Scattering Ashes in Ontario — Rules and Locations

Last updated July 4, 2026 · 2 min read
Quick answer
Ontario permits scattering of cremated remains in most outdoor locations without permit — the Great Lakes, inland lakes and rivers, on private land with owner permission, in many provincial parks (some with restrictions), and on Crown land. Ontario provincial parks generally permit scattering in remote areas away from facilities. Some specific protected areas restrict. Toronto Islands, Niagara Falls, and other heavily-visited public spaces have varying rules. Bereavement Authority of Ontario regulates cemeteries; outdoor scattering generally outside BAO scope.

For Ontario families, scattering cremated remains is generally permitted across most of the province's natural locations. This article covers the regulatory landscape and common Ontario scattering destinations.

Ontario regulatory landscape

Provincial level. Ontario's Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002 (FBCSA) — the statute governing bereavement services in the province — doesn't restrict ash scattering location for cremated remains in most outdoor settings. Under the province's consumer guidance, you may scatter on unoccupied Crown land (including land covered by water, such as a provincial park, conservation reserve, or the Great Lakes) where there's no sign or posting prohibiting it, or on private property with the owner's consent. The Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) administers the FBCSA and regulates cemeteries and funeral homes; outdoor scattering outside of cemeteries is generally outside BAO's licensing scope.

Provincial parks. Ontario Parks generally permits scattering in remote areas of provincial parks (away from trails, campgrounds, beaches). Specific parks may have additional rules. Contact the specific park for confirmation.

National parks in Ontario (Pukaskwa, Thousand Islands, Bruce Peninsula, Point Pelee, others). Parks Canada policy applies — generally permitted in remote areas with similar conditions to provincial parks.

Crown land. Generally permitted.

Municipal parks. Varies by municipality. Most permit; some require notification; some have designated scattering areas.

Private property. Permitted with owner consent.

Common Ontario scattering locations

Great Lakes. Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Superior. All permit scattering. Family boat or charter; 3+ km from shore common practice.

Inland lakes. Algonquin lakes, Muskoka lakes, Kawartha lakes, others. Generally permitted in cottage country lakes; awareness of swimming areas and water intakes appropriate.

Rivers. Ottawa River, Rideau River, various smaller rivers. Generally permitted with environmental awareness.

Provincial parks. Algonquin, Killarney, Quetico, Pinery, Bon Echo, others. Remote areas typically permitted.

Cottage country private land. Common for families with cottages. The deceased's own cottage is a meaningful scattering location.

Niagara region. Niagara Parks Commission has specific rules — check before scattering.

Toronto Islands and lakeshore. Common for Toronto-area families. City of Toronto generally permits.

Best practices

  • Biodegradable urn (or scatter directly from temporary container)
  • Reasonable distance from shore (for water scattering)
  • Awareness of other people in the area
  • Photograph the location for family memory
  • Brief ceremony if family wishes

What we focus on at It's Simple Will

The Funeral Pre-Planner captures specific scattering location preferences. For Ontario families with specific Ontario locations in mind, documenting in advance helps the family follow through.

Citations & sources

  1. [1]Ontario Parks — Government of Ontario
  2. [2]Bereavement Authority of Ontario — Government of Ontario
  3. [3]Arrange a funeral, burial, cremation or scattering (FBCSA rights) — Government of Ontario

Frequently asked questions

Is a permit required for scattering in Ontario?

Generally no for casual outdoor scattering. Ontario's Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002 (FBCSA) doesn't set a permit requirement for scattering cremated remains on unoccupied Crown land (including water, such as the Great Lakes) where there's no posted restriction, or on private property with the owner's consent. Specific provincial parks may have rules; check with Ontario Parks for the specific park, and check with the municipality for municipal land.

Can I scatter in the Great Lakes?

Yes — Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Superior all permit scattering. Practice suggests reasonable distance from shore (3+ km common but no rigid rule).

What about Niagara Falls?

Niagara Parks Commission has specific rules; check before scattering. Some locations within Niagara Parks permitted with notification; others restricted.

What about Toronto and other urban areas?

Toronto parks generally permit scattering with awareness of other users. High Park, Toronto Islands, lakeshore — common scattering locations. Some city parks have specific scattering gardens.

What about private property like cottages?

With owner's permission — straightforward. The deceased's own cottage or family land is common scattering location. Future owners (if property sold) cannot disturb the scattering.

What about Algonquin and other major parks?

Ontario Parks generally permits scattering in remote areas of provincial parks. Some specific protected areas may have restrictions. Contact the specific park.

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