When planning final arrangements, one of the first choices families make is between burial and cremation. For many, ground burial remains a meaningful and traditional way to honour a loved one’s life.
Understanding what ground burial involves can help families make informed, confident decisions that align with their values, faith, and long-term wishes. Whether you are considering a Langley cemetery or exploring options across the Lower Mainland, it is helpful to know what to expect and how to plan ahead.
What Ground Burial Means
Ground burial refers to the interment of a casketed body in the earth. It is the most traditional form of memorialization and continues to be chosen by families who appreciate its sense of permanence and connection to heritage.
Each burial plot is carefully prepared within a cemetery’s designated sections. The casket is lowered into a vault or liner, which helps maintain the integrity of the ground. Once interment is complete, a headstone or marker is placed as a lasting tribute.
At Bakerview Memorial Cemetery, families can choose from a variety of burial plots, including single plots, double-depth plots, and family estates. These options provide flexibility for those who wish to be laid to rest beside loved ones or reserve space for future generations.
The Traditions and Meaning Behind Burial
For many families, ground burial offers a familiar, comforting ritual that aligns with cultural or faith traditions. The ceremony itself often brings closure, allowing relatives and friends to gather, reflect, and honour a life well lived.
Faith-based communities such as Muslim, Christian, and Asian families often prefer ground burial because it reflects long-standing beliefs about respect for the body and the return to the earth. In Islamic practice, for example, burial orientation and preparation are specific and deeply meaningful.
Choosing a cemetery that welcomes all faiths and understands these customs ensures that every detail is handled with care and respect. Bakerview Memorial Cemetery provides dedicated areas for Muslim burials, Christian burials, and non-denominational services, supporting every family’s traditions with dignity.
What to Consider When Choosing a Burial Plot
Selecting a burial plot is both a practical and emotional decision. It determines where generations will visit and remember their loved ones. Families should take several factors into account when evaluating options.
Location and Accessibility
Proximity matters. Choosing a cemetery near home also allows family members to visit easily and often. A nearby cemetery also simplifies logistics for future services and memorial gatherings.
Plot Type and Family Legacy
Many families choose double-depth burial plots so that two family members can share the same space. Others select adjacent plots to create a family section, preserving legacy and connection for years to come.
Environment and Setting
A cemetery’s landscape contributes greatly to its atmosphere. Peaceful surroundings, clear pathways, and well-tended gardens create a setting that supports reflection. At Bakerview, the natural scenery includes open spaces, trees, and views of the Coastal Mountains, creating a place that feels both tranquil and connected to nature.
Cost and Pre-Planning Options
Costs vary based on plot type, location, and memorial design. Families often choose to plan ahead for burial to secure current pricing and flexible cemetery financing. Pre-planning also ensures that future arrangements are clear and stress-free for loved ones.
The Process of Ground Burial
Many families find comfort in knowing exactly what happens during a ground burial. While every service is unique, most follow a respectful, step-by-step process:
- Preparation and Coordination: The family meets with cemetery staff to confirm arrangements, timing, and ceremony details.
- Gravesite Preparation: Grounds staff prepare the plot and set up the area for the service, ensuring accessibility and care.
- Committal Service: Loved ones gather for final words, prayers, or readings before the casket is lowered.
- Interment: The casket is placed in the ground and covered with soil. A temporary marker is installed until the permanent headstone is completed.
Bakerview’s experienced team supports families through each step with professionalism and compassion, ensuring the ceremony reflects personal wishes and cultural traditions.
Planning for the Future
Ground burial represents a lasting connection to family history. By planning ahead, families can reserve space near loved ones, choose preferred memorial designs, and avoid emotional decisions during difficult times.
Planning in advance also provides financial stability. At Bakerview, families can secure affordable cemetery plots through flexible payment options while locking in today’s prices. Every pre-arranged burial includes perpetual care, ensuring the grounds remain maintained for generations.
A thoughtfully chosen resting place becomes part of your family’s story — a legacy that continues long after the service ends.
Why Choose Bakerview Memorial Cemetery
Bakerview Memorial Cemetery combines modern planning with respect for timeless traditions. As Metro Vancouver’s newest large-format cemetery, and the first to open in over 60 years, it provides families across Langley, Aldergrove, and the Lower Mainland with compassionate, professional care.
Here is why families choose Bakerview for ground burial and long-term peace of mind:
- Locally Owned and Operated – Managed by people who live and work in the community.
- All Faiths Welcome – Dedicated areas for Muslim, Christian and non-denominational families.
- Beautiful Setting – Landscaped grounds with trees, gardens, and mountain views.
- Multiple Burial Options – Single, double-depth, and family plots available.
- Affordable and Transparent – Flexible payment plans with clear, upfront pricing.
- Perpetual Care Promise – Ongoing maintenance ensures every space remains peaceful for generations.
Bakerview offers a setting where tradition, community, and care come together. Families can take comfort knowing their loved ones will rest in a place built to honour life and preserve legacy. To learn more or speak with one of our Family Service Advisors, call 604-856-0330. We’re here to help you plan with care and understanding.
Published: July 14, 2025
