Is embalming required in Quebec?
No. Embalming is not legally required in Quebec in most situations. This common misconception is widespread but inaccurate. Embalming is generally only required in two specific cases:
- When the body must be transported across certain distances or a border (international or inter-provincial transport)
- When burial is significantly delayed and other preservation methods are unavailable
For a local burial within normal timeframes, refrigeration is a sufficient alternative to embalming. By choosing not to embalm, you save $500 to $1,200 and avoid introducing formaldehyde and other chemicals into the body and the earth.
The biodegradable casket: legal in Quebec
Quebec requires that a body be buried in a casket — a shroud alone without a casket is not permitted for conventional ground burial. However, a casket does not need to be made of metal or varnished wood. The following are available and legal:
- Wicker: made from braided willow branches, entirely biodegradable
- Recycled cardboard: an economical and biodegradable option
- Untreated wood: pine, poplar, or other species without varnish or metal fittings
- Compressed natural fibres: material specifically developed for green burials
Green cemeteries in Quebec
Most conventional cemeteries in Quebec require a vault (a concrete or plastic liner in which the casket is placed) to facilitate land maintenance and prevent ground subsidence. This requirement makes fully natural burial difficult in traditional cemeteries.
Natural sections and dedicated green cemeteries are beginning to emerge in Quebec, but remain rare. If green burial is a priority, specifically ask cemeteries in your region about the availability of natural sections.
Cost comparison: green burial vs. conventional burial
| Element | Conventional | Green |
|---|---|---|
| Embalming | $500–$1,200 | $0 (refrigeration included) |
| Casket | $800–$8,000 | $200–$1,200 |
| Cemetery vault | $500–$1,500 | $0 (if natural section) |
Green burial and religious traditions
Green burial is compatible with many religious traditions — particularly Islamic and Jewish traditions, which already prescribe burial without embalming in a shroud or simple casket. For these traditions, green burial is often closest to their ancestral practices.
Updated: March 2026