Canada’s largest cemetery launches new map locating final resting place of notable Montrealers

The new online mapping tool at Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery makes finding plots much easier.

Paper maps are a thing of the past at the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery after it recently launched a new interactive digital map.

People can now find their loved ones at Canada’s largest cemetery and tourists can find notable Montrealers simply by using a smartphone.

More than 1 million people are buried at the cemetery’s 139 acres, making it easy to get lost.

The new app brings directions into the 21st Century.

“It’s like a regular GPS that you’re using in the town, but applied to the cemetery,” said cemetery customer service manager Éric Choinière.

In the menu, users can now search for a loved one and the map will locate the deceased.

Choinière said it took several months to create.

“For us, it was important to give the family a tool so they can have access to the site and to enjoy their visit,” he said.

Users can also learn more about their loved ones’ neighbours in their final resting place.

“Ss they’re walking on the map, it will identify famous people, mausoleum, the church that we have on site,” he said.

Notable Quebecers, including Celine Dion’s late husband René Angélil, former prime minister Brian Mulroney and Maurice “Rocket” Richard, have been laid to rest at Notre-Dame-des-Neiges.

Another new feature on the website shows when the grass is being cut, so visits can be coordinated.

“So you will know that, okay they went this week and the grass is done, so I’m going to go this week instead of waiting,” said Choinière.

The cemetery is still working to improve the map, and Choinière said he hopes to add photos, so one day, people may even be able to pay their respects virtually.