Whether you want them in a coffee tin, fancy urn or scattered in a meaningful location, here’s what the rules say about your ashes when you die.
How do I ensure my wishes are followed?
Under BC law, if there is a written preference by a deceased person about the disposition of their ashes, the wish is binding. For example, if you specifically request in your will that your ashes be scattered by the ocean, there is an obligation to follow your request (if it’s not unreasonable, impracticable or will cause hardship). So, if you have specific preferences for how you would like your ashes kept or spread, write those wishes in your will.
What can be done with my ashes when I die?
Can my ashes be kept in any container or urn I want?
Yes. After cremation, your ashes can be put in any container you want. It can be a fancy urn, a simple old coffee tin, or any container of personal significance to you.
If you plan to have your ashes placed in a cemetery, you have the right to supply your own urn for that purpose, but there may be restrictions under the cemetery’s bylaws. Make sure you understand the restrictions before purchasing an urn for a cemetery. Learn more about your rights for choosing a casket or urn in BC.
Where can my ashes be scattered?
The cremation law in BC does not restrict where ashes can be scattered. This means that ashes can be scattered in most places, but you must have permission from the landowner or local government. Provincial laws and bylaws may have restrictions or guidance on where ashes can be scattered so it’s essential to check with the relevant group before making plans. Learn more about where ashes can be scattered in BC.
Can my ashes be mailed?
Yes. According to Canada Post, ashes can be transported through the mail within Canada but certain requirements must be met. For example, the ashes must be packed in a specific way and the cremation certification must be attached to the parcel. Visit Canada Post’s website for a full list of requirements for mailing ashes or if you have questions about the process.
Where to go for more information
The laws we oversee don’t address how or where ashes can be scattered. Contact the landowner or responsible government agency for information or permission to scatter ashes in a specific location. For questions about mailing ashes, contact Canada Post directly.
If you have questions about the rules for funeral services in BC, visit our consumer help pages for funeral services and cemeteries and crematoriums.
Did you like this? You might like these posts too!
Your rights for choosing a casket or urn in BC
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5 things to consider when making end-of-life decisions
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Can I be buried on the family farm?
About Consumer Protection BC
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Where and how do you get permission to spread ashes?
If ashes are spread without any permission is there a fine? Or other consequence?
Hi Shelagh, thanks for your question. If you look in the blog post, we mention that you can spread ashes anywhere in BC, as long as you have the permission of the land owner. So you would simply have to find out who owns the land (a good first step would be talking to your local municipality) and then ask them if you can spread the ashes there. The consequences of disposing of cremated remains without permission would depend on whose land you spread them on and what actions the land owners took in response. It would be considered the same as dumping or disposing of any material on public or private property without permission. If you would like more information on what the fines or consequences are, you would have to ask the land owner or government responsible for that land. I hope this helps.
What about scattering ashes into the ocean from a boat? Either at sea or maybe close to shore.
Hi John, I believe it would depend on where you are. It’s my understanding that close to shore is the jurisdiction of the provincial government and farther offshore would be the jurisdiction of the federal government (Department of Fisheries and Oceans), although I can’t say for sure. You may want to ask your municipal government about a specific area or beach launch point and they might be able to give you a more specific answer tailored to your exact needs. The laws around ocean and shoreline jurisdictions are a little tricky from what I gather and this area is outside of our legal authority. I hope this helps!
Can you throw the ashes in the waters off of Vancouver Island?
Hi Marg, thank you for asking a question here. Yes, you can scatter ashes in any public area, usually with permission. I am not sure which organization you need to contact but you may want to start with the Pacific Region office of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Here is the link to the contact information. I hope they will be able to point you in the right direction.
Are these guidelines for all of Canada or just B.C??
To scatter ashes on a beach would just the landowner’s permission be needed or also municipal?
Hi Barbara! Thanks for your question. It depends on the area and a few factors. A good first step could be to ask the property owner how far their property lines go down the beach. If the property ends before the beach, the folks to talk to might be your municipality. They would likely know who owned the beach (whether it was public/private etc) and could either provide you with permission to spread the ashes or send you in the direction of the people who can. I hope this helps!
Very good information of the kind ‘ everyone wants to know and nobody wants to ask’
Hi Sandra, thanks for your comment. I’m happy you enjoyed the post 🙂
Who would give permission to scatter ashes in the ocean?
Hi Heather, I believe it would depend on where you are. It’s my understanding that close to shore is the jurisdiction of the provincial government and farther offshore would be the jurisdiction of the federal government (Department of Fisheries and Oceans), although I can’t say for sure. You may want to ask your municipal government about a specific area or beach launch point and they might be able to give you a more specific answer tailored to your exact needs. The laws around ocean and shoreline jurisdictions are a little tricky from what I gather and this area is outside of our legal authority. I hope this helps!
So if you would like to spread your ash on your private property, whether it is an acreage out in the countryside or in a residential area in Vancouver, you will be allowed to do so because you own the property (and therefore you permit yourself to do so). Or do you still need permission from the municipality?
Hi Sam, thank you for posting your question here. It’s our understanding that if it’s private property, as long as you have permission from the landowner (such as yourself) your ashes can be spread. As the blog post mentions, it’s wise to have your wishes clearly written in your will so your loved ones would know what to do when you pass. I hope that clarifies things for you!
Please, Where can we get permission for a park in Richmond BC? Have been calling City Hall and got nowhere. Spoke with multiple departments and multiple ppl and no one had a clue. As of tonight, we now have everyone here who has travelled to be present for this. We need to know (like a week ago). Bureaucracy!
Would you please provide a list of where/who to contact for permissions?
Frustratingly we’ve got nowhere without this critical info.
Hi SOS, thanks for reaching out to us here. This isn’t something our office has direct authority over so we don’t have a list of contact information for each public area in BC. However, it’s my understanding that if the park is a city park and not a provincial park, the City of Richmond would be the appropriate people to speak to. Here’s the contact info if you don’t already have it: https://www.richmond.ca/contact/infocentre.htm. Best of luck and I hope you’re able to reach out to them in time. Thanks!
Our church was told that we cannot legally spread ashes in our Memorial Garden without getting licenced. But if cremated remains are not legally considered “human remains,” and people are free to scatter ashes anywhere if they have permission from the landowner, then were we misinformed? If the church owns the land, can’t it give permission to anyone who wants to scatter ashes in their garden?
Hi Bruce, it is our understanding that as long as the person has the permission of the landowner or local government, there are no limitations as to where the ashes are spread. So if the church owns the land, then it should be able to give permission to people to scatter ashes in their garden.
This was a question I have wondered about. The problem is finding out who to ask permission from. Especially government land. I havr my husband’s ashes and want my ashes to be scattered together along kalamalka lake. know one know. I guess u learn pretty quick if u get fined hmmm
Hi Katheryn, thanks for your comment. I think a good place to start would be the municipal government in that area – if they don’t have jurisdiction over a certain area, then they may be able to tell you who does! I hope this is helpful and best of luck!
Hi Amanda, my questions is about spreading ashes off the BC Ferries? I have had a few conversations with two people at BC ferries who have simply said: “they cannot provide this service” and the consequences of spreading the ashes off the two top decks of the ferry. From what I can tell, it is legal to spread ashes into the ocean and that the Will is a binding document. There does not seem to be any direct policy or procedure with BC Ferries around spreading ashes off the vessel, only their discouragement, what advise would you give in this situation?
Hi Jodi, thanks for reaching out to us here. My understanding is that you likely are required to follow the rules set by BC Ferries while you are on board the vessel. If you have issues with this rule, you may be able to make a complaint to them to request to see why or where it is written that this is not permitted. Outside of that, if you would like to spread the ashes in the ocean, I understand there are private boats and companies that offer that service. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Consider the direction of the wind when scattering over the ocean. A small breeze will cause the ashes to blow into yourself or anyone behind you. I expect the BC Ferries would be concerned if other passengers were dusted with the ashes.
What if you want to just throw the ashes in the garbage for disposal then who do you ask ?
Hi Rob, thanks for reaching out to us here. Hm – we’ve never had that question before. My understanding is that you only need permission when the ashes are being placed somewhere on property that is not yours. This is because it would be considered the same as dumping or disposing of any material on public or private property without permission. Beyond that, I believe it is up to you what you choose to do with your ashes. I hope this helps!
How would a surviving sibling transfer cremated remains from one cemetery to another in different town? Do I need to have your approval and then work with a funeral home or cemetery and are there permit fees involved?
Hi Tim, we would recommend contacting the cemetery to let them know that you wanted to transfer the cremated remains. The cemetery is the one that handles submitting a disinterment request to our office, so you don’t have to worry about that. However, the cemetery will likely charge a fee for having the cremated remains removed and you will have to speak to the cemetery about what those costs would be.
I have half of my step aunts ashes, this was left with me by her adult children and her request was that her ashes be split and bury with her husband and her mother. her husband was buried in southern BC (completed) and I live in the north. the cemetery where her mother was buried is controlled by First Nation, I have asked for permission. the question is can we bury her ashes in same grave site or beside.? and how deep.?
Hi Vera, thank you for asking your question here. Most cemeteries have small plots for cremated remains or scattering gardens. If your aunt wanted her ashes to be buried with her husband and her mother, it’s our understanding that you need to work out the details with the cemetery regarding the placement of the urn and so on. We have some information on this topic in this blog post. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Good info here! So if one wanted to scarier ashes say on Burnaby Mountain, which department of the Municipality of Burnaby would we contact, or is the city in charge of the mountain?????
Hi Diana, we’re not sure what area is part of which municipality so you may have to phone the City of Burnaby and find out. Hopefully, if it’s not them, they will be able to direct you to the right entity. Here is their contact information.
Can my ashes be be dumped over a waterfall in bc
Hey Teddy, thanks for your question.
Yes, you can spread your ashes over a waterfall as long as you have permission from whoever oversees the land. In a public park or protected area, this will be the local municipality. Hope this helps!
What if there is no one who wants my ashes? No close relatives and no one who lives close enough to do any scattering? Can I instruct the funeral home to dispose of my ashes?
Hi Stephanie, thanks for the question. Under BC law, the wishes written in your will are binding. Therefore, you can provide instructions about what you would like done with your ashes in your will that will instruct your executor on what to do For more information on wills and naming an executor, you may want to speak to a lawyer or get legal advice. Here’s a blog we wrote on the topic for a bit more information on that process. I hope this helps.
I got permission to plant a tree and install a memorial bench at a golf course my mother was a member of for years. We placed some of her ashes under the tree when we planted it. Are there any protections against them being disturbed?
Hi Damian, thanks for reaching out to us. No, there are no protections for scattered ashes on public spaces (or wherever folks choose to scatter the ashes). The protections offered at cemeteries would not extend to those situations.