Cost
Gravel Driveway Cost in Canada
Gravel is one of the cheapest driveway surfaces in Canada, but the final price swings with gravel type, depth, delivery distance and labour. Here are realistic 2026 cost ranges per tonne, per cubic yard and per square foot, plus a worked example.
Gravel price ranges in Canada (2026)
These are typical material-only ballparks. Bulk gravel from a quarry or landscape-supply yard is far cheaper per unit than bagged gravel from a hardware store.
| Sold by | Typical price (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Per tonne (bulk, picked up) | $15 – $50 | Crusher run is cheapest; decorative stone costs more |
| Per cubic yard (bulk) | $20 – $70 | 1 yd³ ≈ 1.2–1.4 tonnes |
| Delivered per tonne | $30 – $90 | Includes trucking; rises with distance |
| Per square foot (installed) | $1 – $4 | Material + grading + labour |
| Full truckload (≈15–20 t) | $300 – $900 | Cheapest per-tonne option for big jobs |
Prices vary widely by province and how far you are from a quarry. Decorative and washed stone sit at the high end; crusher run and road base at the low end.
What drives the price
- Gravel type: crusher run and road base are cheapest; pea gravel, river rock and decorative stone cost two to four times more.
- Depth & layers: a proper 8–12 in driveway uses three to four times the gravel of a thin top-up.
- Delivery distance: trucking can equal or exceed the material cost if you're far from a pit.
- Labour & grading: excavation, fabric and machine grading add to a DIY material-only figure.
- Order size: per-tonne prices drop sharply once you're buying full truckloads.
Worked example: a 2-car driveway
A 20 × 20 ft (400 ft²) driveway at 10 inches of total gravel needs about 12.3 cubic yards ≈ 15 tonnes of crusher run.
- Material at $30/tonne delivered: 15 × $30 = $450
- Material at $60/tonne delivered: 15 × $60 = $900
Add grading, fabric and labour if you hire it out, and the installed cost typically lands between $1 and $4 per square foot, i.e. roughly $400–$1,600 for this driveway.
How to keep the cost down
- Buy in full truckloads rather than by the bag — see bulk vs bagged gravel.
- Use cheaper crusher run for the base layers and save decorative stone for a thin top layer.
- Pick up yourself if you have a trailer and the yard is close.
- Compare with a hard surface first — see concrete costs if you're weighing gravel against a slab.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a gravel driveway cost in Canada?
Most residential gravel driveways cost about $1–$4 per square foot installed, or roughly $400–$1,600 for a typical two-car driveway. Material alone is often $15–$50 per tonne in bulk, or $30–$90 per tonne delivered.
How much is a tonne of gravel in Canada?
Bulk crusher run is commonly $15–$50 per tonne picked up, and $30–$90 per tonne delivered, depending on the gravel type, province and how far you are from a quarry. Decorative stone costs more.
How much is a cubic yard of gravel?
A cubic yard of bulk gravel typically runs $20–$70 in Canada. One cubic yard weighs about 1.2–1.4 tonnes, so per-yard and per-tonne prices are close.
Is a gravel driveway cheaper than concrete?
Yes. Gravel is usually the cheapest driveway surface up front — often a fraction of a concrete or asphalt driveway — though it needs periodic top-ups and grading. Use the concrete calculator to compare a paved option.
Disclaimer: This guide gives general estimates for planning. Actual gravel quantities, weights and prices vary with material type, particle size, moisture, compaction, supplier and your province. Costs are material-only ballparks in Canadian dollars and exclude labour, delivery and taxes unless stated. Always confirm quantities and prices with your local supplier.