Abbey of Notre-Dame du Lac, Trappist monastery in Oka, Canada.
Abbey of Notre-Dame du Lac is a Trappist monastery near Lac des Deux Montagnes in Quebec, comprising twelve stone buildings set across over 270 hectares of land. The complex combines living quarters, work areas, and prayer spaces in a rural waterside setting.
Eight Trappist monks founded the monastery in 1881 after leaving France's Abbaye de Bellefontaine, where religious orders faced government pressure. The community established a new spiritual home in this remote Canadian region.
The monastery served as a learning hub through its agricultural institute, which partnered with the University of Montreal. The monks combined their spiritual practices with modern education and farming training for the local community.
The monastery shop sells regional products including chocolate, preserves, cider, and cheese. Plan visits during weekdays and Saturday mornings when the store is open to the public.
The monks developed a famous cheese recipe that provided financial stability for the community for decades. This cheese-making craft became the monastery's trademark and shaped its economic success.
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