Simple Alternative cremation review: how does it compare to Cleo?

If you're searching for a simple alternative cremation review to compare providers in the Greater Toronto Area, you're in the right place. The name sounds straightforward. The promise sounds clear. But before you make a decision during one of the hardest weeks of your life, it's worth understanding exactly what you're paying for -- and who's behind the brand.

Here's what most families don't know: The Simple Alternative is a sub-brand of Mount Pleasant Group, one of the largest funeral corporations in Ontario. That doesn't make them bad -- but it does mean their pricing structure works differently than you might expect from a provider with "simple" in the name.

This guide breaks down the real differences between The Simple Alternative and Cleo, so you can make the choice that's right for your family. We'll cover pricing, what's included, how each service works, and what other families have experienced. If you're new to direct cremation, we'll explain that too.

What is The Simple Alternative?

The Simple Alternative Funeral Centres is a brand operated by Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries, a large not-for-profit funeral organization that runs multiple funeral homes, cemeteries, and cremation centres across the GTA. They have three locations:

• Toronto (North York) -- 275 Lesmill Road, near Leslie and Highway 401
• Mississauga -- serving the western GTA
• Pickering -- serving the eastern GTA and Durham Region

They offer direct cremation, direct burial, and traditional funeral services. Their positioning is as the "budget-friendly" option within the Mount Pleasant Group network. If you've been searching for the Mount Pleasant Group cremation price, this is where you'll land.

One thing to note: the Toronto location no longer has space for on-site visitations, receptions, or chapel services. If your family wants even a brief gathering at that location, they'll need to coordinate an offsite venue for you.

Simple Alternative vs. Cleo: side-by-side comparison

Here's how the two providers compare across the factors that matter most to families:

What Simple Alternative's $3,248.80 actually covers

Their "simple cremation" package 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

That's the base price -- and it sits at the high end of the direct cremation Ontario cost range, which runs from approximately $1,400 to $3,250 depending on the provider. If you want anything beyond simple cremation -- even a 15-minute family visitation -- the cost goes up further. One family reported being quoted $4,100.98 for cremation with a brief visitation, then receiving a final invoice of $4,842.10. That's a $740 difference between the quote and the bill.

What Cleo's all-inclusive price covers

With Cleo, the price you're quoted is the price you pay. No line items to decode, no add-ons that quietly increase the total. See what's included in Cleo's service for the full breakdown, but here's the short version:

• Transportation from place of death
• Cremation and preparation
• Death certificates
• Basic urn and velvet bag
• Home delivery of ashes

No weekend surcharges. No facility fees. No "administration vehicle" charges. The final bill matches the quote you receive on day one. View current pricing.

How you arrange services

The Simple Alternative requires an in-person visit to one of their three GTA locations during business hours. You'll meet with staff, review paperwork, and select your options on-site.

Cleo works entirely by phone or online -- any time of day or night. You can arrange everything from your living room or a hotel room across the country. For families managing from out of town, that flexibility makes a real difference.

Simple Alternative cremation review: what families are saying

Simple Alternative reviews

The Simple Alternative has generally positive reviews. Their Mississauga location holds 4.9 stars on Google, and the Toronto location has 4.4 stars with 9 reviews.

What families appreciate:

• Compassionate, caring staff
• Professional and attentive service
• Good guidance through a difficult time

What families have flagged:

• Fee escalation -- the most common concern. One family was quoted $4,100.98 for a basic cremation with a 15-minute visitation, but received a final invoice of $4,842.10. During grief, a surprise $740 bill is the last thing anyone needs.
• Death certificate delays -- one family reported not receiving mailed death certificates after two weeks, delaying estate settlement.
• Toronto limitations -- the North York location cannot host visitations or services, which can be frustrating for families expecting a simple gathering.

What Cleo families say

Cleo families consistently highlight three things: the price matched the quote exactly, the process was straightforward, and they felt genuinely supported -- not sold to.

> "Everything you said you would do was delivered. There wasn't any hassles. When his ashes were delivered... it was perfect."

> "Compared to other providers, Cleo was definitely the best bang for the buck."

Many families tell us they chose Cleo because the website made the process clear before they even picked up the phone. That matters when you're stressed and comparing options at midnight.

Hidden costs to watch for with any cremation provider

Regardless of which provider you choose, here are the charges that catch families off guard in Ontario:

The quote vs. final bill problem. Some providers quote a base price, then add charges for services families assume are included -- things like transportation, death certificate filing, or even the container for cremation. Always ask: "Is this the total I'll pay, including tax and every fee?"

Add-on pressure. Even with direct cremation, some providers offer add-ons during your most vulnerable moment: upgraded urns, memorial packages, facility fees for a brief viewing. These aren't wrong to offer, but they can quickly push a $3,000 quote past $4,000 or $5,000.

Why all-inclusive pricing matters. When a provider gives you a single, fixed price that covers everything, you eliminate the risk of bill shock entirely. You know the cost on day one, and it doesn't change. At Cleo, that's exactly how it works -- what we quote is what you pay.

It's also worth knowing that the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) regulates all funeral service providers in the province. Every licensed provider must give you an itemized price list before you agree to services. If a provider won't show you a detailed breakdown, that's a red flag.

Which provider is right for your family?

Consider The Simple Alternative if:

• You want an in-person experience at a physical funeral centre
• You're located near one of their three GTA locations
• You may want add-on services like visitation (at Mississauga or Pickering only)
• You prefer working with a large, established organization
• You prefer an itemized pricing model where you can see each charge separately

Consider Cleo if:

• You want a fixed, all-inclusive price with zero surprise fees
• You'd rather arrange everything by phone or online, on your schedule
• You need 24/7 availability -- not just business hours
• You're managing arrangements from out of town
• You want the simplest possible process during an overwhelming time
• You're in Ontario or Quebec

Not sure what to expect when you call? Our guide on your first call to a cremation provider walks you through exactly what happens.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Simple Alternative cremation cost?

The Simple Alternative's "simple cremation" package costs $3,248.80 including HST as of early 2026. This is an itemized price covering 12 separate line items. Adding services like visitation can increase the total to $4,000-$5,000 or more. Prices are set to increase on April 1, 2026.

What is included in direct cremation in Ontario?

Direct cremation typically includes transportation from the place of death, basic cremation container, the cremation itself, necessary paperwork, and return of ashes. However, what's "included" varies significantly between providers. Some charge separately for items others bundle in. Always ask for a complete, itemized quote.

Are there hidden fees with cremation services?

They're common. Weekend surcharges, facility fees, documentation charges, and upgraded containers can all increase the final bill beyond the initial quote. The best way to avoid surprises is to choose a provider with fixed, all-inclusive pricing -- one total that covers everything.

Can you arrange cremation online in Ontario?

Yes. Providers like Cleo allow families to arrange the entire cremation process by phone or online, 24/7. Traditional providers like The Simple Alternative typically require an in-person visit during business hours.

Does CPP cover cremation costs?

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) offers a one-time death benefit of up to $2,500 to help cover funeral and cremation costs. You'll need to apply to Service Canada after the death. This benefit can offset a significant portion of direct cremation costs. For a full breakdown of death benefits available in Canada, including CPP and provincial programs, see our guide.

What is the cheapest cremation option in Toronto?

Direct cremation is the most affordable option. Prices in the GTA range from approximately $1,400 to $3,250 depending on the provider and what's included. When comparing, make sure you're looking at the total cost -- including tax, transportation, and all fees -- not just a base price.

You deserve to know what you're paying for

Choosing a cremation provider shouldn't feel like decoding a contract. Whether you choose The Simple Alternative, Cleo, or another provider entirely, you deserve transparency: a clear price, a clear process, and no surprises on the bill.

More than 76% of Canadian families now choose cremation. It's a thoughtful, dignified choice -- and the right provider should make it feel that way.

We hope this simple alternative cremation review helps you make a confident, informed decision. If you have questions about direct cremation in Ontario, or you'd like to understand exactly what Cleo's all-inclusive service covers, we're here 24/7. One call is all it takes.

(438) 817-1770 | See current pricing