Understanding Cemetery Plot Sizes and Layouts in British Columbia

If you or your family are considering burial as part of your end-of-life plans, one of the first things you'll encounter is the question of plot size and type. It's not something most people think about until the need arises — and the options can feel unfamiliar at first.

This guide is here to help you understand the basics: the different types of cemetery plots available, how they're sized, and how cemeteries are generally organized. Whether you're planning ahead or making arrangements for a loved one, a little clarity can go a long way.

Types of Cemetery Plots

Cemetery plots come in several forms, each designed around different burial preferences. Here's what you're most likely to come across.

Single Plots

A single plot — sometimes called a single-depth or single-grave plot — is the most common option. It accommodates one full-body burial, and typically measures roughly 3 feet wide by 8 feet long, with a depth of 4 to 6 feet. For many families, this is the straightforward, traditional choice.

Double-Depth Plots

A double-depth plot allows for two burials in the same space, one above the other. The width is similar to a single plot (around 3 feet), but the depth increases to approximately 7 to 9 feet to accommodate two caskets with proper spacing between them. This is a practical option for couples or family members who wish to rest together without purchasing side-by-side plots.

Cremation Plots

With cremation rates in British Columbia now among the highest in the country, many cemeteries offer smaller plots specifically for cremated remains. These are typically around 2 by 2 feet or 3 by 3 feet, and can hold one or more urns. Some families choose an in-ground cremation plot as a way to have a dedicated place to visit, even after choosing cremation.

Family Plots

Family plots — sometimes called estate plots — provide a larger, dedicated space where multiple family members can be buried together over time. Sizes vary widely, from plots that accommodate four to six burials to larger sections designed for extended families across generations. If keeping loved ones together in one place is important to your family, this is worth exploring.

How Cemeteries Are Organized

Cemeteries may look like open, peaceful landscapes, but behind the scenes they're carefully planned. Understanding the basic layout can be helpful when purchasing a plot or visiting a specific gravesite.

Sections

Most cemeteries are divided into named or numbered sections. These may be organized by religious affiliation, cultural tradition, time period, or simply by geography within the grounds. Each section contains a grid of plots arranged in blocks and rows.

Blocks and Rows

Within each section, plots are grouped into blocks (smaller clusters) and rows (linear arrangements). A specific plot is usually identified by a combination — something like Section B, Block 7, Row C — which makes it possible to locate any individual gravesite within the larger cemetery.

Pathways and Roads

Walkways and roads run between sections and blocks, providing access for visitors, families, and maintenance. These paths also serve as natural boundaries that help with orientation when you're navigating the grounds.

Specialized Areas You May Encounter

Beyond standard plots, many cemeteries include dedicated spaces that reflect different traditions and preferences.

Mausoleums

A mausoleum is a building designed for above-ground entombment. Some are private family structures; others are large community mausoleums with individual compartments for caskets or cremated remains. This option appeals to families who prefer above-ground resting places.

Columbaria

A columbarium is a structure — either a freestanding wall or part of a larger building — with individual niches for urns containing cremated remains. These offer a dignified, space-efficient option and give families a specific place to visit and reflect.

Scattering Gardens

Some cemeteries include designated scattering gardens where cremated remains can be dispersed in a peaceful, natural setting. These areas are often beautifully landscaped and offer a contemplative space for remembrance, even without a traditional marker.

Veterans' Sections

Many cemeteries set aside dedicated areas for veterans and their spouses, often marked with distinct headstones, flags, or memorial features that honour their service.

Children's Gardens

Some cemeteries include gentle, thoughtfully designed spaces for the burial of infants and children. These areas are created with extra care, providing families with a serene environment to remember and honour young lives.

Choosing What's Right for Your Family

There's no single right answer when it comes to burial arrangements — it depends on your family's values, traditions, and preferences. What matters most is that you feel informed and supported in making a decision that feels right.

If you're exploring burial options alongside cremation, or if you're simply trying to understand what's available, we're happy to help you think it through. At Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services, we offer both cremation and full funeral services with burial, and we can connect you with cemeteries across Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and beyond.

Whether you're planning ahead or navigating a recent loss, our team is here with clear information and no-pressure guidance — whenever you're ready.