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.

Can I visit the tree at any time?

Yes. Forêt de la Seconde Vie offers access to the forest without an appointment and without restricted hours. The precise GPS coordinates of your tree are provided to you.

Is the forest accessible year-round?

Yes, the forest is accessible year-round, though some winter weather conditions may limit practical access. Check with the provider for specific conditions.

What if the memorial forest company closes?

This is an important question. Ask the provider about the legal mechanisms protecting the land long-term — conservation easement, land trust, or other durability guarantee. Protected private land offers stronger guarantees than a standard commercial property.

Can I hold a ceremony in the forest?

Yes, in most cases. Forêt de la Seconde Vie allows families to organize a ceremony at the time of interment. Some families also return each year for an informal commemoration under the tree.

Does the tree get a nameplate or inscription?

Practices vary. Some providers affix a small discreet plaque or marker. Others prefer no visible inscription to preserve the forest's natural appearance. Ask about the options available.

Memorial Forest and Tree Burial in Quebec

How a memorial forest works

The concept is simple and deeply coherent for those with a strong connection to nature. After cremation (or aquamation), the ashes are placed in a specially designed biodegradable urn that decomposes in the soil. This urn is then buried at the base of a designated tree in a protected private forest.

The family receives precise GPS coordinates for the location. They can visit the tree at any time — no appointment required, no restricted hours. The tree is discreetly marked (according to the provider's practices), and the forest is maintained indefinitely.

Forêt de la Seconde Vie: only Quebec provider

Forêt de la Seconde Vie is currently the only memorial forest provider in Quebec. This Quebec company offers private forested land where families can choose a tree — by species, size, or location in the forest. The forest is protected private land, meaning it cannot be developed or sold for incompatible commercial purposes.

Forêt de la Seconde Vie is also the only aquamation (hydrofaction) provider in Quebec, enabling a combination: aquamation + memorial forest, for an entirely ecological approach.

What "protected land" means

A question many families ask: "What if the company closes?" It is a legitimate concern. Ask the provider about long-term land protection mechanisms — conservation easement, land trust, or other legal mechanism guaranteeing the forest remains accessible and protected even in the event of ownership change or company closure.

No legal restrictions in Quebec

Burying ashes in a biodegradable urn on private land is legal in Quebec. No law prohibits this practice on private land with the owner's consent. The memorial forest is therefore a fully Quebec-law-compliant service.

Cost

Prices vary by provider and the type of tree or location chosen. As a general range, memorial forest placement typically costs between $500 and $2,000 (ashes from cremation or aquamation are additional). Some packages combine cremation (or aquamation) and memorial forest for an all-in price.

The emotional appeal: a living presence

For many families, what distinguishes a memorial forest from all other options is that the memorial is alive. Every spring, the tree buds. Every autumn, it changes colour. Children can watch it grow. It is a form of continuity that neither a columbarium nor an urn on a shelf can offer in quite the same way.

Updated: March 2026

Memorial forest and tree burial in Quebec