How do I choose a good excavating contractor?

Compare at least three written, itemized quotes rather than defaulting to the cheapest. YardQuote ranks 199 excavating contractors at a median 4.74★ Google rating and a median of 21 reviews each, so start with the shortlist above, then confirm insurance and recent local references before you sign.

When is the best time to book excavating?

The excavating season runs Apr–Nov. Reputable companies book several weeks ahead in peak months, so request quotes early; shoulder-season bookings often win better pricing.

Do I need a permit, and is sales tax included in excavating quotes?

Most posted prices exclude tax, and the rate depends on the province. Sales tax varies by province — Ontario adds 13% HST, Alberta and BC add 5% GST. Permit needs depend on scope and municipality: routine work rarely needs one, but driveway widening, boulevard work and retaining walls over 1 metre generally require municipal approval a reputable contractor handles. Open your city above for the local rate and rules.

Can companies pay to rank higher on YardQuote?

No. Rankings come from a Bayesian-adjusted Google rating plus verification boosts for a website, phone and photos, never payment. Across our dataset, 72% of rated excavating contractors clear 4.8★, so small ranking gaps are meaningful. Full details are on our methodology page.

Excavating Contractors in Canada

Last updated: July 23, 2026By YardQuote Research TeamReviewed by Yevhenii Kuznietsov, Founder of YardQuote

YardQuote tracks 199 excavating contractors working across Canada, with a median 4.74★ Google rating over 6,528 reviews. YardQuote ranks every company by verified review data and verification checks, never paid placement, so the shortlist below reflects real reputation.

Where do you need excavating?

Choose your city to see the ranked shortlist and neighbourhood-level coverage for that market. YardQuote publishes a dedicated excavating ranking for 2 cities, each drawn from that city's own review data.

Which excavating contractors rank highest in Canada?

These are the top 15 excavating contractors YardQuote tracks across Canada, ranked by YardQuote's Bayesian rating method, which weighs review volume alongside star rating so consistent, high-volume reputations rise to the top.

1
85/100Verified listingTop rated
The General Contracting Services Inc.
Islington-City Centre WestLandscape Design
Landscape contractors in Mississauga offering professional landscape design, interlocking, retaining walls, fencing, drainage, grading, and outdoor improvements. Get a FAST quote...
(416) 936-3335 Get Quotes
2
82/100Verified listingTop rated
The Sprinkler Company Inc. - Irrigation, Landscape Lighting, Sodding
WillowdaleLawn Care
Sprinkler System Installation | Toronto's & GTA's #1 Ranked Irrigation Sprinkler Contractor | 5 Years Warranty | Call us today (647) 608-4444
(647) 608-4444 Get Quotes
3
80/100Verified listingTop rated
The Sprinkler Company
Islington-City Centre WestLawn Care
Sprinkler System Installation | Toronto's & GTA's #1 Ranked Irrigation Sprinkler Contractor | 5 Years Warranty | Call us today (647) 608-4444
(647) 559-2060 Get Quotes
4
78/100Verified listingTop rated
Darteno Construction Inc.
WillowdaleInterlocking
Interlock driveways, patios, retaining walls, and landscaping in Toronto and the GTA. Family-owned and operated since 2021. Free estimates: (647) 838-3200.
(647) 838-3200 Get Quotes
5
73/100Verified listingTop rated
SB Excavation
MimicoExcavating & Site Prep
Get in touch with our Toronto-based team for expert excavation services. Reach out today for a free estimate! ☎ 647-904-5780
(647) 904-5780 Get Quotes
6
72/100Verified listingTop rated
Great Canadian Interlock
WillowdaleInterlocking
We are Newmarket, Ontario’s #1 interlocking installers. Our expertise in interlocking services allows us to create beautiful, unique hardscapes.
(647) 523-5236 Get Quotes
7
70/100Verified listingTop rated
MPR Landscapes
Islington-City Centre WestLandscape Design
Your trusted Landscaping Mississauga MPR Landscapes offers full-service landscape design, lawn care, and property maintenance. Get a free quote today!
(905) 285-0768 Get Quotes
8
70/100Verified listingTop rated
Ceo Solutions
MimicoExcavating & Site Prep
CEO Solutions — Landscape, Excavation & Site Works. Premium grading, sod installation, lawn restoration, and site cleanup across the Greater Toronto Area. Call 437-772-3562 for a free estimate.
(437) 772-3562 Get Quotes
9
70/100Verified listingTop rated
The Kingdom Group
BramptonLandscape Design
The Kingdom Group provides reliable landscaping, disposal bins and contracting in Brampton and across the GTA. Trust us for your residential or commercial project.
(905) 550-5464 Get Quotes
10
70/100Verified listingTop rated
Arcon Landscape Construction Ltd.
WillowdaleInterlocking
Discover the unparalleled expertise of Arcon Landscaping & Construction, your premier choice for transforming Toronto's outdoor spaces. Our skilled team blends innovative design with precision construction to create breathtaking landscapes and sturdy structures. Explore our comprehensive services, including landscape design, hardscaping, construction, and more. Elevate your property's aesthetic and functionality with Arcon - where quality craftsmanship meets the vibrant spirit of Toronto. Your d
(416) 888-2378 Get Quotes
11
70/100Verified listingTop rated
Total Concrete Solutions and Excavation
MississaugaInterlocking
You want to improve your surfaces with professionally poured concrete and a strong finish? Contact Total Concrete Solutions in the Greater Toronto Area!
(416) 523-9232 Get Quotes
12
68/100Verified listingTop rated
Royal Town Paving & Construction Ltd.
WillowdaleInterlocking
Royal Town Construction Ltd. provides expert asphalt paving, concrete, interlocking, excavation, snow removal & line painting services across the GTA. 30+ years experience. Get a free quote today.
(416) 654-2690 Get Quotes
13
67/100Verified listing
Strong Basements Inc. - Underpinning & Waterproofing Contractor
MimicoExcavating & Site Prep
Basement Underpinning, Waterproofing, Drain, Walkout , Concrete Floor, Addition Foundation, Structural Reinforcement, Engineering Toronto, ON
(647) 478-7814 Get Quotes
14
66/100Verified listingTop rated
Activ Demolition
MimicoExcavating & Site Prep
Activ Demolition is Toronto’s #1 Demolition contractor. Serving the GTA, we offer commercial and residential services to projects of all sizes.
(647) 515-2492 Get Quotes
15
64/100Verified listingTop rated
Mr.Sod
Islington-City Centre WestLandscape Design
Mr.Sod is a trusted landscaping company in GTA. We offer quality Sod Installation (Sodding) and hardscaping in the GTA; Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan, Brampton, and Etobicoke.
(416) 704-6007 Get Quotes

How does YardQuote rank excavating contractors?

Rankings can't be bought. YardQuote scores each company with a Bayesian-adjusted Google rating, which weighs review volume so a 5.0 on three reviews does not outrank a 4.8 on three hundred. We then add small verification boosts for an active website, a listed phone number and real project photos. Across our dataset, 72% of rated excavating contractors clear 4.8★, so ranking gaps are meaningful. Positions update as new review data lands. Read our full methodology.

Questions to ask your contractor

Can you show me WSIB clearance and $2M+ liability insurance?
What's the payment schedule — how much is the deposit?
Which parts are subcontracted, and who supervises on-site?
What does the itemized quote include for disposal and grading? Typical line items and costs
What plant warranty do you offer through the first winter?

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose a good excavating contractor?: Compare at least three written, itemized quotes rather than defaulting to the cheapest. YardQuote ranks 199 excavating contractors at a median 4.74★ Google rating and a median of 21 reviews each, so start with the shortlist above, then confirm insurance and recent local references before you sign.
When is the best time to book excavating?: The excavating season runs Apr–Nov. Reputable companies book several weeks ahead in peak months, so request quotes early; shoulder-season bookings often win better pricing.
Do I need a permit, and is sales tax included in excavating quotes?: Most posted prices exclude tax, and the rate depends on the province. Sales tax varies by province — Ontario adds 13% HST, Alberta and BC add 5% GST. Permit needs depend on scope and municipality: routine work rarely needs one, but driveway widening, boulevard work and retaining walls over 1 metre generally require municipal approval a reputable contractor handles. Open your city above for the local rate and rules.
Can companies pay to rank higher on YardQuote?: No. Rankings come from a Bayesian-adjusted Google rating plus verification boosts for a website, phone and photos, never payment. Across our dataset, 72% of rated excavating contractors clear 4.8★, so small ranking gaps are meaningful. Full details are on our methodology page.

What should you read next?

Compare YardQuote's other service rankings, or dig into the pricing and comparison guides for this project.

Get a free excavating quote from a top-rated local pro

No obligation. We match your job with one top-rated local pro who contacts you directly with a quote. Your request goes to one pro, never blasted to a list.

Get Quotes

Get Free Quotes