Visit
UnknownShawnigan Lake, BC 00000Gathering: Saturday 9:00 am (Water Taxi)
When to go
Worship and gatherings
- Saturday9:00 am · Water Taxi
- Sunday9:00 am · Water Taxi
About
Summary
Shin Mei Spiritual Centre is a Shinto shrine located on Knapp Island near Sidney, BC, offering spiritual renewal through Shinto practices and immersion in nature Shin Mei Spiritual Centre. Founded as the North American branch of Tsubaki Grand Shrine in Japan, it provides a sacred space for prayer, meditation, and ceremonies Tsubaki Grand Shrine. The Centre is open to the public for day visits and hosts regular events, with access via water taxi or private boat Contact.
Details
Shin Mei Spiritual Centre is a Shinto shrine located on Knapp Island near Sidney, BC, Canada. It serves as the North American branch of Tsubaki Grand Shrine in Suzuka, Japan, which has a history dating back over 2,000 years. The Centre offers a sacred space for spiritual renewal through Shinto practices, meditation, and immersion in Great Nature. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, walking meditation trails, and participate in scheduled events and ceremonies.
The Centre features three Shinto shrines: Tsubaki Dai Jinja North America, Shin Mei Jinja, and Kinomori Jinja. These shrines house various kami, including Amaterasu no O Kami, Ame no Uzume no Mikoto, and Sarutahiko no O Kami. The property includes a 15-acre sacred forest (Chinju no Mori) with walking trails, a meditation room, and a Jangchub Chorten stupa Shin Mei Spiritual Centre.
The Centre is open to the public for day visits and hosts regular events. Access is available via water taxi or private boat, with water taxi services provided on days with scheduled events Contact. Visitors are welcome to pray and meditate in the Main Shrine when not occupied by events. The Centre also offers programs such as baby blessings, Shichi Go San, and various Gokito ceremonies Calendar.
Rev. Ann Evans, the High Priest of Shin Mei Spiritual Centre, is affiliated with Tsubaki Grand Shrine and has studied Shinto practices for 25 years. She teaches Shinto principles and leads forest bathing sessions based on the tradition of Shinrin Yoku Rev. Ann Evans. The Centre also provides online and in-person rituals and teachings Home.
From Faith Near Me
Shin Mei Spiritual Centre offers a serene Shinto sanctuary on Knapp Island, blending spiritual practice with natural beauty. First-time visitors will notice welcoming access to the sacred forest trails, meditation spaces, and public shrine areas. The Centre’s connection to Japan’s Tsubaki Grand Shrine adds historical depth, while Rev. Ann Evans’ guided forest bathing sessions reflect a thoughtful approach to spiritual immersion. Events like baby blessings and weddings suggest a community-oriented atmosphere.
Pros
- Public access to sacred forest trails and meditation spaces
- Scheduled water taxi services on event days for visitor convenience
- Rev. Ann Evans’ 25-year Shinto expertise and forest bathing sessions
- Diverse ceremonies including family-focused rituals like baby blessings
- Clear event calendar with online and in-person ritual options
- Historic ties to Japan’s Tsubaki Grand Shrine enrich cultural context
Cons
- Access limited to water taxi or private boat with no public transit details
- Event-specific water taxi schedule may restrict spontaneity
- No explicit newcomer orientation information on website
- Limited posted service times beyond event-focused transportation
- Family program details sparse beyond specific ritual offerings
- Accessibility features for visitors with mobility needs unspecified
Services and facilities
Services
- Baby Blessings
- Shichi Go San
- Weddings
- Gokito Ceremonies
- Forest Bathing Sessions
Facilities
- Main Shrine
- Three Shinto Shrines
- 15-Acre Sacred Forest With Walking Trails
- Meditation Room
- Jangchub Chorten Stupa
- Peace Pole
Events and programs
Water Taxi Transportation
Saturday and Sunday mornings at 9:00 am
Scheduled water taxi services for visitors on days with events
Forest Bathing Sessions
Regular sessions
Guided forest bathing experiences led by Rev. Ann Evans
Connect
- Contact page
- Open contact page

