An ashes scattering ceremony on a Bowen Island yacht tour in Vancouver provides families with a private, relaxing experience to say goodbye on the water. British Columbia’s ashes laws do not prohibit the scattering of cremated remains, but other property, municipal, provincial, environmental, or federal regulations may apply at the location.
Families who choose Vancouver’s waterfront can charter a private boat to have space for readings, music, prayer, shared memories, and a moment of peace before the family heads back to the dock.
Is it legal to scatter ashes at sea in Vancouver?
BC’s ashes laws allow the scattering of remains. Families should also review policies that may apply at the location.
While British Columbia’s ashes regulations do not restrict where the remains can be scattered, that doesn’t mean that every location has the same rules. Federal, provincial, municipal, or other regulations may also regulate where the remains can be scattered if they are on private or public property.
With a ship at sea, families should ask about a scattering location at the time they book.
Families can consult a professional captain for help choosing a location and taking tides, current, wind, and vessel safety into account. A full-body disposal at sea burial in Vancouver, BC, is regulated by different federal policies.
What happens during the ashes scattering on the Vancouver boat?
The scattering at sea can involve the family being aboard a boat that they then leave in order to throw the remains into the water.
There is no single required ritual that every family will need to follow. A family can plan to include:
- a short prayer
- a reading
- a note about a favorite poem
- music
- special memories or stories
- silence
- a religious or cultural tradition
- private time for the family on the water
A private vessel allows families to have whatever kind of experience they desire on the water during their time together.
Vancouver Yacht Tours operates private vessels out of Granville Island, which can be configured to meet families’ wishes during a memorial service, including the ashes scattering on a Vancouver boat.
For memorials, the vessel’s captain can give the family the necessary privacy and space to remember.
Why choose private boat ashes spreading for the Vancouver memorial?
A private ashes-spreading charter provides the family with space, flexibility, and time before they disembark. Unlike the same sailing on a sightseeing cruise, families won’t need to compete with strangers who may not understand the personal significance of the moment.
Since they will have the boat to themselves, they will be free to remember who they are memorializing in whatever way they choose.
They can share their stories, play their songs, remember their traditions, sit peacefully in silence, or just look out over the water.
If they would like, they can also enjoy the services of a captain while the family is set to depart. Whether traveling from the dock or a different location, the vessel’s captain will help decide how to scatter ashes at sea in Canada and where to scatter the cremated remains while keeping an eye on tides and winds for safety reasons.
Vancouver’s deeper waters can be a fitting place to say goodbye to loved ones, and depending on the route taken from Granville Island and False Creek, the boat trip can include trips as far as English Bay or up the coast as desired.
How do I prepare for scattering ashes at sea in Vancouver?
Make arrangements with the charter company in advance of the day so that the ceremony is a calm, respectful occasion.
Ensure the company is told that the time is for scattering ashes and a memorial.
Decide in advance who will be scattering them so there is no decision to make at an emotional time. (Generally, they are given to the captain at the dock before departure.)
Tell the company if there is a preferred date and time, if access is an issue, or if there are particular readings or music planned.
Wind and boat location
Wind and boat location are significant considerations when scattering ashes from the water.
This will help them decide when to open the container and start dispersing.
Since cremated remains may include some large, sand-like pieces, wait until they are instructed to open the container and let the wind guide the dispersal.
What can I include during the ashes scattering at sea?
The cremated remains do not need to be scattered in a specific way.
Simply plan to take a few moments before and after to remember the ones who have been lost.
During that time, you can sing some of their favorite music, read a poem or blessing, remember their lives with stories and photos, observe a time of quiet, or observe any cultural or religious practices you may have.
Many families bring objects and read or view them during this time.
If you bring flowers, either bring ones that can be biodegradable or avoid bringing plastic or wire that they may leave behind.
(If you bring flowers, remember to avoid wire and other non-biodegradable materials.)
You can bring along pictures or printed writings to include in the occasion as well.
If you are playing music during the scattering, play it directly from your phone rather than relying solely on your internet connection. A Bluetooth connection can be preferable, as you can leave your music playing while on the boat.
Vancouver Yacht Tours has Bluetooth speakers available for this purpose.
What do I need to bring for an ashes scattering boat trip?
Bring the urn with the remains in a secure container, dress comfortably for being on the water, and bring the items you need for the occasion, like music or printed readings.
While it can be warmer during the summer, remember it can be much cooler on the water.
Bring a jacket or sweater.
(Things like ties or laces tend to be riskier and less comfortable on a boat.)
Bring a printed list of readings or a list of the order of events, a phone for music, and any photographs or personal objects.
Consider bringing some tissues, comfortable shoes, and water, and check whether the company needs the remains at the time of boarding or if you can bring them on board at a later point.
If you plan to play music, you can load it to your phone before your trip instead of relying on internet service.
Some companies, including Vancouver Yacht Tours, can connect to your Bluetooth speaker and help you play your music during your boat trip.
Can I bring the cremated remains into Canada for my Vancouver memorial?
Yes, when you are returning from the country, you may bring cremated human remains into the country, but documentation is helpful.
BC generally treats cremated remains the same as noncremated remains because they do not have the same biohazard potential as uncremated remains.
You should bring a copy of the death and ashes certificates, and remember that the remains need to be tightly closed in the appropriate container.
(If you are flying, a non-metal container that is made of plastic, cardboard, or wood can make going through security easier.)
Airlines may have additional requirements for bringing cremated remains on board, so you should speak with your airline prior to travel.
How long does a memorial boat trip last?
While a memorial boat ceremony in Vancouver service may last only a few minutes, the family may also want to travel to the waterway at the start of a family gathering or come back to the dock at the end of the day to reminisce before they leave.
A boat charter for the purpose of memorializing means they can take their time and enjoy the day without feeling they are rushing to depart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to scatter ashes in Vancouver?
Yes. Cremated remains may generally be scattered within British Columbia. Additional guidelines may apply depending on the location. Please check ahead of the event with the relevant authorities if there are any special requirements.
Do you need a permit to scatter ashes at sea in Vancouver?
The Ashes Regulation does not restrict the scattering of cremated remains in BC by itself. However, coastal waters and specific sites may be subject to a number of other relevant federal, local, environmental, or land laws, so the exact location should be researched in advance.
Can ashes be scattered directly from a boat?
Yes. Ashes may be scattered from a boat if the action is allowed in the area, and it can be safely carried out. The family should make sure of this with the captain ahead of the event so the boat can be in the right place depending on the wind conditions and waves.
What should I wear to an ashes scattering ceremony on a boat?
Music, prayers, reading, storytelling, and silent reflection can all be included during the private memorial. Vancouver Yacht Tours can provide Bluetooth music system equipment on board.
How do I dress for my boat ashes-scattering celebration?
Wear clothing that is appropriate for mild weather and comfortable, secure footwear. It’s always a good idea to bring along a sweater or sweatshirt for all outdoor activities, even if the weather feels warm.