McMichael Cemetery - Image 1
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McMichael Cemetery

5
·3 reviews·Vaughan, Canada

A rare glimpse into Toronto's second oldest Catholic cemetery, home to Group of Seven painters and a serene sculpture trail.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Easter Weekend

Rare public access days

CrowdMedium
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McMichael Cemetery - Image 1

McMichael Cemetery

Best Time

Easter Weekend

Rare public access days

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A rare glimpse into Toronto's second oldest Catholic cemetery, home to Group of Seven painters and a serene sculpture trail.

5
(3 reviews)

"A unique blend of art, history, and nature, but access is extremely limited."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Open Dates

Access is very limited; confirm open days via social media or local event listings.

🤫 Be Respectful

This is a place of rest. Explore quietly and with reverence for the departed.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

5 · 3 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Group of Seven Graves

Group of Seven Graves

Artist's Cemetery

Pay respects to six of Canada's most celebrated painters, resting in this serene, wooded section.

Reddit
Sculpture Trail

Sculpture Trail

Forest Trails

Wander through a beautiful forested area dotted with sculptures, offering a unique blend of art and nature.

Reddit
Historic Burial Ground

Historic Burial Ground

Main Cemetery Grounds

Explore Toronto's second oldest Catholic cemetery, a peaceful sanctuary surrounded by the city's bustle.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Rare Access to a Historic Gem

St. Michael's Cemetery, Toronto's second oldest Catholic burial ground, has extremely limited public access, typically only open a few days a year. Plan your visit around these rare opportunities, often coinciding with events like Easter weekend or Jane's Walk. Instagram+1

Respectful Exploration

As a place of rest for many, including members of the Group of Seven painters, visitors are encouraged to explore with reverence. The grounds offer a peaceful, forested setting for quiet contemplation. Reddit

Best Times

When
Easter Weekend
Why
Rare public access days
Crowd
Medium
When
Jane's Walk Days
Why
Special open days
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

St. Michael's cemetery is closed almost every day of the year but the gates are always open on Easter weekend! I took the opportunity to have a little walk about this old Catholic burial ground.
torontocemeterytours
42 likes • 0 views

🎯 Check Open Dates

Access is very limited; confirm open days via social media or local event listings. Instagram+1

🤫 Be Respectful

This is a place of rest. Explore quietly and with reverence for the departed. Reddit

Crossed another cemetery off the list! This time @softerlandings and I took advantage of a rare opportunity (thanks @janeswalkto ) to visit St. Michael’s Cemetery - Toronto’s second oldest Catholic cemetery. Surrounded by homes, towers and busy Yonge Street, the almost hidden burial ground has tightly controlled access and is open only 7-8 days a year. One of its most impressive features is thi...
lochheadandrew
34 likes • 0 views
One more post about St. Michael’s cemetery. Did I mention yet how jazzed I was to go there because it’s never open to the public? Or how jealous I am of whoever’s gate that just opens onto the grounds? Or how very Toronto the No Trespassing sign is? Especially since they are placed every two feet around the perimeter! Not passive aggressive at all! Anyhow enjoy these photos which show the graves ...
lochheadandrew
21 likes • 0 views

🌳 Enjoy the Nature

The forested trails and sculptures offer a peaceful escape within the city. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

The grounds are uneven and involve walking through wooded areas. :athletic_shoe:

Enjoy a few more pics from our visit to St. Michael’s Cemetery, Toronto’s second oldest, and oldest surviving Catholic burying ground. As you can get an idea from the pics, St. Michael’s is surrounded on all sides by residential homes, the towers of St. Clair Avenue, and the commercial development of Yonge St. Access is via an alley way off Yonge, and the cemetery is barely visible from the str...
lochheadandrew
19 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Open Dates

Access is very limited; confirm open days via social media or local event listings. Instagram+1

🤫 Be Respectful

This is a place of rest. Explore quietly and with reverence for the departed. Reddit

🌳 Enjoy the Nature

The forested trails and sculptures offer a peaceful escape within the city. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

The grounds are uneven and involve walking through wooded areas. :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

5
(3 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate St. Michael's Cemetery for its serene, forested grounds and the unique opportunity to visit the graves of the Group of Seven painters. The sculpture trail adds an artistic element to the peaceful exploration. However, the extremely limited public access is a significant drawback for many, making visits a rare and carefully planned event.

"The grounds are open to walk and explore through the sculpture trail and artist's cemetery. Lovely forested area!"

Bryan Stafford

"Most of the group of 7 guys rest here.
May they rest in peace."

TheFatelessHero

"You should definitely visit the old cemetery. Six of the “Group of Seven” painters are located here."

Heide Düne

What People Like

Group of Seven graves
Peaceful forested grounds
Sculpture trail

What People Dislike

Very limited access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

St. Michael's Cemetery is accessible via an alleyway off Yonge Street, near St. Clair Avenue. Public transit is recommended, with the Yonge-University subway line stopping at St. Clair Station. Instagram

Parking is extremely limited as the cemetery is surrounded by residential buildings and busy streets. Street parking may be available in surrounding neighborhoods, but public transit is the most convenient option. Instagram

No, public access is very restricted. The cemetery is typically only open to the public for a few days each year, often around Easter weekend or during events like Jane's Walk. Always check for specific open dates. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets are generally not required for the rare open days, but it's always best to check the official announcements for any specific entry requirements or donation suggestions. Instagram+1

Opening hours vary significantly as the cemetery is not regularly open. On the days it is accessible, hours are typically from morning to late afternoon. Confirm specific times for open days. Instagram

Yes, for general public access, St. Michael's Cemetery is almost always closed. It opens its gates only on very specific, limited occasions throughout the year. Instagram+1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors can explore the historic gravestones, find the resting places of six Group of Seven painters, and enjoy a sculpture trail through the forested grounds. InstagramReddit

While not its primary purpose, the cemetery's secluded nature and limited access on open days can offer a quiet, contemplative space for reflection. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted for personal use, especially on open days. However, always be mindful and respectful of the solemn nature of the site. Instagram

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