Tibetan Buddhist Centres in Canada

Tibetan Buddhist temples and Dharma centres are at the heart of community life in Canada. They hold prayers, teachings, meditation, Losar and Saga Dawa, and welcome visitors. Here are 10 centres in our directory, grouped by city.

☸️ Buddhist centres by city

📍 Toronto & GTA

📍 Calgary

📍 Vancouver

Tap Details for each centre’s address, phone, website and directions. Know a centre that is missing? Add it for free.

🙏 Your first visit

• 📅 Check the times first. Look at the centre’s page or our events calendar, or call.
• 👟 Take off your shoes before entering the shrine room.
• 🔄 Walk clockwise around stupas, temples and prayer wheels.
• 🪷 Sit quietly, and try not to point your feet toward the altar or the teacher.
• 📵 Switch off your phone, and ask before taking photos.
• 🧣 Offerings are welcome but never required. Many people bring a white scarf (khata), flowers, fruit or a small donation.

🏔️ The traditions of Tibetan Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism has four main schools: Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug. Tibet also has the older Bön tradition. Each centre follows one or more lineages, but most welcome everyone, Buddhist or not, to prayers and teachings.

📅 Sacred days and teachings

Centres hold special prayers on sacred days such as Losar (Tibetan New Year), Saga Dawa, Chökhor Düchen and Lhabab Düchen. Find the dates on the Tibetan calendar, and see upcoming Dharma teachings and prayer gatherings.

❓ Questions people often ask

Can non-Buddhists visit a Tibetan temple?

Yes. Tibetan Buddhist centres in Canada welcome visitors of every background. Come to a public prayer, teaching or open day, and follow the simple etiquette above.

Do I have to pay to attend?

Most prayers are free. Some teachings or courses ask for a fee or a donation to cover costs. Check the event details or ask the centre.

What is a khata?

A khata is a white scarf offered as a sign of respect and good wishes, to a teacher, at a shrine, or to welcome guests.

Where are the Tibetan temples in Toronto?

Several are in Etobicoke, near the Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre, and others are in Parkdale and nearby. See the list above, grouped by city.

🧭 Explore more guides

📅Tibetan calendarToday’s Tibetan date, Losar and sacred days.🎉Community eventsLosar, prayers, concerts, talks and gatherings.🏔️Tibetan people & cultureLanguage, religion, festivals, food and greetings.🤝Tibetan organizations in CanadaCommunity associations, youth and advocacy groups, city by city.📖Learn TibetanClasses in Toronto and online, and a new word every week.🥟Tibetan restaurants in TorontoEvery Tibetan kitchen in the city, with call and directions buttons.