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St. James Cemetery and Crematorium: A Victorian Necropolis

Explore Toronto's oldest cemetery, a peaceful Victorian landscape with historical monuments and Gothic Revival architecture.

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Established in 1844, St. James Cemetery and Crematorium is Toronto's oldest active cemetery, offering a serene escape with historical and architectural significance. Its picturesque landscape, designed in the 'picturesque' style, features winding paths, notable monuments, and the Gothic Revival Chapel of St. James-the-Less, a National Historic Site.

A brief summary to St. James Cemetery and Crematorium

Local tips

  • Visit the Chapel of St. James-the-Less, a National Historic Site, for its stunning Gothic Revival architecture.
  • Take a self-guided tour to discover the final resting places of notable Canadians.
  • Check the cemetery's website for information on guided tours and special events.
  • Note the cemetery's operating hours, which vary between Standard Time and Daylight Saving Time.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Toronto, take the TTC subway to either the Wellesley or Bloor-Yonge station. From Wellesley Station, walk east on Wellesley Street East to Parliament Street, then turn north. From Bloor-Yonge Station, walk north on Yonge Street to Bloor Street East, then east to Parliament Street, and south to the cemetery entrance. A single TTC fare is $3.35 cash, or $3.30 with a PRESTO card. Transfers are free within a two-hour period when using a PRESTO card.

  • Walking

    From the St. James Town neighborhood, walk east on Wellesley Street East until you reach Parliament Street. The cemetery entrance is located on the north-east corner. From the Sherbourne subway station, walk north on Sherbourne Street to Wellesley Street East, then east to Parliament Street. The walk is approximately 15 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout Toronto. A short trip from downtown to the cemetery will likely cost between $10 and $20, depending on traffic and surge pricing. Note that fares are metered and based on distance and time.

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Discover more about St. James Cemetery and Crematorium

St. James Cemetery and Crematorium, opened in July 1844, stands as Toronto's oldest operating cemetery, a testament to the city's evolving history. Originally the burial ground for the Cathedral Church of St. James, it transitioned to a non-denominational cemetery as the city expanded. The grounds, laid out by John G. Howard in 1842, exemplify the 'picturesque' style, inviting visitors to wander along curved pathways through a park-like setting. The cemetery's Chapel of St. James-the-Less, designed by Cumberland and Storm, is a highlight, showcasing High Victorian Gothic design. Designated a National Historic Site in 1990, the chapel's strength and spirituality emanate from its stone walls, soaring spire, and stained glass windows. A copper beech tree, planted by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) in 1919, adds to the site's historical charm. Recognizing changing trends, a crematorium was added in 1948. To date, the cemetery has seen over 95,000 interments and 114,000 cremations. Notable figures interred here include William Pearce Howland, second Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and John Robarts, seventeenth Premier of Ontario. The cemetery also holds the war graves of 42 Commonwealth service personnel from both World Wars. Located at 635 Parliament Street, just north of Wellesley Street East, St. James Cemetery offers a tranquil retreat from the urban bustle. Its grounds serve as a reminder of Toronto's past, with the adjacent St. James Town neighborhood named in its honor.

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