How our body will be disposed of after death is not a thought we like to think about. However, the choice between cremation and burial is a decision that everyone will have to make sooner or later. Indeed, unless you prefer to leave this difficult decision to your family, it is best to plan ahead for your final resting place!
Funeral Services Quotes aims to make this choice easier by explaining everything you need to know about the cremation process! As this is an increasingly popular option, the decision is not to be taken lightly!
Contact Funeral Services Quotes to obtain a free quote for prearranged funeral and cremation services!
Cremation and incineration: Understanding the process!
Allow us to clarify from the start that cremation and incineration are in fact the same process. In fact, although often explained as distinct, these two processes are really the same and the only differences are in terminology.
The term “incineration”, although often used in popular jargon, is inappropriate in the funeral context as it actually refers to the burning of objects, trash, or other items.
Cremation, on the other hand, refers to the process of reducing the body to ashes using fire. Specifically, cremation consists of placing the dead body in a crematory oven heated to a very high temperature to reduce it to ashes.
What happens to the ashes after cremation? There are several options available to the family of the deceased. First, the ashes must be kept in a funeral urn. This urn can then be kept in the home of a loved one or displayed in a niche in a columbarium. In addition, it is still possible to scatter the ashes in an authorized place if the deceased requested it.
Is it possible to bury the urn of a cremated person? Burial, another alternative to cremation, consists of placing the remains of the deceased in a casket. However, it is also possible to bury the ashes in a funeral urn. In fact, it is possible to purchase a plot in a cemetery so that the burial of the ashes can take place there.
Is cremation a common practice in all funeral homes in Quebec? Absolutely! In fact, cremation is a practice that is becoming increasingly popular among Quebecers, with more and more people choosing cremation over traditional burial. You can easily find a funeral home that offers this type of service since almost all of them offer cremation options.
The partners of Funeral Services Quotes can offer you cremation services at very competitive prices. Contact us now to compare the prices of their services.
The origin of the cremation ritual
It is said that the study of history helps put things into perspective. If so, let’s take the time to revisit the history of cremation to make your choice easier!
Archaeological and anthropological studies reveal that cremation has been a funeral rite that has been practiced for hundreds of years. Indeed, cremation made its first appearance when the first civilizations used fire to dispose of the bodies of the deceased.
However, it was the spread of religion that put a brake on the progress of cremation. Indeed, for several hundred years, the Vatican forbade the use of cremation due to biblical passages suggesting its prohibition. However, in 1963, the Catholic Church withdrew this prohibition and permitted Catholics to bury their ashes in sacred places.
In the meantime, many historical civilizations have resorted to cremation, and it now figures as the main funeral practice in Quebec. How history can turn out to be cyclical and make you realize that cremation is a funerary practice well anchored in human history.
How to choose between cremation and burial for a loved one?
Funeral homes, contrary to popular belief, do much more than organize the funeral ceremony; they are true funeral and end-of-life advisors. So, when a decision about your funeral turns out to be difficult, discussing it with a funeral counselor could make decision-making much easier.
With good reason, funeral home staff have unique funeral expertise allowing them to guide you when making sensitive or difficult decisions. They can also explain in detail the operation of the various funeral rites, cremation, burial, etc. They are your most trusted advisors so don’t hesitate to call on them!
Above all, avoid leaving such a decision to your loved ones! Even though your death will leave emotional marks on your relatives and loved ones, leaving the burden of deciding whether you should be cremated or buried will only make the situation worse. Take all the time you need to make an informed decision but be sure to record your choice in a funeral prearrangement contract before your death. Your loved ones will be grateful to have these instructions to follow when the time comes.
Funeral prearrangements for planning cremation
Your loved ones may not share the same opinion regarding cremation. Are you worried that this will sow discord among family members after your death? You will be surprised to learn that there is a very simple way to prevent such an unfortunate situation: prepare funeral arrangements in advance!
Such a document serves as your last will allowing you to plan all the terms and conditions concerning your funeral. The conduct of the ceremony, the cost of the funeral, the method of disposal of the body, the location of the reception, and other aspects are all part of the prearranged funeral contract, including cremation!
All aspects of cremation can be settled in this contract! Do you want to be cremated and then buried? Would you rather have your ashes scattered in the location of your choice? Whatever your wishes, you can arrange them in a prearrangement contract so that the cremation takes place according to your wishes.
The choice of urn and casket can also be part of the prearrangement contract! Indeed, as these two essential accessories for planning a funeral represent a considerable expense, it is better to plan for them and pay for them in advance. Not only does this prevent your funeral from being paid for out of estate funds but this decision takes the burden of looking for the right casket away from your loved one during their grief-stricken moments.
Where will your ashes be laid to rest? In the event that you opt for cremation, you will have to think about the final resting place for your ashes. You should consider entering into a burial contract. This document is an essential accessory for funeral arrangements since it aims to purchase the cemetery lot in which your ashes will be buried, or even to reserve the columbarium niche in which they will be displayed!
Tell your loved ones and heirs about your choice to ease their grief! Ultimately, the choice between cremation and burial is yours. However, since your loved ones are most affected by your death, they too should be informed of your decision to avoid surprises. This will comfort them somewhat so talk it over with them!
The price of pre-arranged funerals can vary widely from one funeral home to another! Be sure to compare prices before making a choice and get a free quote with Funeral Services Quotes!
The price of cremation in Quebec in 2025
The price of a funeral is far from being a secondary consideration. Of course, you are not the one who will benefit from these savings, but your heirs and your estate will be greatly relieved not to have to pay an expensive price.
Whether you are preparing funeral prearrangements or arranging the funeral of a loved one who had recently passed, you should take the time to compare the various prices for cremation services.
Funeral Services Quotes can make it easy for you since we have gathered the prices of the various cremation services in Quebec in 2025!
Type of Cremation Service | Average Price in Quebec |
Basic Cremation | $350 to $390 |
Direct Cremation and Urn | $720 to $990 |
Cremation, Transport, & legal formalities | $1,200 to $1,400 |
Cremation and funeral services | $1,750 |
Cremation “ All-in” | Starts at $2,000 |
Cremation coffin | $500 |
Why does the price of cremation vary so much in Quebec? Funeral homes in all regions of Quebec offer unique cremation packages. The service offer is likely to vary as well as the price!
Know that regardless of the type of cremation you choose, the process is always carried out with the greatest respect for the deceased, whether it is the economical or all-inclusive option.
What is an “all-inclusive” cremation? If you opt for an “all-inclusive” cremation, you entrust the funeral home with all the cremation procedures, the organization of the funeral ceremony, the transport arrangements, the supply of a funeral urn, and the completion of legal formalities relating to the death. This is the ideal package to ensure peace of mind and a minimum of hassle for your loved ones.
What are the legal formalities assumed by the funeral home? The business will take care of sending the Declaration of Death as well as the health insurance card of the deceased to the Registrar of Civil Status so that the latter can issue a copy of the Death Certificate. You don’t have to go through the funeral home to do this but it’s a much easier way to do it.
How to pay the best price for cremation in Quebec? You prepare prearranged funeral arrangements with the help of a reputable funeral home offering professional services. Since each company is free to establish a service offer that is unique to it, cremation packages are expected to vary from one establishment to another.
To get an accurate price for cremation, trust the partners of Funeral Services Quotes to prepare your funeral prearrangements!
What is the price of a funeral urn in Quebec in 2025?
When you choose cremation, you also need to consider the urn to hold the ashes.
We agree that it is not every day that you choose your final resting place and it can be difficult to determine your needs in this matter. There is no shortage of choices when it comes to urns, and there is plenty to choose from!
To give you an idea of the price of urns in Quebec, Funeral Services Quotes presents the average cost of funeral urns in 2025!
Type of Funeral Urn | Average Price |
Wooden urn (economical) | $300 to $500 |
Metal urn (mid-range) | $500 to $650 |
Wooden urn | $700 to $1,100 |
Marble urn | Starts at $1,100 |
When and how can you choose your urn? The choice of a funeral urn is made by preparing the funeral arrangements beforehand! This contract allows you to prepare and pay several years in advance for all the expenses related to your funeral, which includes the urn to be used following the cremation.
What is the advantage of choosing an urn ahead of time? One of the great benefits of making pre-arranged funerals is that you’re paying today’s prices for a funeral service that won’t take place for years to come. By making pre-arrangements and choosing an urn today, you will not only have time to compare but also save money.
Funeral prearrangements allow you to plan a personalized cremation service that reflects your taste and standards. You will be able to choose the package that represents you and the urn that you prefer in one contract.
How much do columbariums and cemetery plots cost?
Once the body of the deceased has been cremated and preserved in an urn, it will now be transported to its final resting place. When a body is interred, the only option available is that of a plot in a cemetery, but in the case of an urn, there are many more options for displaying and storing the ashes.
Not sure where you want to keep your ashes? Compare the prices for columbarium niches and cemetery lots to make a choice according to your tastes and your means!
Resting Place | Average cost in Quebec |
Columbarium niche (25 years) | $500 to $1,000 |
Columbarium niche (50 years) | $800 to $1300 |
Columbarium niche (99 years) | $1,300 to $1,700 |
Cemetery lot (25 years) | $800 |
Cemetery lot (50 years) | $1,300 |
Cemetery lot (100 years) | $2,000 |
What do you buy when you opt for a lot or a niche? What is essential to know is that you are not buying the cemetery plot or the columbarium niche but the right to be displayed or kept there for the duration stipulated in the contract. This is why such locations are called “concessions” since they eventually expire.
What happens when the cemetery “concession” expires? The relatives of the deceased are notified of the imminent expiration of the concession and are offered the choice of renewing it for a new fixed period. If relatives refuse to renew or if they cannot be located, the concession will end and must be released.
Are cemetery lots for urns less expensive than those for caskets? Absolutely! As the land occupied is smaller and the excavation is less important, the lots intended for the funeral urns are cheaper. In addition, you have the option of choosing a package that can contain 3 to 4 urns from the same family at a lower price.
Can the urn be kept at a family member’s home? Certainly! The law does not prevent anyone from keeping the urn containing the ashes of a loved one in their home. It is important to respect the funeral wishes of the deceased loved one that had been recorded in their funeral prearrangements, their deposit of wills, or their last will.
How can you reserve your place in a cemetery or columbarium? This aspect of the funeral cannot be provided for in a prearranged contract, but rather, in a burial contract. This should not be confused with that of funeral prearrangements since it is subject to very different terms and conditions.
Speak to one of our partner funeral consultants today to compare the prices of cemetery plots or columbarium niches.
What are the advantages of choosing cremation?
Let’s start by saying that cremation can be a purely personal choice that aligns with your beliefs. For those who are still hesitating between cremation and burial, the balance of pros and cons could prove to be decisive when making a decision.
Funeral Services Quotes can guide you through this process. Below is a list of the key advantages of cremation.
The ecological aspect of cremation
Although there is still much debate, experts agree that cremation is the most environmentally-friendly option when compared to burial. Choosing an ecological urn will also allow you to contribute to the preservation of the environment.
Save money
If you refer to the table above, you will see that cremation allows us to organize a funeral rite that is adapted to the budget of all households. This means that you will be able to conclude a funeral pre-arrangement contract at an affordable price while organizing a ceremony that suits your image.
A ceremony befitting the deceased
By opting for cremation, you will have the advantage of organizing a personalized ceremony that upholds your public image without constraints. Whether it is an indoor or outdoor ceremony, you will be able to plan a ceremony that reflects your persona and even plan the scattering of your ashes in an authorized place.
Simplified process
Burial requires embalming, the choice of a casket, dressing, and grooming the body, and these can increase the cost of the funeral services. Cremation, on the other hand, is a quick and simple process. It can be done quickly following death and in a respectful manner which spares the loved ones from having to make difficult decisions.
Frequently asked questions about the cremation funeral process
The cremation of one’s body can raise a lot of questions and this is perfectly natural. Since you only plan your funeral once, the process can quickly become confusing. In order to make the choice of cremation perfectly clear to you and for you to make this decision with a clear conscience, we offer you the answers to some of your most common questions about cremation!
Is it possible to hold a viewing if you opt for cremation?
Yes, it is! It is possible, through a prearranged funeral contract to arrange viewing before your body is cremated. Furthermore, it is still possible to schedule a religious ceremony in the presence of the body and then proceed with the cremation. In any case, several funeral options are available and they are not limited by your choice of cremation.
How is cremation done?
Since it involves the disposal of the body, it is natural to be curious about the details of the process. When it comes to cremation, the process is quite simple as it involves subjecting the body to extreme heat of nearly 2000°F to reduce it to ashes. For some, the process may not seem appealing at first but cremation is performed with the utmost respect for the body and humanity of the deceased.
Can you attend the cremation of the body?
It depends on the funeral home you deal with. However, many of them offer this possibility in the province of Quebec as they know that attending is likely to help with the grieving process. Ask the funeral home you have chosen before opting for cremation!
Do religious groups allow cremation?
Each religion has its own principles that may govern or limit access to cremation. That being said, the Catholic Church, the religion of affiliation of many Quebecers, has permitted cremation of the body since 1963. However, the Vatican imposes the obligation to bury the funeral urn in a sacred place such as a cemetery, thus prohibiting the keeping of ashes in the home of a relative of the deceased.
Is it possible to scatter the ashes of the deceased wherever you wish?
Unfortunately, no. The scattering of ashes is an authorized practice in Quebec but it is strictly regulated by law in order to preserve the honour and integrity of the deceased.
As a guideline, the law states that it is forbidden to scatter ashes in a place that could constitute a nuisance or that could compromise the integrity of the deceased. Further, the family can scatter ashes according to the wishes of the deceased for as long as it does not cause danger to public health.
Cremation or burial - Which is more ecological?
The answer to this question is still not definitive. While cremation presents the problem of pollution during the cremation of the body, burial presents the problem of burying a coffin and a body in the ground, thus harming the ecosystem. For the more environmentally conscious among you, it is possible to plan an environmentally-friendly funeral using a biodegradable urn, for example.
Speak to a funeral services consultant who will be happy to present you with all the funeral service options that will make your death as environmentally-friendly as possible!
Aquamation vs. Cremation
Speaking of ecological funerals, one process for disposing of the body has been growing in popularity in recent years – aquamation of the body!
Conceived as an alternative to cremation, aquamation consists of reducing the body to ashes by the action of water at high temperature, mixed with alkaline-based solutions. This water solution, when set in motion in the aquamation chamber, has the effect of turning the body into ashes.
Why is aquamation more environmentally friendly than cremation or burial? For several reasons. First of all, aquamation consumes 90% less energy than cremation and therefore limits the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Furthermore, since no combustion occurs, the carbon footprint is significantly reduced compared to cremation which uses fire to reduce the body to ashes.
Do you get ashes at the end of the aquamation process? Yes. As with cremation, aquamation creates a solid bone remnant that is returned to the family in the form of ashes. However, in order to optimize the ecological virtues of aquamation, it is recommended to choose a biodegradable urn which will then be placed in the ground.
This is the only environmentally-friendly, biodegradable, and footprint-friendly way to dispose of the body. Take the time to explore this option with the help of Funeral Services Quotes!
Choosing a funeral urn is a necessary step in cremation!
As a direct consequence of cremation, it is necessary to choose an urn to keep the ashes. While this may seem simple at first, the decision can quickly become complicated if your loved ones intend to keep your ashes at home or if the urn in question is to be buried.
How do you choose the right funeral urn? This decision is highly personal. However, to guide you through the process, we advise you to choose a funeral urn by considering your own tastes, the opinion of your loved ones, the final destination of the urn (buried or displayed), and your financial means. In addition, you can choose a biodegradable urn if your ecological values are important to you when planning your death!
Such a step requires asking yourself certain questions. Do you want your urn to be kept in a niche in a columbarium, in a mausoleum, in a loved one’s home or scattered someplace? Your answers will affect the type of urn you select. There is no need to explain to you that a buried urn does not necessarily have to be aesthetically pleasing unlike one that will adorn the home of one of your heirs.
The best way to choose the right funeral urn is to involve your loved ones in the process and to plan ahead! Compare funeral urns to make the best choice by consulting our funeral home partners today.
Funeral Services Quotes helps you make choices regarding cremation
The death of a loved one is a significant event, as much for the loved ones left behind as well as the person concerned.
Therefore, no decision regarding funerals should be taken lightly, and each one must be properly thought out!
Cremation is no exception to this principle. To make it easier for you to make the best choices regarding funeral arrangements, Funeral Services Quotes offers you a simple, easy, and no-obligation process!
Don’t hesitate any longer – this service is free, without obligation, and allows you to make an informed decision that would benefit you and your family members.
All you have to do is fill out the form at the bottom of the page to receive a free quote from a funeral home in your area!
