Necropolis, Toronto

Toronto’s Necropolis has served as a burial ground since 1850. Its name comes from Greek and means “city of the dead,” which is an appropriate title for one of Toronto’s oldest and most historically important cemeteries.

As you walk through the grounds, you’ll pass the graves of many notable Canadians. Among them is William Lyon Mackenzie, Toronto’s first mayor, as well as George Brown, newspaper publisher and one of the founders of The Globe. You can also find the grave of geologist Joseph Burr Tyrrell, whose discoveries helped reveal the rich dinosaur fossil record of Alberta’s Badlands, and Ralph Day, who served as mayor of Toronto from 1938 to 1940.

More than 50,000 people have been buried here over the years, but the Necropolis is much more than a cemetery. Take some time to notice the mature trees, winding paths, historic monuments, and elaborate funerary sculptures that give the grounds their distinctive character.

Look especially for the cemetery’s Victorian Gothic architecture, including its historic entrance buildings. Decorative stonework, pointed arches, and other Gothic details reflect the architectural tastes of the 19th century and help create a strong sense of Toronto’s past.

As you continue along the pathways, keep an eye on the individual gravestones and memorial sculptures. Some are simple and restrained, while others are richly carved and highly elaborate. Together, they form an open-air record of Toronto’s history, preserving the names and stories of generations of residents who helped shape the city.