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St. James Cemetery and Crematorium

Explore Toronto's oldest operating cemetery, a historic landmark with stunning architecture and the final resting place of notable Canadians.

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Established in 1844, St. James Cemetery and Crematorium is the oldest operating cemetery in Toronto. Originally the burial ground for the Cathedral Church of St. James, it evolved into a non-denominational cemetery with a rich history and architectural significance. The grounds feature the beautiful Chapel of St. James-the-Less, a National Historic Site, and serve as the final resting place for many notable Canadians.

A brief summary to St. James Cemetery and Crematorium

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the cemetery's picturesque landscape and architectural details.
  • Take a self-guided tour using the cemetery map to discover the burial plots of notable individuals.
  • Consider attending Doors Open events for guided tours and special programming.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Union Station, take the Line 1 subway northbound to Bloor-Yonge Station. Transfer to the Line 2 subway eastbound to Castle Frank Station. From Castle Frank Station, walk north on Castle Frank Road, then east on Bloor Street East, and finally south on Parliament Street to reach the cemetery entrance. The total cost for a one-way subway trip is approximately $3.00 CAD.

  • Walking

    From the intersection of Bloor Street East and Sherbourne Street, walk east on Bloor Street East to Parliament Street. Then, walk south on Parliament Street to the cemetery entrance. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From downtown Toronto, a taxi or ride-share to St. James Cemetery will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is between $11 and $15 CAD.

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Discover more about St. James Cemetery and Crematorium

St. James Cemetery and Crematorium, located at 635 Parliament Street in Toronto, stands as a serene and historic landmark. Opened in July 1844, it is the oldest cemetery still operating in the city. Initially, the cemetery served as the burial ground for the Anglican Cathedral Church of St. James, but it later became non-denominational. At the time of its opening, the location was considered to be well outside the city limits, as most of Toronto's population resided south of Queen Street West. The cemetery spans a picturesque landscape, featuring winding pathways and terraced sections along a ravine. In 1861, the Chapel of St. James-the-Less, designed by Cumberland and Storm, was consecrated. This chapel, a National Historic Site, exemplifies Victorian Gothic Revival architecture with its stone walls, steep roof, and soaring spire. In 1948, a crematorium was added to the grounds. Over 95,000 interments and 114,000 cremations have taken place at St. James Cemetery. Among those buried here are notable figures such as William Pearce Howland, the second Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and John Robarts, the seventeenth Premier of Ontario. The cemetery also contains the war graves of 42 Commonwealth service personnel from both World Wars. Visitors can explore the grounds, admire the architecture, and reflect on the history and lives of those interred within its peaceful setting.

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