Category: General

A Gift Guide for Taphophiles: 2025 Edition

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It’s that time of year again, for my annual gift guide for fellow taphophiles!

I can’t believe this is already the fourth edition, but it has quickly become one of my favourite posts to put together. Curating cemetery-themed goodies always feels a bit like treasure hunting, and this year’s list was especially fun to build.

Earlier in November, I tried something new and asked for suggestions to help shape this year’s roundup. The response was fantastic! You shared links, ideas, small shops, artists, and quirky treasures I had never seen before. This guide is a mix of your recommendations, creative finds from makers in the community, and a few items I discovered during my own wanderings this year.

Altogether, it has turned into a great list of 13 gifts any taphophile would be happy to unwrap!

Mortality bumper sticker by Cat Coven

This bumper sticker is a fun pick for anyone drawn to old New England gravestone imagery. The design has a perfect mix of humour and memento mori vibes, making it a great little gift for the cemetery fan in your life who appreciates both style and a touch of existential flair.

Find it at catcoven.com

  • Mortality bumper sticker by Cat Coven
    Mortality bumper sticker. Photo by Cat Coven

Gravestone Cleaning Junior Kit from Cemetery Preservation Supply LLC

If you know someone interested in cleaning older gravestones safely, this junior kit is a great place to start. The kit follows the same guidelines used by preservation professionals, which makes it a solid option for beginners or anyone who wants to care for family stones or local historic markers (with permission, of course).

Find it at gravestonecleaner.com

  • Gravestone Cleaning Junior Kit from Cemetery Preservation Supply LLC
    Gravestone Cleaning Junior Kit from Cemetery Preservation Supply LLC

Our Darling gravestone replica by Weeping Widow Antiques

This 3D-printed gravestone is a beautiful, miniature reproduction of a real zinc gravestone for a little boy who passed away in 1882. Every side is detailed, from the praying child to the floral accents. It is perfect for a cabinet of curiosities, shelf display, or as a keepsake. This is also the second time Weeping Widow Antiques has been featured in my annual guide. I am always drawn to their beautiful reproductions!

Find it on Etsy.

  • Our Darling gravestone replica by Weeping Widow Antiques
    Our Darling gravestone replica. Photo Weeping Widow Antiques

Winged Death Head necklace by Red Moth Jewelry

This handmade sterling silver necklace is a beautiful nod to the old winged death head motif found on early New England gravestones. The necklace comes with a sterling silver chain in your choice of length, so you can wear it exactly how you like. Each one is made individually, so every piece has its own subtle charm.

Find it at redmothjewelry.com

  • Winged Death Head Necklace by Red Moth Jewelry
    Winged Death Head Necklace. Photo by Red Moth Jewelry

Memento Mori decorative pillow by Spider Bite

This decorative pillow is a fun, cozy nod to cemetery aesthetics. Made from soft grey minky fabric with black embroidery, it’s perfect for adding a touch of graveyard charm to any room.

Find it on Etsy.

  • Memento Mori decorative pillow by Spider Bite
    Memento Mori decorative pillow. Photo by Spider Bite

Etched in Stone: Decoding Hidden Meanings in Cemeteries by Gina Black

This guidebook is a great pick for anyone who loves digging into cemetery symbolism. Gina Black shares her knowledge from years of exploring burial grounds around the world, breaking down the meanings behind the designs, motifs and architectural details we often walk past.

Find it on Amazon.

  • Etched in Stone: Decoding Hidden Meanings in Cemeteries by Gina Black
    Etched in Stone: Decoding Hidden Meanings in Cemeteries by Gina Black. Photo from Amazon.

Cemetery Scavenger Hunt t-shirt TalkDeath x Steffi Lai collab

This black tee features a playful design by Steffi Lai, first seen on the 2024 Cemetery Scavenger Hunt tote bag. Made from soft material and printed locally in Canada, it is comfortable, stylish, and perfect for wearing on your cemetery adventures.

Find it at talkdeath.com

  • Cemetery Scavenger Hunt t-shirt TalkDeath x Steffi Lai collab
    Cemetery Scavenger Hunt t-shirt TalkDeath x Steffi Lai collab. Photo by TalkDeath

Taphophile Society sticker by Wirehed Laboratories

This vinyl sticker is a fun way to show your love for all things cemetery-related. It is waterproof, scratch-resistant, and sturdy enough for cars, water bottles, or any surface you feel like decorating. The design is perfect for anyone who proudly identifies as a taphophile.

Find it on Etsy.

  • Taphophile Society Sticker by Wirehed Laboratories

To Die For: A Cookbook of Gravestone Recipes by Rosie Grant

If you enjoy gravestone recipes, this book belongs on your shelf! To Die For gathers forty recipes that families chose to preserve on or alongside their loved ones’ gravestones. Rosie Grant pairs each dish with photos and family stories that highlight the connection between food and memory. This is a great gift for anyone who loves a mix of history and heartfelt storytelling.

Find it on Amazon.

I reviewed To Die For back in October. You can read that review at chantallarochelle.ca

  • To Die For: A Cookbook of Gravestone Recipes by Rosie Grant
    To Die For: A Cookbook of Gravestone Recipes by Rosie Grant

Easily Distracted by Cemeteries sticker by Magic in Our Bones

This vinyl sticker is a fun little nod to anyone who can’t pass a cemetery without stopping for a closer look. It’s waterproof, durable, and the right size for decorating your water bottle, laptop, or notebook. This is the second time Magic in Our Bones has been featured in my annual guide, which says a lot about how fun their creations are!

Find it on Etsy.

  • Easily Distracted by Cemeteries sticker by Magic in Our Bones
    Easily Distracted by Cemeteries sticker by Magic in Our Bones

Graveyard Wanderer tote bag by Graveyard Wanders

If you love a practical bag for your cemetery outings, this one fits the bill. The Graveyard Wanderer tote has a sturdy sipper to keep everything secure and a handy inner pocket that is just the right size for the little things that always end up at the bottom of the bag. The silver-embroidered Gothic lettering adds a nice touch, and it’s roomy enough for notebooks, snacks, or whatever you like to bring along on your wanderings.

Find it here, at graveyardwanders.com.

  • Graveyard Wanderer tote bag by Graveyard Wanders
    Graveyard Wanderer tote bag. Photo by Graveyard Wanders

Die Laugh Love illustration by Heather Buchanan

This 8 x 10 print is darkly funny and full of charm. A playful memento mori, it’s perfect for anyone who appreciates a mix of Gothic wit and clever irreverent art. Heather also has a whole cemetery of gravestone illustrations to choose from!

Find it at heatherbuchanen.ca

  • Die Laugh Love illustration by Heather Buchanan
    Die Laugh Love illustration. Photo by Heather Buchanan

The Graveyard art print by Katherine Blower

This dark and moody scene invites the viewer to imagine the story behind the ghost searching through the cemetery. Printed on lightly textured, gallery-grade cotton paper with a white border for easy framing. It makes a striking addition to any Taphophiles collection or home decor.

Find it at redbubble.com

  • The Graveyard art print by Katherine Blower
    The Graveyard art print. Photo by Katherine Blower

And that wraps up the 2025 edition of the gift guide!

I love seeing how much the cemetery-loving community grows and connects each year, and this list really shows that spirit. Whether you are shopping for someone else or treating yourself, I hope you found something that sparks a little joy.

Here’s to another season of celebrating the art, history, and offbeat charm we all appreciate.

Thanks for reading!

Cemetery Photography by Chantal Larochelle is not affiliated with any of these brands and artists. I do not receive any proceeds from sales. I am just sharing products I love!

Hauntingly Popular: The Appeal of Cemetery Tourism

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With spooky season creeping up, you’re probably seeing more buzz about local cemetery happenings—ghost walks, guided tours, and seasonal events popping up in town newsletters and social feeds.

It’s not just about thrills!

Cemetery tourism is quietly becoming a meaningful way to explore history, art, and community all in one place.

What is Cemetery Tourism?

Cemetery tourism is the growing practice of visiting burial grounds for more than just remembrance. They are places to explore history, architecture, storytelling, and culture. As I wrote in a previous post, the pandemic reminded us that cemeteries can be quiet green spaces where people could safely wander and reflect. I think this sparked a renewed appreciation for cemeteries as more than somber places. I have always said that they are open-air museums, rich with stories and art!

Of course, there are mixed opinions. Some argue that cemetery tours and events can feel disrespectful, but many see them as a way to honour the past and keep history alive.

There are different ways to enjoy cemetery tourism—lantern-lit ghost walks, daytime history tours, and seasonal events—each offering something unique.

Ghost Walks

If you’ve never been on a ghost walk, they are guided evening tours that mix local legends, folklore, and real history. Although they usually don’t only take place in cemeteries, you can often find a cemetery or two on the walking route.

While they became especially popular in the 1990s, the idea goes all the way back to the Victorian era, when people were fascinated by spiritualism and mourning traditions. Today, ghost walks let us enjoy spooky storytelling while also learning about the past.

This fall, several Canadian cities are offering atmospheric ghost walks. In Ottawa, The Haunted Walk is running its Tales from the Mausoleum at Beechwood Cemetery, which takes visitors through the cemetery and into its grand mausoleum. In Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ghost Walks share eerie tales in one of Canada’s most haunted towns. Out west, Ghostly Walks in Victoria lead visitors through narrow streets and historic cemeteries filled with legends.

  • My fiancé and I enjoying our original Haunted Walk of Toronto. The Haunted Walk ©2023

Cemetery Tours

Unlike ghost walks, cemetery tours are usually held during the day and focus more on the history, art, and people buried there. Sometimes these walks will also feature actors who portray the people buried in the cemetery, bringing the stories to life.

You could speculate that this tradition dates back to the 19th century, when garden cemeteries like Mount Auburn in Massachusetts or Père Lachaise in Paris were popular Sunday destinations. People picnicked, strolled, and learned from the monuments. A mix of education, leisure, and remembrance.

That spirit continues today in Canada. In Hamilton, The Cemetery Chronicles series at Hamilton Cemetery offers free themed walks from May through November, led by knowledgeable volunteers. Toronto Cemetery Tours offers rich daytime walks throughout the year at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, the Toronto Necropolis, and Prospect Cemetery.

  • St. Luke’s Anglican Church Cemetery, Burlington Ghost Walk ©2018

Cemetery Events

Cemetery events can include a variety of activities, but usually combine storytelling with seasonal or cultural themes, often blending heritage and atmosphere. They’re especially popular around Halloween time, but it’s possible to find events happening year-round in more and more communities.

This year, Ruthven Park National Historic Site in Cayuga, Ontario, is holding Mansion in Mourning. This event, happening in October, recreates Victorian mourning traditions before ending with a lantern-lit cemetery walk.

  • St. John’s Cemetery, Garson, ON ©2024
    Enjoying dessert in a cemetery. St. John’s Cemetery, Garson, ON ©2024

Cemetery tourism is growing!

Not because we’re haunted by ghosts, but because we’re drawn to the rich stories and connections cemeteries offer. Whether you’re up for a ghostly evening, a curious stroll, or an interactive event, there’s something for everyone to explore.

For your next adventure, check to see what’s happening at a cemetery near you—you might be surprised at what you’ll find!

Thanks for reading!

World Photography Day: Capturing Cemeteries Through My Lens

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Tuesday, August 19, is World Photography Day, a day to celebrate the art of photography in all its forms.

Over the years, I’ve dabbled in just about every type of photography—product, food, portrait, weddings—but nothing has ever felt as natural or creatively fulfilling as photographing cemeteries and gravestones.

I find there’s something deeply meaningful about capturing the details of an old tombstone, the way the light filters through the trees, or the quiet beauty of a forgotten graveyard. Cemeteries are full of history, and every stone has a story to tell. But stone doesn’t last forever—inscriptions fade, wooden markers break, and time slowly wears away these pieces of the past.

A wooden grave marker stands upright, but is worn and faded.
A wooden grave marker lays broken and flat against the ground.

First mage was taken in 2009, the second image was taken in 2022. Warren Protestant Cemetery, Warren ON ©2009, ©2022

That’s why I believe cemetery photography is more than just an creative hobby, it’s a way of preserving history.

So today, on World Photography Day, I’m celebrating the quiet art of cemetery photography—the way it connects us to the past, sparks curiosity, and ensures that these stories aren’t lost to time.

  • The second grave of Tom Thomson
    The second grave of Tom Thomson. Leith United Church Graveyard, Leith ON ©2023

If you’ve ever thought about bringing your camera (or even just your phone) to a cemetery, I highly recommend it. You never know what history you might capture.

Do you have a favourite cemetery photo you’ve taken? I’d love to see it! Share it with me on Facebook or Instagram and don’t forget to use the tag #WorldPhotographyDay.

Happy World Photography Day!

The Beauty and Symbolism of Cemeteries in the Summer

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Summer is winding down, but everything still feels full of life.

Trees are lush with green leaves, flowers are in full bloom, and the bees are buzzing all around. Cemeteries reflect that same energy. It’s the time of year when nature is at it’s fullest—and in cemeteries, that adds an extra layer of meaning.

  • Brentha Cemetery, Brentha ON ©2025
    Brentha Cemetery, Brentha ON ©2025

Even in these quiet places, there’s life all around. It reminds me that cemeteries aren’t only about endings—they’re also about remembering lives that were full, loved, and meaningful.

Sometimes, it’s not just the greenery that brings cemeteries to life; it’s the wildlife too, and summer can be the best time to spot them.

On a recent visit to Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery in Montréal, I spotted a couple of groundhogs throughout the cemetery who froze in place when they saw me. Like little furry statues, they stared me down until I had passed by. Moments like that make cemeteries feel even more alive, with nature and memory sharing the same space.

  • Cimetière Notre-Dame-des-Neiges, Montréal QC ©2025
    Cimetière Notre-Dame-des-Neiges, Montreal QC ©2025

Of course, summer cemetery visits do have their challenges. The noonday sun can be intense, and without shade, it can be easy to overheat. On summer road trips, sunscreen and water are a must! Sometimes I’ll even sit down to rest under a tree—a chance to slow down for a minute and also take it all in.

Another thing I love about graving in the summer—especially here in Northern Ontario—is the longer daylight hours. Around this time of year, the sun usually sets between 8:30 and 9 p.m., which gives me lots of time to explore and take photos.

  • Glencairn Cemetery, Glencairn ON ©2025
    Glencairn Cemetery, Glencairn ON ©2025

This post wraps up my series exploring how cemeteries change throughout the seasons. If you missed the earlier posts, you can still read about cemeteries in the Fall, Winter, and Spring. Each season really does bring its own mood.

What’s your favourite season to visit cemeteries?

Mine is still Fall. I can’t resist the crunchy leaves, cooler air, and all the moody vibes that come with Halloween season. But honestly, every season has something beautiful to offer, and I’ve enjoyed exploring them all.

Thanks for reading!

Taking a Summer Break – Be Back Soon!

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It’s that time of year again—time to unplug, unwind, and hit the road!

I’ll be taking a little break to relax, recharge, and of course, do some sightseeing (because let’s be real, I can’t resist a good road trip).

Naturally, the time off will include a few cemetery visits, because what’s a vacation without a little gravestone hunting? I’ve got some exciting road trips planned, and I’m sure they’ll lead to some interesting stories for future blog posts.

While there won’t be any new blog posts during my break, my regular scheduled social media posts will still be going up.

I’ll be back soon with plenty to share, but in the meantime, I hope you all have a great summer!

Thanks for reading!

  • On Vacation

The Beauty and Symbolism of Cemeteries in the Spring

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Spring is finally here! After months of snow and cold, it’s so refreshing to feel the sun again and hear the birds singing. Everything is starting to wake up—even cemeteries.

There’s something calming about walking through a cemetery while the trees are budding and the flowers are in bloom. The air smells fresher, and the world feels full of new beginnings. It’s a gentle reminder that life keeps going, even after loss.

  • A leaf budding on a branch.
    Civic Cemetery, Sudbury ON ©2025

Spring is all about growth and change. Trees grow new leaves, flowers bloom, and the grass turns green again. In cemeteries, this feels extra meaningful. You’re surrounded by the past, but everywhere you look there are also signs of new life. Even in places of rest, life still finds a way to come back.

You can often find flowers carved into gravestones, each carrying their own special meaning. Roses are one of the most common, with a variety of meanings based on how they are depicted. A full rose usually represents love or beauty, while a rose with a broken stem is thought to symbolize a life cut down in their prime. A rosebud with a broken stem, on the other hand, represents a young life cut short.1

  • Vasey United Cemetery, Vasey ON ©2024

Tulips are the only flower that continues to grow after they have been cut from the bulb. This might be why tulips as a gravestone symbol, are thought to represent eternal life.1

  • Plum Hollow Cemetery, Plum Hollow ON ©2024

My first cemetery road trip of the season happened at the end of April, when my Mom and I headed to Bracebridge to explore the area. We visited four cemeteries that day, a little library, and a Rotary garden that hadn’t started blooming yet.

An ice storm had hit the area a few weeks earlier, and there was still a lot of damage in the cemeteries. Branches were down, trees had snapped, and the usual spring cleanup hadn’t happened yet.

  • Port Carling Cemetery, Port Carling ON ©2025

Still, even with the mess left behind by the storm, I could see signs of spring trying to break through. The birds were singing again in places that had been silent all winter.

Spring doesn’t always arrive quickly, and it’s not always neat and pretty. My trip to Bracebridge reminded me of that. But just like the cycle of life and death, the seasons keep moving forward. Even after hard times, beauty does return. Cemeteries in the spring shows us that healing happens, growth is always possible, and memories live on in every blooming flower and standing stone.

So whether you’re out for a peaceful walk, taking photos, or just enjoying the sunshine, take a few minutes to breathe in some of that fresh air, and enjoy the flowers around you. Cemeteries in spring are full of quiet beauty and gentle reminders that life is blooming all around us—if we take the time to look.

Thanks for reading!

References:

  1. Understanding Cemetery Symbols: A Field Guide for Historic Graveyards by Tui Snider

Fun Cemetery Facts for Cemetery Appreciation Month

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Did you know Ontario is home to an estimated 66,000 burial sites and cemeteries?1

That’s a whole lot of history—and that’s just one of the fun facts I discovered while putting together this year’s project in celebration of Cemetery Appreciation Month.

Every May, since I learned about it, I like to do something a little different to mark the occasion. In past years, I’ve made Cemetery Bingo cards and even created a cute little cemetery terrarium. This time, I decided to combine my love of cemeteries with my background in graphic design. (Design is part of what I do when I’m not graving!)

So, I created an infographic with a few Canadian cemetery facts. I thought it would be a fun way to share what makes our cemeteries so unique—through numbers and dates, in a visual way.

If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you know I visit A LOT of cemeteries. And if there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s that they’re not all the same. There are pioneer cemeteries that barely show up on a map, grand garden cemeteries, sombre asylum cemeteries, and everything in between. They’re not just places of rest—but cultural time capsules.

And the numbers really tell a story.

Infographic displaying Canadian cemetery facts, including total burial sites in Ontario, oldest gravestone dates, and military cemeteries across Canada.

Here are just a few highlights from the infographic:

  • Canada’s oldest known gravestone dates back to 1720 and is found in Nova Scotia.2
  • Over 23,000 cemeteries across Canada contain the remains of those who served in World Wars.3
  • One of the oldest gravestones in Northern Ontario can be found in Wawa.4

Whether you’re new to cemetery exploring or have been wandering cemeteries for years. I hope this infographic offers you some inspiration, and maybe a few new cemeteries to add to your cemetery bucket list.

Thanks for reading, and happy Cemetery Appreciation Month!

References:

  1. Unregistered Cemeteries | Ontario Ancestors
  2. Images show Canada’s oldest graveyard could be in Annapolis Royal | Toronto Star
  3. Cemeteries | Government of Canada
  4. Back Roads Bill takes us to the oldest graves in Ontario | Sudbury.com

Tiny Tombstones and Big Stories: Visiting Little Canada

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A few weeks ago, I took a trip to Little Canada in Toronto. While most people go there to see the miniature landmarks, I was there with a slightly different goal in mind: finding the cemeteries!

Little Canada is a truly unique attraction that shrinks down the Great White North into incredibly detailed miniature scenes. Using intricate models and lighting effects, this ever-growing miniature world brings Canadian landmarks, cities, and culture to life. It’s a love letter to the country, built on a foundation of storytelling.

On our visit, my fiancé and I were lucky enough to get a personal tour from Heidi, a senior leader in marketing, who shared behind-the-scenes insights that made the experience even more special.

The story behind Little Canada is charming in its own right. On our tour, we met the founder, Jean-Louis Brenninkmeijer who was inspired to start this project after helping his son with a school assignment about Canada. That seed of an idea grew into the sprawling, detailed world you can visit today. Everything in the exhibit—from the fishing boats in Little East Coast to the recognizable Parliament buildings in Little Ottawa—is designed with storytelling in mind. Even the hidden details, like the many Easter Eggs scattered throughout each scene, tell their own whimsical stories.

What’s my favourite Easter Egg? Besides Bigfoot? (Look for him in Little Quebec!) I’d have to say the time capsule that is hidden in the National Gallery in Little Ottawa. Jean-Louis shared the story behind this Easter Egg with me.

The day before Little Canada opened its doors, the entire team contributed something to a USB stick, and sealed it away in this tiny gallery space, masquerading as a sculpture. The plan is to open this tiny time capsule when the building lease is up—20 to 30 years from now! I love the idea of a time capsule, it’s a moment frozen in time, much like a cemetery is.

Speaking of cemeteries, Heidi was very kind, making sure to point them out as we travelled through all the exhibits.

The first cemetery was tucked in among the highway in the Little Golden Horseshoe. A little stone cairn sits at the entrance, with the name Memory Cemetery carved into it. A handful of gravestones sit within a fence, surrounded by trees in full autumn colours. This little cemetery is not based on any real-world cemetery but is an example of a small rural cemetery, with its own resident ghost that sits on one of the fence posts. A good example of some of the whimsy that can be found throughout Little Canada.

Memory Cemetery in Little Canada

The second cemetery we found was in Little East Coast. This rural cemetery is based on Cavendish Community Cemetery, in Prince Edward Island. It features a replica gravestone of Lucy Maud Montgomery, the Canadian author best known for her Anne of Green Gables book series. Surrounded by fall colours and marked by a replica cemetery sign, that even includes “Resting Place of L.M. Montgomery” in impossibly small type. This cemetery is also a busy one, with some people paying their respects, and others having what I first thought was a picnic—until I looked closer at my photos and realized it was a Ouija board session! Another example of the unexpected storytelling hidden in these tiny scenes.

Both of the cemeteries were small, but incredibly detailed—down to the engraved names and the uneven ground. I can’t say I ever photographed a cemetery in a 1:87 scale before!

Cavendish Community Cemetery in Little Canada

Scattered throughout all the little scenes were also tiny monuments and war memorials, similar to what you would find while wandering a small town or city. It’s interesting to note how prevalent these places of memorial and remembrance really are.

As we explored the display wall, where some of the 5-inch Little Me figures are displayed, there is also a small section devoted entirely to the Vimy Ridge Memorial. Even scaled down, it’s a striking memorial. Designed to commemorate Canadians who fought and died in World War I, the real Vimy Ridge Memorial in France is a place of reflection and national pride. I was struck by the thought that cemeteries and monuments—no matter their size—inspire memory, honour, and connection.

  • Vimy Ridge Memorial in Little Canada

Vimy Ridge Memorial in Little Canada

It’s easy to see how much heart goes into every scene and detail. At the Maker’s Window, we had the chance to speak to some of the lovely women who bring these miniature scenes to life. The attention to detail, and at such a small scale, is amazing! Talking to them made me realize that this isn’t just about scale and architecture. It’s about the people behind the scenes, pouring care, creativity, and pride into every tiny building, street, and story.

Of course, I couldn’t visit Little Canada without getting Littlized!

The Littlization process allows you to have a 3D scan of yourself turned into a miniature figurine, a Little Me, to take home or be placed somewhere in the display. It’s a fun nod to personal storytelling and a reminder that all these little pieces make up something much bigger.

We spent about three hours exploring the exhibits, and I could easily see myself going back again and still not spotting every detail. There’s history, humour, sentimentality, and a strong sense of community behind it all.

  • Little Ottawa in Little Canada
    Little Ottawa in Little Canada

Little Canada may be small in scale, but its message is big: Canadian stories matter. Whether that’s the story of a national battle memorial, a hidden USB time capsule, or a tiny cemetery, each piece tells us something about who we are, and what we value.

And, if you’re someone like me, drawn to hidden stories, Little Canada has no shortage of tiny wonders to explore.

Thanks for reading!

Graves, Ghosts, and Glimpses of History: 13 Podcasts to Discover

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I’ll be honest—I’m not usually a podcast person.

But recently, I became curious about what kind of cemetery podcasts might exist. As someone who has always been fascinated by the history, culture, and stories buried within cemeteries, I figured it was time to explore what podcasts had to offer.

From eerie tales of haunted burial sites to deep dives into sustainable burial practices, there’s a whole world of interesting cemetery content out there.

Here are 13 cemetery podcasts you should check out this year.

Beyond the Grave

Listen on Spotify

This short podcast series explores the many ways people have commemorated their dead—whether through gravestones, memorials, or historical markers. Unfortunately, there haven’t been any new episodes since 2019.

Cemetery Podcast by the Necro Tourist

Listen to Spotify

Hosted by the Necro Tourist this podcast covers famous graves, infamous hauntings, and all the graveyard gossip. Although there have not been any new episodes since 2023, the early episodes are filled with interesting cemetery stories.

Cemetery Row

Listen on Spotify

Hosts Lori, Hannah, and Sheena casually chat and share cemetery stories that are sometimes incredible, sometimes eerie, and always interesting. Fair warning though, it can take a while for them to get into the good stuff.

Grave Escapes

Listen on the website

Hosted by Caitlin Howe and Frances Ferland, Grave Escapes brings the voices of the departed back to life. Each episode uncovers a new life story, offering a deep dive into the lives of those now at rest.

Grave Matters

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Grave Matters dives into the complex connections between death, cemeteries, and culture. Episodes cover sustainable burial practices, the rise of natural burial grounds, and shifts in how we think about death care with thought-provoking discussions.

The Grim

Listen on their website

For those who enjoy a good historical ghost story, The Grim offers well-researched spine-chilling tales of haunted cemeteries and eerie graveyard legends from around the world.

The Ordinary, Extraordinary Cemetery

Listen on their website

Hosts Jennie and Dianne explore old cemeteries, their preservation, and the lives of those buried there. Their deep dives into these sometimes forgotten histories are both fascinating and informative.

Stones, Bones & Shadows

Listen on their website

This podcast explores cemeteries and burials worldwide, uncovering the inspiring stories and eerie legends that have grown from these final resting places.

Tomb With A View: A Cemetery Podcast

Listen on Spotify

Hosted by Liz Clappin, Tomb With A View offers an insightful exploration of American cemeteries, focusing on their history, preservation, and cultural significance.

Undertaking: The Podcast

Listen on Spotify

This podcast is primarily focused on the funeral industry, Undertaking regularly explores topics involving cemeteries and burial practices. Filled with insightful interviews with industry professionals, each episode offers a unique and cultural look at death.

While these next three podcasts aren’t solely focused on cemeteries, each features episodes that delve into cemetery-related topics or are closely related to cemeteries and graveyards.

Death in the Afternoon

Listen on the website

Created by The Order of the Good Death, this podcast explores the history of death, burial, and mourning practices across different cultures and eras. While not specifically focused on cemeteries, it often touches on fascinating stories and histories that are closely connected to them.

Haunted Talks

Listen on Spotify

The official podcast of The Haunted Walk, Haunted Talks explores the paranormal, dark history, and ghostly tales. Some episodes venture into haunted cemeteries and the eerie legends that surround them.

Odd Things I’ve Seen: The Podcast

Listen on website

Author J.W. Ocker is all about visiting strange and unusual places. Cemeteries and burial grounds sometimes make their way into episodes, as Ocker visits and explores the stories behind odd and interesting sites.

Whether it’s the history, the stories, or the spooky tales—there’s sure to be a podcast on this list to satisfy your curiosity.

Is there a podcast I should add to the list? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks for reading!

Why I Love Cemeteries: Exploring Beauty and History

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I am someone who has always found beauty in unexpected places. I am also a very curious person and love to uncover hidden stories. That’s why I love sharing my experiences and discoveries with you!

As we step into a new year, I thought it would be a perfect time to reflect on something I am very passionate about—cemeteries.

Whether you’re new to the blog or a long-time reader, please indulge me as I share more about why I find these spaces so fascinating.

  • Bronte Cemetery, Oakville ON ©2024

For many, cemeteries might seem somber or even eerie places, but to me, they are so much more. They are open-air art galleries and museums. Each gravestone, mausoleum, and statue tells a story. The craftsmanship is often breathtaking, but there is beauty in everything—from the intricately carved angels to the weathered inscriptions that are just barely legible.

Some of my most memorable moments have been spent marveling at unique gravestones and wondering about the lives they represent. I have often come across a heartbreaking epitaph that has made me stop suddenly, creating an instant connection to someone from another time.

Cemeteries are like windows into history, serving as archives etched in stone. They showcase how cultures, traditions, and art have evolved through the years. Walking through an older cemetery really does feel like stepping back in time. You might find names that were once very common, family plots that tell stories of love and loss, or monuments commemorating an important historical event.

  • Old Stone Church Cemetery also known as Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Beaverton ON ©2024

Cemeteries aren’t just places for remembering the past—they can also be vibrant spaces for the living.

Many people visit cemeteries for activities like walking, jogging, or bird-watching. The diversity of wildlife, trees, and flowers can also offer a quiet retreat for nature lovers. As an animal lover myself, I treasure the unexpected encounters with wildlife that cemeteries can provide, like watching a red cardinal perched on a gravestone, or hearing the distant gobble of a wild turkey while wandering among the tombstones.

Above all, cemeteries are filled with stories. Stories of those who are laid to rest, but also the stories we create when we visit them. Whether it’s a quiet moment of reflection, an unexpected historical discovery, or unraveling a cemetery mystery, these spaces remind us of the beauty and complexity of life.

  • Woodlawn Cemetery, Saskatoon SK ©2011

So, if you’ve never thought of cemeteries in this way, or you already have an appreciation for them, I hope this post inspires you to see them in a new light. If you are already a seasoned taphophile, I would love to hear about your favorite cemetery experiences in the comments.

Let’s celebrate these unique spaces together as we step into the new year!

Thanks for reading!