Funeral Costs in the Province of Quebec

Understanding funeral expenses can help you plan ahead or support your loved ones during difficult times. Here, we will explore typical funeral costs in Quebec, breaking down the average costs for various disposition types, additional services, and important considerations specific to this province.

In This Article

Overview of Funeral Expenses in Quebec

In Quebec, the cost of funerals can vary significantly based on the chosen disposition method, location, and additional services. The main types of funeral arrangements include traditional burials, direct burials, cremation, direct cremation, and aquamation.

Breakdown of Average Funeral Costs by Disposition Type

To help you understand what each type of funeral arrangement entails, here’s a closer look at the key components and average costs:

Traditional Burial

When considering a traditional burial, keep in mind these typical costs:

Average Cost: CAD $7,000 – $15,000
Key Components: Includes a casket, cemetery plot, embalming, viewing, and funeral services.
Notes: Prices vary by location and specific cemetery fees.

Direct Burial

For those seeking a simpler option, direct burial offers these elements:

Average Cost: CAD $2,500 – $5,000
Key Components: Involves a simple casket, transportation, and immediate burial.
Notes: Minimal ceremony or services included.

Cremation with Services

Cremation with services provides flexibility and can include:

Average Cost: CAD $3,500 – $7,000
Key Components: Covers cremation, an urn, a memorial service, and associated fees.
Notes: Often chosen for its affordability and personalization options.

Direct Cremation

Direct cremation is an economical choice with these features:

Average Cost: CAD $1,500 – $3,000
Key Components: Includes basic cremation and essential services without a formal ceremony.
Notes: Suitable for those seeking simplicity and lower costs.

Aquamation (Water Cremation)

For an eco-friendly alternative, consider aquamation, which includes:

Average Cost: CAD $2,000 – $4,000 (see more)
Key Components: Encompasses process fees, an urn, and associated paperwork.
Notes: Known as alkaline hydrolysis, it’s an environmentally friendly option gaining popularity.

Average Funeral Costs by Major City in Quebec

Here’s a comparison of typical funeral costs in five major cities across Quebec:

City	Traditional Burial (CAD)	Direct Burial (CAD)	Cremation with Services (CAD)	Direct Cremation (CAD)	Aquamation (CAD)
Montreal	$8,000 – $15,000	$2,800 – $5,200	$4,000 – $7,500	$1,600 – $3,200	$2,200 – $4,200
Quebec City	$7,500 – $14,000	$2,600 – $4,800	$3,800 – $7,000	$1,500 – $3,000	$2,000 – $4,000
Laval	$7,000 – $13,500	$2,500 – $4,600	$3,500 – $6,800	$1,400 – $2,900	$2,100 – $3,900
Gatineau	$7,200 – $14,200	$2,700 – $4,900	$3,600 – $7,200	$1,500 – $3,100	$2,000 – $4,100
Sherbrooke	$6,800 – $13,000	$2,400 – $4,500	$3,400 – $6,500	$1,400 – $2,800	$1,900 – $3,800

To further assist in your planning, here are some typical additional costs:

Urns and Caskets: The cost of urns ranges from CAD $100 to $2,000, while caskets can vary from CAD $500 for basic models to $10,000 for premium types.
Obituary Notices: Publishing an obituary typically costs CAD $100 – $500, depending on the publication and the length of the notice.
Funeral Home Services: Administration fees often range from CAD $500 to $2,500, covering coordination and related services.

Tips for Managing Funeral Costs

To help manage these expenses, consider these options:

Pre-Planning: Look into pre-arranged funeral services to lock in current rates and reduce future financial burdens.
Comparing Services: Research multiple funeral homes to find the best value for services offered.
Provincial Assistance: Explore programs that provide financial support for funeral expenses in Quebec.

Resources and Assistance

For comprehensive financial support options, please refer to the Quebec Funeral Assistance Program or contact local municipal offices for available resources. Also see: Help with Funeral Costs in Canada