Memorial at Sea in Vancouver
A private, respectful way to scatter ashes or gather as a family on the water. Departing from Downtown Vancouver, with Transport Canada certified captains — arranged with care, at your pace.
A Calm, Respectful Way to Scatter Ashes at Sea in BC
A memorial at sea offers something a land-based service cannot — open water, quiet surroundings, and a sense of release that many families find deeply meaningful. Our private memorial charters depart from Plaza of Nations or Granville Island, depending on the vessel, and cruise into English Bay or the harbour waters beyond — calm, dignified, and private.
SeaSky coordinates directly with families and funeral homes to make the arrangements as straightforward as possible. Every charter is a private booking — your family has exclusive use of the vessel, with a Transport Canada certified captain navigating respectfully throughout the service.
Scattering Ashes in BC — What Families Should Know
No Permit Required
Canada’s federal government has jurisdiction over tidal coastal waters. There are no federal laws restricting the scattering of cremated remains in Pacific coastal waters, and no permit is required to scatter ashes at sea in BC.
Urn is Optional
Biodegradable urns are welcome but not necessary. Most families choose to pour the cremated remains directly from the container provided by the funeral home or crematorium. We help with positioning the boat so wind and tide are accounted for.
Flower Petals Welcome
A conservative, customary offering of destemmed flower petals may be placed with the ashes on the water — a practice many families find meaningful. Environmental guidelines limit anything else being placed in the water.
GPS Memorial Certificate
After the service, we can provide a memorial certificate with the date and GPS coordinates of the scattering location — a keepsake that gives families a lasting reference point to return to in memory.
Three Ways We Can Help Your Family
Family-Attended Memorial
Family members and close friends join the private charter on board. A quiet, unhurried journey on the water with time for shared words, reflection, music, prayers, and the scattering of ashes at sea.
Exclusive-use vessel, paced entirely to your family’s needs. Timing, location, and any cultural or religious requests coordinated in advance.
Direct Scattering Service
For families who cannot attend or prefer a private arrangement, our captain can carry out the scattering respectfully on your behalf. A GPS-marked memorial certificate is provided afterward confirming date and location.
Arranged directly with our team or coordinated through your funeral home. Ashes can be picked up from the funeral home or brought to us.
Memorial Gathering on Board
A small, private gathering on the water before or after the scattering — space for family to sit together, share stories, play music that mattered, and spend unhurried time in a meaningful setting.
Flexible duration. Refreshments may be arranged or brought on board. Bagpiper or musician can be coordinated on request.
Private, Respectful, & Uncomplicated
We understand families need clarity and reassurance during an emotionally difficult time. Everything below is included as standard in a SeaSky memorial charter.
Your family has exclusive use of the vessel. No shared charters, no other passengers, no strangers.
Licensed and experienced captain navigates the vessel respectfully throughout the service, with attention to wind and tide.
We move at your family’s pace. There is no schedule to keep, and we follow your lead throughout.
Keepsake certificate with the date and GPS coordinates of the scattering location provided after the service.
We work directly with Vancouver and Lower Mainland funeral homes and family representatives to arrange the service smoothly.
Connect meaningful music, or keep the service in silence. Enclosed cabin and open deck both available.
Commercially licensed, insured vessel. Handled with care and complete discretion.
Boarding at Plaza of Nations or Granville Island, depending on the vessel. Exact details are confirmed with the booking.
Is it legal to scatter ashes at sea in BC? Do we need a permit?
Yes, it is legal in BC, and no permit is required. In Canada, the federal government has jurisdiction over all tidal coastal waters, and there are no federal laws restricting the scattering of cremated remains at sea. This applies to Pacific coastal waters throughout BC, including English Bay and the waters off Downtown Vancouver.
Do we need a biodegradable urn to scatter ashes at sea?
A biodegradable urn is welcome but not necessary, and most families do not use one. Typically the ashes are poured out of the container provided by the funeral home or crematorium directly over the side of the boat. Our captain positions the boat so wind direction and tides are accounted for.
Can we bring flowers for the ceremony?
Yes. A conservative offering of destemmed flower petals may be placed with the ashes on the water — a customary and meaningful practice. Please destem flowers in advance. Environmental guidelines ask that nothing else be placed in the water, so wreaths, plastic items, and full stems should not be released.
Can family members attend, or do you offer a direct service if we cannot be there?
Both options are available. Family-attended memorials welcome close family and friends on board for a private, unhurried service. For families who cannot attend — including those arranging from out of province or abroad — we can carry out a direct scattering on your behalf and provide a memorial certificate with GPS coordinates afterward.
Do you provide a GPS certificate of the scattering location?
Yes. After the service, we can provide a keepsake memorial certificate with the date and GPS coordinates of the scattering location. Many families find this meaningful as a lasting reference — a way to return, in memory, to the place of farewell.
Can our funeral home coordinate the arrangements on our behalf?
Yes. We work regularly with Vancouver and Lower Mainland funeral homes and funeral directors. Your funeral home can contact us directly to arrange the service, coordinate transfer of the ashes, and handle the logistics on behalf of the family.
How much notice do you need? Can you accommodate urgent arrangements?
We recommend contacting us as early as practical so we can confirm availability and provide the information your family needs. For urgent arrangements — including bereaved families arriving from out of town — please call us directly at 778-859-9423. We will do our best to accommodate your timeline.
Can we have music, words, prayers, or a bagpiper on board?
Yes. The service is paced entirely around your family. There is time for quiet reflection, shared words, readings, prayers, or music meaningful to your loved one — Bluetooth connectivity onboard. Bagpipers and musicians can be coordinated on request at an additional cost.
What should we wear and how should we prepare emotionally?
Dress warmly and in layers — the water is cooler than shore, even in summer. Closed-toe shoes are recommended. Bring tissues, water, and anything of personal significance. It can help to have one family member designated as a support person. Please note that cremated remains can have a sand-like rather than fine-ash texture, and some fine particles may linger on hands briefly after scattering — we provide water and towels on board.
Can we bring ashes into Canada from another country for scattering?
Yes, it is legal to bring human ashes into Canada. You must carry a copy of the death certificate and a copy of the cremation certificate (sometimes called a crematorium certificate). The container should be leak-proof, sealed, and clearly identified as containing cremated remains. Airlines generally prefer a scannable (non-metal) container for X-ray inspection. Contact your airline and the CBSA in advance.
Where does the memorial charter depart from in Vancouver?
Private charters depart from Plaza of Nations or Granville Island, depending on the vessel. Exact dock and boarding details are confirmed with the booking.
How long is a typical memorial at sea service?
A standard family-attended memorial typically runs 1.5 to 2 hours on the water, but we can adjust to your needs. Direct scattering services are shorter. We do not rush. The time on the water is yours — we follow your lead throughout.
We Are Here Whenever You Are Ready
Families and funeral home coordinators are welcome to reach out for information or to begin arrangements. There is no pressure, no obligation, and no rush. We answer every enquiry personally and with care.
750 Pacific Blvd, False Creek, Downtown Vancouver · Transport Canada certified · Fully licensed & insured