Emma WhiteLast summer, there was this one afternoon when I found myself in a cemetery—don’t ask how I ended up there; maybe I took a wrong turn while trying to avoid traffic, as one does.
Anyway, since I’d already heard from a friend about Notre-Dame Cemetery, one of the largest in Ottawa, I decided to take a little detour and explore it. As I wandered through this peaceful, historical place, I realised what a gem it was.
Who knew a simple wrong turn could lead to such a delightful discovery? Now, if you’re like me and love uncovering local surprises, I’m excited to share the must-visit cemeteries in Ottawa with you. Read on below so you’ll know where to start!
Beechwood Cemetery
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Website: https://beechwoodottawa.ca/
Address: 280 Beechwood Ave., Vanier
Contact details: +1 866 990 9530
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 4 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Established in 1873, Beechwood Cemetery holds the title of the National Cemetery of Canada, a testament to its importance. Over 82,000 people are laid to rest here, including some of the most notable figures in Canadian history.
You’ll find the tomb of Sir Robert Laird Borden, Canada’s 8th Prime Minister, who led the country through the trials of World War I. You’ll also find Buck Boucher here, a Hall of Fame professional hockey player, and Governor General Ramon John ‘Ray’ Hnatyshyn.
Beyond its historical weight, what draws so many people to Beechwood Cemetery is how expansive and beautifully organised it is. You must check the stunning military section and tribute to Canadian Forces members here—it’s incredibly moving.
| Pro tip: Head over to the on-site visitor centre, where you can grab maps and brochures to help guide you through the grounds. Also, the centre often hosts events and guided tours that dive even deeper into the cemetery’s rich history. |
Notre-Dame Cemetery
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Website: https://www.notredamecemetery.ca/en
Address: 455 Montréal Rd.
Contact details: +1 613 746 4175
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 12 PM, 12:30 PM to 4 PM
The Notre-Dame Cemetery is the oldest and largest Catholic cemetery in Ottawa. When Ottawa’s Lower Town cemeteries were closed in the mid-1800s, Joseph Eugene Guigues, the first Bishop of Ottawa, purchased 20 acres of land, and this is where the cemetery we know today started!
Now, it’s the final resting place of over 130,000 individuals, among them are some of Canada’s most influential figures. Sir Wilfred Laurier, the country’s 7th Prime Minister, rests here alongside Yousuf Karsh, a celebrated portrait photographer in Canada.
Many of the gravesites date back decades, with inscriptions that tell the stories of Ottawa families who have been part of the region’s fabric for generations. As it’s a Catholic cemetery, you’ll also see religious iconography throughout.
| Pro tip: Bring a camera! Many of the older gravestones feature beautiful carvings and intricate details that are worth capturing. Plus, the cemetery offers self-guided tour maps, so stop by the office to grab one before exploring. |
Merivale Public Cemetery
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Website: https://www.pinecrest-remembrance.com/
Address: 1882 Merivale Rd.
Contact details: +1 613 829 3600
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 12 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 3 PM
Tucked away in Ottawa’s west end, Merivale Public Cemetery, also known as Pinecrest Merivale Cemetery, is a peaceful site serving the community since 1924. It offers various services, including burial plots, a crematorium, columbaria, mausoleums, and urn options.
This cemetery is particularly popular for its serene and straightforward layout. It’s well-maintained, and the sections dedicated to different types of burials, from traditional to cremations, are labelled.
While it might not hold the same historical weight as the other cemeteries, Merivale’s dedication to serving its community makes it special.
| Pro tip: Call before you visit if you’re going to Merival for genealogy research or personal reasons. The staff is helpful and can provide valuable insights or locate specific gravesites for you. |
Capital Funeral Home & Cemetery
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Website: https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/capital.html
Address: 3700 Prince of Wales Dr.
Contact details: +1 613 692 1211
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Capital Funeral Home & Cemetery, also known as Capital Memorial Gardens, is one of Ottawa’s most notable cemeteries and offers a unique blend of history, functionality, and tranquil beauty. Nestled near nature, it’s surrounded by the calming serenity of a natural setting.
One standout feature is that they offer everything—funeral home services, cremation options, and burial grounds—all on-site. Their chapel comfortably seats up to 225 guests, and a reception hall that can accommodate over 300 people.
It’s worth noting that Capital Memorial Gardens is home to some prominent figures, such as Carlyle Smith Beals, a renowned Canadian astronomer, and Syd Howe, a professional hockey player who earned his place in the Hall of Fame.
| Pro tip: Take a stroll on the nature walk; it’s designed for quiet reflection and is a great way to decompress. If you have specific questions or needs, their on-site staff are incredibly knowledgeable and ready to help. |
Christ Church Cathedral Columbarium
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Website: http://ottawacathedral.ca/
Address: 414 Sparks St.
Contact details: +1 613 236 9149
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM
- Sunday – 8:30 AM to 12 PM
Right in the heart of Ottawa, Christ Church Cathedral Columbarium combines centuries-old tradition with modern functionality. The stonework around the entrance is striking, beckoning visitors into a chapel that has a sacred and intimate atmosphere.
Beyond the chapel, you’ll find the columbarium itself, offering 468 niche structures to accommodate single or double urns. The entire space is meticulously organised; each niche is a dignified resting place.
Unlike many cemeteries where sprawling landscapes dominate, this columbarium is housed inside the cathedral.
Overall, visiting Christ Church Cathedral Columbarium and its old-world charm is a must if you want to discover more of Ottawa’s historic parts.
| Pro tip: Since the cemetery is located downtown, weekday visits mean limited parking availability. Consider taking a bus or the LRT—regular bus routes pass by, and the church is only a short walk from Lyon Street Station. |
Jewish Memorial Gardens – Bank Street
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Website: http://www.jewishmemorialgardens.org/
Address: 2692 Bank St, Gloucester
Contact details: +1 613 688 3530
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 7 AM to 8 PM
- Friday – 7 AM to 5 PM
Jewish Memorial Gardens at Bank Street is a dedicated resting place for Ottawa’s Jewish community. Following a large revitalisation project completed in 2016, this cemetery now offers a beautifully maintained space for visitors.
The grounds offer a quiet space for contemplation and reflection. Since it has been around since 1892, it’s interesting to walk through it and observe the evolution of memorial styles up to the present time.
Finally, this cemetery carries the weight of history—a testament to the continuity of the Jewish community’s growth in Ottawa. It’s also the final resting place for community leaders like Archibald Jacon ‘Archie’ Freiman, a key figure in Canadian Jewish history and Zionist leadership.
| Pro tip: Jewish Memorial Gardens welcomes donations to help maintain the grounds and preserve the legacy of this sacred place. If you feel moved to give, you can do so either online through their official website or in person during your visit. |
