When you visit Canada, you may want to explore its monasteries. Monasteries are top-notch attractions that offer a sense of peace and serenity. Here are a few of the top ones. We hope you enjoy them! And if you have time, you should also visit other Canadian monasteries. Read on to find out more. But first, let’s take a look at what makes monasteries so special.
St. Peter’s Abbey
If you are looking for an inspiring place to stay and spend some quality time alone, you should consider visiting St. Peter’s Abbey in Muenster, Saskatchewan. The abbey was founded in 1903, and is the oldest Benedictine monastery in Canada. It has a rich history and tradition, going back over 1,500 years. The abbey is also the home to Canada’s first television channel, which aired an episode of “Peter and the Wolf.”
There are six granaries on the property, and the abbey has six grain fields. There are two combines contracted out to local farmers, as well as chickens, pigs, and vegetable plots. There are also monks and lay teachers at the abbey’s junior college. The abbey has about 160 students who study at St. Peter’s College, which is affiliated with the University of Saskatchewan. It also offers special education classes for children with special needs.
Birken Forest Buddhist Monastery
The Buddhist monks of Birken Forest Monastery in British Columbia have been practicing Buddhism for more than 20 years. The community has grown from a few monks in 1994 to hundreds of adherents today. They are spread throughout the province of British Columbia. The monks are also active in Alberta and British Columbia. Among their regular teaching locations are Kamloops, Kelowna, Vancouver, Penticton, and Edmonton.
Located just south of Kamloops, the Birken monastery is a peaceful retreat centre where meditation is practiced. The abbot, Venerable Sona, is the spiritual leader of the monks. The monastery offers personal retreats during the months of April and December. Those interested in spending longer periods of time in a retreat are welcome to do so, but must first receive permission from the abbot. During the months of January and February, the monastics are on their “Winter Retreat”. During this time, experienced meditation practitioners can stay at the monastery for free.
St. Anthony Coptic Orthodox Monastery
The new Coptic Orthodox monastery will be located in Perth, Ontario, Canada. The purchase of 250 acres has been blessed by H.H. Pope Tawadros II. The new building is ready for use, and will open its doors to the public in the spring of 2014. The monastery will serve the entire Coptic Orthodox community in Canada, and will serve as a spiritual retreat center for its monks and guests.
If you’re planning to visit the monastery, make sure to arrive at least a day early. This location is not only close to the Monastery, but to the city of Perth as well. You’ll find St. Anthony Coptic Orthodox Monastery near Miner’s Point Little Library, Dowsett Island, and the town of Perth. There are also many beautiful parks near the Monastery, including the Murphys Point Provincial Park, which is about 2 1/2 kilometers north of St. Anthony’s.
Thrangu Monastery
The first traditional Tibetan monastery in North America opened its doors three years ago, and now it is a popular tourist destination. This 35,000 square foot monastery is the seat of Thrangu Rinpoche, a Tibetan Buddhist monk who has taught Buddhism in Canada since 1993. The construction process lasted 23 months and involved collaboration with the local community of Richmond, British Columbia. The monastery has many treasures, including the golden 15-foot Buddha surrounded by 34 smaller statues and a plethora of Medicine Buddhas. It has also built a stunning space with Mandalas covering the ceiling.
The Thrangu Monastery in Canada is a rebirth of the original Thrangu Monastery in Tibet. The monastic community here offers daily Tibetan language classes and Buddhist festivals. Lama Pema is often present at the monasteries where the Rinpoche teaches. The monks are also able to receive visits from His Holiness, as he often travels to these centers.
Fontevraud l’Hotel
If you’re thinking about spending a romantic weekend in Quebec, consider the Fontevraud l’Hotell. This pristinely restored abbey has a rich history that will impress you. Its rooms have a touch of luxury, and the hotel’s restaurant features a Michelin one-star rating. You’ll also be treated to delicious food, and the decor is reminiscent of French monasteries.
This abbey was founded almost 1000 years ago and was home to a matriarchal order of monks. The abbey was later a prison and a cultural center. This site contains the tomb of Richard the Lionheart. In recent years, the abbey was converted into a modern hotel. Architect Sanjit Manku was commissioned to redesign the priory of Saint-Lazare, and he was assisted by Patrick Jouin.