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Earthmoving Prices Canada
Prices exclude GST/HST. Seasonal availability varies significantly — frozen ground from November to March can limit or increase costs for excavation work in many regions.
Earthmoving Prices by Service Type — Canada
Prices exclude GST/HST. Seasonal availability varies significantly — frozen ground from November to March can limit or increase costs for excavation work in many regions.
| Service | Unit | From | Average | Up to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚜Mini Excavator Hire (1–3t, with operator) Compact excavator for residential work and utility trenching | /hr | C$90 | C$125 | C$165 |
| 🚜Standard Excavator Hire (5–8t, with operator) Mid-size excavator for foundations, grading, and drainage | /hr | C$130 | C$180 | C$240 |
| 🚜Large Excavator Hire (12–20t, with operator) Heavy excavator for commercial site preparation and large projects | /hr | C$195 | C$285 | C$380 |
| 🚜Bobcat / Skid Steer Hire (with operator) Skid steer for grading, backfilling, and snow-season site prep | /hr | C$95 | C$130 | C$175 |
| 📏Site Cut / Levelling (per m²) Cut and fill to create a level building pad | /m² | C$9 | C$17 | C$28 |
| ⛏️Trenching (per linear metre) Excavate trenches for utilities, drainage, or foundations | /lm | C$22 | C$42 | C$65 |
| 🧱Bulk Excavation (per m³) Large volume excavation for basements or major site preparation | /m³ | C$16 | C$28 | C$45 |
| 🚛Soil / Rock Removal (per m³ incl. tip) Load, haul, and dispose of excavated soil or rock | /m³ | C$35 | C$55 | C$90 |
| 🧱Retaining Wall Excavation Excavate and prepare foundation for retaining wall | /job | C$550 | C$1,200 | C$2,200 |
| 🏊Pool Excavation Excavation of a swimming pool to engineered specs | /job | C$2,800 | C$5,000 | C$8,800 |
| 🚗Driveway / Pad Preparation Excavate, grade, and prepare sub-base for driveway or slab | /job | C$1,700 | C$3,300 | C$5,500 |
| 🌳Land Clearing (per m²) Clear vegetation and debris from a lot ready for construction | /m² | C$6 | C$13 | C$22 |
Earthmoving Prices by City
Click a city for detailed local pricing and tips
Toronto
Ontario · 2.8M
From C$18
Ottawa
Ontario · 1.0M
From C$6
Hamilton
Ontario · 570K
Pricing available
Vancouver
British Columbia · 680K
From C$10
Victoria
British Columbia · 395K
Pricing available
Calgary
Alberta · 1.3M
From C$20
Edmonton
Alberta · 1.0M
Pricing available
Montreal
Quebec · 1.8M
Pricing available
Quebec City
Quebec · 550K
Pricing available
Winnipeg
Manitoba · 750K
Pricing available
Halifax
Nova Scotia · 440K
Pricing available
Earthmoving prices in Canada range from C$6 for basic services to C$8,800 for large-scale excavation and pool excavation. Prices exclude GST/HST. Seasonal availability varies significantly — frozen ground from November to March can limit or increase costs for excavation work in many regions.
The most common excavation / earthmoving services in Canada include mini excavator hire, standard excavator hire, large excavator hire, bobcat hire, site cuts and levelling, trenching, bulk excavation, soil removal, retaining wall excavation, pool excavation, driveway preparation, and land clearing.
The most effective savings come from having a clear scope before quoting, ensuring good site access for the most efficient machine, batching multiple tasks into one visit, and scheduling during quieter periods. Always get 2–3 quotes for jobs over C$2,000. Prices exclude GST/HST. Seasonal availability varies significantly — frozen ground from November to March can limit or increase costs for excavation work in many regions.
Most local councils or authorities in Canada require permits for major earthworks such as deep excavation, work near boundaries, or changes to drainage patterns. Minor works like garden levelling typically do not require a permit. Always check local requirements before starting. Prices exclude GST/HST. Seasonal availability varies significantly — frozen ground from November to March can limit or increase costs for excavation work in many regions.
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