Toronto Necropolis
Welcome to Toronto Necropolis
Grave settling is a natural part of the burial process and can happen in the weeks and months after an interment. When a grave is prepared for burial, the soil becomes loose. After the burial, the soil is placed back into the grave and small air pockets may remain. Over time, the soil naturally settles and compacts, which can cause the ground on the grave to sink. Wet weather and saturated ground can make this happen more quickly and may cause the settling to be more noticeable. Please be assured our cemetery teams regularly check graves and will continue to add soil as needed until the settling process is complete. We are also working to reset any temporary markers or wooden crosses that may have shifted. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through these seasonal ground conditions.
In accordance with cemetery by laws, memorial wreaths may be placed in our cemeteries between November 1 and March 31 each year. To allow for spring grounds maintenance, all wreaths and wreath stands must be removed by April 1. Any items remaining after this date will be removed and disposed of by the cemetery without further notice. Thank you in advance for your co-operation.
Contact:
Cemetery Gate Hours:
April 1 - October 31 – 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
November 1 to March 31 – 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
Cemetery Office Hours:
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., by appointment only. Call 416-485-9129 to schedule an appointment. We are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, the historic Toronto Necropolis has served the city since 1850. As one of Toronto’s oldest cemeteries, it features breathtaking natural landscapes, striking Victorian Gothic architecture and beautifully restored buildings. The Necropolis is the final resting place of many notable Canadians and offers a peaceful, heritage-rich setting for burial services.
Please accept this correspondence as my appreciation for the outstanding kindness of the staff of the Toronto Necropolis who arranged the installation of a temporary memorial sign identifying the burial site of Police Constable Gerald Mills.
We understand that losing someone you love can feel overwhelming
That’s why we’re here to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible. You can trust our team to guide you with compassion, openness and transparency every step of the way.
Our Services Offerings at Toronto Necropolis
Cemetery
Dating back to 1850, Toronto Necropolis is one of the city’s oldest and most historic cemeteries, characterized by breathtaking natural vistas and distinctive architecture. The collection of sculpture and Victorian buildings make it one of the most picturesque cemeteries in the city, with fine examples of High Victorian Gothic.
The Necropolis is also the final resting place of Toronto’s first mayor, William Lyon Mackenzie; journalist George Brown; John Ross Robertson, founder of the Toronto Telegram; former NDP leader Jack Layton; Anderson Ruffin Abbot, the first Canadian-born black surgeon; and world-champion oarsman Ned Hanlan. The Necropolis also features a monument honouring Samuel Lount and Peter Matthews, hanged in 1838 for their roles in the Mackenzie Rebellion.
Ground Burial
Due to its long-standing heritage, burial space at Toronto Necropolis is limited. Available options include cremation burial plots and single grave lots, each allowing up to two caskets and four cremated remains, as outlined in the interment rights agreement.
Cremation Interment
For those choosing cremation, Toronto Necropolis offers a variety of meaningful and lasting memorial options in a peaceful, historic setting. Families can choose from:
- Marble-fronted niches in the chapel columbarium
- Cremation burial plots in special areas, including around a central black granite sculpture entitled Onward by Canadian artist Kosso Eloul
- Memorial scattering areas, featuring a sculpture by Canadian artist Juliet Jancso. The work depicts a family of three and represents the Depression-era Cabbagetown community
These thoughtfully designed spaces provide a place for reflection, remembrance and connection for generations to come.
Discover our history, properties, and perspectives along with the latest Mount Pleasant Group news.
