If you're researching the mount pleasant group cremation cost, you're likely comparing options during one of the hardest weeks of your life. Mount Pleasant Group is the largest funeral organization in the Greater Toronto Area -- 10 cemeteries, nine funeral centres, and four crematoria. They've been around since 1826. They're trusted, established, and deeply rooted in Toronto's history.
They've been serving the GTA for nearly 200 years.
This guide breaks down what Mount Pleasant Group charges for cremation and funeral services in 2026, what's included, what costs extra, and how their pricing compares to a direct cremation provider like Cleo.
Who is Mount Pleasant Group?
Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries is one of the oldest and largest funeral organizations in Ontario. They operate across the GTA with a significant footprint:
- 10 cemeteries (including the historic Mount Pleasant Cemetery in midtown Toronto)
- 9 funeral centres (six on-cemetery, plus three Simple Alternative locations)
- 4 crematoria (Mount Pleasant, Elgin Mills, Meadowvale, Thornton)
- 14 mausoleums
Their subsidiary, Canadian Memorial Services, operates The Simple Alternative -- a budget-tier sub-brand for direct cremation and direct burial. If you've seen The Simple Alternative while shopping around, it's the same organization. We cover that brand in detail in our Simple Alternative cremation review.
If you're reading any mount pleasant group review online, you'll notice most results are employee reviews on Glassdoor and Indeed. Independent customer reviews are less common, which is typical for large cemetery and funeral organizations.
Mount Pleasant Group cremation cost: full breakdown
Simple cremation: $3,248.80
Their "simple cremation" package through The Simple Alternative is itemized across 12 line items (including HST):
- Professional and staff services: $240
- Use of facilities: $260
- Documentation: $305
- Transfer from place of death: $540
- Administration vehicle: $110
- Cremation fee: $795
- Basic particle board container: $450
- Temporary cardboard urn: $0
- Coroner cremation certificate: $75
- Death registration fee: $55
- BAO Consumer Protection Fees: $60
- HST (13%): $358.80
Total: $3,248.80
For context, direct cremation in the GTA ranges from approximately $1,450 to $4,500 depending on the provider. Mount Pleasant Group sits near the top of that range.
In March 2024, they reduced their simple cremation price by 30% -- which suggests it was previously around $4,640. They also reduced rental casket prices by up to 60% in 2023, which drove a 124% increase in rental casket demand. Credit where it's due: they're responding to price pressure.
Traditional funeral with cremation: $6,700+ average
If you're estimating the funeral cost in Toronto for 2026, the numbers climb quickly beyond simple cremation. Mount Pleasant Group states on their own website that the average funeral arrangement costs $6,700. That includes:
- Professional and staff services: $1,350
- Simple cremation service charge: $1,455
- Additional facility, ceremony, and coordination fees
- Disbursements (coroner's fee, death registration, BAO fees)
But $6,700 is the starting point for the funeral itself. It doesn't include cemetery costs.
Cemetery costs: the bill families don't expect
If your family plans to inter ashes or purchase a burial plot, these are separate from the funeral/cremation charges:
- Cremation graves: $4,400-$4,610
- Cremation lots: Starting from $5,145
- Traditional burial plots: Higher still, depending on location
- Headstones and markers: Additional cost
A traditional funeral with cremation at $6,700 plus a cremation grave at $4,400 brings the total past $11,000 -- before flowers, obituaries, or memorial cards. For a full burial with casket, plot, and headstone, families can easily spend $15,000 or more.
What's NOT included in any of these prices
Mount Pleasant Group's traditional funeral pricing isn't published online. For anything beyond simple cremation, you'll need to call or visit one of their funeral centres to get a quote. That's standard in the traditional funeral industry, but it makes it difficult to compare prices before you're sitting across from someone during your most vulnerable moment.
Mount Pleasant Group vs. Cleo: side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Mount Pleasant Group | Cleo |
|---|---|---|
| Organization type | Large established funeral organization | Independent |
| Pricing model | Itemized (simple cremation) / quote-based (traditional) | Fixed, all-inclusive |
| Simple cremation cost | $3,248.80 (incl. HST) | Fixed, all-inclusive (see cleocremation.com) |
| Average funeral cost | $6,700 (before cemetery) | Direct cremation only |
| Online pricing | Simple cremation only; traditional requires calling | Full pricing published online |
| How you arrange | In-person at funeral centre or by phone | Phone or online, 24/7 |
| Availability | Business hours | 24/7 |
| Service area | GTA only | Ontario + Quebec |
| Locations | 10 cemeteries, 9 funeral centres, 4 crematoria | Online-first (no physical visits needed) |
| Sub-brands | The Simple Alternative (budget tier) | None -- one brand, one service |
| Cemetery/burial services | Yes -- plots, mausoleums, interment | No -- cremation only |
| Transportation included | Yes | Yes |
| Death certificates included | Yes | Yes |
Pricing transparency
Mount Pleasant Group publishes pricing for their simple cremation service online. That's genuine transparency, and they deserve credit for it.
But for their traditional funeral services -- which is what most families walking into a Mount Pleasant funeral centre will be exploring -- pricing requires a conversation. You won't find a cost estimator or package breakdown on their website. You'll need to call or schedule an appointment.
With Cleo, the price is on the website. What you see is what you pay. No quote process, no in-person meeting, no surprises. View current pricing.
How you arrange services
Mount Pleasant Group's model centres on their physical locations. You visit a funeral centre, meet with a funeral director, and walk through your options. For some families, this in-person guidance is exactly what they need.
Cleo works entirely by phone or online -- call (438) 817-1770 any time, day or night. You can arrange everything in one conversation. For families who'd rather not visit a funeral home, or who are coordinating from out of town, this matters.
What's included
Mount Pleasant Group's simple cremation includes the 12 items listed above. Their traditional funeral packages include additional services (ceremony coordination, facility use, staff) but at significantly higher cost.
Cleo's all-inclusive service covers transportation, cremation, death certificates, basic urn and velvet bag, and home delivery of ashes. One price, everything included.
What Toronto families should know about cremation cost
The "request a quote" problem
When a provider doesn't publish prices for their main services, families are left requesting quotes while grieving. Without pricing information upfront, it's harder to compare options or feel confident you're making the right call.
This isn't unique to Mount Pleasant Group. It's standard across most traditional funeral homes in Toronto. But it's worth naming, because for direct cremation in Toronto, you have alternatives that publish pricing upfront.
The Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) requires all licensed funeral providers to give you an itemized price list before you agree to services. If anyone pressures you to decide before showing you a detailed breakdown, that's a red flag.
Pricing reflects the scope of the operation
Mount Pleasant Group maintains 10 cemeteries, multiple crematoria, and nine funeral centres across the GTA. Their pricing reflects that infrastructure. Their simple cremation at $3,248.80 sits near the top of the GTA range, which is consistent with a full-service organization rather than a provider focused exclusively on direct cremation.
Understanding itemized vs. all-inclusive pricing
Mount Pleasant Group's simple cremation is itemized: you can see every line item and what it costs. That's transparent in one sense -- you know where every dollar goes. But it also means your total can change if you add anything, and charges like "administration vehicle" ($110) or "use of facilities" ($260) may feel unexpected.
All-inclusive pricing works differently. You get one number that covers everything. Nothing extra at the end. If your priority is knowing the exact total before you commit, all-inclusive removes the guesswork entirely.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Mount Pleasant Group charge for cremation?
Mount Pleasant Group's simple cremation costs $3,248.80 including HST as of early 2026. This is an itemized price covering 12 line items. Traditional funeral services with cremation average $6,700 according to their own website, before cemetery costs. Prices were reduced by 30% in March 2024 and are subject to change.
How long has Mount Pleasant Group been in operation?
Mount Pleasant Group has been serving Toronto families since 1826, making them one of the oldest continuously operating funeral and cemetery organizations in the GTA. They've grown from a single cemetery to a network of 10 cemeteries, nine funeral centres, and four crematoria across the region.
What are alternatives to Mount Pleasant Group in Toronto?
Direct cremation providers like Cleo offer fixed, all-inclusive pricing for families who want a simpler, more transparent option. Other providers in the GTA include independent funeral homes, as well as Mount Pleasant Group's own budget sub-brand, The Simple Alternative ($3,248.80 for simple cremation). For a detailed comparison, see our Simple Alternative cremation review.
What is the most affordable cremation option in the GTA?
Direct cremation is the most affordable option. Prices in the GTA range from approximately $1,450 to $4,500 depending on the provider and what's included. When comparing, always check the total cost including tax, transportation, and all fees -- not just a base price. Mount Pleasant Group's simple cremation at $3,248.80 sits near the top of that range. The CPP death benefit (up to $2,500) can offset a significant portion of direct cremation costs. See our guide to death benefits available in Canada for more.
Does direct cremation include a funeral service?
No. Direct cremation means the cremation happens without a formal viewing, visitation, or funeral ceremony beforehand. The family receives the ashes and can then hold a memorial service, celebration of life, or private gathering on their own terms and timeline. Many families choose this option because it gives them flexibility and significantly reduces costs.
Can you arrange cremation online in Ontario?
Yes. Providers like Cleo allow families to arrange the entire direct cremation process by phone or online, 24/7. Mount Pleasant Group offers an online arrangement form for simple cremation, but traditional funeral services require an in-person visit or phone call during business hours.
The right choice depends on what your family needs
Mount Pleasant Group has served Toronto families for nearly 200 years. Their cemeteries are beautiful. Their staff are experienced. For families who want a full traditional funeral with cemetery services, viewings, and on-site ceremonies, they're a legitimate option -- at a cost that reflects the scope of what they provide.
But if what you need is a straightforward, transparent cremation at a price you can trust, there are simpler paths. Not every family needs 10 cemeteries and nine funeral centres. Sometimes one call, one price, and one honest conversation is enough.
More than 76% of Canadian families now choose cremation. If that's the direction you're heading, understanding the mount pleasant group cremation cost -- and how it compares to simpler, more transparent options -- puts you in control of the decision.
If you'd like to understand exactly what Cleo's all-inclusive service covers, we're here 24/7.
(438) 817-1770 | See current pricing