Cruising through British Columbia’s Inside Passage or exploring the rugged coastline is an unforgettable experience—but where do you park the boat when the day is done? Whether you’re pulling into a fancy marina, tying up to a mooring buoy, or dropping the hook, each option has its own costs, quirks, and considerations.
Let’s break down the real costs of docking, mooring, and anchoring in BC, so you can plan your stops without blowing your cruising budget.
Docking at Marinas: Pay Up for Convenience
Marinas are like hotels for boats—you get amenities like power, water, showers, and sometimes even laundry. But just like hotels, they come at a price.
In BC marinas, expect to pay anywhere from $1.50 to $4.00 per foot per night for transient moorage. Want a slip for the long haul? Monthly and annual moorage rates vary wildly, but here are some examples:
🛥️ Van Isle Marina (Victoria): $2.75–$4.00 per foot per night, plus utility fees.
⚓ Coal Harbour Marina (Vancouver): Annual slips require a $10,000 refundable deposit (ouch) and a $500 admin fee.
🌊 Thunderbird Marina: Slips start at $3,220 per year for a 20-footer and climb from there.
🚤 Burrard Civic Marina (Vancouver): $14.38–$16.76 per foot per month, depending on boat size.
⛵ Westbay Marine Village: $14.25–$16.50 per foot per month.
Bottom line: If you want shore power and a hot shower, you’ll pay for the privilege. The average is $50/day for shore power and $2 for showers.
Mooring Buoys: The Middle Ground
If you don’t need a full marina but still want to stay put without dropping an anchor, a mooring buoy is a solid choice.
Option 1: Install Your Own Mooring Buoy
Want to set up your own permanent parking spot? You can install a private mooring buoy—as long as you follow federal regulations. However this is a political issue right not in British Columbia and it's like the Wild Wild West. The Bays are filling with moorings due to the housing crisis and sooner or later - it's going to come to a head.
No specific permit is required if you meet the standards, but the installation cost can run from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on:
🔩 Anchor type
🌊 Water depth
⚓ Professional installation fees
Option 2: Rent a Mooring Buoy
Not into DIY? You can rent a buoy instead. Some marine parks in BC offer mooring balls for a small fee, and private owners may rent them out as well. Around southern Vancouver Island, they rent from $150 - $250 per month.
Bottom line: Mooring buoys save you cash compared to marinas, but you’ll still have some costs to consider.
Anchoring: The Free-99 Option (Mostly)
Want to keep your cruising budget as low as possible? Anchoring is free—except when it’s not.
Where You Can Anchor for Free
Legally speaking, you can anchor almost anywhere in BC as long as you:
✅ Don’t block navigation routes
✅ Don’t drop anchor in a sensitive marine area
✅ Make sure your anchor actually holds (because dragging into a docked superyacht would be awkward)
Where You Can’t Anchor for Free
While common law technically allows temporary anchoring, some areas have restrictions. For example:
- Marine parks often have designated mooring buoys (that you have to pay for) and limits on how long you can anchor for. Usually 14 days.
- Certain harbors limit anchoring time (like Deep Cove).
Bottom line: If you love free living, anchoring is the way to go—but make sure you’re allowed to stay before you settle in.
Final Thoughts: What’s Your Best Option?
Need power, showers, and convenience? → Go for a marina (but be ready to fork over some cash).
Want a secure spot without the high fees? → Try a mooring buoy (either rented or DIY).
Love the freedom of the open water? → Drop the hook and anchor for free (just check the local rules first).
No matter how you secure your boat in BC, there’s always a way to make it work within your budget. So whether you’re splurging on a marina spa day or enjoying a free night at anchor, happy cruising!
