Green Burial Costs in Canada — What to Budget
Green burial typically costs less than traditional burial — substantially less in many cases. This article breaks down the cost components and comparison.
Cost components for green burial
| Component | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Plot (green burial section) | $1,500-$4,000 |
| Opening/closing | $500-$1,500 |
| Biodegradable container | $200-$1,500 |
| Basic marker (natural stone) | $0-$300 |
| Service (if any) | $500-$2,000 |
| Funeral home services (if engaged) | $1,000-$2,500 |
Total typical: $3,000-$8,000.
Why it's cheaper than traditional burial
Traditional burial typically costs $7,000-$15,000+ in most Canadian cities. Green burial saves through:
- No embalming: $500-$1,000 saved
- Simple casket or shroud: $200-$1,500 vs. $2,000-$5,000+ for traditional caskets
- No vault: $1,000-$3,000 saved
- Often cheaper plot: Green burial sections sometimes priced below traditional sections at the same cemetery
- No headstone manufacture: Markers typically small natural stones, not engraved monuments
Total savings $2,000-$6,000+ vs. equivalent traditional burial service.
Specific Canadian green burial grounds
- Royal Oak Burial Park (Victoria, BC) — Canada's first dedicated green burial ground
- Cobourg Union Cemetery (Cobourg, ON) — green burial section
- Beechwood Cemetery (Ottawa, ON) — natural/woodland burial section
- Meadowvale Cemetery (Brampton, ON) — natural burial section
- Sunrise Park Inter-Faith Cemetery (near Halifax, NS) — Nova Scotia's first certified green burial cemetery
- Aurora Gardens at Northern Lights Cemetery (Edmonton, AB) — Edmonton Municipal Cemeteries' first green burial area
- Heritage Gardens Cemetery (Surrey, BC) — dedicated Green Burial Garden
- Many others — see the Green Burial Society of Canada directory
Pricing varies by location.
Cost vs. direct cremation
| Disposition | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Direct cremation, no service | $500-$2,000 |
| Green burial | $3,000-$8,000 |
| Traditional cremation with full service | $4,000-$8,000 |
| Traditional burial with full funeral | $7,000-$15,000+ |
Direct cremation is the lowest-cost option overall. Green burial costs roughly between direct cremation and traditional service, providing a physical gathering place that direct cremation alone doesn't.
What we focus on at It's Simple Will
The Funeral Cost Estimator calculates costs for different disposition choices. The Funeral Pre-Planner captures green burial preferences.
Related guides
Citations & sources
- [1]Green Burial Society of Canada — Green Burial Society of Canada
Frequently asked questions
Why is green burial cheaper?
Several savings — no embalming ($500-$1,000), simpler container ($200-$1,500 vs. $2,000-$5,000+ for traditional caskets), no vault ($1,000-$3,000 saved), and often slightly cheaper plot. Total savings $2,000-$6,000+ vs. comparable traditional burial.
Where can I have green burial in Canada?
Major dedicated green burial grounds — Royal Oak Burial Park (Victoria, BC), Cobourg Union Cemetery (ON), Beechwood Cemetery (Ottawa), Meadowvale Cemetery (Brampton), Sunrise Park Inter-Faith Cemetery (near Halifax, NS). Many traditional cemeteries now have green burial sections. The Green Burial Society of Canada maintains the current directory.
Is the cost the same across providers?
No. Cost varies by green burial ground location, plot type, and any optional services. Comparison shopping applies. Some premium locations are similar to traditional burial cost.
What's included in the cost?
Plot, opening/closing, basic marker (often a small natural stone), simple service if held graveside, body care. Casket or shroud usually separate purchase ($200-$1,500). Funeral home services if engaged additional.
Are there other ongoing costs?
Some grounds include perpetual care; others charge separately. Some allow simple plantings on the grave at family expense. No headstone manufacture cost (markers are typically small natural stones provided by the ground).
How does it compare to direct cremation cost?
Direct cremation $500-$2,000 is typically cheaper than green burial $3,000-$8,000. Green burial provides the physical gathering place that direct cremation alone doesn't. Different tradeoffs.