Discover Hindu temples in Vancouver, Surrey & Burnaby BC. Complete Lower Mainland mandir guide with addresses, festivals & community info. Visit today!

Hindu Temples Vancouver Canada: Surrey, Burnaby & BC Complete Guide 2025

Hindu Temples in Vancouver Canada: Your Complete Guide to Surrey, Burnaby & BC’s Mandirs

I’ll never forget my first visit to the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Richmond. It was pouring rain—typical Vancouver weather—and I was feeling homesick, doubting my decision to move across the country from Toronto. Then I walked into the temple, and everything changed. The warmth of the community, the familiar rituals, the sound of bhajans mixing with the patter of West Coast rain on the roof—suddenly Vancouver didn’t feel so foreign. That temple became my anchor in a new city.

Vancouver and the Lower Mainland have quietly built one of Canada’s most vibrant Hindu communities. With approximately 60,000 Hindus in Metro Vancouver—concentrated particularly in Surrey, which has become Canada’s “Indo-Canadian capital”—the Hindu temples Vancouver landscape is diverse, welcoming, and growing rapidly.

What makes Vancouver’s temple scene unique is how it’s shaped by the city’s geography and character. Temples aren’t just clustered in one area like Toronto’s suburbs—they’re spread across the Lower Mainland from Vancouver proper to Surrey, from Burnaby to the Fraser Valley. You have ocean-view temples, mountain-backdrop mandirs, and community centers that serve populations rivaling small cities.

The other distinctive feature is Surrey. With over 32% South Asian population (the highest percentage of any Canadian city), Surrey has become the undisputed center of Hindu life in BC. The Scott Road area and surrounding neighborhoods have more temples per square mile than anywhere else in Western Canada.

This guide comes from years of exploring BC’s Hindu temples—from rainy winter mornings at the BAPS temple to Diwali celebrations in Surrey, from quiet meditation in Burnaby to massive Navaratri gatherings in the Fraser Valley. I’ll take you through the major temples, explain the unique Lower Mainland geography, and help you find your spiritual home on Canada’s beautiful West Coast.

The West Coast Hindu Story: How Vancouver’s Community Grew
Surrey: Canada’s Indo-Canadian Capital
Richmond: Where Mountains Meet Mandirs
Burnaby and New Westminster
Abbotsford and Fraser Valley
The Vancouver Difference: Rain, Mountains, and Multiculturalism
The Surrey Temple Hub: A Deeper Dive
Major Festivals in the Lower Mainland
Growing Up Hindu in Vancouver
Practical Information for Visitors
The Food Connection
Frequently Asked Questions

The West Coast Hindu Story: How Vancouver’s Community Grew

The Immigration Waves

Understanding Hindu temples in Vancouver requires understanding how this community developed—and it’s a different story from Toronto or other Canadian cities.

The Early Pioneers:

Vancouver’s first South Asian immigrants arrived in the early 1900s, primarily Sikhs working in lumber mills and on the railways. Hindu immigration came later, particularly after Canada’s 1967 immigration reforms opened doors based on skills rather than country of origin.

The 1970s-80s Build:

The real growth began in the 1970s and accelerated through the 1980s. Indian professionals—engineers, doctors, academics—came to Vancouver attracted by the city’s quality of life, natural beauty, and economic opportunities. Many settled in Surrey and Richmond, establishing the foundations of today’s communities.

The Recent Explosion:

The 2000s and 2010s saw explosive growth, particularly in Surrey. The South Asian population grew so rapidly that entire neighborhoods transformed. Surrey became majority-minority, with South Asians becoming the largest ethnic group.

Why the Lower Mainland?

Several factors made Metro Vancouver attractive:

Climate: Mild winters (no -40°C like the Prairies or Toronto)
Natural beauty: Mountains and ocean providing stunning backdrops
Economic opportunities: Tech, film industry, trade with Asia
Quality of life: Consistently ranked among world’s most livable cities
Existing community: Chain migration bringing families together

The Geographic Spread

Unlike Toronto where temples cluster in specific suburbs, Vancouver’s temples spread across the entire Lower Mainland:

Vancouver proper: Some central temples
Surrey: Highest concentration, dozens of temples
Richmond: Significant temple presence
Burnaby: Several major temples
Delta and Abbotsford: Fraser Valley communities

Surrey: Canada’s Indo-Canadian Capital

The Surrey Phenomenon

Surrey deserves special focus because it’s become the epicenter of Hindu life in Western Canada. With a population over 600,000 (larger than Vancouver proper!), Surrey is Canada’s fastest-growing city and home to the largest concentration of South Asians outside of India.

The Numbers:

Surrey’s South Asian population exceeds 200,000 people. The Hindu community specifically numbers in the tens of thousands, supported by extensive temple infrastructure.

The Cultural Landscape:

Walking through Surrey, particularly areas like Newton and the Scott Road (King George Boulevard) corridor, you experience something remarkable—this is as close to India as you’ll find in Canada. Shops, restaurants, temples, community centers—all reflecting a thriving Indo-Canadian community.

Lakshmi Narayan Mandir (Surrey Hindu Temple)

Address: 8600 No. 5 Road, Richmond, BC V6Y 2V4
Phone: (604) 278-2156
Website: https://www.lnmandir.com

Note: Despite “Surrey” in some references, this temple is actually in Richmond, but it serves the broader Lower Mainland including Surrey.

The Temple Complex:

This is one of the Lower Mainland’s largest and most established Hindu temples. The complex includes multiple buildings serving different community needs.

Inside the Mandir:

The temple houses several shrines:

Lakshmi Narayan (main deities)
Shiva Parivar
Radha Krishna
Hanuman
Durga Ma

What Makes It Special:

The Lakshmi Narayan Mandir has been serving the community since the early days of Vancouver’s Hindu population. It’s multigenerational—you’ll see families where grandparents were founding members, parents grew up attending, and now grandchildren come to Sunday school.

Timings:

Daily: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM (continuous)
Festival Days: Extended hours

Community Programs:

Sunday school for children (religious and cultural education)
Language classes (Hindi, Gujarati)
Classical arts instruction (music and dance)
Senior programs
Youth groups and activities

Personal Experience:

I attended Diwali here during my first year in Vancouver. The contrast was surreal—outside, typical Vancouver rain. Inside, thousands of lights, elaborate rangoli, families in traditional dress, and the warmth of community celebration. It perfectly captured the immigrant experience: bringing your culture with you while adapting to a new home.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Vancouver

Address: 4881 Marine Drive, Burnaby, BC V5J 3G4
Phone: (604) 438-2272
Website: https://www.vancouver.baps.org

While technically in Burnaby, this temple serves Hindus across the Lower Mainland and deserves special mention for its architectural significance.

The Architecture:

Opened in 2012, this traditionally designed mandir features hand-carved stonework created by artisans in India following ancient architectural principles. The building uses traditional materials—Carrara marble, limestone, and pink sandstone—all carved with intricate religious and cultural motifs.

The Setting:

What makes this temple unique is its location. Situated on Marine Drive in Burnaby with mountain views, it offers a distinctly Vancouver experience—traditional Indian architecture against BC’s natural backdrop.

The BAPS Philosophy:

BAPS temples worldwide emphasize:

Personal spiritual development and character building
Community service and volunteerism
Cultural preservation and education
Youth engagement and leadership
Drug and alcohol-free living

Visitor Information:

The Vancouver BAPS mandir is exceptionally welcoming:

Free guided tours explaining Hinduism and temple architecture
Exhibition areas with educational displays
Beautiful grounds perfect for reflection
Vegetarian café serving traditional Gujarati cuisine
Well-maintained facilities including parking

Timings:

Tuesday-Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Monday: Closed (maintenance day)
Sunday: Extended hours for assemblies

Dress Code:

Modest clothing required (no shorts or sleeveless tops)
No leather items inside the mandir
Wraps provided if needed

Best Times to Visit:

Sunday mornings for the spiritual assembly (satsang)
Diwali week for spectacular illuminations against Vancouver’s autumn colors
Annakut (day after Diwali) for the impressive food offering
Summer evenings for peaceful visits with mountain views

Richmond: Where Mountains Meet Mandirs

The Richmond Character

Richmond, an island city just south of Vancouver proper, has significant Chinese and South Asian populations. The Hindu community here is substantial and well-established.

Dwarkesh Hindu Mandir

Address: Richmond area (multiple community prayer halls)

Richmond has several smaller temples and prayer halls serving specific communities:

Tamil Hindu communities
Gujarati groups
North Indian congregations

These smaller temples often meet in community centers or adapted buildings, providing intimate settings for worship and cultural preservation.

Burnaby and New Westminster

Central Location Temples

Burnaby, being centrally located in the Lower Mainland, serves as a meeting point for Hindus from across the region.

Shree Saraswati Gurukul

Address: Burnaby area
Focus: Educational and cultural programs alongside worship

This temple emphasizes knowledge and education (appropriate for a Saraswati-focused institution), offering:

Religious education
Cultural classes
Community programs
Youth activities

Abbotsford and Fraser Valley

The Fraser Valley Extension

As the Lower Mainland spreads eastward, Hindu communities have established themselves in the Fraser Valley.

Hindu Temple of Fraser Valley

Address: Abbotsford/Surrey border area

Serving Hindus in Abbotsford, Langley, and surrounding Fraser Valley communities with:

Regular worship services
Festival celebrations
Community gatherings
Cultural programs

The Vancouver Difference: Rain, Mountains, and Multiculturalism

What Makes Vancouver Temples Unique

Having visited temples across Canada, Vancouver’s have distinctive characteristics shaped by the city’s unique character.

Geographic Beauty:

Unlike prairie or Toronto temples, Vancouver temples have stunning natural backdrops:

Mountain views from temple grounds
Ocean proximity
Lush greenery year-round
Spectacular sunsets over the Pacific

The Rain Factor:

Vancouver’s famous rain shapes temple culture:

Covered walkways and entrances
Indoor spaces for festivals year-round
Large parking lots (car-dependent region)
Community halls for weather-independent programs

Mild Winters:

Unlike Toronto’s brutal cold, Vancouver’s mild winters mean:

Year-round accessibility
Outdoor events possible even in winter
No extreme weather closures
Different festival timing possibilities

BC Multiculturalism:

Vancouver’s particular brand of multiculturalism creates:

Strong interfaith engagement
Celebration of diversity as civic identity
Government support for cultural institutions
Integration while maintaining distinct identities

The Surrey Temple Hub: A Deeper Dive

Scott Road and Beyond

Surrey’s temple concentration deserves detailed exploration. The Scott Road (King George Boulevard) corridor and surrounding areas have become a temple belt.

Why So Many Temples?

Several factors created Surrey’s temple density:

Large population: Sheer numbers support multiple temples
Diversity within diversity: Different linguistic/regional groups want their own spaces
Affordable land: Surrey land costs less than Vancouver proper
Community concentration: Temple begets temple as community clusters

Temple Variety

Surrey’s temples serve different communities:

Gujarati temples: Serving large Gujarati population
Punjabi Hindu temples: Distinct from Sikh gurdwaras
Tamil temples: Following South Indian traditions
Pan-Indian temples: Serving all backgrounds
ISKCON centers: Krishna consciousness movement

The Community Infrastructure

Surrey’s temples aren’t isolated—they’re part of broader infrastructure:

Indian grocery stores (dozens along Scott Road)
Restaurants serving every regional cuisine
Sweet shops (mithai makers)
Jewelry and clothing stores
Wedding halls and event spaces

Major Festivals in the Lower Mainland

Diwali: Festival of Lights on the West Coast

Diwali in Vancouver has unique character shaped by the climate and community.

The Timing:

Diwali typically falls in late October or early November—right during Vancouver’s rainy season. The contrast of festival lights against grey Pacific Northwest skies creates particular beauty.

Major Celebrations:

Lakshmi Narayan Mandir: Multi-day festivities
BAPS Vancouver: Spectacular illuminations
Surrey temples: Community-wide celebrations
Home celebrations: Throughout the Lower Mainland

Community Events:

Many temples organize:

Open houses for broader community
Cultural performances
Traditional food distributions
Fireworks displays (where permitted)
Educational programs about Diwali’s meaning

Navaratri: Nine Nights in the Lower Mainland

The nine nights of Goddess worship bring communities together across Metro Vancouver.

Where to Experience:

BAPS Vancouver: Traditional Gujarati celebrations
Lakshmi Narayan Mandir: Elaborate Durga puja programs
Surrey community halls: Garba and Dandiya nights
Various temples: Different traditions celebrating different ways

Garba Nights:

Garba and Dandiya Raas nights in Vancouver have become major social events, attracting hundreds (sometimes thousands) to large venues. It’s become so popular that non-Gujaratis and even non-South Asians attend for the cultural experience and community celebration.

Janmashtami: Krishna’s Birthday

Celebrated with particular enthusiasm at Krishna-focused temples and ISKCON centers.

Celebrations Include:

Midnight aarti (marking Krishna’s birth)
Dahi handi (pot-breaking) competitions
Krishna Leela performances
Special prasadam (sweets and butter)

Read this also :

Growing Up Hindu in Vancouver

The West Coast Experience

Second and third-generation Hindu Canadians in Vancouver have a unique experience shaped by the city’s character.

The Vancouver Identity:

Young Hindus in Vancouver navigate multiple identities:

Canadian with West Coast laid-back culture
Hindu with traditional values and practices
South Asian with cultural heritage
Global in one of the world’s most international cities

What Temples Provide Youth

Cultural Anchors:

In a city known for expensive housing and transient population, temples provide:

Stable community connections
Cultural education and heritage preservation
Social networks and friendships
Identity formation support
Marriage and family connections

Programs for Young People:

Most major Lower Mainland temples offer:

Sunday schools teaching Hindu values in English
Youth discussion groups addressing contemporary issues
Cultural classes (music, dance, language)
Leadership programs developing next generation
Service projects connecting to broader community

The Challenge

Vancouver’s unique challenges for maintaining cultural identity:

Housing costs scattering families geographically
Pace of life making temple attendance challenging
Secular environment with less religious emphasis than other regions
Diverse influences from Vancouver’s international character

Successful temples help youth integrate tradition with contemporary Vancouver life rather than forcing them to choose one identity over another.

Practical Information for Visitors

Getting Around

The Lower Mainland Geography:

Metro Vancouver spans large area:

Vancouver to Surrey: 30-40 minutes driving
Burnaby: Central, 15-20 minutes from Vancouver
Richmond: 20-30 minutes from Vancouver
Abbotsford: 60+ minutes from Vancouver

Transportation Options:

By Car:

Most common method (region is car-dependent)
All major temples have parking
Traffic can be heavy during rush hours
Weekend temple visits easier than weekdays

By Public Transit:

SkyTrain: Serves some areas (Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey)
Buses: TransLink covers region but takes longer
Limited service to some temples in suburban areas

The Rain Factor:

Vancouver’s famous rain affects temple visits:

Bring umbrella (always!)
Waterproof footwear for walking through parking lots
Expect wet conditions October through April
Indoor spaces mean rain doesn’t stop activities

What to Wear

Temple Visits:

Modest clothing (covered shoulders and knees)
Remove shoes before entering shrine areas
Layers recommended (BC weather changes quickly)
Waterproof outer layer for Vancouver rain
Traditional dress welcomed but not required

When to Visit

Best Times:

Sunday mornings (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM) for community atmosphere
Festival times for cultural immersion
Weekday evenings for quieter contemplation
Summer months for best weather and outdoor events

What to Expect

Language:

English universally spoken
Hindi widely understood
Gujarati common in many temples
Punjabi in Surrey area
Tamil, Telugu in community-specific temples

Hospitality:

Vancouver temple communities are known for:

Warm welcomes to newcomers
West Coast laid-back friendliness
Multicultural inclusivity
Genuine community feel

The Food Connection

Temple and Street

Vancouver’s temple culture connects deeply with the region’s food scene.

Temple Prasad:

Each temple has specialties:

Traditional offerings after aartis
Festival meals during celebrations
Community kitchens serving langar-style meals

The Restaurant Connection

Surrey’s Scott Road and surrounding areas offer:

Dozens of Indian restaurants
Every regional cuisine represented
Sweet shops (mithai stores)
Chaat and street food vendors
Grocery stores with temple items

The Vegetarian Scene

Vancouver’s large vegetarian/vegan population means:

Many Hindu restaurants popular beyond community
Crossover appeal to health-conscious Vancouverites
High standards for vegetarian cuisine
Cultural influence on broader food scene

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the largest Hindu temple in Vancouver?
The Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Richmond (8600 No. 5 Road) is one of the largest and most established, serving the entire Lower Mainland with extensive facilities and programs.

Does Surrey really have that many temples?
Yes, Surrey has the highest concentration of Hindu temples in Western Canada, with dozens serving the city’s large South Asian population (over 32% of Surrey’s population).

Can non-Hindus visit these temples?
Absolutely, all temples welcome respectful visitors of any background. The BAPS temple particularly offers guided tours for those interested in learning about Hinduism.

How do I handle Vancouver’s rain when visiting temples?
Bring an umbrella and waterproof shoes, but don’t let rain stop you—temples are warm and dry inside, and rain is just part of life in Vancouver from October to April.

Are temples accessible by public transit?
Some central temples (Burnaby BAPS) are accessible via SkyTrain, but many suburban temples require driving. Vancouver’s spread-out geography makes cars necessary for temple-hopping.

When is Diwali celebrated in Vancouver?
Diwali dates vary by lunar calendar (typically late October/early November). Check specific temple websites for celebration dates, timings, and special programs planned.

What makes Vancouver temples different from Toronto?
Vancouver temples are more geographically spread across the Lower Mainland, have milder winters allowing year-round access, feature stunning mountain/ocean backdrops, and serve a somewhat smaller but rapidly growing community.

Can I visit temples during the week?
Yes, most temples have daily open hours, though weekends see more programs and community activity. Check specific temple websites for weekday timings and scheduled events.

Conclusion: Finding Sacred Space on the West Coast

Standing outside the BAPS temple in Burnaby on a clear day, you can see the North Shore mountains rising behind the mandir’s traditional architecture. That view captures something essential about being Hindu in Vancouver—bringing ancient traditions to one of the world’s most beautiful settings, maintaining cultural identity while being thoroughly West Coast Canadian.

The Hindu temples Vancouver landscape isn’t just about buildings—it’s about community resilience and adaptation. From the early pioneers who established the first prayer groups in borrowed spaces, to today’s magnificent purpose-built temples serving thousands, the journey reflects determination to maintain spiritual and cultural connections while building new lives.

What makes Vancouver’s temple scene special is how it’s shaped by the city’s character. The rain doesn’t stop celebrations—it makes the warmth inside more precious. The mountains and ocean aren’t distractions from spiritual practice—they’re reminders of the divine in nature. The region’s diversity isn’t a challenge to overcome—it’s an opportunity to show how Hindu practice enriches Canadian multiculturalism.

Surrey has become Canada’s “Indo-Canadian capital” not through luck but through community effort—temples built by families pooling resources, cultural institutions maintained by volunteers, traditions passed down while adapting to Canadian life. The density of temples along Scott Road represents not just population numbers but community commitment to preserving heritage.

Whether you’re in Vancouver proper seeking the BAPS temple’s architectural beauty, in Surrey exploring the temple hub, in Richmond connecting with the established Lakshmi Narayan community, or in the Fraser Valley finding spiritual home in growing communities—the Lower Mainland offers sacred spaces for all.

The temples have learned to thrive in Vancouver’s unique environment—rain and all. They’ve created communities that welcome newcomers, support established families, guide young people, and care for elders. They’ve become anchor points in a region known for being transient and expensive, providing stability and belonging.

So grab an umbrella (you’ll need it!), make the drive across the Lower Mainland, and visit a temple. Experience Sunday morning aarti with mountain views. Attend a Diwali celebration with rain drumming on the roof. Join a Garba night in Surrey. Discover that home isn’t about weather or geography—it’s about finding your people and your practice, wherever you are.

Welcome to Vancouver. Welcome to the Lower Mainland. Welcome to Hindu practice on Canada’s beautiful West Coast.

Have you visited temples in Vancouver or the Lower Mainland? What surprised you about BC’s Hindu community? Share your experiences in the comments below!