Mount Pleasant Cemetery Toronto
A tranquil urban oasis blending history, art, and nature. Explore notable graves and enjoy peaceful walks amidst stunning landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Mount Pleasant Cemetery Toronto
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil urban oasis blending history, art, and nature. Explore notable graves and enjoy peaceful walks amidst stunning landscapes.
"A beautiful and peaceful place for reflection, history, and a quiet walk."
🚶♀️ Peaceful Walks & Runs
Enjoy the meticulously clean roads for jogging, walking, or cycling. It's a popular and peaceful spot for daily exercise.
🗺️ Find Notable Graves
Use Find a Grave or Google Maps to locate famous burials. Check the Toronto Public Library for specialized guides.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Glenn Gould's Resting Place
Near the center
Visit the serene final resting place of the iconic Canadian pianist, Glenn Gould. A must-see for music lovers.
Frederick Banting's Monument
Central area
Pay respects to Sir Frederick Banting, co-discoverer of insulin. A significant historical figure's final repose.
William Lyon Mackenzie King's Plot
Prominent section
Explore the grave of Canada's longest-serving Prime Minister. A piece of Canadian political history.
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Navigating Notable Graves
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Peaceful Walks & Runs
Enjoy the meticulously clean roads for jogging, walking, or cycling. It's a popular and peaceful spot for daily exercise.
🗺️ Find Notable Graves
Use Find a Grave or Google Maps to locate famous burials. Check the Toronto Public Library for specialized guides.
Any maps or guides w/ notable graves for Mount Pleasant Cemetery?
Any cemeteries downtown (west end) or worth a drive to walk?
🤫 Be Respectful
Maintain a quiet demeanor and avoid disturbing the peace. This is a place of remembrance.
📚 Borrow a Cemetery Guide
The Toronto Public Library has 'Mount Pleasant Cemetery: An Illustrated Guide' by Mike Filey available as an e-book.
Mount Pleasant Cemetery Condition Check
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Peaceful Walks & Runs
Enjoy the meticulously clean roads for jogging, walking, or cycling. It's a popular and peaceful spot for daily exercise.
🗺️ Find Notable Graves
Use Find a Grave or Google Maps to locate famous burials. Check the Toronto Public Library for specialized guides.
🤫 Be Respectful
Maintain a quiet demeanor and avoid disturbing the peace. This is a place of remembrance.
📚 Borrow a Cemetery Guide
The Toronto Public Library has 'Mount Pleasant Cemetery: An Illustrated Guide' by Mike Filey available as an e-book.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mount Pleasant Cemetery for its serene beauty, historical significance, and well-maintained grounds, making it a popular spot for peaceful walks and reflection. While generally well-regarded, some find the lack of readily available maps for notable graves a minor inconvenience, though online resources often compensate for this. Overall, it's seen as a tranquil and historically rich urban oasis.
"Mount Pleasant cemetery is a beautiful place to visit and the grounds are really well kept.
Stunning trees and flower beds. A true gem."
Maria Branco
"Who knew dying could be so exclusive? Mount Pleasant Cemetery: Where the rich and (somewhat) famous go to rest in peace...🪦 hopefully.
It's like a VIP lounge, but underground, beneath a heap of dust and dirt. You've got your Hollywood A-listers (well, Canadian A-listers), your political bigwigs, and even a few business tycoons who probably still haven't stopped working.
Think of it as an international airport lounge, but for the eternally grounded. People from all walks of life, united by one unavoidable destination.
The grounds are immaculate, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Don’t be surprised if you hear a faint whisper of "Conscription if necessary, but not necessarily conscription." or "If somebody’s gonna stab me in the back, I wanna be there.” And if you see a ghost, don't panic. They're probably just practicing their golf swing or reviewing their latest business deal.
Just imagine, you could be the next neighbor of a Canadian icon! No ghostly encounters yet, but hey, maybe they're just shy. Or busy planning their next board meeting or hunting...souls 😈 ?
If you're looking for a serene and prestigious final resting place, Mount Pleasant is the place to be. Just remember, the earlier you reserve your plot, the better the view of the city skyline. And hey, you'll get a 99-year lease! Space is limited, so don't wait until it's too late...or rather, too early."
Fergus Worcestershire
"One of the most peaceful, majestic places I've been to.
Beautiful headstones, statues, ghastly gargoyles, ancient mausoleums, grand old trees, glorious vistas, long trails, walkways and a couple hundred years of history. I definitely recommend this amazing place if you enjoy peace, quiet and Victorian vibes!"
Ali Baranpourian
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount Pleasant Cemetery is accessible by public transit. Several bus routes stop nearby, and it's a pleasant walk from some subway stations. Driving is also an option, with parking available on-site.
Yes, Mount Pleasant Cemetery is a well-known landmark in Toronto, located at 375 Mount Pleasant Road. Its prominent location makes it relatively easy to find.
Absolutely! Many people use the cemetery's roads for cycling. The paths are generally well-maintained and offer a peaceful route.
The cemetery is generally open daily from early morning until dusk. Specific gate opening times can vary slightly by season, so it's best to check their official website or inquire locally if you plan an early visit.
The main roads within Mount Pleasant Cemetery are paved and relatively flat, making them accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. However, some of the older sections may have uneven terrain.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Mount Pleasant Cemetery is free to enter and explore. It's a public space intended for reflection and quiet enjoyment.
There is no admission fee to visit Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Entry is free for all visitors.
Yes, photography is generally permitted at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. However, it's important to be respectful of the solemn nature of the grounds and avoid intrusive photography, especially near services or private memorials.
Yes, there are guided tours available that focus on the history and notable figures buried at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Websites like torontocemeterytours.com offer such experiences.
While not explicitly stated in all community discussions, it's generally expected that pets be kept on a leash and their waste be cleaned up, as with most public parks and cemeteries. Always check local bylaws or cemetery rules if unsure.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Some of the most notable graves include those of pianist Glenn Gould, co-discoverer of insulin Sir Frederick Banting, and former Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King.
Absolutely. Many visitors find Mount Pleasant Cemetery to be a very peaceful and serene place for walks, reflection, and even light exercise like jogging. +1
While official printed maps might be scarce, you can often find notable graves marked on Google Maps. The Toronto Public Library also has an illustrated guide by Mike Filey.
The atmosphere is generally tranquil and respectful. It's a place for remembrance, quiet contemplation, and enjoying the natural beauty of the grounds.
Basic facilities may be available, but it's advisable to check the cemetery's official website or inquire upon arrival for the most up-to-date information on available amenities.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, Mount Pleasant Cemetery offers beautiful scenery, historic monuments, and mature trees, making it a picturesque location for photography, especially for those interested in historical architecture and nature.
Look for the grand mausoleums, intricate headstones, and the mature tree canopy. The areas around notable graves like Glenn Gould's also offer unique photographic opportunities.
While general photography is allowed, always be mindful and respectful. Avoid intrusive shots, especially during any services or ceremonies.
Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most beautiful and dramatic lighting for photography, creating long shadows and a softer glow.
Drone usage is typically restricted in cemeteries and public spaces due to privacy and safety concerns. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise by the cemetery management.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage children to observe the different types of headstones and monuments, sparking curiosity about the past. While it's a place of remembrance, framing it as a historical park can make it more accessible and interesting for younger visitors. Remember to emphasize the importance of respectful behavior and quiet voices to maintain the cemetery's solemn atmosphere.
🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & Reflective Visitors
Many visitors find solace and a sense of calm here, using the time to de-stress or simply enjoy a moment of solitude amidst the city's hustle. The ability to easily locate graves of historical figures like Glenn Gould adds an element of discovery to a solo visit, allowing you to connect with Canadian heritage on a personal level.
📸 Photographers & History Buffs
History buffs will find immense value in exploring the final resting places of significant Canadian figures. Using resources like Find a Grave or the Toronto Public Library's guide can enhance your exploration, turning a simple visit into an educational journey through Canadian history. Remember to always be mindful of the surroundings and any ongoing services.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Walk Through History: Notable Burials
To aid in finding these historical figures, resources like Find a Grave and Google Maps can be invaluable. Some users have noted that specific notable graves are pinpointed on Google Maps, making navigation easier. For a more in-depth understanding, the Toronto Public Library offers an e-book titled 'Mount Pleasant Cemetery: An Illustrated Guide' by Mike Filey, which can provide context and stories behind the prominent residents.
Exploring these graves offers a tangible connection to Canadian history and culture. It's a chance to reflect on the contributions of these individuals and appreciate the legacy they've left behind. Remember to approach these sites with respect and quiet contemplation.
The Serene Landscape: Nature and Recreation
The cemetery's layout provides a sense of spaciousness and calm, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or a moment of quiet reflection. The changing seasons bring different beauty, from the vibrant greens of summer to the colorful foliage of autumn. This natural beauty, combined with the historical monuments, creates a unique and contemplative atmosphere.
While it is a place of remembrance, the cemetery's design and upkeep make it a surprisingly popular and accepted location for light recreational activities. The key is to maintain the respectful atmosphere that defines the space, ensuring that the peace of the grounds is preserved for all visitors.
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