Did you know there are almost 150 labyrinths in Ontario ? I have selected 10 of the best to visit that are accessible to the public from around the province, focusing on the large population areas. If you want a full list of labyrinths in the state check out the Worldwide Labyrinth Finder.
Before we get to my recommendations for Ontario I want to tell you about some statistics about labyrinths in Canada from some research I did. If you are interested in knowing things like what the largest labyrinth is in Canada, where the Northernmost, Southernmost labyrinths are, and similar questions, it is worth a read: Questions about Canadian Labyrinths Answered. All of these Ontario answers and statistics were part of that research. We start with a chart summarizing the data from Ontario:
Some context for the data above. With 146 labyrinths, Ontario has the most labyrinths in Canada. 79% outdoor labyrinths is above the average of 76% for Canada. Ontario’s average labyrinth size of a 49.5 foot diameter is above average a bit (48.6 ft).
Ontario Labyrinth Questions Answered:
What is the largest labyrinth in Ontario ? The Battle Hill Farms Labyrinth in Glencoe is a 5 circuit left handed Classical labyrinth with an impressive 220 foot diameter ! Fun Fact: Ontario contains 8 labyrinths that are 100 feet or more in diameter, the most in Canada !
What city has the most labyrinths in Ontario ? The city with the most labyrinths in Ontario is Ottawa with 14, followed closely by Toronto with 13. Here is a table of the cities with 4 or more labyrinths:
While BC dominates with the highest per capita labyrinths in Canada at the top (minimum 3 labyrinths), St Catherine’s, Moffat and Guelph all make the top 10. Here is a table of the top 10 cities for labyrinths per capita in Canada. If you set a minimum population of 100K….well Ontario cities are 3 of the top 4 !
Are there any record setting labyrinths in Ontario ? Yes. There are 4 !
The largest indoor labyrinth in Canada is the Faith United Church Labyrinth in Hamilton, Ontario which has a diameter of 52 feet. This is also the largest indoor labyrinth in North America. This is a Medieval Chartres replica labyrinth that is painted onto a wooden floor. Plan a trip to visit it on the church website. It will also be noted below (#1) !
The Battle Hill Farms Labyrinth in Glencoe, Ontario is a left-handed Classical 5 circuit labyrinth created in the grass but the pathways are made from trees ! You can see the labyrinth shape in the satellite map of the location. At 220 feet in diameter, I believe this is the largest labyrinth in Canada.
The largest octagonal labyrinth in Canada is the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church Labyrinth located in Nottawa, Ontario with a 100 foot diameter. This beautiful labyrinth is mowed into the grass during the nice weather months of the year and features 11 circuits.
The Southernmost labyrinth in Canada is the Leamington Labyrinth, an 11 circuit Chartres style labyrinth with a 92 foot diameter located in Leamington, Ontario.
Why visit a Labyrinth ?
Labyrinths are ancient and mysterious symbols that have been used for centuries for meditation, contemplation, and spiritual renewal. They are also a lot of fun to explore! If you're looking for a unique and challenging experience, walk a labyrinth with intention - it often leads to self-discovery. Personally, I like to walk labyrinths between dawn and sunrise or at sunset until dusk, but any time of day works. You may not realize it, but there is probably a labyrinth near where you live. I did my best to gather photos and videos of each labyrinth I present below, but if you would like to submit a photo to improve this post send me a note. Today we explore…
10 Labyrinths to Visit in ONTARIO
1. Faith United Church Labyrinth
Photo courtesy of the church
I never recommend indoor labyrinths to visit, but this 11 circuit Chartres style labyrinth in Hamilton is special. With a diameter of 52 feet across, this is the largest indoor labyrinth in North America. To visit it you will need to make an appointment to visit it.
Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Address:
842 Main Street East
Hamilton, Ontario, L8M 1L6
2. Central Park Labyrinth
Mute this and watch (trust me).
This wonderful 11 circuit Chartres style labyrinth is located in the NE corner of Central Park. It has an entry on Google Maps so you can find it easily and see some great photos !
Location: Burlington, Ontario
Address:
Central Park
Burlington, Ontario, K7R3Z6
3. Carleton Place Community Labyrinth
Friendly dog at 2:23; Labyrinth at 6:15
A Classical 7 circuit labyrinth with pathways of grass and walls of brick. Easy to find on Google Maps with it’s own entry !
Location: Carleton Place, Ontario
Address:
267 Edmund Street
Carleton Place, Ontario, K7C 3E8
4. Peace and Carrots Labyrinth; St. James’ – Rosemount United Church Labyrinth
A very nice 11 circuit Medieval labyrinth made from brick pavers beside the church and a part of the Peace and Carrots Community Garden. Benches surround the labyrinth for a nice place to relax and reflect.
Location: Kitchener, Ontario
Address:
171 Sherwood Avenue
Kitchener, Ontario, N2B 1K2
5. Woodland Hills Labyrinth Park
An 11 circuit Chartres style labyrinth made of brick pavers. This looks like a wonderful park to walk in and has an entry on Google Maps. Labyrinth Park is at 11 o’clock in satellite image above (zoom and center for a better view).
Location: Newmarket, Ontario
Address:
45 Ford Wilson Blvd.
Newmarket, Ontario
6. Emmanuel Presbyterian Church Labyrinth
As mentioned above, this is the largest octagonal labyrinth in Canada. The Emmanuel Presbyterian Church Labyrinth located in Nottawa, Ontario has a 100 foot diameter that is mowed into the grass during the nice weather months of the year and is located on the north lawn of the church ! (Check before visiting).
Location: Nottawa, Ontario
Address:
3521 County Road 124
Nottawa, Ontario, L0M 1P0
7. Saunders Farm Spiral Labyrinth (plus many bonus mazes)
The Saunders Farm in Ottawa, Ontario features a variety of mazes and labyrinths. It has a wonderful 100 foot diameter spiral labyrinth made from hedges. The farm is a tourist attraction and you can a plan a trip on their website. It is worth a look on satellite view (zoom in and move around above).
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Address:
7893 Bleeks Rd
Ottawa, Ontario, K0A 3P0
8. Trinity Centennial United Church Labyrinth
This 9 circuit Medieval labyrinth is made from pavers placed in the lawn behind the church. The view is obstructed by shadows in the satellite view above. You can find a photo of the labyrinth on the church website in the photo gallery !
Location: Everett, Ontario
Address:
4903 Concession Rd 2
Everett, ON L0M 1J0
9. Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care Labyrinth
A beautiful 5 circuit Medieval labyrinth made from pavers awaits you at the Centre. The labyrinth is located on the South side of the building and can be seen above just above the “P” parking icon.
Location: St. Thomas, Ontario
Address:
401 Sunset Drive
St. Thomas, Ontario, N5R 3C6
10. Trinity Square Labyrinth
This 11 circuit Chartres style labyrinth is located in the heart of Toronto near City Hall (and old city hall) in Trinity Square Park. Has an entry on Google Maps for easy directions !
Location: Toronto, Canada
Address:
Trinity Square Park
Toronto, Ontario
5 TIPS FOR VISITING A LABYRINTH
Set an intention for your walk so you can walk with purpose. It could be prayer, reflection, meditation, contemplation, or openness.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Bring water with you, especially if you are visiting on a hot day.
Take your time and enjoy the experience. There is no need to rush through a labyrinth.
Be respectful of other visitors. This includes not making noise and being respectful if walking with other people.
5 BOOKS TO READ ABOUT LABYRINTH WALKING
I wrote a blog post reviewing the following 5 books, each that deals with walking labyrinths. You can check them out yourself at the Amazon links below or read this blog post: 5 Books about the Spiritual Aspect of Labyrinths to learn a little about what each book teaches.
Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool by Dr. Lauren Artress 201 pages. AMZN
Labyrinth : Your Path to Self-Discovery by Tony Christie 312 pages. AMZN
Exploring the Labyrinth: A Guide For Healing and Spiritual Growth by Melissa Gayle West 209 pages AMZN
Walking the Labyrinth: A Place to Pray and Seek God by Travis Scholl 240 pages AMZN
Labyrinths from the Outside In: Walking to Spiritual Insight by Rev Dr Donna Schaper and Rev Dr Carole Ann Camp 187 pages AMZN
If you are interested in more spiritual labyrinth aspects I suggest the following websites:
Lauren Artress website - For coaching, workshops and classes.
Veriditas - The nonprofit labyrinth group founded by Lauren Artress
Worldwide Labyrinth Finder - Find a labyrinth to walk near you, or while on vacation
I am a maze artist and here are a few of my mazes from Canada:
CN Tower Maze, Toronto
Peggy's Point Lighthouse Maze, Nova Scotia
Old Stone Butter Church Maze, Duncan, Vancouver Island, BC