The average traditional cremation funeral in Canada costs between $5,000 and $12,000, and that’s before a cemetery plot & headstone or grave marker are added to the total bill. So, it’s not hard to see why more families in Canada are looking to simple cremation services as a less expensive alternative.
The most economical service option is a cremation without any type of viewing or service involved. This type of service can be referred to as a Simple Cremation, Basic Cremation, Cremation Only, or a Direct Cremation. The deceased is taken into the care of a funeral home or cremation provider, all the necessary legal paperwork is completed, and the body is then cremated. The cremated remains or cremains are returned to the family.
Affordable Basic Cremation Prices in Canada
| CITY | PROVIDER | BASIC CREMATION | PHONE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calgary, AB | Calgary Cremation Service | $1,495 | (403) 880-4084 |
| Edmonton, AB | Affordable Edmonton Cremation | $915 | (780) 952-0002 |
| Gatineau, QC | Funera | $1,795 | (819) 200-2030 |
| Halifax, NS | Harbourside Regional Crematorium | $1,495 | (902) 293-2807 |
| Hamilton, ON | Basic Funerals & Cremation Choices | $1,995 | (855) 950-5110 |
| Kitchener, ON | Basic Funerals & Cremation Choices | $1,895 | (226) 457-7818 |
| London, ON | Basic Funerals & Cremation Choices | $1,995 | (226) 457-7818 |
| Montreal, QC | Funera | $1,795 | (514) 819-2777 |
| Ottawa, ON | Basic Funerals & Cremation Choices | $1,790 | (613) 664-2311 |
| Quebec, QC | Funera | $1,795 | (581) 800-0558 |
| Saskatoon, SK | Martens Warman Funeral Home | $2,175 | (306) 934-4888 |
| St. Catharines, ON | Basic Funerals & Cremation Choices | $1,895 | (855) 950-5110 |
| Toronto, ON | Affordable Burials & Cremations | $1,895 | (437) 886-4318 |
| Victoria, BC | Victoria Cremation Service | $1,295 | (250) 391-6294 |
| Winnipeg, MB | Winnipeg Cremation Service | $1,455 | (204) 981-1701 |
It is crucial to note that cremation prices will differ depending on the location. The price chart above provides a selection of basic cremation costs from local providers obtained in July 2024. All prices should be checked directly with the local provider, as prices do change, and these were correct at the time of publishing.
What are the different types of cremation service options and costs in Canada?
There are 3 main types of cremation service options available to families in Canada, and we have outlined the key differences below.
Cremation without a service or viewing
This service involves the immediate cremation of the deceased without a formal funeral service being held. This basic type of cremation service has become popular due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
This basic cremation only option is the most economical choice for those seeking the most affordable and minimal fuss cremation disposition. As you can see from the table of basic cremation prices in Canada above – the cost for a basic cremation ranges between $845 to $2,175, depending on the Province and city. It is typical for areas to have different cremation costs, as the local market, competition, and Provincial legislation on cremation operations can dictate it.
Cremation Memorial Service
A cremation memorial typically refers to the cremation taking place before a memorial service is held. The memorial service can be held at the funeral home, chapel, church, place of worship, or any chosen location. Some families today choose to hold memorial services at community venues or at their own home.
The memorial service is usually held with the cremation urn present as a focal tribute to the deceased. However, memorial services are also held without the cremated remains present.
It is not as simple to give an overview of cremation memorial services’ costs, as the ‘variable’ of the memorial service will dictate the final price. Much will depend on whether the funeral home conducts the memorial service. Other ancillary services include the type of cremation urn selected, flowers, photographs, and other tribute materials. And so the overall cost is less fixed than a basic cremation service charge.
But, it would be fair to say that Cremation Memorial Services can begin at around $2,900 but can cost much more than this if held at a funeral home with ancillary services added.
Full-Service Cremation Funeral
This type of service is a full-service funeral, with the cremation conducted after the funeral service. Some families want to hold a visitation, wake, or formal funeral ceremony, even if they choose cremation.
A viewing, visitation, or vigil can be held at the funeral home. Family and friends can gather for a funeral service, typically with the deceased present. Following the funeral ritual, the deceased is transferred to the crematory for cremation, and the cremated remains, are returned to the family once the cremation is conducted.
This cremation service is like a traditional funeral service, except the deceased is cremated after the ceremony and services instead of transferred to the cemetery for burial. A family can opt to make arrangements for interment of cremated remains at a columbarium or an existing cemetery plot.
As with a Cremation Memorial Service, the average cost of a Cremation Funeral can vary, but you are now looking at the $5,000 to $12,000 price range.
Whether a Cremation Memorial or Full-Service Cremation Funeral is conducted, some families prefer to keep the cremation urn at home once the cremation ashes are returned. Other may choose to scatter the ashes in a special place, or have a cremation artifact designed as a lasting tribute.
Why quoting the average cost of a cremation in Canada is so difficult?
The main issue with quoting the average price of cremation is that cremation costs vary greatly from province to province and even from area to area. Some provinces have much greater cremation costs than others. This can be because of higher energy costs, a less competitive cremation market, and a lower cremation rate.
Which cremation provider you select will also determine what cremation prices you can expect. A traditional full-service funeral home generally charges more for cremation services as they have a larger overhead to maintain.
Cremation providers that have established themselves as an affordable basic cremation alternative, and offer trimmed down services, often with online cremation arrangements, can save on overhead and deliver discounted basic cremation costs to the consumer. These cremation service companies are doing a high volume of basic cremations to offset the decline in more expensive and elaborate funeral service.
For this reason, a cremation can differ in cost by $100’s to $1,000’s within the same province or even within the same city.
How can I compare cremation costs near me?
If you wish to establish the cost of a cremation in your area, first, you must ensure you compare the same service against the same service – like-for-like. We have provided above some basic cremation price comparisons in main cities in Canada, and outlined what the main differences in cremation service options are.
So, if you need to find an affordable basic cremation in your area, do some research online or by phone and get prices for a basic cremation service. Check exactly what is included.
A simple cremation service price quote should generally include:
- Collection of the deceased from the place of death
- Transfer to the cremation facility
- Shelter of the deceased
- Filing of death certificate and cremation permit
- A cardboard cremation container for the cremation process
- The cremation process
- Return of the cremated remains in a temporary cremation urn
However, it is not uncommon due to differing Provincial laws for a cremation price to be quoted that does not include all the above. Sometimes the crematory fee may be added, and fees for issuing death certificates vary.
Final thoughts on the rise of basic cremation services in Canada
Comparing prices and knowing what costs to expect are all part of our consumer culture today. It pays off to do your research and better understand costs before choosing a funeral service provider in your area. Canadians have been opting for cremation services for a few decades, with a cremation rate already at 75%.
A significant shift in the last decade has been the rise of the basic cremation service as the fastest-growing cremation option selected today. Why? Because, we are all more price-conscious and less inclined to spend in excess on unnecessary services. If we can arrange a dignified simple cremation for under $2,000 – why should we pay 3 times that?
In the digital world today, we have a greater realization that we have alternative choices for death care, and can shop around for cremation prices, and choose to do our own memorial tribute. Hosting your own service can be a great way to make a cremation memorial far more personalized, special, and flexible. But, more importantly, it can save you thousands of dollars that you would have ordinarily handed over to a funeral home business.
