How to Choose a Cemetery in Canada
For Canadian families planning burial (traditional or cremation interment), cemetery selection is one of the more permanent decisions. Plot purchases are typically for the long term — the family expects to visit for generations. Choosing well matters.
Cemetery types
Traditional lawn cemeteries. Upright markers, mowed lawns, classical aesthetic. Most common Canadian cemetery type.
Memorial gardens. Flat markers only, more landscaped, garden-like feel. Often newer cemeteries.
Mausoleums. Above-ground crypts in indoor buildings. Some Canadian cemeteries have community mausoleums; family mausoleums are rare.
Columbariums. Walls or buildings with niches for cremation urns. Common at modern cemeteries.
Green burial grounds. Natural meadow/woodland aesthetic; minimal markers; ecological management.
Denominational cemeteries. Catholic, Jewish, Protestant-specific, some others. Often restricted to members of that faith.
Municipal cemeteries. Run by city/township. Often lower cost than private cemeteries.
Military cemeteries. Beechwood (Ottawa) is Canada's federally-designated National Military Cemetery; provincial military sections in some cemeteries.
Indigenous community burial grounds. Specific to First Nations and Inuit communities; coordinated through community.
Key selection criteria
Location. Where will the family realistically visit? A beautiful cemetery 3 hours away may rarely be visited. A modest cemetery 15 minutes away gets weekly visits.
Type matching your preferences. Traditional, memorial garden, green burial, etc.
Religious affiliation. Matters for Catholic, Jewish, and some other tradition burials.
Available plot styles. In-ground burial, columbarium niche, scattering area, etc.
Family plot considerations. Existing family graves in a specific cemetery often determine choice.
Perpetual care included or separate. Confirm policy. In Ontario, cemetery operators are regulated by the Bereavement Authority of Ontario — a delegated administrative authority (not a government department itself) that publishes consumer guidance on cemetery matters; other provinces have their own regulators.[1]
Visiting hours and access. Some cemeteries have restricted hours; some have full access.
Cost. Plot, opening/closing, monument or marker, perpetual care.
Costs to expect
- Plot: $500-$10,000+ (location-dependent)
- Opening and closing of grave: $500-$2,000
- Vault or grave liner (if required): $1,000-$3,000
- Monument or marker: $1,500-$8,000+
- Perpetual care: included or $200-$1,500 separate
- Inscription updates (for spouse later): $300-$1,000
Total cemetery cost typically $2,500-$15,000+ in addition to funeral home costs.
Pre-purchase considerations
Yes pre-purchase if:
- You have specific cemetery preference
- You want a family plot near existing graves
- Specific section preferences (waterfront, mature trees)
- Want to lock in current pricing
- Specific denominational cemetery membership
No pre-purchase if:
- Flexible about location
- Likely to move
- Money better deployed elsewhere
- Family hasn't agreed on burial vs. cremation
What we focus on at It's Simple Will
The Funeral Pre-Planner captures specific cemetery preference if pre-selected. The Life Discovery Kit documents any pre-purchased plot details so the executor has the information immediately.
Related guides
Citations & sources
- [1]Bereavement Authority of Ontario — Cemetery information — Bereavement Authority of Ontario (delegated administrative authority)
Frequently asked questions
What types of cemeteries exist in Canada?
Several categories — Traditional lawn cemeteries (upright markers, mowed lawns), memorial gardens (flat markers, more landscaped), mausoleums and columbariums (above-ground interment), green burial grounds (natural meadow/woodland), denominational cemeteries (Catholic, Jewish, Protestant), municipal cemeteries (run by city), Indigenous community burial grounds, military cemeteries.
How much do plots cost?
Range $500 (rural single grave) to $10,000+ (premium urban). Major-city plots typically $2,500-$8,000. Cremation niches typically $800-$5,000. Family plots (multiple adjacent graves) priced per grave.
What does perpetual care mean?
Cemetery commitment to maintain the grounds in perpetuity — mowing, basic landscaping, road maintenance. Funded through perpetual care fund (regulated reserves). Some plot purchases include perpetual care; others charge separately. Confirm before purchase.
Should I pre-purchase a plot?
Mixed. Pre-purchasing locks in current prices (inflation hedge) and ensures availability in a specific cemetery. Ties up funds. Most useful when you have specific preferences (specific cemetery, specific section, family plot near existing graves). Less useful when flexibility is acceptable.
Can I be buried in a cemetery of any denomination?
Most cemeteries accept burials regardless of denomination (general public cemeteries especially). Some denominational cemeteries are restricted to members of that faith (most Catholic cemeteries, most Jewish cemeteries). Some have dedicated sections for specific traditions within an otherwise general cemetery.
What about military cemeteries?
Canadian veterans and their spouses may qualify for burial in National Military Cemeteries (Beechwood in Ottawa for federal recognition; provincial military sections in some cemeteries). Veterans Affairs Canada handles eligibility and arrangements.