Calgary Cemeteries

As Calgary’s oldest cemetery, Union Cemetery possess a deep history that offers a glimpse into the city’s cultural and social past. Established in 1891, the area is the final resting place of many historic characters including some of Calgary’s founders, pioneers, and infamous citizens. Some names that can be found among the gravestones include the RCMP Colonel who named Calgary, James Macleod; legendary cowboy and former slave John Ware; newspaper editor Robert Edwards; and the knighted Sir James Lougheed.

Created in a Victorian style, Union Cemetery posses architectural elements and features that were traditional to that era. The cemetery features a park-like air, a classical arch in the Northern quarter, and concrete steps set into the side of steeper inclines. A historic chapel and mortuary, erected in 1909 because of Calgary’s unpredictable weather, is located onsite. Galloway House, the 19th century residence of former cemetery caretaker James Galloway, can also be found on the grounds.

Queen's Park Cemetery is Calgary's most recent burial grounds. Established in 1940, the area has a park-like atmosphere that includes the city's bicycle path system within its grounds. A war memorial, called the Veterans' Field of Honour, is also located within this cemetery.

Located next to Union Cemetery, Burnsland Cemetery was established in 1923 out of the need for more burial space. This 13 ha (32-acre) land soon sold out of plots and by 1940, Calgary officials were required to search for more burial grounds. Burnsland Cemetery is characterized as the burial grounds for the majority of Calgary’s World War I veterans.

At about 1.4 ha (3.5 acres) of land, Chinese Cemetery is Calgary’s smallest burial grounds. Found next door to Burnsland Cemetery and just off Macleod Trail, this cemetery is the final burial place of many of Calgary’s Chinese pioneers who contributed to the development of the west.

Although filled to capacity long ago, the cemetery stands as a reminder of their contributions, as well as the hardships and racial discriminations they faced. A concrete and granite memorial, which was erected in the year 2000, also stands as acknowledgement to the important role they played in the past.

Established in 1876, St. Mary’s Cemetery was Calgary’s first burial grounds. However, this Catholic cemetery was relocated to its current location in 1935 and now consists of approximately 7.1 ha (17.5 acres) of land.