Tag: Headstone

A Collection of Canadian Military Markers

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With Remembrance Day coming up on November 11, I have been thinking a lot about the quiet way we honour those who have served.

One of my favourite ways to reflect is by visiting military graves. There is something powerful about finding these simple, dignified markers in cemeteries across the country.

So, I thought this would be a meaningful time to share a collection of Canadian military gravestones that I have photographed over the years. Each one tells a story, and together they remind us that service and sacrifice are never forgotten.

Zion Evangelical United Church Cemetery, Pembroke ON ©2024

Canadian Armed Forces members who pass away during service are honoured with a standard military tombstone. These gravestones are arranged through the Department of National Defence and placed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission when the marker is in one of their cemeteries, or by Public Works and Government Services Canada when it is in a civilian cemetery.1 The goal is to maintain a consistent style and honour each member with the same level of care.1

Veterans who are buried in civilian cemeteries can also receive grave marker support. Veterans Affairs Canada runs a Grave Marker Maintenance Program that repairs, cleans, and restores veteran markers across the country.2

In 2023 alone, more than 110,000 repairs were carried out in communities big and small.3 It is pretty incredible to think about how much work goes into preserving these stones and their stories.

  • First Baptist Cemetery, Pembroke ON ©2024
  • Wiseman’s Corner Schoolhouse Heritage Centre, Burks Falls ON ©2023

There are clear rules that guide what goes on a military gravestone. The design is simple and respectful. Each one includes the person’s name, rank, service number, unit or branch, and date of death. If the family wishes, an approved religious emblem or a personal inscription can be added. The stones are all made in the same style and materials, so they stay uniform and recognizable.1

  • Cemetery of Saint John. the Divine 1911-1931, Byng Inlet ON ©2021
  • Woodlawn Cemetery, Saskatoon SK ©2011
  • Woodlawn Cemetery, Saskatoon SK ©2011
  • St. John’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Kirkfield ON ©2022

Military graves remind us that history is not just something in books. It’s carved in stone and tended with care. Next time you are exploring a cemetery and you see one of these markers, take a moment to pause.

Lest we forget.

Thanks for reading!

References:

  1. Military headstones | Government of Canada
  2. Grave marker maintenance | Veterans Affairs Canada
  3. Over 110,000 repairs made to Veteran grave markers across the country | Government of Canada

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!

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

Cemetery Book Review: A is for Arsenic

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It’s rare that a book that’s not focused on cemeteries makes its way onto the blog, but after reading A is for Arsenic: An ABC of Victorian Death, I couldn’t resist sharing it with you.

It’s a quirky, informative, and fun look at the moody and fascinating world of Victorian death rituals, with a good dose of dark humour.

A is for Arsenic is written by Chris Woodyard, a self-titled “Fortean”. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, (like I was) Forteans named themselves after Charles Fort, who researched all things strange and unusual.1

The book covers topics like post-mortem photography, embalming, and funeral attire. And yes, it does cover a couple of cemetery-related topics, like white bronze grave markers, and the gates ajar cemetery symbol.

Here is the synopsis from Goodreads:

“A is for Arsenic is a guide to the basics of Victorian mourning with “death-initions,” and stories resurrected from 19th-century newspapers, brought back to life through the evocative art of Landis Blair. Each entry includes a pen and ink illustration along with 19th-century anecdotes ranging from macabre stories to jokes from the Victorian press. (Plus sinister little poems in homage to Edward Gorey.)”

  • Book cover of A is For Arsenic
    A is for Arsenic: An ABC of Victorian Death by

I read the softcover edition and found this little book to be a fun and engaging read. I particularly enjoyed the quirky poems that open each chapter. Their dark, whimsical tone reminded me of Edward Gorey’s work and added a fun layer to the material. Paired with the lovely illustrations by Landis Blair, the poems and the historical content make for a delightful read.

You might actually recognize Blair’s artwork if you’ve read my very first Gift Guide for Taphophiles—he was one of the 13 artists I featured. It’s wonderful to see his darkly whimsical style bringing Victorian history to life.

The book does also include plenty of serious historical context. Each alphabetical entry is backed up with stories and facts pulled from the headlines of 19th-century newspapers, offering a glimpse into the strange and sometimes sinister happenings surrounding death in the Victorian era.

As I mentioned, it’s not entirely focused on cemeteries, but there are some cemetery-related tidbits throughout the book. Along with topics like post-mortem photography, and the importance of death tokens and mourning fashion—it all ties in to burial customs and practices.

I found this to be a charming little book, that’s both educational and entertaining. While it might not be focused solely on cemeteries, it’s definitely worth the read for anyone interested in the fascinating history of Victorian mourning customs and death rituals.

Thanks for reading! 

I am always on the hunt for cemetery-related book recommendations. If you are an author and have a cemetery-related book you would like me to review, please reach out at hello@chantallarochelle.ca. I would love to hear from you!

References:

  1. About the Author | Haunted Ohio

Stone Stories: The Tangled Truth of J.E.H. MacDonald

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On a recent trip to Toronto with my fiancé, we found ourselves with a bit of free time to explore—and for me, that usually means a visit to a cemetery.

Our friends we were staying with suggested we take a walk to Prospect Cemetery, one of the larger and more historic burial grounds in Toronto. It was a chilly, grey day for late April, but despite the dreary weather, it was perfect for a quiet stroll.

There’s something extra special about sharing my love of cemeteries with others. I pointed out some grave symbolism along the way, and our friend—who used to bring their daughter here to bike ride—showed us some of their favourite gravestones.

But I also had a bit of a personal mission too: to visit the grave of J.E.H. MacDonald, one of the founding members of The Group of Seven.

  • Portrait of J.E.H. MacDonald
    Portrait of J.E.H. MacDonald. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

J.E.H. MacDonald

James Edward Hervey MacDonald was born in Durham, England in 1873 and moved to Canada with his family in 1887.1 He trained in commercial art and landed a job at Grip Ltd., a Toronto design firm that turned out to be a creative hot spot for future Group of Seven artists.2

MacDonald mostly painted with oil, a paint that let him build rich textures and bold, expressive brushwork into his landscapes. He had a special talent for using bright, sometimes unnatural colours to set a mood rather than literal realism. His style focused more toward the feelings and spirit of the landscape rather than detailed realism.2

He was especially inspired by the wild landscapes of Algoma and the Rocky Mountains. His 1916 painting The Tangled Garden shows just how much colour and movement played into his work.2 Besides painting, he also taught art and eventually became the principal of the Ontario College of Art in 1929.2 He helped shape not only Canadian art but also the next generation of artists.

  • The Tangled Garden, 1916, National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario J. E. H. MacDonald
    The Tangled Garden, 1916, National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario J. E. H. MacDonald, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Controversy

MacDonald made headlines again in late 2023—long after his death—but not for the reasons you’d expect.

The Vancouver Art Gallery had been showing ten oil sketches that were believed to be his work, donated back in 2015. But after some doubts were raised, experts took a closer look—and discovered they were fakes!3

Experts tested the pigments, looked at the brushstrokes, and compared the style to his known works. The materials didn’t match what MacDonald would’ve had during his lifetime, and the way the art was created didn’t quite fit either.4

In a refreshing move, the gallery didn’t just quietly pull the pieces—they created a whole exhibit about the forgery, cleverly called A Tangled Garden.4 The title, a nod to MacDonald’s famous painting, added a bit of irony to the situation.

I respect how the gallery handled it. They used the opportunity to teach people about how art is authenticated and how fakes are detected. In the end, MacDonald’s reputation stayed strong—no copy could ever capture the depth and meaning of his real work.

Prospect Cemetery

J.E.H. MacDonald passed away in 1932 after suffering a stroke. He was only 59. He’s buried in the family plot in Prospect Cemetery in Toronto.5 His grave is simple, tucked away among the rows of headstones. A foot stone with his initials J.E.H.M., and his birth and death dates sits in front of a larger family stone with the MacDonald name. Next to it is another foot stone marked W.H.M. / 1876—1956. I’m not certain, but I believe he might be laid to rest beside his brother, William Henry MacDonald.

There is another foot stone in the MacDonald family plot that is a bit of a mystery. The stone is engraved with the letters J.E.M. and the dates 1920-1926. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to uncover any details about this child’s grave.

Standing in front of MacDonald’s grave felt like another little win in my personal journey to visit the final resting places of all the Group of Seven artists. This was the third grave I’ve visited so far, and I find it fascinating how different each artist’s marker is.

Despite their fame, none of their gravestones are flashy. Like Franklin Carmichael’s grave, MacDonald’s grave didn’t have any grave goods—no paintbrushes, no small stones, no tiny canvases. But there was something powerful about the peacefulness of the spot.

The family plot of J.E.H. MacDonald. Prospect Cemetery, Toronto ON ©2025

There’s something grounding about visiting the grave of someone whose work you admire. You see where their story ended, but you also carry part of their legacy with you. That day in Prospect, under grey skies and the hum of city life just beyond the trees, felt like the perfect moment to reflect on MacDonald’s impact.

Whether through his bright, expressive paintings or the recent conversations around art authenticity, J.E.H. MacDonald still shapes how we see Canada. His grave may be modest, but his influence on Canadian art is anything but.

Thanks for reading!

References:

  1. J. E. H. MacDonald | The Canadian Encyclopedia
  2. James Edward Hervey MacDonald | The Group of Seven
  3. These Group of Seven artist’s sketches are fake — and that’s the point of this Vancouver Art Gallery exhibit | CBC
  4. Museum Realizes Ten J.E.H. MacDonald Sketches Are Fakes—and Puts Them on Display | Smithsonian Magazine
  5. J E H MacDonald | Mount Pleasant Group

A Collection of Gates Ajar

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If you spend a lot of time in cemeteries, you’ll notice certain symbols popping up again and again—some are familiar, others are a bit more unusual. One symbol I’ve come across often in my cemetery travels is a set of open gates, standing slightly ajar.

So today on the blog, I wanted to take a closer look at this symbol: what it means, where it comes from, and share a few of the interesting examples I’ve photographed over the years.

  • The gates ajar, covered in orange lichen
    Grandview Cemetery, Massey ON ©2022

There’s something poetic about the image of an open gate. It feels like an invitation or a sign that something—or someone—is waiting just beyond. Sometimes the symbols are ornate, with intricate columns on either side, while others are much simpler.

The “gates ajar” motif has been around for more than a hundred years and was especially common in Victorian and early 20th-century cemeteries. It reflects a comforting belief that death is not the end, but a passage. These gates represent the soul entering Heaven or the afterlife, offering hope and comfort to those left behind.1

  • The graves ajar engraved on a gravestone
    Golden Valley Cemetery, Golden Valley ON ©2023
  • A red granite gravestone engraved with the gates ajar.
    Merrill Cemetery, Roseneath ON ©2022
  • The gates ajar engraved on a grey tombstone
    St. John’s Cemetery, Eagle Lake ON ©2022
  • The gates ajar on a gravestone
    Nipissing Junction Union Cemetery, North Bay ON ©2022
  • The gates ajar engraved on a gravestone
    Nipissing Junction Union Cemetery, North Bay ON ©2022
  • The gates ajar engraved on a tombstone
    Fairview Cemetery, Niagara Falls ON ©2025
  • A gravestone carving of a gate that is slightly open revealing a latin cross.
    St. Jacques Cemetery, Hanmer ON ©2021

Interestingly, this symbol became even more popular after the release of a novel called The Gates Ajar by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps. Published in 1868, just after the U.S. Civil War, the book follows a young woman grieving her brother. In the book, her aunt explains that the gates of Heaven are never fully closed. Instead, they stay slightly open, allowing souls to move between this world and the next. The book was controversial for its ideas but became a bestseller, inspiring everything from sheet music to flower arrangements…and gravestone symbolism.2

  • The gates ajar engraved on a red granite tombstone
    Lasalle Cemetery, Sudbury ON ©2011

Next time you’re walking through a cemetery, take a look around. You might spot a gate carved in stone, just slightly open—and find yourself thinking about what might be on the other side.

Thanks for reading!

References:

  1. Gravestone symbols and their meanings (PDF) | Wolf Memorial
  2. Headstone Symbols: Gates Ajar | Save the Graves

Cemetery Book Review: The Speaking Stone

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For this month’s cemetery book review, I wanted to share The Speaking Stone: Stories Cemeteries Tell by Michael Griffith. This collection of essays is a celebration of those quiet, curious moments when a stroll through a graveyard leads to more than just reflection—it sparks discovery.

Griffith, a long-time Cincinnati resident, and kindred spirit, spent countless hours wandering Spring Grove Cemetery, allowing his curiosity to guide him to unexpected tales of interesting figures, quirky epitaphs, and forgotten lives.

Here is a snippet from the book synopsis on Goodreads:

“The Speaking Stone is a literary love letter to the joys of wandering graveyards. While working on a novel, author and longtime Cincinnati resident Michael Griffith starts visiting Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum, the nation’s third-largest cemetery. Soon he’s taking almost daily jaunts, following curiosity and accident wherever they lead. The result is this fascinating collection of essays that emerge from chance encounters with an interesting headstone, odd epitaph, unusual name, or quirk of memory. Researching obituaries, newspaper clippings, and family legacies, Griffith uncovers stories of race, feminism, art, and death.”

  • The Speaking Stone: Stories Cemeteries Tell by Michael Griffith

Published in 2021, The Speaking Stone is a newer book that captures Griffith’s daily visits to Spring Grove Cemetery, where his curiosity leads him to discover some really fascinating stories. From famous figures to lesser-known individuals, each essay brings a fresh and unexpected perspective.

What I really enjoyed about the book was the variety of stories the author uncovers. I found it mirrors my own passion for exploring cemeteries—sometimes it’s a random gravestone or quirky detail that sends you down that research rabbit hole. While I may never get to visit Cincinnati, reading about its rich history and unique residents was a real treat.

The paperback version includes both color and black-and-white photos, which add another layer to the stories, though I found myself wishing there were more photos to accompany each essay.

Still, The Speaking Stone is a great read for anyone who loves the unexpected stories cemeteries have to offer. Whether you are a seasoned taphophile or just someone who loves history, this book offers a fascinating mix of surprising tales and historical insights.

Thanks for reading! 

I am always on the hunt for cemetery-related book recommendations. If you are an author and have a cemetery-related book you would like me to review, please reach out at hello@chantallarochelle.ca. I would love to hear from you.

Stone Stories: Sudbury’s Ghost Bike

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Bicycles often represent freedom and joy, but when painted flat white and placed by the roadside, they carry a much heavier meaning.

These “ghost bikes” mark the sites where cyclists have lost their lives, serving as haunting memorials and powerful reminders of the need for safer streets.

  • Sudbury’s Ghost Bike, in memory of Dr. Robert D’Aloisio. Sudbury ON ©2025

The History of Ghost Bikes

Ghost bikes are roadside memorials placed at locations where cyclists have been killed in traffic accidents. The bikes, painted entirely white, serve both as a tribute to the fallen and as a warning to motorists to share the road and drive safely.1

The first documented ghost bike appeared in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2003. A cyclist named Patrick Van Der Tuin witnessed a car hit a fellow rider and decided to take action. He placed an old bicycle at the crash site with a sign reading, “Cyclist Struck Here.”2

The idea spread quickly, and soon cities around the world began installing their own ghost bikes in memory of lost cyclists.

Beyond their role as memorials, ghost bikes have become global symbols for cycling advocacy. They are often installed by local organizations or loved ones who want to honour victims and raise awareness about road safety.2

Sudbury’s Ghost Bike

Ghost bikes aren’t unusual in Canada—they mark the tragic losses in communities just like mine. In my hometown of Sudbury, in 2017, a white bicycle appeared in memory of Dr. Robert Santo “Bob” D’Aloisio, a local cyclist who was struck and killed in a tragic accident.

His death deeply affected the community, sparking conversations about road safety and the need for better cycling infrastructure.3

It was a bit of a dreary day when my mother and I went to visit the ghost bike. It’s secured to a parking lot railing outside of an apartment complex on a busy street. I’ve driven by it many times but only really noticed it recently. The white bike blends into the white of the railing, so unless you’re looking for it, you might miss it entirely. That in itself feels symbolic—how easy it is to overlook something so significant if you’re not paying attention.

We kept our visit short since I didn’t want to take up anyone’s parking spot, but I made sure to take a moment to pause and reflect. While I was taking photos, I looked up at the tall apartment buildings surrounding us and thought about how someone could’ve easily witnessed the accident from their window.

Even after nine years, the ghost bike remains—a quiet, persistent reminder of the loss that took place there.

Sudbury’s Ghost Bike, in memory of Dr. Robert D’Aloisio. Sudbury ON ©2025

D’Aloisio’s passing was a devastating loss for his family and the cycling community. His loved ones continue to advocate for greater awareness and protection for cyclists. His story is a haunting reminder of the dangers cyclists face and the responsibility of all road users to ensure their safety.4

Park Lawn Cemetery

After visiting the ghost bike, we headed to our second stop—the cemetery.

Robert D’Aloisio is laid to rest at Park Lawn Cemetery. The cemetery itself is peaceful and tucked away, a contrast to the busy road where his memorial stands. The moment we stepped out of the car, it felt quieter, more reflective. I felt like I needed to visit both sites: the place where his life ended, and the place where he now rests.

The sun was beginning to peek out as we arrived, and the birds were singing. We wandered the gently curving paths for a few minutes before we came upon the D’Aloisio family plot. His gravestone is elegantly simple: polished granite with the family name at the top and a Latin cross separating his name from his wife’s, who is still living.

Visiting his stone, after having just stood at the place where his life was cut short, felt as if the threads of his story had tied together—from tragedy to rest.

  • Park Lawn Cemetery, Sudbury ON ©2025

Ghost bikes are powerful symbols, but the ultimate goal is to make them unnecessary.

Their presence speaks to the need for safer infrastructure, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and a cultural shift toward respecting all road users. In Ontario and beyond, cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers must all coexist with caution and compassion.

With the warmer weather returning, more cyclists are hitting the roads. It’s a timely reminder for all of us—whether we’re behind the wheel, on a bike, or on foot—to slow down and share the road.

D’Aloisio’s story, like that of many others, is a call to action. Let’s honour his memory by advocating for safer roads and ensuring that cyclists can ride without fear.

Thanks for reading!

References:

  1. Ghost Bike FAQ | Advocacy for Respect for Cyclists
  2. Ghost Bike | Wikipedia
  3. Sudbury ‘ghost bike’ a haunting reminder | Sudbury Star
  4. Father’s cycling death haunts Sudbury family | Sudbury Star

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