Fo Guang Shan Temple Toronto Mississauga
A serene Buddhist temple in Mississauga offering cultural celebrations, delicious vegetarian food, and a peaceful retreat.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Fo Guang Shan Temple Toronto Mississauga
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Buddhist temple in Mississauga offering cultural celebrations, delicious vegetarian food, and a peaceful retreat.
"Delicious vegetarian food and a peaceful atmosphere make this temple a serene retreat."
👟 Remove Shoes Indoors
Remember to take off your shoes before entering prayer rooms for a respectful visit.
🧘♀️ Dress Modestly
Opt for respectful attire to honor the sacred nature of the temple grounds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grand Buddha's Birthday Celebration
Main Temple Grounds
Experience a vibrant celebration with cultural performances, dharma services, and a special focus on Mother's Day reverence.
Lunar New Year Festivities
Temple Courtyard and Halls
Join in the joyous Lunar New Year celebrations featuring lion and dragon dances, and blessings from the God of Wealth.
Vegetarian Food Fair
Temple Basement
Savor delicious and fresh vegetarian dishes at the annual food fair, often coinciding with special prayer assemblies.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
+1Respectful Attire and Customs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Remove Shoes Indoors
Remember to take off your shoes before entering prayer rooms for a respectful visit.
🧘♀️ Dress Modestly
Opt for respectful attire to honor the sacred nature of the temple grounds.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Parking is conveniently provided free of charge for visitors.
🗣️ Multilingual Staff
Staff are available to assist in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Remove Shoes Indoors
Remember to take off your shoes before entering prayer rooms for a respectful visit.
🧘♀️ Dress Modestly
Opt for respectful attire to honor the sacred nature of the temple grounds.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Parking is conveniently provided free of charge for visitors.
🗣️ Multilingual Staff
Staff are available to assist in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
🙏 Peaceful Ambiance
Enjoy the serene and relaxing environment, especially during off-peak hours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Fo Guang Shan Temple in Mississauga for its delicious vegetarian food and serene atmosphere, especially during cultural celebrations like Lunar New Year. While the temple is generally well-maintained and welcoming, some reviews mention inconsistent volunteer interactions that could be improved for a more consistently warm experience.
"Volunteering is a kind of dedication, a donation of love and time. Volunteers are serving the public and the society. No matter when they are doing voluntary work, they should never bring any impetuous attitude towards others. However, when I had a vegetarian lunch yesterday at the basement of Fo Guang Shan in Mississauga, I encountered two opposite behaviors. The vegetarian food here is always delicious, but volunteers who serve people should try their best to treat people with respect!When I was queuing for food I met two middle-aged Asian Fo Guang volunteers in a row, which made me a little surprised. I don't know if they have the heart to help others? The first one showed her lack of respect for people who line up for good in her gestures and tone, which made the person who was served feel incredible and innocent. The other one criticized the volunteer who was also distributing food with her in a very disrespectful tone. I could have sat down and enjoyed the delicious vegetarian food, but my mood was a little affected by what I had saw. I thought: "Buddhism is a pure place, but it is a pity that it is stained by dust by these noisy women .""
Terry Wong
"Very large Buddhist temple in Mississauga. It's showing its age, but still maintained well. It is clean and spacious inside. They don't seem to have incense burning anymore. Parking is free. Remember to remove your shoes when entering various prayer rooms. Staff speak English, Cantonese and Mandarin."
Allan C
"Volunteering is really about giving your time and energy to help others, and usually it comes with patience, respect, and kindness. That’s what makes the experience feel special for the community.
I went to the vegetarian lunch on September 6, 2025, at the basement of Fo Guang Shan Mississauga. The food was, as always, really good — fresh, tasty, and clearly made with care. But honestly, the atmosphere this time didn’t feel as positive as I expected.
While waiting in line, one volunteer spoke and gestured in a way that felt a bit dismissive. Another criticized her fellow server right in front of everyone, which was uncomfortable to see. A lot of the volunteers also looked unhappy, and there weren’t many smiles, which made the whole experience feel less welcoming.
This was only my second visit to the temple, and I came hoping to enjoy both the food and the peaceful environment. Instead, the tension between volunteers and the lack of warmth during lunch really stood out.
I just want to share this respectfully: a smile, a friendly word, or a little patience goes a long way. It would make visitors like me — especially newcomers — feel more welcome and connected."
Leo Nguyen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The temple is located in Mississauga and is accessible by car. Public transportation options may involve bus routes. It's recommended to check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information on reaching the temple from Toronto or other areas.
Yes, visitors can enjoy free parking at the Fo Guang Shan Temple in Mississauga. This makes it convenient for those driving to the location.
While the temple is generally spacious, it's advisable to contact them directly for specific accessibility information regarding ramps or elevators if needed.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the temple grounds is generally free. However, special events like the Buddha's Birthday Celebration or food fairs might have associated activities or costs for food purchases.
The temple is typically open daily, but specific hours can vary. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most current operating times, especially around holidays.
Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly out of respect for the religious site. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Remember to remove your shoes before entering prayer rooms.
Yes, the temple is open during religious holidays, and often hosts special events and celebrations, such as Lunar New Year
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the serene temple halls, participate in prayer services, attend cultural events like the Buddha's Birthday Celebration
Some reviews suggest that incense burning may be less common now, but the temple maintains a clean and spacious interior for prayer and reflection.
Photography policies can vary. It's generally respectful to avoid taking photos during prayer services. Check for any posted signage regarding photography restrictions.
The staff at Fo Guang Shan Temple in Mississauga are multilingual and can assist visitors in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the temple often hosts a vegetarian lunch service in its basement, which is praised for being delicious and fresh. They also hold a Vegetarian Food Fair.
The food offered at the temple, including the lunch service and food fair, is exclusively vegetarian.
Reviews consistently highlight the delicious, fresh, and well-prepared nature of the vegetarian food served at the temple.
The temple typically offers a regular vegetarian lunch service, making it a consistent option for visitors seeking a meal.
📸 📸 Photography
The temple's architecture, serene courtyards, and festive decorations during events like Lunar New Year
While general photography is usually permitted, it's important to be mindful and respectful, especially during prayer services or in designated quiet areas. Look for any posted signs.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at religious sites and public spaces without explicit permission. It's best to assume this is not allowed.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 there are often engaging performances like lion and dragon dances that children will enjoy. The temple grounds offer a peaceful environment for a stroll, and the vegetarian food service 🧘♀️ Solo Travelers Seeking Peace
🍜 Foodies Exploring Vegetarian Options
which offers a wider array of delicious plant-based dishes. It's a great opportunity to discover authentic vegetarian Asian flavors in a unique setting.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing the Vegetarian Cuisine
The temple also hosts an annual Buddha's Light Vegetarian Food Fair,
which is part of larger religious assemblies. This event provides an opportunity to sample a wider variety of vegetarian dishes and cross religious boundaries in a spirit of global peace. It's a chance to explore diverse flavors while supporting the temple's community initiatives.While the food itself receives high marks, some reviews have noted that the atmosphere during meal times can sometimes be affected by volunteer interactions.
Cultural Celebrations and Events
+1 These events create a lively and joyful atmosphere, drawing in many visitors to experience traditional customs.Another significant event is the Buddha's Birthday Celebration,
which often coincides with Mother's Day, creating a dual celebration of love and reverence. These occasions feature dharma services, cultural performances, and a chance to engage with Buddhist traditions. The temple aims to foster a sense of community and shared spiritual experience during these times.These events are not just religious observances but also important cultural gatherings that showcase the temple's role in the community. They offer a unique glimpse into Buddhist practices and traditions, making the temple a dynamic destination beyond its daily serene offerings.
Volunteer Spirit and Community Service
However, some visitor experiences have highlighted that the interactions with volunteers can sometimes be inconsistent. While many volunteers are dedicated and kind, a few reviews have pointed out instances of less respectful or dismissive behavior.
Despite these occasional critiques, the overall commitment to volunteerism underscores the temple's dedication to community engagement and service. The temple community strives to uphold Buddhist principles of compassion and kindness in all its endeavors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit