Tales of the Dead

Step through the gates of St. James Cemetery and discover monuments, memorials, and gravestones that reveal stories of the people who helped build the city, and others whose histories may surprise you.

Among the cemetery’s winding paths lie politicians, artists, business leaders, architects, scientists, and other prominent Torontonians. On this walk, we’ll uncover tales of M**der, suicide, scandal, disease, duels, body snatching, and sacrifice that reveal the darker and more unexpected sides of life, and death, in Toronto. Along the way, we’ll visit the graves of Alice and Nellie Pitezel, two young sisters whose murders became part of the infamous crimes of serial killer H. H. Holmes; John J. McLaughlin, the Toronto pharmacist and chemist who created Canada Dry Ginger Ale; and William and Samuel Jarvis, influential figures in early Toronto whose legacies include political power, allegations of corruption, and the naming of Jarvis Street.

About the Tour Leaders

Selma Elkhazin is an urban planner and historian who uses heritage as a tool to work towards unity between humans and within Black community. She is currently a Strategist for Monumental Projects, working to build more equitable cities through policies, frameworks, and programs. Prior to this role, Selma was the Program Coordinator and Manager of Public Programs at Heritage Toronto.

Gilles Huot is a long-time Cabbagetown resident started his long civil service career in communications, transitioned to policy work, and worked in planning and funding postgraduate medical education before retiring. One of Gilles’ passions is the history of his adopted city, Toronto. Gilles chairs the CPA Walking Tour and Cabbagetown People committees and volunteers with other organizations such as the Royal Ontario Museum, la Société d’histoire de Toronto, and Heritage Toronto.

Start Point: St. James Cemetery Front Gates (635 Parliament St)

Our staff and volunteers will be at the tour's starting location 30 minutes prior to each tour. Please arrive at least 10-15 minutes prior to the start of the tour to allow time for check-in. Feel free to call us at (647) 542-3450 if you are having trouble finding the start location.

End Point: St. James Cemetery Front Gates (635 Parliament St)

Length of Tour: Approximately 90 minutes

Distance and Terrain: This tour is approximately 1 kilometre in distance and takes place mostly on unpaved paths and grass lawns.

Ticket Price and Registration: This tour is provided for $8.00/person. The total cost is $10.05 (includes a $2.05 transaction fee). Please note that space is limited on our tours. You may not be able to join a tour group if you have not registered ahead of time. Cash cannot be accepted onsite.

This tour uses individual audio headsets. All registered participants will be provided with an individual headset that will allow you to hear the tour guide throughout the tour.