Cremation and ashes transport
Cremation in Canada and bringing ashes home
Widely available across Canada. One of the highest national cremation rates in the world (~73%). This page sets out what Canada requires, and what to check before you decide.
Where
Widely available across Canada. One of the highest national cremation rates in the world (~73%).
Cremation available
Yes, legally available
Important: read this before making any decisions
Do NOT cremate if a UK coroner may need to hold an inquest.
If there is any possibility a UK coroner may be involved, speak to us first. Do not instruct a funeral director to proceed with cremation until you have confirmed the position with the coroner's office.
Cremation in Canada
What applies in Canada
Cremation is the majority choice (approximately 73% nationally, one of the highest rates in the world). Burial remains common among Catholic, Orthodox, Muslim, and some immigrant communities.
Widely available across Canada. One of the highest national cremation rates in the world (~73%).
Religious context: Christianity (Catholic and Protestant main denominations). Significant secular/non-religious population. Diverse immigrant communities.
Local funeral timing: Funerals typically 3-7 days after death, similar to UK and US norms.
How the body is handled locally: Professional handling. Canadian funeral industry standards comparable to UK and USA.
Visitation/viewing before the funeral is common; Celebration of life events increasingly popular; Cremation is the majority choice; Indigenous First Nations funeral practices involve specific cultural protocols; French-Canadian Catholic traditions differ slightly from English-Canadian
Weighing cremation abroad against bringing your loved one home intact? How families decide between the two.
Documentation language
English and French (both official). English dominant in all provinces except Quebec.
Documents you will need
Documentation for bringing ashes from Canada to the UK
You will need these documents in order when carrying ashes through airport security and UK customs.
Death certificate (provincial)
Cremation certificate
Export documentation
Airline guidance
Carrying ashes on the flight home
Yes, with documentation. Air Canada and other carriers allow ashes in carry-on. CATSA (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority) allows ashes through screening.
What Canada requires: Death certificate (provincial); Cremation certificate; Export documentation
What affects the cost from Canada
We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case. For Canada the things that move it are:
- Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium. Widely available across Canada. One of the highest national cremation rates in the world (~73%).
- Whether an investigation must conclude before release
- Translation, since documentation is in English and French (both official). English dominant in all provinces except Quebec.
- Whether you carry the ashes yourself or need them shipped
Contact us with the details and we will give you a figure for your case. Source: gov.uk FCDO guidance; CATSA regulations; airline policies
Considering full repatriation instead?
Some families decide they want their loved one brought home intact. The full Canada guide sets out that process.
Full repatriation guide for CanadaTalk to us about cremation in Canada
We can advise on whether cremation abroad is the right choice for your family. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.
Thank you. We have received your enquiry and will be in touch as soon as possible, usually within a few hours.