How Much Does It Cost to Move a Grand Piano in Canada? (2026 Guide)
Moving a full-size grand piano is a more involved job than moving an upright or a smaller baby grand. Larger grands are longer and heavier, and they may require a larger crew, more careful route planning, and additional equipment. If you’re budgeting for a grand piano move in Canada, the final price will depend heavily on the size of the instrument and the access at both locations.
What Counts as a Grand Piano?
The exact names used for grand piano size categories vary by manufacturer and moving company, but the following ranges are a useful guide for estimating a move.
Medium grands run from about 5’5″ to 6’3″ in length and weigh roughly 600 lbs. Large and parlour grands range from 6’5″ to 7’4″ and typically weigh between 650 and 850 lbs. Concert grands are 7’4″ and longer, with some models exceeding 9′ and weighing over 1,200 lbs.
Baby grand pianos, which run from 4’6″ to 5’3″, are priced differently. If you have a baby grand, see our guide to baby grand piano moving costs.
How Much Does It Cost to Move a Grand Piano? The Quick Answer
Published examples include concert grand moves starting at $369 in Toronto, grand piano moves from $400 in Montreal, and grands up to 7 ft from $425 in Calgary. In Ottawa, Parkview Moving publishes a range of $700–$1,200 for a 6+ ft grand moved locally from ground floor to ground floor. Long-distance moves commonly reach four figures and are usually quoted individually.
All prices in this guide are in Canadian dollars. For a range built around your specific piano and location, use our piano moving cost calculator.
| City | Published Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Calgary | From $425 (up to 7 ft); $525 for 9 ft concert grand | Stairs $10/step; additional charges for turns and landings |
| Ottawa | $700–$1,200 for 6+ ft grand | Ground floor to ground floor; stairs $150–$300/flight |
| Montreal | From $400 | Varies by access, distance and complexity |
| Toronto | Concert grand from $369 | Access, stairs and distance affect final quote |
These are published starting points. Your actual quote will depend on your specific piano, both addresses, and all access conditions.
Why Grand Pianos Cost More to Move
Size and weight. A medium grand may weigh around 600 lbs, while larger and concert grands can approach or exceed 1,000 lbs. As the instrument gets larger, movers may need a bigger crew and heavier-duty equipment.
Disassembly. Grand pianos are typically moved with the legs and pedal lyre removed before the body is secured on its side to a padded piano board or skid board. Depending on the instrument and the move, other removable pieces may also be taken off. Everything is reassembled at the destination.
Crew size. Most grand piano moves require three to four people. The crew required is one of the factors a mover considers when calculating the quote.
Difficult access. Narrow or winding staircases, tight landings, elevators, sharp hallway turns, and limited doorway clearance can all make a grand piano move more difficult and increase the cost.
Long-distance protection. For some long-distance moves, especially valuable or unusually large instruments, a mover may recommend additional protection or crating. Ask whether this is necessary for your piano and whether it is included in the quote.
Long-Distance and Interprovincial Moves
Long-distance grand piano moves commonly run into the four figures, but there is no meaningful flat Canada-wide rate. Distance, piano size, pickup and delivery access, whether the piano travels on a shared or dedicated route, and storage requirements all affect the quote.
As one published example, Parkview Moving in Ottawa estimates $1,200 to $2,500 or more for long-distance grand piano moves within Ontario, while concert grand moves require a custom quote. Cross-country moves should be quoted individually.
Getting an Accurate Quote
Our piano moving cost calculator will narrow the range for your piano type and access in about a minute. From there, contact two or three piano moving specialists in your area and describe the situation in detail before asking for a number.
A mover should ask about:
- Piano make, model, and approximate length
- Access at the pickup location (stairs, elevator, doorway widths, turns)
- Access at the delivery location
- Distance between the two locations
- Photos of stairs, doorways, or tight turns if requested
- Whether crating or storage is needed
If a mover gives you a price without asking these questions, that’s worth noting before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a grand piano harder to move than a baby grand?
In most cases, yes. Grand pianos are longer, heavier, and require a larger footprint during transit. The disassembly process is similar, but the added size and weight mean more crew and, in tighter spaces, more time.
Do I need a specialist, or can any mover handle a grand piano?
Grand piano moves should go to companies that specifically handle piano moving. General movers may not carry the right equipment or have experience with the disassembly process. Every company in this directory has been verified to specifically offer piano moving services.
Will my grand piano need tuning after the move?
It is commonly recommended to wait about two to four weeks after the move before tuning, to let the instrument settle into its new environment. Tuning is a separate service from the move and typically costs $100 to $200.
How long does a grand piano move take?
A straightforward local grand piano move may be completed within a few hours, but there is no standard time for every job. Disassembly and reassembly, stairs, elevators, long carries, and difficult access can all extend the move.
