Have you ever dreamed of living on a boat and waking up to the gentle sway of the water? In Canada, an increasing number of people are trading traditional homes for a life afloat. While the freedom and breathtaking sunsets make it an appealing lifestyle, there are also challenges to consider. Before making the leap, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of living on a boat in Canada.

The Pros of Living on a Boat in Canada

1. It’s More Affordable Than a House

Owning a home in Canada comes with mortgages, property taxes, and high utility costs. Living on a boat eliminates many of these expenses, making it a cost-effective alternative. While there are still maintenance and moorage fees, they are often lower than traditional homeownership costs.

2. Ultimate Freedom and Mobility

One of the biggest perks of living on a boat is the ability to move whenever you want. Whether you want to explore different marinas, anchor in a quiet bay, or sail to a new province, the choice is yours. This lifestyle provides a sense of adventure that few land-based homes can offer.

3. Peaceful, Scenic Living

There’s something magical about being surrounded by water. The peacefulness of life on a boat allows you to escape the noise of city living. Imagine sitting on the deck, drink in hand, watching the sun dip below the horizon—it’s an experience that’s hard to describe.

4. No Grass to Cut, No Property Taxes

Forget about mowing the lawn or shoveling the driveway—boat life eliminates many of the chores that come with homeownership. Plus, in most cases, liveaboards don’t pay property taxes, adding to the financial benefits.

The Cons of Living on a Boat in Canada

1. You Must Be Completely Off-Grid

Unlike a house with reliable utilities, you’ll need to ensure your boat is self-sufficient. This means generating your own electricity, water, and heat, which can be challenging—especially in Canada’s cold winters.

2. Boat Maintenance is Expensive

Boats require constant upkeep, and marine repairs are costly. From hull maintenance to engine work, everything is more expensive than standard home repairs. Saltwater exposure accelerates wear and tear, meaning you’ll need to stay on top of maintenance or risk hefty repair bills.

3. Finding Moorage is Nearly Impossible

One of the biggest hurdles for liveaboards in Canada is finding a place to dock. Many marinas don’t allow full-time boat dwellers, and the term liveaboard is sometimes frowned upon. This is because land residents believe boaters aren’t contributing taxes, leading to negative perceptions.

4. Limited Storage and Difficult Logistics

Living on a boat means hauling everything down a dock or loading it onto a dinghy—whether it’s groceries, fuel, or supplies. Storage is minimal, so you have to be strategic about what you keep on board.

5. Dealing with Garbage, Recycling, and Parking

Unlike living in a house where trash pickup is simple, disposing of garbage and recycling on a boat can be tricky. Finding a place to park a vehicle near your moorage can also be a struggle.

6. Spotty WiFi, But Starlink Helps

While many marinas offer WiFi, coverage can be unreliable, especially if you’re at anchor. Thankfully, Starlink satellite internet is changing the game, allowing boaters to stay connected even in remote locations.

7. You Can Get Frozen In

If you live on a mooring ball instead of a dock, winter can be a challenge. Ice can form around your boat, leaving you unable to reach shore for days. Preparing for cold weather is essential if you plan to stay in Canada year-round.

8. Your Home Moves – and Sometimes Breaks

Boats rock with the waves, and equipment constantly wears out. In strong winds, you may have sleepless nights checking dock lines, mooring lines, and anchors. If you don’t have the skills to fix your own boat, repairs can become very expensive.

So ... Is Living on a Boat Worth It?

Despite the challenges, many people—including us—choose to embrace boat life. We carefully weighed the pros and cons, and in the end, the freedom and sunsets won out. If you’re considering living on a boat in Canada, be sure to research, prepare, and have a plan for the unexpected.