For the past four years, our family (yes, even with kids in school every day) has lived year-round on our boat—on a mooring. Not at a dock. Not at a marina. On a floating home, tied to a buoy, completely off-grid.
Living this way in Canada isn’t exactly mainstream, and it definitely isn’t easy. But for us, it’s been worth it. Here's what it’s really like—the good, the bad, and the cold winter days.
The Pros of Living on a Mooring
It’s Cheaper Than a Dock
Marina moorage rates can be steep, especially if you live aboard full-time. By owning our mooring, we save thousands each year. No monthly dock fees. No electrical hookups. And yes, no property taxes.
Privacy & Peace
No one walks past your windows. No random knock on the hull. You’re surrounded by open water and space. It’s quiet, it’s peaceful, and no one shows up unless invited.
You Trust Your Tackle
When you own the mooring, you know what’s under you. We installed and maintain our own gear, so we know it’ll hold—even in a blow.
360-Degree Ocean Views
You're literally living on the water, not just beside it. Sunrise, sunset, seals, sea birds—it’s hard to beat the ever-changing view.
The Cons of Living on a Mooring (Especially in Winter)
You Have to Be Fully Off-Grid
There’s no plug-in. No dock water. No easy access to anything. You’ll need to handle your power, water, and heat yourself.
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Solar power is great—until winter hits in Canada. Then you’ll
be running the generator regularly, burning through diesel just to keep the batteries charged. - Water needs to be hauled or made with a watermaker.
- Heating? We use diesel and wood, and it's a constant balance in the colder months.
Dinghy Life Isn’t Glamorous
Everything goes in the dinghy—groceries, school backpacks, garbage, you name it. And when the wind is howling or it’s pouring sideways, those trips to shore suck.
Sometimes the bay freezes, and we get stuck onboard for days until the ice clears. Not exactly the school run you imagine.
Shore Access Costs Money
We pay a local marina for dinghy dock space and car parking, and it’s not cheap. You can use a municipal dock, but they don’t let you leave garbage or offer facilities.
You Handle Your Own Waste
There’s no marina bathroom out here—you use the facilities on your boat. That means black water tanks, and those need to be pumped out regularly at a marina. How often depends on the size of your tanks and how many people are onboard.
Judgment From Shore
Some land dwellers see liveaboards as “freeloaders” or people "living for free"—but it’s far from free. Between the fuel, pump-outs, repairs, and shore costs, this lifestyle isn’t cheap. And it’s definitely not easy.
Is It Worth It? Absolutely—If You’re Built for It
Living on a mooring year-round in Canada is a hard life. You have to be tough, resourceful, and ready for whatever nature throws at you. But if you have the right boat, the right attitude, and a love for freedom, it’s one of the most rewarding ways to live.
When we’re ready for a change of scene, we just drop the mooring lines and go. No rent to cancel, no landlord to deal with. Just open water ahead.
It’s not for everyone. But for us, it’s home.
If you're sailing around Cortes Island in the northern Gulf Islands, Mansons Landing is a great stop with a mix of natural beauty, history, and a few handy supplies—if you don’t mind a bit of a walk. We visited in January, and while things were pretty quiet, it turned out to be a great day of exploring.
A Little Bit of History
Mansons Landing is more than just a peaceful anchorage—it’s also one of the oldest settlements on Cortes Island. The original post office opened back in 1893, with Michael Manson (a Shetland Islander and local trader) as postmaster. The name “Mansons Landing” officially stuck around 1950, and the area has served as a steamboat landing, trading post, and hub of island life over the years.
Today, it’s home to Mansons Landing Provincial Park, a protected area with access to Hague Lake, Manson Bay, and a scenic lagoon that's perfect for exploring by dinghy or foot.
Getting Ashore – Dinghy Dock & Trails
There’s a dinghy dock right by the beach, and in January, we had no trouble tying up. From there, we hiked the School-to-Sea Trail through the forest to the co-op grocery store. It’s about a 20 to 30-minute walk uphill, but the trail is gorgeous—peaceful, forested, and easy to follow.
At the top, we grabbed some milk at the co-op (yep, double the price of Victoria) and found out the coffee shop had just closed at 3 PM—so plan accordingly if you're craving a hot drink!
Instead of taking the trail back, we walked the road down, which gave us a nice loop and some different views of the island.
Hiking, Beaches, and Wildlife
Mansons Landing Provincial Park has several easy-grade trails that are perfect for beach walks and exploring the tidal flats. From the parking area near the beach and docks, you can head south through the forest to link up with Beasley Road, or walk the other direction around the lagoon to reach the Hague Lake day use area.
Hague Lake has a white sand beach, an outhouse, and picnic tables—a nice little spot for a break, especially in warmer months when swimming is an option.
Dinghy Ride to the Whale Carving
After our hike and grocery run, we hopped back in the dinghy and headed out for some exploring. We cruised into Mansons Lagoon, which was calm and fun to poke around in. Afterward, we went searching for the famous 9-foot whale carving, hidden in a rock along the beach away from the dock and lagoon.
We found it after a 10-minute dinghy ride—totally worth the effort. It’s one of those cool, quiet surprises you can only find when you’re slowing down and looking for it.
Anchorage & Liveaboards
We saw quite a few liveaboards on moorings around Mansons Landing. It’s a calm, protected spot and easy to see why some people choose to call it home. While anchoring info wasn’t needed for us this time, it's generally well-known as a safe anchorage in good weather, and the area is popular with cruisers during the warmer months.
Final Thoughts
Mansons Landing may be quiet in the winter, but it’s still a beautiful and worthwhile stop. Whether you’re looking to hike, resupply, or just enjoy some calm waters, there’s something special about this corner of Cortes Island. Just be sure to check the seasonal hours if you’re aiming for snacks, coffee, or company!