
St. James-the-less Chapel, Toronto
The Chapel of St. James-the-less in downtown Toronto is a High Victorian Gothic Revival style funeral chapel, built in 1860 by F.W. Cumberland and Storm. The church sits on a slight rise, and has a small parish, a soaring spire, short and square bell tower, rough-cut stone walls, steeply pitched roof, low eaves, and intricate woodwork with a nave, porch, tower and transept. The building itself is made from Georgetown grey sandstone, Ohio stone trim, slate, and white brick.
The non-denominational chapel fulfills its vocation as a consecrated “mortuary chapel.” Due its slight elevation, it offers a picturesque view of the adjacent cemetery. Built in 1844, the cemetery holds about 20 historic burials which are shown on guided tours around the chapel and allowed to be photographed. The cemetery’s records, traditionally made on paper, are now scanned and stored in appropriately.
Edward, Prince of Wales planted a peach tree at the entrance to the chapel during his visit in 1919.
As a non-profit organization, this chapel collects revenue and invests it into its own development and maintenance. The regular life-cycle program takes care of the maintenance and repairs of the building. In 2002, a major refurbishment was done wherein the stone work was cleaned and woodwork re-varnished, the stained glass and furniture were also sent for repair and cleaning. The renovated chapel is now open for visitors.
In 1990, the city declared the Chapel of St. James-the-less a National Historic site.
The non-denominational chapel fulfills its vocation as a consecrated “mortuary chapel.” Due its slight elevation, it offers a picturesque view of the adjacent cemetery. Built in 1844, the cemetery holds about 20 historic burials which are shown on guided tours around the chapel and allowed to be photographed. The cemetery’s records, traditionally made on paper, are now scanned and stored in appropriately.
Edward, Prince of Wales planted a peach tree at the entrance to the chapel during his visit in 1919.
As a non-profit organization, this chapel collects revenue and invests it into its own development and maintenance. The regular life-cycle program takes care of the maintenance and repairs of the building. In 2002, a major refurbishment was done wherein the stone work was cleaned and woodwork re-varnished, the stained glass and furniture were also sent for repair and cleaning. The renovated chapel is now open for visitors.
In 1990, the city declared the Chapel of St. James-the-less a National Historic site.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Toronto. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from iTunes App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
St. James-the-less Chapel on Map
Sight Name: St. James-the-less Chapel
Sight Location: Toronto, Canada (See walking tours in Toronto)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Toronto, Canada (See walking tours in Toronto)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Toronto, Canada
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Creating your own self-guided walk in Toronto is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
The area of present-day Toronto has been inhabited for thousands of years. Its first known settlers – the Wyandot (or Huron) people –... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Toronto's Waterfront Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Cabbagetown Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Toronto Islands Walking Tour
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
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