Can I visit the docks any time I want? No, the docks are closed to the public from dark (sundown) to 9am. Please always respect the residents' privacy. 

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Is smoking permitted on the docks? No, smoking is not permitted on the docks - they're wooden! If we see smoke, we will assume you are on fire and take necessary measures to put you out. Smoking is also not permitted in Fisherman's Wharf Park.   

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What does it cost to own a float home at Fisherman's Wharf? In addition to the morgage on the float home, we pay monthly moorage (<$2 per square foot, main floor only), license fees (which includes one parking pass, garbage, recycling and compost), water and electric costs (and any other energy costs), and yearly we pay property taxes and float home insurance.

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Can I come in or climb on your float home? No, the float homes are private property and should never be boarded without the owner's permission. Imagine how you would feel if someone climbed on your home? 

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But I can climb on your float home to get a better picture, right? No, you can never touch or climb on the float homes without the owner's permission. Unauthorized boarding may result in the enactment of Maritime Law (Arrrr Matey, you don't want that!).

 

Do you live here year-round? Yes, most residents or their caretakers live year-round on their float homes.

 

Do you feel a lot of movement being on the water? Being on a constantly moving ocean causes our homes to be in constant motion. During winter storms, they move more. While the movement is different than a boat, some people do feel quesy while on a float home. When the ocean is calm, you can't even tell you're on the water. Each home moves differently depending on its foundation among other factors, such as height, weight, wind direction, loose ropes, etc.

 

Can I rent your float home? No, the float homes are owner-occupied and rentals are not permitted. Occasionally, owners will have paying caretakers live on their homes for extended periods.

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Can I bring my float home into Fisherman's Wharf? No, there are no berths available for new float homes; you can only live here if you purchase an existing float home.  Once you own a float home at Fisherman's Wharf, you can renovate or replace the home.

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Who says I can't bring my float home into Fishermans' Wharf? The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) owns and operates Fisherman's Wharf. In partnership with the greater community, the GVHA determines the use and operation of it's facilities. When formed in 2002, the GVHA agreed to maintain spots for 33 float home at Fisherman's Wharf. 

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Where does your sewage go? The float homes have individual sewer systems that are connected to the GVHA sewer system which is connected to the City of Victoria sewer system.

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Do you have electricity? In general, each float home is connected to 30 amps of electricity. While not a lot (average homes today have 100-200 amps), it's easy to get used to only running an appliance or two at a time.

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How do you heat your home? Most float homes use a combination of propane and electrical heating. We are not permitted to operate wood burning stoves.

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Is it cold in the winter? Depending on the individual float home and how well it's heated will affect comfort; the ocean is on average 12 degrees Celius and living on the water can feel very pleasant or it can feel very cold. It also depends on the individual; we see people wearing hats and gloves when we're wearing shorts and flip-flops. 

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Are the docks wheelchair accessible? Yes, they are, however, at low tide the ramps leading to the main dock and float homes can be very steep. 

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How does your home float? Most of the homes have positive floatation - large plastic encased Styrofoam billets underneath the foundation (which also vary depending on the home). Other styles of floatation include air-filled barrels and other foam-based systems. Some float homes are technically still boats with intact hulls. 

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What is it like living with all the tourists? Most visitors are respectful of our homes, privacy, and personal space. It can be very interesting meeting and talking to people from all around the world. But like any tourist destination, there are also those who are disrespectful, intrusive, and self-serving. Unfortunately, a relatively small percentage of tourists do leave a bad impression.

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If I see a resident outside their home can I ask them questions? This will depend on the resident, but don't be surprised if they don't answer. Well over 1/2 million tourists visit Victoria each year, and Fisherman's Wharf is one of the top three tourist destinations - many don't have time to "play tour-guide" while trying to live busy lives.   

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How do you get your mail? Canada Post delivers to our post boxes on the main (east) loading ramp.  

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Where's Barb's Fish and Chips? It is at the bottom of the main (east) ramp. There is a big tent with "Barb's Fish and Chips" written on it.