Green & Natural Burial Options
in Southern Ontario
Green, or Natural Burial is focused on reducing the environmental impact on the earth. The majority of the dedicated green burial sections described below adhere to the the main principles of green or natural burial. The elements permitted in these green burial sections, including the casket, shroud, and even clothing, must be made up of biodegradable materials.
Traditional embalming methods are typically prohibited as well. Concrete vaults and grave liners are not used and there are generally no traditional monuments erected to mark the grave. Instead, a communal boulder, plack, garden or fence is erected for memorialization. In some cases, an indigenous plant or rock can be placed at the gravesite.
Please note that all cemeteries have their own set of by-laws. See below for specific information regarding your natural burial options in Southern Ontario, including the Greater Toronto Area and Niagara Region.
From providing quotes, to organizing graveside services, eco facilitates everything you need to select the green burial cemetery best suited to your families wishes.
Cobourg Union Cemetery
Cobourg, ON
Cemetery Description:
Cobourg Union Cemetery is a non-profit cemetery that has a dedicated natural burial section situated in a meadow, overlooking Cobourg Creek.
Green & Natural Burial Options: -Biodegradable Caskets and Shrouds* Accepted -Biodegradable Urns Permitted in Designated Areas -Indigenous Rocks may be used as a Marker Cemetery Location: Distance from Downtown Toronto: Approx. 90 minutes
Jordan, Niagara Escarpment, ON
Cemetery Description:
Nestled in the heart of wine country, St John’s public cemetery is a picturesque historic cemetery with a dedicated green burial section.
Green & Natural Burial Options:
-Biodegradable Caskets and Shrouds* Accepted
-Communal Memorialization Offered
-Cremation Scattering offered in Cremation Garden
Cemetery Location:
Distance from Downtown Toronto: Approx. 75 minutes
Willow’s Rest in Fairview Cemetery
Niagara Falls, ON
Cemetery Description:
Willow's Rest, located at Fairview Cemetery in Niagara Falls, is a 2 acre green burial section set in a wildflower meadow, surrounded by hundreds of native trees.
Green & Natural Burial Options:
-Biodegradable Caskets, Urns and Shrouds* Accepted
-Communal Memorialization Offered
-Cremation Scattering offered in Cremation Garden
Cemetery Location:
Distance from Downtown Toronto: Approx. 80 minutes
Duffin Meadows Cemetery
Pickering, ON
Cemetery Description:
Duffin Meadows is a nature-filled heritage cemetery located in Pickering with a dedicated green burial section.
Green & Natural Burial Options:
-Biodegradable Caskets, Shrouds* and Urns Accepted
-Cremation Scattering offered in Cremation Garden
-Communal Memorialization Offered
Cemetery Location:
Distance from Downtown Toronto: Approx. 45 minutes
Brampton, ON
Cemetery Description:
Meadowvale Cemetery, located in Brampton offers a dedicated green burial section adjacent to a wildlife preservation area, offering a beautiful natural setting within close proximity of downtown Toronto.
Green & Natural Burial Options:
-Biodegradable Caskets, Shrouds* and Urns Accepted
-Scattering offered in Adjacent Natural Scattering Garden
-Communal Memorialization Offered
Cemetery Location:
Distance from Downtown Toronto: Approx. 35 minutes
Woodlawn Memorial Park *Coming Soon!
Guelph, ON
Cemetery Description:
Woodlawn Memorial Park is a historic cemetery located with Guelph. eco is excited support Woodlawn's plans to open a Green Burial area!
Green & Natural Burial Options:
-Please check in with eco for their formal opening!
Cemetery Location:
Distance from Downtown Toronto: Approx. 75 minutes
Waterloo, ON
Cemetery Description:
Parkview Cemetery is a municipal cemetery operated by the city the Waterloo, that contains a dedicated green burial section with indigenous wildflowers.
Green & Natural Burial Options:
-Biodegradable Caskets, Shrouds* and Urns Accepted
-Cremation Scattering Offered in Cremation Garden
-Communal Memorialization Offered
Cemetery Location:
Distance from Downtown Toronto: Approx. 90 minutes
Kitchener, ON
Cemetery Description:
Sanctuary Woods within the Williamsburg Cemetery in Kitchener is a beautiful natural wooded area adjacent to a pond. Sanctuary Woods uniquely offers green burial lots that include a living memorial tree.
Green & Natural Burial Options:
-Biodegradable Caskets, Shrouds* and Urns Accepted
-Living Tree Memorial with Monument at the Base of the Tree Offered
-Communal Memorialization Offered
-Cremation Scattering Offered in Cremation Garden
Cemetery Location:
Distance from Downtown Toronto: Approx. 90 minutes
Toronto, ON
Cemetery Description:
This special cemetery which began serving the public in 1841 is a very special place with many names that have built Toronto buried here. By virtue of their bylaws which prohibit the use of burial vaults, eco can facilitate a more natural burial in the heart of the Beach, where quite literally, the earth is sand. Explore the valley of trees and vegetation of over 177 years.
Green & Natural Burial Options:
-Biodegradable Caskets, and Urns Accepted
-Cremation Scattering Offered in Cremation Garden
Cemetery Location:
Located in the heart of the Beach Community in Toronto.
256 Kingston Road, Toronto, ON M4L 1S7
Roseneath, ON
Cemetery Description:
Sitting atop the picturesque hills of Northumberland County, St. James’ Cemetery has been serving its community since 1863. Tucked away amongst bucolic family farms and small woodlots, the St. James' Cemetery offers a conservation-style natural burial section unique to the province, with native grasses and wildflowers.
Green & Natural Burial Options:
-Biodegradable Caskets, Shrouds* and Urns Accepted
-Natural Stone Monuments and Communal Memorialization Offered
-Cremation Scattering Offered in Cremation Garden
Cemetery Location:
Distance from Downtown Toronto: Approx. 90 minutes
Picton, ON
Cemetery Description:
Glenwood Cemetery is a not-for-profit Historical Cemetery, operated since 1873. It's located in beautiful Prince Edward County where a peaceful woodlot has been created for natural burials. The sun pokes through the trees, deer call it home, Jack- in-the-pulpit, purple trilliums and periwinkle bring purple hues in the spring.
Green & Natural Burial Options:
-Biodegradable Caskets, Shrouds and Urns Accepted
-Cremation Scattering in Adjacent Scattering Grounds
-Bronze Butterfly Plaques and Communal Memorialization Offered
Cemetery Location:
Distance from Downtown Toronto: Approx. 2.5 h
*According to eco’s practical standards, all shrouds must be accompanied by a carrying tray or biodegradable casket.
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