What Does a Funeral or Cremation Cost in Canada?

Everyone has a point in their lives when they have to face the topic of death. It is not something that anyone likes to think about, let alone talk about with their families. However, putting off crucial decisions about final arrangements will only make it more difficult for those you love.

Your survivors will be relieved of a lot of stress if you make final arrangements in advance. Everyone will know exactly what arrangements must be made and what the cost. This allows them to grieve without worrying about what unplanned expenses. Funeral Insurance is a great option.

Canada Funeral and Cremation Costs and Arrangements

Canadians are abandoning traditional burials even more than Americans. Experts say this trend is changing the way funeral services work and how families honor and remember loved ones.

Canadians may be influenced by the lower cost of cremation.

A Canadian burial typically costs between $5,000 to $10,000. His team discovered that cremation costs significantly less, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000. Cremation is not necessarily cheaper than burial, but it does not mean that it’s less expensive.

Prices for cremation services will vary depending on where you live and what your province is. A low-cost cremation in Quebec can be purchased for $600. In Vancouver, it costs $1,000. In Toronto, it costs $1,500. While a simple cremation in New Brunswick can cost nearly $3,000.

Even families that choose to keep their remains at home, they can spend hundreds on urns made from materials such as bronze, copper, and marble.

Cremation is more leisurely than traditional burials, which can take up to a week. However, cremation allows families to meet together to discuss their options and decide what to do about the remains of a loved one over a longer period.

Canadians are becoming more secular than Americans in recent years. The 2011 National Household Survey revealed that nearly 25% of Canadians (24%) said they were not religious, up from 17% in 2001. A large percentage of Americans and Canadians don’t attend church, go once a year or have a very distant relationship with their faith.

Already, funeral home directors are losing their jobs due to the shift towards cremation. Cemeteries are also affected by this trend.

Some cemeteries now offer green burials. These use biodegradable shrouds or other eco-friendly techniques. A local funeral director stated that the goal is to provide meaningful options that people will choose to have their remains buried in a cemetery, rather than keeping them at home for an unknown amount of time.

In 2019, cremation was responsible for 73% of final dispositions. This number is increasing. Prices are changing as the funeral industry adapts to this major shift in Canadian cremation preferences. The demand for more affordable funeral options can lead to a decrease in revenue for the funeral industry.

The most searched term is “cheap cremation”. Why should you spend thousands on a cremation when you can get the same service for much less?

The cost of dying is becoming a more important issue as the economy continues to struggle. The Internet makes it easy to find the answers to this question without the hassle of making multiple inquiries face-to-face or calling funeral homes.

The funeral industry has never publicly disclosed funeral prices in the past. Many funeral home websites won’t even publish price lists. Today, more funeral homes are openly revealing the prices of funeral packages.

The cost of a funeral will vary depending on where you live, and the funeral provider you have chosen. Make sure you know what type of funeral service provider you are dealing. Canada has many corporate funeral homes. While this is not always the case, it is common for corporate funeral homes to be more costly than family-owned funeral home. The funeral industry is not an economy of scale. I HIGHLY recommended to compare prices at more than one funeral home.

All these choices and questions can seem overwhelming during a difficult time. Many bereaved people feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available. The stock answer to this question is “Just do a good turnout” for her. Traditional burials can cost around $5,000, but can easily reach $15,000.

A cremation will likely cost 25% more than a burial. A simple, direct cremation can cost around $800 in Canada, while a cremation with additional disbursements (obituary notice, viewing, funeral flowers etc.) may run in the neighborhood of $4,500.

Canada Funeral Costs and Specific Fees

Registration ($55) and death certificate ($15-222)

Before a death certificate is issued, it must be registered. To apply for benefits, file an insurance claim or settle an estate, a death certificate must be obtained. The cost of the registration and certificate varies depending on where you live and how many certificates are required.

Transferring the body ($100 or more)

The number of times and distance the body must be moved will determine how much transfer fees are charged. The body might need to be transported from the spot of death to a cemetery or crematorium. If the body must be moved outside of the province, you don’t have to hire a professional transfer company. This will obviously cost more.

Shrouds, Caskets and Urns (200-$3,000)

There are many styles and prices for caskets and urns. You can choose from simple or elaborate designs. You can also choose to have a shroud made. You may be able to bury your body in a simple shroud, and some crematoriums will allow you to use your own container for the cremains. Although the funeral home may try to sell you an urn or casket, it is not necessary to purchase one. You might be able find a better deal elsewhere.

Preparing the body ($125-$525)

Preparing the body involves bathing, grooming (applying makeup if necessary), and finally wrapping or dressing. The body can also be embalmed. Not every province accepts embalming, your local funeral director will know the local rules.

Ceremonies (funeral, visitation, memorial) plus staffing fees ($2,000 or more)

When it comes to funeral home, church or chapel ceremonies, there is no limit. These costs rise because of the higher staffing fees, especially if a casket is involved. You might also have to pay for food at receptions. Formal services are not mandatory. As long as the family member is not being paid, they can hold an intimate service at home.

Burial plots  (1,000 and more)

Side-by-side and family plots are more desirable than single plots.

Cremation or burial services (from $1,000 to $1,500)

Average Funeral Costs by Province

British Columbia: $1000 to $12,000. The funeral director’s professional service fee usually covers the transportation of the deceased, the death certificate, registration, and any other documents.

Alberta: $3000 to $12,000. The majority of Alberta properties are between $6000.00 and $8000.00.

Saskatchewan: On average, the cost of a funeral in Saskatchewan is $8,000. This includes traditional funerals, urns and caskets. The cost of a cemetery, including the plot, opening and closing the grave, and a marker, can easily add up to $1,500-$2,500.

Manitoba: Traditional burials (includes a casket and funeral costs, as well as cemetery costs) cost between $7,000 and $10,000. Graves that are buried in winter may be subject to a surcharge.

Ontario: $1,500 to $20,000. The cost of a funeral depends on the individual’s preferences.

Quebec: The average traditional burial and funeral costs around $9,000.

Newfoundland & Labrador: Average funeral costs approximately $8,000, excluding cemetery costs, plot, marker, opening and closing of graves, and which can add up to $1,500 – $2,500.

Nova Scotia: The average funeral cost in Nova Scotia is $11,000

New Brunswick: Funerals cost approximately $9,000.

Prince Edward Island: Funerals and burials average around $9,000.

Cremation costs can range from 25% to 50% of the burial cost