Mount Pleasant Cemetery

Mount Pleasant Cemetery, though built to serve as the final resting place for Torontonians of all faiths (it was one of Toronto’s earliest non-denominational cemeteries), was, from the first, envisioned as much more than just a place for the dead. It was planned to also function as a place of recreation for the living, and was designed by landscape gardener H.A. Englehardt. Its varied topography is augmented by special plantings and the inclusion of winding pathways. Wandering through this space can be a lovely experience, especially in the spring when some of the many flowering trees and shrubs are in bloom. If you feel a little weird taking your exercise in a cemetery, don’t. The Mount Pleasant Group, which manages the cemetery, encourages it. They even offer 1, 3 and 5 km suggested route maps for walkers and runners on their website.

The variety of plantings in the cemetery is of special note to anyone with an interest in trees. Over the years, the number of plantings has increased and now the cemetery is said to be one of the finest arboretums in North America. If you’re interested in learning more, on May 26th arborist Jack Radecki is presenting a guided tree walk starting at 2 pm at the Yonge Street gates. The walk is free.

Other free programming is also available at the cemetery. Starting in July, students of the Royal Conservatory perform every Saturday at 5 pm in the Visitation Centre. Special memorials are held throughout the year, tied to events or burials within the cemetery. For example, on May 26th they are having a 99th anniversary memorial in remembrance of the sinking of the Empress of Ireland.

The cemetery runs as a not-for-profit business and like all cemeteries in Canada must put aside a portion of revenues to a Perpetual Care Trust Fund which ensures that the grounds will forever be looked after. According to their website, Mount Pleasant’s fund has the highest balance per developed acre of any cemetery in North America, which means that not only are they able to keep the grounds beautiful and well-maintained, but they will likely always be so.