Featured Hotels Near ISKCON Scarborough - Hare Krishna Temple

Recommended stay at Holiday Inn Toronto Scarborough, just minutes from ISKCON Temple with free parking and 24/7 front desk. Located near Highway 401, it offers easy access to downtown Toronto and Pearson International Airport. Rooms are modern and comfortable, some with scenic garden views. The hotel features a fitness center and complimentary breakfast—perfect for post-visit relaxation.

Unique Experience: Visit the temple early in the morning for the daily prayer ceremony to witness authentic Hindu devotion. On weekends, join the free vegetarian cooking workshop to learn traditional Hare Krishna recipes and taste plant-based dishes rooted in spiritual practice.

Take GO Transit Bus Route 39 from Union Station, which takes about 30 minutes to reach the stop near the temple—just a 5-minute walk away. Alternatively, take the TTC Line 4 Sheppard to Sheppard-Yonge Station, transfer to Bus 504, and ride to McCowan Road Station, then walk or take a taxi (approx. 45 minutes). For drivers, exit Highway 401 at McCowan Road and follow navigation signs.

Transport Advantages: The temple has dedicated visitor parking with ample space, ideal for families or group visits. Use Waze or Google Maps for real-time updates on transit schedules and traffic conditions, especially during peak hours.

The temple hosts immersive religious events weekly, including daily morning kirtan chanting and meditation sessions, and Saturday evening devotional ceremonies featuring soulful bhajans and call-and-response singing. Monthly vegan food festivals offer over 20 traditional Indian dishes—like lentil curry, flatbreads, and desserts—without meat or eggs, plus craft stalls and kids’ zones.

Special Experience: Dress in traditional Indian attire (sari or kurta) for ceremonies to enhance the spiritual atmosphere. Volunteer opportunities are available for short-term roles in food prep or guided tours, offering deeper insight into the Hare Krishna movement’s values. All events are free, but reservations are recommended to secure a spot.

Next to the temple is the Hare Krishna Vegetarian Restaurant, serving fully plant-based, organic Indian cuisine. Must-try dishes include spiced curry rice, chickpea flatbread, and mango avocado salad, all sourced from local organic farms. The serene setting makes it perfect for mindful dining.

For variety, walk 10 minutes to Scarborough Town Centre, home to diverse eateries like Halal Food Court, Thai Kitchen, and Japanese Sushi Bar.

Pro Tip: Weekends feature free tasting events for new menu items. The restaurant also offers takeout service, ideal for picnics in nearby parks or enjoying on the go.

Near the ISKCON Scarborough Temple in Toronto, Holiday Inn Toronto Scarborough is a top choice. Located just a 10-minute drive away, it offers free parking, comfortable rooms, and on-site amenities including a fitness center and meeting spaces. Guests can participate in morning meditation and kirtan chanting sessions at the temple for an authentic spiritual experience. The hotel is also close to Scarborough Bluffs Park, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Ontario, blending religious tranquility with scenic natural beauty.

The most convenient route from downtown Toronto is via GO Transit bus or TTC Bus #19, transferring at Scarborough Centre Station and alighting at Temple Road. Alternatively, drive south on Highway 401, exit at Midland Avenue, then turn right onto Temple Road—approximately 30 minutes from downtown. Use Google Maps for real-time traffic updates to avoid congestion. The temple offers ample parking, making it accessible and practical for drivers.

At the ISKCON Scarborough Temple, visitors can join daily morning kirtan chanting and meditation sessions, immersing themselves in devotional Indian spirituality. The temple also hosts regular vegetarian cooking workshops, teaching traditional dishes like lentil curry, rice, and sweets. The weekly evening Arti ceremony is especially captivating, featuring candlelight, music, and ritual prayers. Open to the public, these events encourage modest attire and offer a profound glimpse into the Hare Krishna movement’s practices and values.

Near the ISKCON Scarborough Temple, families can visit Scarborough Bluffs Park, offering expansive lawns, walking trails, and stunning views of Lake Ontario—perfect for picnics and outdoor play. Just a 10-minute drive away, the Ontario Science Centre features interactive exhibits ideal for kids and teens. Additionally, Scarborough Town Centre Mall provides dining options and child-friendly entertainment zones. These venues are easily accessible, mostly free to enter, and complement spiritual visits with relaxed urban recreation for families.

Yes, the area around the ISKCON Scarborough Temple is ideal for travelers seeking tranquility. Though within Toronto, the neighborhood maintains a peaceful residential character with minimal noise. Morning bird songs and gentle chanting from the temple add serenity. Stay at Comfort Inn Scarborough, which offers soundproofed rooms, free breakfast, and a calm atmosphere. Visitors can meditate at the temple or stroll through the quiet trails of Bluffs Park, creating a restorative retreat from urban life—perfect for mindful, reflective travel.

The ISKCON Scarborough Temple is open daily from 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM, with core activities centered around morning and evening rituals. Daily kirtan chanting and meditation begin at 6:30 AM, welcoming visitors. In the afternoon and evening, arti ceremonies and scripture lectures are held, presented accessibly for newcomers. The temple also features a gift shop and a vegetarian café serving healthy meals. Check the official website for special event schedules, such as extended hours during major festivals like Krishna Janmashtami.