What are funeral pre-arrangements?

Funeral pre-arrangements allow you to plan and, if you choose, prepay your funeral in advance. This protects your family from having to make difficult decisions during a time of grief.

Is it legally binding?

In Quebec, funeral pre-arrangement contracts are governed by the Act respecting prearranged funeral services and sepultures. A signed contract with a partner funeral home is legally binding and regulated by the province.

How much does it cost?

Costs vary based on your choices (cremation, burial, ceremony). Our free guide includes a detailed price grid. See our pricing page for current ranges in Quebec.

Is my money protected?

Yes. In Quebec, funds paid under a pre-arrangement contract must be placed in a trust fund or annuity. Your money is protected by law even if the funeral home closes.

Can I change my mind later?

Yes. You can modify your arrangements or cancel your contract. Refund terms are governed by Quebec law. Our advisors can guide you through the process at no cost.

Is it available everywhere in Quebec?

Our partner network covers all of Quebec including Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, Gatineau, Sherbrooke and remote regions. Start online and a local advisor will follow up with you.

How long does it take?

Completing your online questionnaire takes about 15 minutes. You receive a personalized plan within 48 hours. Signing your contract with our funeral partner typically takes a one-hour meeting.

Burial vs cremation costs in Quebec: a detailed comparison

In Quebec, direct cremation without a ceremony costs $1,500–$4,500, and cremation with full service costs $5,000–$10,000. Burial typically costs $5,000–$15,000 or more, including the cemetery plot, casket, and funeral home fees.

Burial vs Cremation Costs in Quebec: Detailed Comparison

The choice between burial and cremation is deeply personal. But it also has a concrete financial dimension. Here is an honest comparison of typical costs in Quebec, to help you plan with full information.

Cremation costs

Direct cremation (without ceremony): $1,500 to $2,500. This is the most economical option. The body is cremated without prior visitation or formal ceremony. The family receives the ashes. Informal memorial gatherings can still be organized separately, in any location.

Cremation with full service: $4,000 to $9,000. This package typically includes a visitation period, a funeral ceremony in the funeral home's chapel, the cremation itself, a basic urn, and administrative fees. Additional options (premium urn, ceremony at an external venue, flowers) increase the total.

Burial costs

Burial is generally more expensive than cremation, due to several cost components:

Casket: $800 to $8,000 depending on material and style (wood, metal, laminate)
Cemetery plot (concession): $1,500 to $8,000 depending on cemetery and location
Funeral home fees: $2,000 to $5,000 (body preparation, visitation, ceremony, transportation)
Headstone or monument: $1,000 to $8,000 (often paid separately, several months later)
Grave opening: $150 to $600

The total for a full-service burial generally falls between $5,000 and $15,000, and can exceed this amount depending on choices made.

Cremation popularity in Quebec

According to Quebec market data, more than 70% of deaths in Quebec now result in cremation. This trend reflects both growing cultural preferences for cremation and its economic advantage over traditional burial.

Environmental considerations

Neither cremation nor burial is without environmental impact. Cremation consumes energy and generates emissions. Burial uses land and embalming products. For those who place particular importance on ecological footprint, aquamation (hydrofaction) and green burial are alternatives available in Quebec.

What you save by planning ahead

Whatever the choice, planning ahead locks in today's prices. Funeral costs tend to rise over time. A pre-arrangement signed now protects you against future increases and significantly reduces the financial burden on your family.

Updated: March 2026