rinpoche
  • Activities and schedule: Meditation, retreat, and conference center.
  • Contact Douglas Budden
  • Updated: 10 May, 1998

  • Lao Buddhist Temple of Ottawa
  • Wat Lao Ottawa
  • 887 Potter Rd, RR #1
  • Kemptville (North Grenville), Ontario K0G 1J0
  • 613-258-9678 or 613-258-7392
  • Resident head: Ven. Khammay Saphackdy, Ven Bounma Chonepathoumma, and Ven Sitthisai Saynathi
  • Updated: Julyl 5, 2008

  • Meditation Group in Thay Nhat Hanh's Tradition
  • The Pagoda Sangha
  • 2770 Harwood Avenue
  • Ottawa Ontario
  • E-mail: vinh_nguyenrogers.com
  • Tradition: Zen, Vietnamese (Engaged Buddhism in the Tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh)
  • Associated with: Plum Village (France), Green Mountain Dharma Center (Vermont, USA) and Maple Village (Montreal, Quebec)
  • Activities and schedule: Meets every Wednesday at 07:00 - 9:00 PM at Dieu-Khong, monthly recitation of the Order of Interbeing 14 precepts on Tuesday evening, monthly Day of Mindfulness with Dieu Khong Sangha
  • For more information: http://dharma.ncf.ca/pagoda
  • Language: English, Vietnamese, French
  • Contact Chan Ngo (Vinh Duy Nguyen)
  • Updated: 29 Sep, 2005

  • Ottawa Buddhist Society
  • 123 Saphir avenue (mailing address)
  • Navan Ontario K4B 1J9
  • (613)290-0123
  • E-mail: obs_secretaryyahoo.ca
  • Spiritual mentor: Bhante Gunaratana (Bhavana Center)
  • Spiritual mentor: Ajahn Viradhammo (Amaravati)
  • Spiritual mentors: Bhante Rahula, Ajahn Sona (Birken Forest Monastery
  • Tradition: Theravada (The OBS focuses primarily on Buddhist teachings in the Theravada tradition as practiced in the forest monasteries of Sri Lanka, Thailand and Burma)
  • Associated with: Bhavana Center (West Virginia), Amaravati (England/N. Zealand), Birken Forest Monastery (BC)
  • Activities and schedule: Day events & monthly days of mindfulness held at Tu-An Pagoda, 3591 Albion Rd S, Gloucester ONTARIO. Retreats held at various rural settings. Weekend, seven-day, and ten-day retreats; talks; youth group; picnic; All are welcome.
  • For more information: http://www.ottawabuddhistsociety.com
  • Language: English
  • Updated: 24 Jan, 2004

  • Ottawa-Hull Cambodian Buddhist Association
  • Association Bouddhiste des Cambodgiens Ottawa-Hull
  • 1514 Morisset Avenue
  • Ottawa Ontario K1Z 8H5
  • (613)729-5705
  • E-mail: ucyaoyahoo.com
  • Tradition: Theravada, Cambodian
  • Contact Kevin Von Nora Kao

  • Ottawa Shambhala Meditation Centre
  • 984 Wellington Street West
  • Ottawa Ontario K1Y 2X8
  • (613)725-9321
  • E-mail: infoshambhalaottawa.ca
  • Founded: 1979
  • Director: Jean Sirois
  • Tradition: Tibetan buddhism, Kagyu & Nyingma (Under the guidance of Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche)
  • Associated with: Shambhala International, a worldwide network of meditation centers founded by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche
  • Activities: Provides teachings on Shambhala Buddhism, Shambhlala Training and Contemplative Arts.
  • For more information, see: http://www.shambhalaottawa.ca
  • Language: English, French, Spanish (meditation instruction only)
  • Updated: March 17, 2008

  • Ottawa Theravada Buddhist Vihara and Cultural Center
  • 217-2870 Cedarwood Dr
  • Ottawa,ON. K1V8Y5
  • 613 680 0177
  • e-mail: ottawabuddhistvihararogers.com
  • Resident head: Ven Kakanadure Hemalankara Thero; Sri Lankan Theravada
  • Activities: Theravada Buddhist teaching and activities, including Dhamma School for children.
  • Web Site: www.ottawabuddhist.net
  • Contact: Ven. Kakanudure Hemalankara Thero
  • Languages: Sinhala, English
  • Updated: June 6, 2008

  • Palyul Foundation of Canada
  • 1755 Lingham Lake Road
  • Madoc Ontario K0K 2K0
  • (613)967-7432
  • E-mail: palyulinterlog.com
  • Founded: 1984
  • Spiritual Head: HH Penor Rinpoche
  • Resident Head: Ven. Lamajampa Rabjam Rinpoche
  • Tradition: Tibetan buddhism, Nyingma & Palyul (The Palyul Namdröling Foundation Canada is a charity dedicated to the support of the child monks and nuns cared for in HH Penor Rinpoche's monastery in South India; formerly Orgyan Osal Cho Dzong)
  • Activities and schedule: fall and spring retreats, occasional teachings about meditation, transmissions
  • For more information: http://www.palyulcanada.org
  • Language: English
  • Contact Lama Jigme
  • Updated: 12 Oct, 2004

  • Palyul Namdrölling Foundation Canada
  • Chamundi House
  • Mountain Ontario K0E 1S0
  • (613)774-1010 Fax: (613)774-0862
  • E-mail: palyulcyberus.ca
  • Founded: 1997
  • Spiritual Head: HH Pema Norbu Rinpoche
  • Visiting teacher: Khenpo Tsewang Gyatso
  • Director: Angela Sumegi
  • Tradition: Tibetan buddhism, Nyingma & Palyul (The Palyul Namdröling Foundation Canada is a charity dedicated to the support of the child monks and nuns cared for in HH Penor Rinpoche's monastery in South India)
  • Associated with: Namdröling monastery
  • Activities and schedule: 1. Nonsectarian meditation practice and discussion in various forms of Buddhist teaching and spiritual growth. 2. Meditation and liturgy in the Nyingma practice of the Four Foundations in the Namcho Dzogchen tradition, "Buddha in the Palm of your Hand"
  • For more information: http://www.cyberus.ca/~palyul/
  • Language: English
  • Contact Angela Sumegi
  • Updated: 24 Jan, 2004

  • Peaceful Garden Meditation Group
  • meeting location: Westport Public Library
  • Spring Street
  • Westport, Ont.
  • e-mail: LarryReside@PeacefulGarden.ca
  • Since 2007
  • Founder and lay teacher: Larry Reside; Gelugpa and Kargyu
  • Activity: meditation session on Mondays at 10:30 AM. For details, see web site at www.peacefulgarden.ca
  • Language: English
  • Updated: June 20, 2007

  • Peterborough Dharma Group
  • e-mail: rabpeterboro.net
  • A lay-led group that sponsors visits from teachers and offers a schedule of regular practices. Affiliated with the Dharma Centre of Canada.
  • Activities: Dharma Mondays at George Street United Church, north door (please park behind City Hall, or at the medical centre on George St across from the church); 534 George Street North
  • Star Group Meditation Circle on Wednesdays. 7pm - 8:30pm; 278 Dalhousie St., Peterborough; East/West format; For beginners & experienced meditators; to confirm, phone Luis: 705 742 9799
  • Web site: www.peterboroughdharmagroup.net
  • Language: English
  • Updated: September 6, 2007

  • Pine Gate Sangha
  • Rideout Sangha
  • (Mindfulness Practice Center)
  • 1252 Rideout Crescent
  • Ottawa Ontario K2C 2X7
  • (613)721-1096 or (613)726-0881
  • E-mail: iprattiscyberus.ca
  • Associated with: Plum Village (France)
  • Activities and schedule: Thursdays - Meditation and Study Group, 7 - 9 pm First Saturday of each month, 5 - 7pm Dharma talk and pot luck vegetarian dinner
  • For more information: http://ianprattis.com/pinegate.htm
  • Updated: 3 Oct, 2000

  • Red Maple Sangha
  • meeting location 1 (and mailing address) "Akashaloka": 9 Byers Road
  • Renfrew, Ontario K7V 3Z9
  • meeting location 2: 45 Bridge Street
  • Carleton Place, Ontario
  • As well, occasional practice and training at various Lanark County locations
  • 613-433-9405 or, in Ottawa & Kanata, Don Purchase at 613-836-4073
  • e-mail: kanin@realperson.com
  • Since 2004. Akashaloka is a small rural centre in a heritage log building with a practice hall that accomodates up to 12 participants. It is on a secluded 1 acre wooded site, close to walking trails. Overnights can be arranged.
  • Administrator and lay teacher: Ray Innen Parchelo; non-affiliated
  • Activities: sittings on Thursday and Saturday, extended sittings, walks, and retreats. Also intro workshops and secular mindfulness training. Note: there is no drop-in for any of these sessions. Newcomers need to contact the administrator to arrange an orientation.
  • Contact: Ray Innen Parchelo
  • Language: English
  • Updated: June 5, 2008

  • Sakya-Namgyal Center
  • Locust Hill Ontario L0H 1J0
  • (905)294-7416 Fax: (905)294-5920
  • E-mail: sakyanamgyallook.ca
  • Associated with: Dharma Centre of Canada
  • Contact Wesley Knapp and Angela Locilento
  • Updated: 5 Dec, 2002

  • Sangha Arana
  • 595 Montreal Road
  • Ottawa ON K1K 4L2
  • E-mail: infosanghaarana.com
  • Founded: 2003
  • Tradition: Zen, mindfulness practice in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh
  • Activities and schedule: www.sanghaarana.com
  • Updated: December 18, 2007

  • SGI Canada Ottawa Community Centre
  • 237 Argyle Avenue
  • Ottawa Ontario K2P 1B8
  • (613)232-1100
  • E-mail: ottawasgicanada.org
  • Tradition: Soka Gakkai
  • Associated with: Soka Gakkai International
  • For more information: http://sgicanada.org/
  • Language: English, Japanese
  • Updated: 21 Nov, 1999

  • Tisarana Buddhist Monastery
  • mailing address: 1356 Powers Road, RR #3
  • Perth, Ontario K7H 3C5
  • 613-264-8208
  • Since 2006
  • Abbot: Ajahn Viradhammo; resident teacher: Ajahn Kusalo; Thai Forest Tradition
  • Activities: for details, see www.tisarana.ca
  • Language: English
  • Updated: Sept 18, 2007

  • Tu An Pagoda
  • 3591 Albion Road S
  • Gloucester Ontario K1T 1A2
  • (613)521-0263
  • Founded: 1989
  • Tradition: Pure Land
  • Associated with: Tu An Pagoda is the Vietnamese Buddhist Temple and a meeeting place for Vietnamese and other Buddhists in Ottawa.
  • Activities and schedule: Every Friday, from 8 PM to 10 PM: recite sutra (tinh do). Please contact Ngo Nhut Tan (Quang Hanh) at 277-8266 for more information. Weekly Sunday service from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
  • Contact Mrs Nguyen Hue Chau and Mr. Le Quoc Uy
  • Updated: 7 Jan, 2000

  • Vietnamese Buddhist Youth Association Ottawa Chapter
  • 1661 Boyer Road
  • Orelans Ontario K1C 3H6
  • Founded: 1986
  • Associated with: Vietnamese Buddhist Youth Association of Canada (VBYAC)
  • Activities and schedule: studying Buddhism, outdoor activites, leadership training, and traditional special events. For more information: http://members.tripod.com/~chanhkien/
  • Language: Vietnamese, English
  • Updated: 31 Jul, 1998

  • Wat Ratchadham I
  • 1815 Dunrobin Road
  • Kanata Ontario K2K 1X7
  • (613)839-0809 Fax: (613)839-0809
  • E-mail: sawat44hotmail.com
  • Tradition: Theravada
  • For more information: http://watratchadham1.gq.nu
  • Updated: 31 Dec, 2000

  • White Wind Zen Community
  • Zen Centre of Ottawa
  • 240 Daly Avenue
  • Ottawa Ontario K1N 6G2
  • (613)562-1568 Fax: (613)241-5731
  • E-mail: infowwzc.org
  • Founded: 1986
  • Zen master: Ven. Anzan Hoshin sensei roshi
  • Tradition: Zen, Soto (The Ven. Anzan Hoshin roshi is a Western-born elder celibate monk and Dharma-heir of the late Ven. Yasuda Joshu Dainen Hakukaze daiosho, after his root transmission master's death in 1979, he wandered into Ottawa and in 1985, founded White Wind Zazenkai)
  • Activities and schedule: Monastics and students. Morning and evening sittings, four 7-day O-sesshin, seven 2-day sesshin and 1 yaza (all-night)/year, retreats, residential training, study of Dharma, classes and tutorials. Hosts tours and makes available speakers to schools.
  • For more information: http://www.wwzc.org
  • Updated: 5 Dec, 2002

  • Back to: Buddhism in Canada | For updates, please contact George Klima at buddhism.canadagmail.com.