Toronto Necropolis
Welcome to Toronto Necropolis
Safety reminder at our cemeteries: Our cemeteries collectively offer valued green spaces and a vast tree canopy, serving as an important ‘carbon sink’ in urban environments. They also include one of the largest arboretums in Canada. We are so fortunate to have all this beauty in our midst, but that kind of beauty takes expert care to maintain. Our dedicated arborist team has noticed an increase in people approaching them while they’re actively working with chainsaws and wood-chippers. Approaching workers during active tree work can be startling and potentially dangerous. While we understand tree work can be fascinating to watch, please respect all safety barriers and signage while visiting our cemeteries. These setups are in place to protect both the public and our staff. If you have questions or concerns, please direct them to the cemetery office.
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.
