Guest writer Chantal Larochelle is a graphic designer and photographer based in Sudbury, Ontario. For over 15 years, she has been fascinated by cemeteries and graveyards, using her photography and blog to capture the rich details of gravestones, their symbolism, poignant epitaphs, and the mementoes left behind by loved ones.
Why Cemeteries Inspire Me
People are often surprised when I tell them I spend a lot of time in cemeteries. What surprises them even more is how much I absolutely love it.
To me, they are not just quiet resting places. They are beautiful, mysterious, and full of stories, some whispered by history, others carried on ghostly rumours. Long before I picked up a camera, I wandered graveyards, imagining the lives behind the names carved into weathered stones.
Some cemeteries are famous for their ghost stories, and I’ll admit, I’m curious about those too. But what keeps me coming back goes beyond the spooky side. It is the art, the history, and the way cemeteries connect us to something bigger, both to the past and to each other.
Finding Beauty Through Photography
I’ve always had an eye for detail, but it wasn’t until I started carrying a small point-and-shoot camera that I began to truly appreciate the artistry in cemeteries. Over time, I upgraded to a DSLR, and now I use it to capture the symbolism, intricate carvings, and craftsmanship found in these sacred spaces.
But you don’t need a camera to appreciate them. Cemeteries invite you to slow down and really look. You might spot a name you recognize from history, read an epitaph that moves you, or notice a poppy or coin left in tribute on a soldier’s grave. They are places where personal and collective memory meet, and every visit offers something new.
Beechwood Cemetery: A Place of Stories
Take Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, for example.
It is Canada’s National Cemetery and the final resting place of many notable Canadians, including Sir Robert Laird Borden, Canada’s 8th Prime Minister, broadcast journalist Peter Jennings, and Nobel Prize-winning physicist Dr. Gerhard Herzberg. The grounds are peaceful and sprawling, filled with hidden stories, rich symbolism, and yes, maybe even a few ghosts.
Beechwood is not just a cemetery. It is a museum, an arboretum, and, some say, a place of paranormal activity. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there is an undeniable energy in a place with that much layered history.
It is places like Beechwood that remind me why cemeteries can be so captivating.
Life, Death, and Memory
Cemeteries open the door to big conversations about life, death, grief, and remembrance.
Sometimes a grave can stop you in your tracks: a child’s name, a soldier lost at 19, or a couple buried side by side after 60 years together. These moments remind us that life is both fleeting and precious. They invite us to think about what we leave behind, not just in stone, but in memory.
For me, cemetery visits are never morbid. They are grounding. Whether I am photographing Victorian symbolism to later research its meaning, or just wandering under the trees, I always leave feeling more connected to the past, to people, and even to myself.
5 Things to Try on Your Next Cemetery Visit
Look for grave goods. Notice items left behind by loved ones and reflect on what they might symbolize. They often give insight into who the person was in life.
Pay attention to ceramic portraits. Take a closer look at the faces, clothing, and styles preserved in these timeless photographs.
Recognize familiar names. Do you see last names that appear on street signs, schools, or buildings in town? Cemeteries can connect us to local history in surprising ways.
Study the symbols. Bring a notebook to sketch or jot down notes on what symbols you find, then look up their meanings. Gravestone symbols can tell you a great deal about a person’s life.
Take a quiet moment. Choose one gravestone, pause, and reflect. Imagine the life behind the name, and appreciate the stories cemeteries silently hold.
If you are unsure about going by yourself, join a guided tour (my favourite way to explore). You will discover stories hiding in plain sight, symbols you have never noticed before, and many things you have to look for to see.
Closing Thoughts
Cemeteries are not just about death. They are about life, how we remember it, how we honour it, and sometimes, how we are haunted by it. Whether you visit for photography, genealogy, or simple curiosity, these small acts of noticing can make the experience deeply meaningful.
And who knows? Your first visit might be the start of a lifelong fascination, just like it was for me.
Want to experience the beauty and history of cemeteries with expert storytellers? Join us for Tales from the Mausoleum at Beechwood Cemetery or one of our other historic sites, and discover stories, symbolism, and maybe even a touch of the paranormal.