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.

• 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.