If you're looking into the arbor memorial cremation cost, you're probably weighing your options during an already difficult time. Arbor Memorial is the largest privately owned funeral company in Canada -- 92 funeral homes, 41 cemeteries, and 27 crematoria across the country. They've been in operation since 1947 and serve over 18,000 families a year.
That kind of scale means resources, experience, and wide geographic coverage. It also means their pricing model, sales approach, and service structure work differently than smaller or online-first providers.
This arbor memorial review compares their services to Cleo's direct cremation model, so you can decide which approach is the better fit for your family.
Who is Arbor Memorial?
Arbor Memorial Services is headquartered in Toronto and was taken private in 2012 through a $375 million acquisition. They hold approximately 10% of the Canadian funeral market, making them the largest player in the country.
What makes Arbor worth understanding is how they're structured: they operate 92 funeral homes across Canada, most of which use local-sounding names. Unless you visit their corporate website, you might not realize the funeral home you're considering is part of a national chain.
The arbor memorial funeral homes list for the GTA
If any of these names look familiar, they're part of the Arbor Memorial network:
- McDougall & Brown Funeral Home (Toronto, Scarborough)
- Highland Funeral Home (Scarborough)
- Highland Hills Funeral Home & Cemetery (Markham)
- Scott Funeral Home (West Toronto)
- Glendale Funeral Home & Cemetery (Toronto)
- Jerrett Funeral Home (Toronto -- Kennedy Rd and St. Clair locations)
- Morley Bedford Funeral Services (Toronto)
- Glen Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery (Oakville)
- Cremation Basics (GTA, Ottawa -- their budget sub-brand)
This isn't necessarily a problem -- many large companies operate under regional brands. But it's worth knowing when you're comparing providers. If you're getting quotes from three funeral homes that all happen to be Arbor locations, you're comparing the same company to itself.
Arbor Memorial cremation cost: what's available
Pricing isn't published online
Arbor Memorial doesn't list cremation or funeral pricing on their main website. To find out what services cost, you'll need to call, visit, or book an appointment. Their budget sub-brand, Cremation Basics, does offer a downloadable PDF price list, though it's not prominently linked.
This is common across most traditional funeral homes in Ontario. The Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) requires all licensed providers to give you an itemized price list before you agree to anything -- so you will see the numbers before you commit. But you won't be able to compare online before that first conversation.
What we know about their pricing
While Arbor doesn't publish a standard price list on their main site, industry data gives us a general picture:
- Direct cremation in Ontario: $1,400-$4,500 depending on provider and inclusions
- Full-service funeral with cremation (industry average): $6,700-$9,150
- Casket prices (traditional funeral homes): $895-$2,200+ depending on material and style
- Embalming (if requested): Typically $500-$600 in Ontario
The exact arbor memorial cremation cost will depend on which location you visit, which services you select, and whether you're arranging a direct cremation or a full traditional funeral.
Understanding the traditional funeral pricing model
Traditional funeral homes like Arbor typically use an itemized, service-by-service pricing model. You select the services you want -- transportation, preparation, facility use, casket or container, ceremony coordination -- and the total reflects those choices.
This gives you flexibility to build a package that matches your wishes. It also means the final price can vary significantly from the initial estimate, especially if additional services are recommended during the arrangement meeting. If you're on a strict budget, ask upfront: "What is the all-in total for exactly this set of services, including tax and all fees?"
Arbor Memorial vs. Cleo: side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Arbor Memorial | Cleo |
|---|---|---|
| Company type | Canada's largest private funeral chain | Independent |
| Pricing model | Itemized, quote-based | Fixed, all-inclusive |
| Online pricing | Not on main site; PDF available for budget sub-brand | Full pricing published online |
| How you arrange | In-person or by phone | Phone or online, 24/7 |
| Availability | Business hours | 24/7 |
| Service area | National (92 locations across Canada) | Ontario + Quebec |
| Service scope | Full funerals, cremation, burial, cemeteries, pre-planning | Direct cremation only |
| Branding | 90+ local names under one corporate parent | One brand |
| Sub-brands | Cremation Basics (budget tier) | None -- one service, one price |
| Cemetery services | Yes -- plots, mausoleums, interment | No |
When Arbor Memorial makes sense
Arbor is worth considering if your family wants a full traditional funeral experience -- ceremony, visitation, burial, and cemetery services all coordinated by one organization. Their scale means they can handle complex arrangements across multiple locations, and their pre-planning options let families lock in pricing years in advance.
For families who value in-person guidance from a funeral director and want a physical space for gatherings, Arbor's funeral centres provide that.
When direct cremation with Cleo makes sense
If what your family needs is a straightforward cremation without the traditional funeral structure, Cleo offers a different model entirely. Fixed, all-inclusive pricing published online. No in-person meeting required. No add-ons or upgrades. Everything arranged by phone or online, any time of day or night -- call (438) 817-1770.
Cleo's all-inclusive service covers transportation, cremation, death certificates, basic urn and velvet bag, and home delivery of ashes. One price, everything included.
Many families choose direct cremation and then hold a memorial, celebration of life, or private gathering on their own terms and timeline -- separate from the cremation itself.
Questions to ask any cremation provider
Regardless of whether you choose Arbor, Cleo, or another provider, these questions will help you make an informed decision:
- "What is the total cost, including tax and all fees?" -- Don't accept ranges. Ask for a specific total for the exact services you want.
- "Is this price guaranteed, or can it change?" -- Understand whether the quote is fixed or whether additional charges could apply.
- "What's included, and what costs extra?" -- Transportation, death certificates, the cremation container, and delivery of ashes are common line items. Know which are bundled and which are separate.
- "Are your staff paid on commission?" -- This helps you understand the incentive structure behind any recommendations you receive.
- "Can I arrange everything by phone or online?" -- If visiting a funeral centre isn't something you want to do right now, find out whether remote arrangements are an option.
The BAO requires all Ontario providers to give you an itemized price list before you agree to services. If anyone asks you to decide before showing you a complete breakdown, take your time.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Arbor Memorial charge for cremation?
Arbor Memorial doesn't publish standard cremation pricing online. The direct cremation cost in Ontario ranges from approximately $1,400 to $4,500 depending on the provider. Full-service funeral with cremation averages $6,700-$9,150 across the industry. Contact Arbor directly for their current pricing, and ask for a complete itemized breakdown. The CPP death benefit of up to $2,500 can help offset cremation costs. See our guide to death benefits available in Canada for more.
What funeral homes does Arbor Memorial own?
In the GTA, Arbor operates under names including McDougall & Brown, Highland, Scott, Glendale, Jerrett, Morley Bedford, and Glen Oaks. Nationally, they run 92 funeral homes, 41 cemeteries, and 27 crematoria. Individual location websites typically feature the local brand name rather than the Arbor Memorial corporate name.
Is Arbor Memorial a good company?
Arbor Memorial is a large, established organization with experienced staff at many locations. Reviews are mixed -- some families praise the compassion and professionalism of individual team members, while others have raised concerns about pricing transparency and the sales experience. As with any major purchase during a stressful time, getting quotes from multiple providers and asking detailed questions about pricing will help you feel confident in your decision.
What is the most affordable cremation option in Ontario?
Direct cremation is the most affordable option. It includes transportation, cremation, necessary paperwork, and return of ashes -- without a formal funeral service beforehand. Providers like Cleo offer fixed, all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees. This is a different service than what Arbor's full-service funeral homes typically provide, so make sure you're comparing similar offerings.
What is direct cremation?
Direct cremation means the cremation happens without a formal viewing, visitation, or ceremony beforehand. Your family receives the ashes and can then hold a memorial or celebration of life on your own terms and timeline. Many families choose this option because it's simpler, more flexible, and significantly less expensive than a traditional funeral.
The right choice depends on what matters most to your family
Arbor Memorial offers full-service funerals, cemetery services, and pre-planning across a national network. For families who want that comprehensive, traditional approach, they have the scale and experience to deliver it.
If what you need is a simple, transparent cremation at a price you can see before you call, Cleo takes a different approach. No add-ons, no in-person meetings, no surprises on the bill.
Both are legitimate options. The important thing is that you understand what you're paying for, who you're working with, and what's included before you commit.
For a similar comparison with another major GTA provider, see our Simple Alternative cremation review. If you'd like to understand what Cleo's all-inclusive service covers, we're here 24/7.
(438) 817-1770 | See current pricing